Japanese Martial Arts Organization Goes Back to the Basics of Budo

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Sept. 24, 2025 - PRLog -- Have you been studying budo for years?

Do you still work on implementing the basics?

Studying the Japanese martial arts is both a physical and mental endeavor. We sometimes get so wrapped up in training in the dojo that we ignore deep basics such as anatomy, physiology, relaxation and physics, each of which is essential to the development of high-level skills.

Anatomy

Learning the basic karate-do horizontal front punch illustrates the need for understanding at least a little anatomy. The knuckles of the index and middle fingers of the fisted hand, the part of the hand that transmits energy to the target, must move just a tiny bit to the outside just before impact with the target. This allows the alignment of these two knuckles and the metacarpals behind them with the radius and ulna in the forearm, thus enabling the delivery of the kinetic energy generated by your body mass and the punch's velocity to the target.

If these bones are not properly aligned, the punch will deliver less energy and be less effective. You will also be at increased risk of injuring your hand.

Physiology

Physiology is also important. Your muscles must have energy to function. If your muscles and liver are, due to fatigue, depleted of glycogen, a precursor of glucose that is the basic fuel of skeletal muscle and most other tissues, you simply cannot deliver an effective blow.

While martial artists are not generally thought of as endurance athletes, even moderate glycogen depletion with the resultant reduction in blood glucose levels can reduce mental acuity, reduce reaction time, reduce coordination, and decrease strength.

Read the full article on SMAA's website: https://www.smaa-hq.com/articles/article/martial-arts-organization-basics-of-budo

Nurture the Basics at a Traditional Japanese Martial Arts Organization

SMAA is a martial arts organization dedicated to preserving traditional Japanese budo in the west. To get more details about joining, call (734) 720-0330 or submit a contact form here: https://www.smaa-hq.com/contact

About Shudokan Martial Arts Association: SMAA was founded in January 1994 by a group of martial artists concerned with promoting and safeguarding Nihon budo and koryu bujutsu—the traditional martial arts and ways of Japan. SMAA is a non-profit that aims keep the spirit of traditional budo alive in the West. Anyone can become a member, even if you aren't a martial artist, and SMAA members are from multiple countries across the globe. For more information, visit https://www.smaa-hq.com/about