What is core training?
The core, or the trunk of the body, is a major component which provides your center of power. The core is the major musculoskeletal connection in the structure or the body. Your core is comprised of muscles of the abdomen, back and hips. These muscles are important in providing stability to daily activities and are extremely important to sports performance in martial arts.

How does martial art core training work?
Conditioning programs emphasize a core training workout as an important aspect to any exercise program. A core strength training or core exercise workout can help increase flexibility and strengthen the muscles, giving the body a stronger foundation.

Imagine throwing a roundhouse kick with strong legs but a weak core. The force of this action will not be able to transfer efficiently between the trunk and the lower torso of the body because without a sufficient amount of core strength training the lower torso will not be stable during the movement. In this case, a weak core can impede safe and proficient movements in a roundhouse kick. By strengthening the core, a roundhouse kick can be thrown more efficiently. A strong core will provide a safer movement resulting in less injury.

Benefits of core strength training in martial arts

-Improves flexibility
-Increases strength
-Better balance and coordination
-Helps develop total body power
-Enhances posture

Cost of martial arts core training is nominal.
Core training can be accomplished with or without equipment such as a core board or a stability ball. Examples of core training exercise without the use of equipment would include abdominal crunches or leg raises.

Stability balls allow the muscles of the spine to decompress and relax and are great for beginners, as well as advanced athletes. For some, using a stability ball might provide more comfort and easier mobility by eliminating hard floors. It also allows you to select from a wider spectrum of core training exercise choices by eliminating the weight you might have had to place on joints that are already inflamed and painful.

A use of the stability ball not only includes core training workouts, but can be used for flexibility exercises and is widely used in the physical therapy industry to improve mobility.

Workout stretch bands are a great tool for increasing strength and endurance through resistance training. They are portable for easy travel, can be used for a whole body workout and are great for strengthening muscles.

Publications can provide information on core training workouts either through books or through many magazines.