Complete Beginner

[XArasX]

Well, to start off, I'm 13, female, and I am absolutely decidicated to learning tricking. I want to be like one of my idols, Xin, from emcmonkeys.com. I'm a h-yellow belt in TKD, but my need of martial arts and working out arent fullfilled in only twice-a-week 45 min sessions. I was never overwieght but I was chubby, and lost alot when i got to the 8th grade, which I'm in now. I'm still trying to get the perfect toned body, but I need to know what exercises and what diet I should be on.

For exercises keep in mind im 13. I have no access to a car or alot of money. All I have is the will power and determination. Oh, one of those squeeze thingies to strengthen your grip, a stationary bike(which i hate going on) and a poorly put together weight thingy downstairs.

For dieting, I'm just not very sure what i should do overall.

I've been reading and asking so many questions and have gotten so many different 101 answers, I just dont know what to follow. I dont know if i should wake up early and jog, or just do kickboxing as something. What I need is an experienced person who can tell me what to do, so I can wipe out the confusion and get a schedule I can follow. Help is much appreciated.

~Sara

[chicanerous]

On the training side of things:

Well, the first thing to know is that you can train almost exactly the same as men do and that you're "old enough" to train with weights and do them heavy. Since you're female and also young, you shouldn't worry about getting too muscular, at least over anything but a very long, dedicated, and consistent time frame (coupled with an excessive calorie intake). In fact, heavy, progressive resistance training is probably the best way to get that perfectly toned body you would like and, as a bonus, it is phenomenal for developing strength and power that carries-over to tricking and martial arts.

However, since you're a beginner, you'll want to start lighter and work on learning correct form. :good:

[not2serious]

Ouch, a triple bad combo. 13, Female and you like Bruce Lee.

Tough situation to be in. I could only recommend you join a gymnastics class. Ease your way into training, don't push yourself. Your still growing, you don't want to destroy your body before you hit your prime.

Other than that, just continue reading insightful posts on here !

Out of interest. How did you get into tricking, martial arts?

Pushy parents?

[jkarate212]

Yeah, gymnastics wouldn't be a bad idea. Do it for the tumbling though. Get your roundoff, backtuck, and roundoff backtuck down. If your looking for more martial arts tricking (540 ect) than take them slowly. With your age, you dont want to injure yourself. You should be able to learn things such as the 540, butterfly twist, and aerial (learn that in gymnastics too!) and work off of there

[XArasX]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I was thinking gymnastics actually but yea'll i'll try and look that up. Also, I have no clue how i got interested. Probably things like naruto n bleach, and other animes. I just kinda got more and more into the culture until i saw tricking and parkour type things and decided i wanted to do that. =P I hope I get there.

EDIT: is there also ways of toning and strengthening in:
"-- leg power
-- rapid and strong hip extension
-- core strength
-- overhead bracing"
without having to use a gym or wieghts? Like simple push ups but more into the category of hip extension ect.

[TKD_Lee]

First off let me say that I am impressed by your determination. I have many female students right around your age that are nowhere near as determined as you are.

Honestly, at your age, it could be very simple.

First off, I would recommend against jogging early in the morning as I'm sure you wake up early enough as it is for school and you don't want to add that extra stress to your body. Stay active to keep in shape. Stay away from fast foods. At your age you don't have to worry so much about the bad habits that your body's already adapted to, but instead you should make future plans for how your body is going to look.

So you're a high yellow belt in taekwondo also! That's great! I can tell you, it will be a long hard road ahead of you to the perfect technique, and I could go on all day with motivational tips (it's my job), but I'll save that for later.

As far as tricking goes, from a taekwondo perspective, I think it can help you develop a very solid foundation. I would also recommend gymnastics as was stated above.

Keep it up! You’re heading down a very rewarding path, however it’s the road less followed. Don’t be misguided by your lazy couch potato peers.

That’s all for now! I’m at work at have to go finish up!

[Gusch]

meanwhile, you could check out www.drillsandskills.com for some beginner bodyweight workouts.

Regarding gymnastics...it depends. Just for strength development it can be helpful. But if your main goal is to be a martial artist, then you could lose sight of this goal due to more training stress.

