Should I compete if Im out of shape?

Question

I am 21 and have been doing karate since I was a kid. But now real life is getting in the way, school, work, family, etc. and I really have had no time or energy to train in the past 2 months. My job is also physically demanding and my knees and ankles bother me. I really dont want to miss nationals even though I haven't had time to train. It is in 2 weeks and I still haven't started training and will only have a few days free to train. WHat should I do? Should I go even if Im out of shape?

Answer 1

You run a much higher risk of injury if you attempt competition when you are out of shape.

Answer 2

I answered your question the first time you posted it... please check it. It is a little long, but I hope I touched on a few important ideas...

Answer 3

Please look at a book written by Shawn Phillips named "ABSolution."

It gives a detailed guide on diet, supplementation and exercise.  If your job is physically demanding then, you are already "strength training," so likely all you really need is fatty acid and protein supplements.  Its possible to get stronger, and still have a gut you know.  Happens to construction workers all the time.  A lot of construction workers because of their job are as strong as powerlifters, but because they are heavy beer drinkers, potato chip eaters and some of McDonald's and Burger King's best customers, they get in an unhealthy condition real quick.

What you need, it sounds like, is 8 glasses of protein per day, 20 grams each.  You should get the best quality whey protein, drink 8 glasses per day throughout the day at separate times while following Shawn Phillips diet advice.  Truth be told all men or women doing physical labor could benefit from bodybuilding supplements.  I mean  your job practically demands you consume more protein.

Your knees are killing you, because you are not feeding your body enough quality protein, and as a result the surrounding muscle tissue is getting progressively weaker, or having to compensate.  Also lack of healthy fatty acids makes it so that your joints don't properly lubricate.  Trust me on this; you need a bodybuilding supplementation program, but that's it.  As far as "cardio," hey, there's your Karate right?  The best part is you only need to do it 3 days a week.

Frankly though I wouldn't go if I was you; you are in good shape strength wise obviously, but it terrible shape cardio wise.  Little good strength does if you're winded after 30 seconds.

Dude, you don't need to lift weights becuase your job is already making you do that.  However, you DO need to start eating like a bodybuilder and who knows, you may even develop a bodybuilder type body.

I fail to understand why construction workers just don't eat like bodybuilders; their job is already making them lift weights, all they really need is a bodybuilding diet and supplementation program although I'll be honest.  Its not cheap.

Omega cuts, which is what you need to burn blubber, cost 50 bucks per container, and whey protein is 40 bucks per container or so.

Just get "ABSolution" by Shawn Phillips, and ANY diet advice in there, follow it.  Omega cuts, and flaxseed oil actually, both contain fatty acids that are good for the joints, so it may help with a slow recovery.

Peace out.

Answer 4

If you've paid your registration and your forfeit is going to negatively impact your teammates at your belt level in other weight divisions, you should probably still go.  

If your team has an alternate who could beat you today, there's not really much of a chance that that's going to change in 14 days, so I would let them take your place.

It's all about priorities.

Answer 5

Competition is about training, competing and do your best.

but if you have not been training and unable to commit the time, don't do enter. It would be a waste of time for a few reasons:

1. you are not or will be not be at your best in 2 weeks, and what ever you achieve will not show your true potential. Or worst, you can end up using it as an excuse for not doing well. If you are not well prepare, then what you achieve/not achieve will not reflect your potential, so, it means nothing and prove nothing. Once likely outcome is that it will make you realize that you should have been more prepare.

2. Risk of Injuries. When you are competing, your safety are at the mercy of your opponent, especially if you are not at your best. Anything can happens, you may be taking a very unwise risk which can affect your training in the future both physically and mentally.

3. Martial art is not about trophies. So, missing out on this year's competition does not mean anything.  If you love the art, reorganize your time, so you can have time for training.

Having said that, you have to focus on your priorities, what ever they may be. You should still take some time for training, exercising, because keeping a healthy body should always be one of your priorities.

Nothing worst than going into an exam, knowing you have not prepare for it. You want to be at your best when competing. It is not a game of tennis or golf, when you lose, you can get seriously hurt.