While doing my 30 minute swim before karate this morning, I suddenly realized just how many crossover movements there are in swimming and karate.
There are some general benefits that can help with karate like improved lung capacity from the breathing done while swimming, the practice of keeping your hands cupped so that your thumb isn’t “hitchhiking” and strengthening your joints without impact.
There are also some specific motions in the different strokes that are surprisingly the same.
Front Crawl / Freestyle
While looking for pictures to illustrate my ideas, this picture taken of a person doing the front crawl (or Freetyle) is the perfect example of a prepare hand for many of the different blocks we use in karate. A crossover benefit include knee and ankle flexibility. The knee and foot positions used this stroke are also used in the Front Snap and Front thrust kicks.
Back Stroke
The Back stroke is very similar in form to the Front Crawl, except for the obvious difference that it is done on your back. The biggest advantage here that helps in Karate is the range of motion that is developed in your shoulders by the backwards motion made with your arms. Another cross-over skill developed with the back stroke is you are forced to know your surroundings. If you aren’t paying attention going backwards, the edge of the pool can surprise you as you hit your head into it.
Side Stroke
The Side stroke is where I realized I was doing Karate in the water. The reach of the top arm is very similar to a High block, while the bottom arm is basically doing a low block. When doing the scissor kick with your legs, you are helping to develop the muscles that allow you to do a nice long and strong front stance, as well as again helping build the flexible knee and ankle for front facing kicks.
Breast Stroke
Let’s not forget to work our core. That comes into play with the Breast stroke. Also developed are the core muscles used for the rotating movements used in both the Inside and Outside blocks. If you look at the example picture, this kick reminds me a lot of the motion required for a Round House kick (without needing to be able to clear a folding chair). This same movement helps strengthen your Horse Stance.
Frog / Elementary Backstroke
What I call the Frog Stoke, because this picture is how I imagine myself looking when I do it. It Is also called the Elementary Backstroke. It is similar to the Breast stroke with your legs rotating out and strengthening your hips for side facing kicks and stances. Your arms are again rotating in and around like in an inside block. And Like the Backstroke, watch your head, know your surroundings. I am often impressed by people at the pool who tell me that they don’t know how to swim, but they are there working out anyway. Many of these movements can be practiced by a non-swimmer by holding the edge of the pool or a lap lane divider.
It is fun to find the ways that Karate has crossovers to other life activities. What other hobbies or interests do you have where your karate skills are useful? I am finding that Karate exists in many parts of life.
Thank you for reading!
Laurie Ferris
Other thoughts from Laurie:
Don’t Sweat it!
90 Days to may first Black Belt Test