[TKD_Lee]

EDIT: is there also ways of toning and strengthening in:
"-- leg power
-- rapid and strong hip extension
-- core strength
-- overhead bracing"
without having to use a gym or wieghts? Like simple push ups but more into the category of hip extension ect.

Saw this after your edit.

One answer: TAEKWONDO!

[XArasX]

Well,
1. Apchagi , lol thank you. I think my determination is just from seeing it be done so many times, the anticipation just built. The person I mentioned before ( Xin, www.emcmonkeys.com or from the popular Urban Ninja video) is what has inspired me to learn tricking along with it. He does all types of martial arts plus tricking and with a twist of his own style. It will be harder being a girl and it not being as accepted for girls, but I'm the one going to be living in this body for the rest of my life. I might as well make it worth while.Also, I want to say thank you for being a supportive TKD instructor, because though my own might not know it, they were very helpful and all 4 of them are inspiring. So you might not know it but your students really appreciate you.

2. Gusch- Yes, well, I plan on doing both. I know its training stress but right now, I think I can spare the time. I'm going to make a schedule and try it out tommorrow in fact. Wish me luck ~Aspiring Ninja

[Steve]

Your best bet may be to leave this site immediately after you get any information, haha.

[Fanya]

EDIT: is there also ways of toning and strengthening in:
"-- leg power
-- rapid and strong hip extension
-- core strength
-- overhead bracing"
without having to use a gym or wieghts? Like simple push ups but more into the category of hip extension ect.


For the first two, squat jumps are the only weightless exercise I can think of that would help. Core strength... crunches, hanging leg raises, and stuff like that is useful. Overhead bracing... handstands?

And don't go in the Publicus.

[chicanerous]

Is there also ways of toning and strengthening in:
"-- leg power
-- rapid and strong hip extension
-- core strength
-- overhead bracing"
without having to use a gym or wieghts? Like simple push ups but more into the category of hip extension ect.

Leg Power

pistol squats
bulgarian split squats
jump squats
high step-ups
natural glute-ham raises
lying one-legged plate drags
plate pushes (abductions)
plate pulls (adductions)
single leg calf raises

Hip Extension

waiter's bows
sleg dragging
sprint starts
scissor hip extension
back extensions / hyperextensions
one-legged back extensions
reverse hyperextensions

Upper Body

push-ups
dips
body rows
pull-ups
handstands
handstand push-ups
levers

Core

hanging pikes or leg raises or knee-ups
dragon flags
saxon bends
hyperextensions or supermans

You'll probably need to improvise a bit since your strength levels will be low to start.

[XArasX]

So i'm guessing i should put this into a schedule as conditioning/training, then find good cardio? I kno i'm going to be jogging again with a friend when the weather isnt 10 degrees with massive wind like it is now. Would that and a good diet cover everything atm?

[Rahf]

So i'm guessing i should put this into a schedule as conditioning/training, then find good cardio? I kno i'm going to be jogging again with a friend when the weather isnt 10 degrees with massive wind like it is now. Would that and a good diet cover everything atm?

If you strive for cardiovascular prowess then yes. Remember though that jogging stimulates your slow-twitch muscle fibers which someone else will have to explain since I'm not the expert. TKD and gymnastics would suffice as cardio if you ask me. As long as you don't eat like a horse there is no real need for slow pace cardio like jogging.

Congratulations on sparking a thread that has had an all serious posts so far. Steve even provided an empathic post which is bloody rare. I'd say you have the information you need from the earlier posts you've gotten. Gymnastics wouldn't be a bad idea especially since they'll help you out with enhancing your physique as well.

Stay motivated! Stay on the forum! Stay away from the Publicus!

[Flowers]

Pics or it didn't happen

edit: wow, a female posted and has actually been receiving real help? What time is it?

[jkarate212]

Stay away from the Publicus!

for truth

[Rahf]

Pics or it didn't happen

edit: wow, a female posted and has actually been receiving real help? What time is it?

It's about the time when the Publicus gets the jolt of life. Also the time weird things happen on the forum apparently. You haven't provided anything insightful Towlie! Gief helpful post!

[Flowers]

Uhhhhhhhh,

stay away from cicero

[XArasX]

can anyone explain what publicus is why i have to stay away from it lol. (yes im ignorant but hey, what better way to learn then asking) and now im kinda deciding against gymnastics since 1. can't find a place to go 2. no one would do it with me. SO yea...now im stuck again, cuz i think my only hope is gymnastics since im terrified of flips and jumping with a risk of falling. Suggestions?

