Train from the Inside out

“Train from the inside out, fitness first, aesthetics’ will follow, become the natural, adaptable, desirable creature we were designed to be”.

I have been a practitioner of fitness and self defence since the age of 16. I took my professional certification in 2000; coincidently this is when I also had the opportunity to start instructing Filipino Martial Arts. The universal tenet in my desired past times is that of functional fitness. Before I continue I would first like to clarify my understanding of fitness. I wish to use a quote:

"In the struggle for survival, the fittest win out at the expense of their rivals because they succeed in adapting themselves best to their environment."
Darwin

Fitness is defined then, as not being the strongest or the fastest, but those who can adapt to their environment effectively. Fitness = Adaptability and functionality. However, today’s use of fitness training usually equates to the pursuit of the male or female archetype dictated by pop culture, rather than the pursuit of preparing oneself for unpredictable tasks that lay ahead. To differentiate between the schisms in the fitness industry the name “functional fitness” was developed. Functional fitness primarily concentrates on full body motions rather than isolating muscles. The goal of functional fitness is a synergistic cohesion of muscle, tendon, and ligament as this encourages the body to best function as it has been designed. When the functional fitness has a specific goal the term “sports specific” is used.

The double edged sword of specific fitness training is eventual repetitive stress on joints and muscular imbalance. This is why in many specific training regimes time is set aside for cross training. When most people cross train they do so in a manner which is contraindicative to their desired goals. Sport specific fitness is geared towards developing skill sets which are desired for the sport being played. These motions must become instinctive and functional at a subconscious level so the practitioner can react quicker to the ambient stressors of the game. When a new skill is learnt there is a period of adjustment when the agonist and antagonist muscles are learning new patterns. A greater amount of calories are used until these motions are internalised. Once the muscles work synergistically the body will use less calories and start to store energy again (fat). This is the mandate of any organism, efficiency in motion or minimum effort for maximum gain (for survival).

Cross training usually takes the form of playing sports or weight training in the local gym. Now, to be quite honest there is nothing wrong with these pursuits. However, they are not the most economical way to cross train either. Playing sports that you are not accustomed to can be dangerous as the body is not prepared for the reactive stressors. I have known many clients who have decided to undertake a sport to get fit, and ended up with a sprained ankle, dislocated shoulder or twisted knee. The reason for this is you have to be fit prior to playing the game.

Fortunately there are many other ways to cross train. Functional fitness is an excellent way as the routines usually concentrate on full body mechanics. The reason why functional fitness is applicable to life in general is that full body motions are trained rather than isolated muscle groups, the body works synergistically. Consider a tent, the tent is a strong structure when all the parts are arranged correctly, too much tension on one guide rope and not enough on the other it becomes unstable, if the tension on the sheet is too much it might tear, if the frame is weak at the joints then a strong wind will pull the tent down. This is the same for the body although over simplified. The muscles, tendons and ligaments work as they are supposed to do, strength not only comes from the muscles individually but also from tendon, ligament and muscle cooperation.
One of my favourite ways to train is to use a medicine ball and the Swiss ball.
However, this is not totally conducive to my martial training.


This is when an old memory surfaced due to my use of Filipino training drills. I remembered as a kid watching a show on T.V. about an old gym built in the 1920’s and its imminent demolition to make way for new buildings. The program depicted training from my grandparent’s era. The training regime being televised was Indian club swinging.
“For serious and recreational athletes alike, the pain and instability that result from shoulder injuries can jeopardize careers and alter lifestyles. As with many injuries, this number could be greatly reduced with the proper care and training. When the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder is made strong, aligned and mobile, other joints like the wrist and elbow also benefit. Club swinging is believed to have originated in India by soldiers as a method of improving strength, agility, balance and physical ability. The British brought the Indian Clubs to Europe where the Germans and Czechs adopted club swinging into their physical training systems”.
Information kindly supplied by DR. ED Thomas of Motionrx.com

My brief stint in the Royal Navy also resurfaced, and the historical lessons taught there to develop esprit de corps which made reference to Indian club swinging.

