Page 22 - Martial Science Magazine February 2018 dig

such a way of training from their teach- also create exercises in which children
ers. Unfortunately, some younger mas- have to walk on tiptoe or on their heels.
ters consider this to be outdated and un- Children, however, unconsciously choose
necessary. They find that in the modern one of the games that favour the devel-
training there is no need for something opment of certain leg and foot muscles,

like this. Most of them think that the ex- such as various jumps or skips over ob-
ercisers who perform exercises barefoot, stacles. Children also sometimes play
especially on a rough terrain or in win- with the belt, so that they tie it around
ter, are taken there with a task to hard- the leg, i.e. around the foot, pulling each
en themselves. In the other words, many other, or they play various games walk-
of them consider this to be an unneces- ing on tiptoe, and raise some smaller
sary fanaticism of the older masters and objects with their toes. Many of these
their basic desire to harden the body of games favour the development of the
the disciple as well as to strengthen the foot muscles.
impact surface of the foot and make it
tough. Certainly, we could state this as The exercises of some martial arts are

one of the reasons for barefoot workout suitable for adults who have flat feet de-
in the nature, but not the only one. Un- formity but no time and no habit to walk
luckily, today younger martial arts in- barefoot. Such persons will strengthen
structors do not accept the strengthen- their feet muscles and greatly allevi-
ing of foot muscles and elimination of the ate the existing problems. Strengthen-
flat feet deformation as the main reason ing your foot muscles and eliminating
for such exercise in the nature. The old flat foot deformation is a long-lasting
masters of martial arts obviously knew process so that a person should have
much about the human body as well as patience as well as exercise willpower.

about the importance of strengthening There is no need to give up exercising
the foot muscles. because some doctors say the exercises
can only slightly alleviate the adult flat
More recently, there has been a large foot condition. In practice, things are dif-
amount of different equipment in gyms ferent. Although it will take a long time,
(dojo) so that barefoot children often depending on the degree of deformation,
jump on mats, walk on ladders, various the condition of the practitioner’s feet
smaller benches, boxing bags, or the like. deformation can be greatly improved.
Instructors often create different games There has been really great improvement
for their kids and make them interesting of the condition of many adults. Many
and entertaining. Plenty of these games people who have experienced a signifi-

are very suitable because they require a cant improvement of flat feet deformity
lot of movement, i.e. jogging and jumping, practiced yoga, and a significant im-
and all of that leads to strengthening provement has been also found in those
the foot muscles. Very often instructors who practiced some of the eastern mar-

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