*ALSO: For things like hyperextensions, are there any subs to the equipment you have to do it on.

[chicanerous]

*ALSO: For things like hyperextensions, are there any subs to the equipment you have to do it on.
You can get creative and lay off the side your bed with your feet held or tied down or something and do them. Alternatively, just pick a different exercise to use.

Also, don't trust Google too much if you're looking up these exercises. For example, the waiter's bow is:

http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle.do?article=248ham2

not whatever this silliness is:

http://www.menshealth.co.uk/index.php/v1/Waiter's_bow

[Wesker]

Crosstrain in TKD and gymnastics, you'll learn both kicks and flips.

You don't need anyone to go with, find a place and go, you'll make friends at gym class.

The reason you should take gymnastics is because you are afraid of flips and falling. Do a backflip...

The publicus isn't a place for a 13 year old girl after dark, nor in daytime for that matter. Unless you dream about macho fox, then you are ready.

[TKD_Lee]

SO yea...now im stuck again, cuz i think my only hope is gymnastics since im terrified of flips and jumping with a risk of falling. Suggestions?

Just do it! The only way to get over your fear is to put yourself into a situation where you can't fail and have to do your best.

[Five]

you want to become a tricker but your scared of flips and jumping, haha - COOL!

[PlasmaShock]

Well, to start off, I'm 13, female, and I am absolutely decidicated to learning tricking. I want to be like one of my idols, Xin, from emcmonkeys.com. I'm a h-yellow belt in TKD, but my need of martial arts and working out arent fullfilled in only twice-a-week 45 min sessions. I was never overwieght but I was chubby, and lost alot when i got to the 8th grade, which I'm in now. I'm still trying to get the perfect toned body, but I need to know what exercises and what diet I should be on.

For exercises keep in mind im 13. I have no access to a car or alot of money. All I have is the will power and determination. Oh, one of those squeeze thingies to strengthen your grip, a stationary bike(which i hate going on) and a poorly put together weight thingy downstairs.

For dieting, I'm just not very sure what i should do overall.

I've been reading and asking so many questions and have gotten so many different 101 answers, I just dont know what to follow. I dont know if i should wake up early and jog, or just do kickboxing as something. What I need is an experienced person who can tell me what to do, so I can wipe out the confusion and get a schedule I can follow. Help is much appreciated.

~Sara

I think kickboxing would benifit you way better than tae kwon do.

[Five]

I think that if you are disputing between jogging/kickboxing. Definatly go for jogging. Why get into another martial art if you are purely using it for fitness? It is totally pointless. I agree that on a fitness level kickboxing would probably be a better choice than tae kwon do, but for tricking tae kwon do is better, as it works flexibility and kicks.

Some of the basics:


drink loads of water
try not to eat cakes/biscuits/crisps/pastries/chocolate
eat a variety of foods
4-8 meals a day
realise you cant turn fat to muscle, its either removing fat or building muscle
also, you cant spot reduce, if you have fat thighs and hips, you need to lower your body faat % to lose it, you cant just lose fat in one area (sucks)


look round this site in health and nutrition for info, there's more than enough
but remember, your a kid... your still growing, you shouldnt REALLY have to worry that much about diet

[Papa Lazarou]

Firstly, you're attitude is awesome.

However, don't forget to actually trick. It's good that you're thinking about conditioning (very good), but don't think that you need it to get started on some tricks (same goes for gymnastics/martial arts - helpful and good but not necessary to get started). Some of the basics arguably don't require conditioning at all (though it helps).

Unless you're woefully inflexible, which I doubt, you can most likely start looking at things like aerials and fundamental kicks (540, 360 crescent) right now. You could certainly start on some prerequisites anyway - cartwheel, standing inside/outside crescent kicks, b-kick etc. This will get you moving in the right direction, and give you an idea of your strong/weak points. Also fear isn't an issue with them.

Lastly, go easy on yourself physically. Give yourself enough recovery - trick when fresh, try not to train on sore muscles and so on.

Oh, and check out Juji's flexibility section if you haven't already, it's very good.