The fitness training of the British military circa 1800

“The British military, moving with the times decided to upgrade the Royal Navy. The Admiralty at that time replaced sails in favour of steam, to power the new warships. Consequently, labour was not as demanding and the Admiralty perceived a lack of fitness. So the R.N. adopted the training regime of club swinging. To this day the fitness instructors in the R.N. are still referred to as Clubs”.
Information kindly supplied by Warrant Officer Richardson P.T.I. (R.N.)

Many individuals have remarked on the advantageous effects of training with a weapon as your equilibrium is directly challenged. To make sure that my new forming idea had a sound base I sought additional information on similar subjects. This took me to the Goju Ryo system of karate and their physical conditioning training techniques and Yoga. The underlying similarity was obvious: multi joint motions challenged by torsion. I theorised that if I amalgamated proven training methodologies of Indian club swinging, medicine ball training, and the sound principles of functional fitness training I would be able to train in a manner which would be conducive to specific training as well as cross training. All I needed now was a tool which would aid athletes, martial artists and fitness practitioners alike.



At this time I was becoming frustrated with the martial arts retail stores and knife stores as I couldn’t find an adequate training blade which would allow me to train in the manner I desired. I use a blade to appreciate the lines of force and correct wrist orientation. After all, a blade is a sophisticated club with the added bonus that it allows you to appreciate the lead edge and correct form. All impact tools are designed to make the job easier. This is why a hammer has its head facing the line of force, or swords of combat are weighted for a specific task. In times past the warriors of the day realized the worth of training with heavier weapons than the ones they would be taking into the field of battle. So I designed a blade which would do this. Additionally, the blade I designed is an excellent tool for developing an appreciation for lines of force. I designed the Torqueblade and Companionblade (for progression).

This tool is an excellent item to use with a training regime, as the Torqueblade not only challenges the grip but gives you visual bio feedback (the pseudo cutting edge of the Torqueblade leads), and lines of force and correct body mechanics can be expedited. The body’s equilibrium is challenged as holding a Torqueblade in each hand is harder than holding one tool with two hands. The Torqueblade adopted the weighted tip of the Nepalese ghukri, an elongated belly to resemble the shape of the East Indian club, and pistol grip of a Philippine blade (kriss).


How is the Torqueblade and training regime applicable to you?

“Everything that we do requires our muscles to work in synergy with each other. Every required task moves through all three planes of motion (multi-planer). Only the intent changes the outcome”.

Torqueblade training is a synthesis of fitness methodologies. This amalgamation is firmly rooted in principles of functional fitness. The Torqueblade has been specifically designed to be an awkward implement. An unbalanced tool challenges grip, coordination, and body mechanics. Once these challenges have been overcome, the more quickly one can adapt. The exercises have been designed to challenge the bodies’ equilibrium under duress of torsion. Torsion is the rotational force generated about a fixed point. Torsion is required to develop linear force. Force is Power and Power is strength to develop and maintain motion or the cessation of motion. Therefore, Strength in motion!

“The exercises cross as many planes of motion as possible to be as varied as the motions we may use in everyday life, including recreation and at work.”

There are nine full body exercises incorporating leg motions coupled with torso motions. These exercises coupled with the Indian club swinging motions make an excellent all over body conditioning regime. Because of the configuration of the exercises, and continuous rhythm, a sub maximal anaerobic threshold is maintained throughout the session. In other words, you will be breathless but able to hold a conversation when training. This is the most economical way to effectively increase levels of strength to weight ratio and endurance. In other words; lean body mass and sleek muscles.


If you are interested in information on how to gain certification for Torqueblade training (for continuing BCRPA credits and Can fit Pro cec's), or to purchase the Torqueblades (for Martial Arts, Yoga, etc.) please contact me at: http://www.torqueblade.com/ or

Be powerful. Be strong. Stay sharp!