Gaining muscle mass through martial arts?

Question

I've always wanted to learn the martial arts, but since I'm an ectomorph, my friend advised me against it, saying it was primarily endurance/cardio training, and that it would not build muscle.

I went and asked the instructor about it, and he said that he could deliver the same results as a gym, but in about twice the time. I don't even mind waiting two years or so (I don't want to look like Arnold), but I want some sort of assurance that yes, indeed, I can put on the muscle mass I desire purely through martial arts (specifically hapkido). Will I need to go to a gym simultaneously?

Answer 1

training ma will just be the equivalent of doing cardio, aka running or jump rope

Answer 2

I wouldn't want to bulk up too much,because you'll be sacrificing speed for mass.Remember knowing how to channel your ki' or energy is more important than being able use brute force.Hapkido uses the enemies energy against himself.Not you using your energy against him.

Answer 3

Any martial arts regimen should be supplemented with appropriate conditioning. Typically, the body of a martial artist has longer, leaner muscles, and not bulky muscles. For that kind of mass, you're looking at a bodybuilding routine, and martial arts aren't going to give that to you.

By altering your diet and doing martial arts, your typical results will be more of shredding body fat and building tone. You're not going to walk out looking like Bruce Lee. Add some body-weight exercises (pushups, situps, planks, bridges, etc.) and you'll have better results.

Your mass is going to be dependent upon what you put into your body as well -- that is, the fuel that rebuilds muscle. Go read through the Men's Health website for a few weeks and learn how to supplement the activity you want to do to get the results that you desire.

Answer 4

You're right when you say you don't want to be like Arnold.

Do push ups, abdominal sit ups, squats, get yourself some weights to also work your biceps.

Answer 5

Vary the training see what works and 'be patient'

I should listen to that one myself

Answer 6

Think of it like military training. You do a lot of push ups, sit ups, frog jumps and the like. You will build muscle in martial arts. They will be more cuts rather than bulk.

It's up to you if you want to supplement your martial arts with weight lifting. The weight lifting will produce more mass and could possibly slow you down in terms of reaction speed as well as range of motion.

Answer 7

While martial arts is one of the best sports you can do for personal satisfaction, sport, and self defense - your buddy is right, it won't create the increase in muscle size that you're looking for.  If you want to gain weight, you'll need to overload your body with resistance training (weight lifting) enough to tear muscle and you'll need to eat and rest enough for your body to repair itself and grow more muscular.

Answer 8

If you want to excel in martial arts you do not want large muscle mass. One of the most important things needed is speed, and large muscles just do not move fast.