I talk too much. Good luck and enjoy!

[compleks]

Also, don't trust Google too much if you're looking up these exercises. For example, the waiter's bow is:

http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle.do?article=248ham2

not whatever this silliness is:

http://www.menshealth.co.uk/index.php/v1/Waiter's_bow

I hope you're not questioning mens health magazine...

[TKD_Lee]

I think kickboxing would benifit you way better than tae kwon do.

Any "kickboxing" school is going to have classes like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZMliQb0DG8

Whereas taekwondo is more like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55konc63zH4

[compleks]

Any "kickboxing" school is going to have classes like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZMliQb0DG8

Whereas taekwondo is more like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55konc63zH4

haha, both videos were equally as shit.
Only difference is that the TKD video used some generic 'pump up' song and some cheap special effects, which you apparently fell for.

[Syn]

Any "kickboxing" school is going to have classes like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZMliQb0DG8

Whereas taekwondo is more like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55konc63zH4


haha, that's cardio kickboxing... it's basically just a tae bo class but it's not run by billy blanks, so they had to change the name

whereas tkd is more like showing clips of people tying there belts?

[Skilzat85X]

For tricking practice basic kicks.

Inside, Outside Crescents (of equal importance)
Hooks, and Rounds (primarily hooks out of those)
Then do fronts and axes just for coordination and dynamic flex purposes.

Practice static stretches, primarily trying to gain more flexibility in your calves, behind the knees (who has the technical name? is it just calves too?), hamstrings, and adductors primarily.

I'll post links tomorrow when I'm not about to go to bed haha.

[TommyGun]

if you want to actually trick i suggest doing high outside and inside axe kicks (or as high as you can go) to improve your kicking capabilities. do this every day if you want to be successful in tricking.

if you just wanna work out, be as efficient as Rocky and take any chance to do something that will probably make you tired in a short amount of time.
ie, skipping,biking,running,jumping,swimming etc
all of these will probably make you a better tricker and get you in shape (not to mention improve your martial arts)
also work on your abs. you cant have too much muscle when it comes to abs.

[TommyGun]

oh and dont forget to visit the publicus regularly. you ABSOLUTELY CANNOT be a good tricker without posting in the publicus.

peace! :wink:

[Rahf]

oh and dont forget to visit the publicus regularly. you ABSOLUTELY CANNOT be a good tricker without posting in the publicus.

peace! :wink:

Stop talking crap. At least let someone on TT keep their innocence. Her parents are probably going to stop her from tricking if they see this.

[TKD_Lee]

Lol, I usually avoid the "publicus" of just about any forum bc I know it's a bunch of crap

[XArasX]

i really am unable to find a gymnastics place, and everyone is telling me to do a million different things again lol. i think i'm going to just stick with tkd, and as people are telling me to do simple tricks, my only question is that how am i going to practice them without jacking up my face every 5 seconds if i dont have anywhere safe to practice. I really would like to train n all, but the tricking part is really going to be a problem when it comes to me first learning how.And how long do would it actually take for me to start getting good and being able to say i can trick? I'm going to follow something like this for a conditioning schedule:
Monday: Leg Power, and Hip Extension
Tuesday: Upper body, and Core
Thurs: Leg P, Hip E
Friday: Upper B, and Core
Can people add some things onto what else I should do?

[Skilzat85X]

Where are you basic kicks and stretching in that schedule?

And if you solely want to do tricking don't worry about the upper body stuff at all. If you want to get into break dancing then you can worry about that, and even then you're going to want to try body weight exercises as well since it involves manipulating your own body weight.

[Electro]

Ouch, a triple bad combo. 13, Female and you like Bruce Lee.

Tough situation to be in. I could only recommend you join a gymnastics class. Ease your way into training, don't push yourself. Your still growing, you don't want to destroy your body before you hit your prime.


i agree with u man :) 100%

[XArasX]

Well thats good, but I want to know how I should practice. I can't find a gymnastics place and im not sure how I can practice without geting really hurt that way. OH! And how long should conditioning last?

[compleks]

Find some grass and drill the basics.

If you get hurt, then too bad. Heal up and repeat, it's all part of tricking.

[anfeyd]

Start out tricking in the grass, and get a feel for it. A gym is a nice convenience, but not necessary.

[XArasX]

Okay Okay, so I should 1. Condition for it 2. practice basic kicks everyday 3. Use tkd as an advantage 4. Practice on grass. Alrighty, since its winter im going to condition until i can get outside, which can give me a nice chance to start building up muscles. EDIT* Should I just focus on simple things like handstands, since i dont know how to even do one?

[Papa Lazarou]

Conditioning, gyms, TKD and so on are all unnecessary to trick! They do have certain advantages (to be really good you'll eventually need conditioning), but you can trick to a decent standard without them. If there's an exception to this it's flexibility, but even there you don't need to reach a particular level to start tricking, it just helps to have more.

As far as hurting yourself goes, if you start out easy - even really easy (cartwheels, crescent kicks etc) - the risk is non-existent. How many people have hurt themselves doing cartwheels?

The only injuries I've had from tricking were from bad training practises - not from one off crashes. Things like continuing to practice aerials when I'd already lightly jarred my ankle, repeatedly crashing b-twists etc. Basically, all of this type are easily avoided - if you can feel the move is causing strain, stop, rest, and train when you're fresh again. In the early days injuries come from over-training or other sillyness.

So yes practice handstands, cartwheels and basic kicks including crescents. These will lead give you the foundation for bigger things. Also do some conditioning if you like, especially flexibility (look at Juji's flexibility section).

Take it gradually, work on technique (tricks) as well as contitioning, and you'll be fine.

[XArasX]

Ahh well tricking is just a part of it. My main goal is to be like EMC. http://www.originalxin.com/ I've always had a passion for things like this, but Xin is the one who helped me decide to do this.And he does more then just tricking (the site explains more). So though i dont need any of it for tricking, i do need it for martial arts and "urban ninjism" as he calls it.

[Papa Lazarou]

Technically you don't need conditioning, in the sense that you can perform many (maybe most) techniques in tricking, martial arts, "urban ninjism" or whatever without it.I'm not saying don't do conditioning, I'm just saying that you can start practicing for whatever without attaining a particular level of physical capability.

Don't get me wrong, conditioning is necessary for the higher level moves in tricking and most physical disciplines.

[TommyGun]

i really am unable to find a gymnastics place, and everyone is telling me to do a million different things again lol. i think i'm going to just stick with tkd, and as people are telling me to do simple tricks, my only question is that how am i going to practice them without jacking up my face every 5 seconds if i dont have anywhere safe to practice. I really would like to train n all, but the tricking part is really going to be a problem when it comes to me first learning how.And how long do would it actually take for me to start getting good and being able to say i can trick? I'm going to follow something like this for a conditioning schedule:
Monday: Leg Power, and Hip Extension
Tuesday: Upper body, and Core
Thurs: Leg P, Hip E
Friday: Upper B, and Core
Can people add some things onto what else I should do?

if you really are determined to do all those things on specific days then im impressed

[Spacey]

Well, if you ask me like some other said I would do less conditioning and more actual tricks, but if can't trick on grass for now then. Work on flexibility alot it will make your tricks look alot cleaner and imo that's more important than conditioning.

Watch Dogen's Titanium Ankles tutorial it is very insightful and informative. Also make sure you get all those good carbs and alot of protein you will need it. Aslo rest! I cannot stress the importance of resting enough if you don't rest your body will begin metabolizing your muscles and you don't want that. Also same thing goes for eating eat ALOT as long as you eat RIGHT.

Also what can you do currently can you do handstands and cartwheels for example? If not, then get them down you can pratice them in your house unless it is really small. Don't do a gainer flash though we all know what happened to Scalco.

And lastly my best advice for you would be to stay away from the Publicus!

Woah, this post became longer than intended oh well.

[Ashtar]

Lol, I was a yellow belt in TKD too. It's about the time when the Publicus gets the jolt of life. Also the time weird things happen on the forum apparently. You haven't provided anything insightful Towlie! Gief helpful post!This reminds me of an episode of South Park I watched last night on Fox where they go and Cartman kisses Osama Bin Laden. Towlie-ban! Sorry!

[compleks]

You don't need to post in every single thread, Tyciol.

[Ashtar]

But it's so fun, and you have more than 4x my posts :p

[compleks]

Then go spam the martial arts forum.