Happy 2011, guys!

Thank you guys so much for reading. This has been our best year yet at Real Anime Training and it's gonna keep getting better. You guys are the best and I hope you've enjoyed everything we've done so far and everything we're going to do.

If you have a requests for 2011, drop them in the comments! Until next year, good luck and train hard!

Daily Training Update- 12/29/2010

Lunch
Real Anime Training Warm-up
Kamishiro Yuu's Basic Training- Level 2

Notes:

• 2nd Completion of the workout. One more will be a Level Up.
• I think I literally threw so many jabs I made myself dizzy.
• Legs were pretty sore from yesterday, so it was harder to incorporate my footwork into the jab.

Daily Training Update- 12/28/2010

Break
Real Anime Training Warm-up


Lunch
Good Luck, Takeda

1 Mile Run- 7:47
100 Hindu Squats- 3:35
1 Mile Run- 8:43

Total Time- 20:05

Notes:

• Completed this level today, which is awesome, because it shows my running is improving. I've never been the best runner, so it's good to see some growth.
• My last attempt at this workout saw a time of like 23 or 24 minutes, I can't remember.

Daily Training Update- 12/26/2010

Lifted weights with my dad today, which was fun. Fortunately, it is also some research for an upcoming workout series. Yay, two birds with one stone!

1. Incline Bench Warm-up- 135# x 10 Reps
2. Pull-up Warm-up- 5 Reps
3. Incline Bench- 175# x 3
4. Incline Bench- 195# x 2
5. Pull-ups- 15 Reps
6. Incline Bench- 215# x 1
7. Incline Bench- 235# x 1
8. Pull-ups- 14 Reps
9. Incline Bench- 235# x 1 (assisted)
10. Dumbbell Lawnmower Rows- 40# x 10 Reps
11. Dumbbell Incline Bench- 50#/hand x 12 Reps
12. Dumbbell Lawnmower Rows- 50# x 10 Reps
13. Dumbbell Incline Bench- 70#/hand x 10 Reps
14. Dumbbell Pullover 70# x 6 Reps
15. One Arm Upper Chest Flyes w/Band- 12 Reps
16. Dumbbell Pullover 70# x 8 Reps
17. One Arm Upper Chest Flyes w/Band- 10 Reps
18. Plank to Failure
19. Side Plank to Failure (each side)
20. Inverted Hanging Leg Raises x 8

"Why I Like Kung Fu"

Excellent lecture on kung fu and some cool Taiji demonstrations by my friend, James Whelan. He's the author of Martial Arts and Rainbow Magic and a really cool guy!

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

Thanks to all my readers! Merry Christmas, guys!

And, for those of you who've not had the pleasure of watching the Team Four Star Dragonball Z Abridged Christmas Special....

ENJOY!

Daily Training Update- 11/23/2010

Break
"Sweeping with an Iron Broom" Stage 1 Training- 5 Minutes

Lunch
Real Anime Training Warm-up
"Sweeping with an Iron Broom" Stage 1 Training- 15 Minutes
Hanging Leg Raises to Inversion- 10 Reps
"Windshield Wipers"- 5 Reps Each Side
Oblique Leg Raises- 5 Reps Each Side

Notes:

• Surprised I did as well with the horse stance training, considering the leg work recently.
• Wish I had more time to train, but with my schedule, I'm stuck with these micro workouts here.
• Honestly, I can't imagine what an extended period of time in that horse stance is like.
• Windshield Wipers are when you make an L of your body, legs pointing up, during the hanging leg raises and then go as far left and as far right as you can. It's very much what it sounds like.

Daily Training Update- 12/22/2010

Break
5 Minutes Shadowboxing- Footwork Intensive

Lunch
Real Anime Training Warm-up
Waddle-Walking w/resistance bands
Kamishiro Yuu's Kick Training


Notes:

• Sliced my finger open yesterday, so probably going to be doing stuff not hand-related for a few days. Damn spagetti sauce cans!
• Waddle-Walking is probably called something else, but I had a resistance band strapped in between my ankles and, with my feet spread out wide, I squatted down a little and walked forward. I've seen several fighters do this exercise, so I thought I'd give it a try.
• Kicked a heavy bag (B.O.B.- Body Opponent Bag) for the workout.

You guys are more than welcome to post your daily workouts in the comments of my Daily Training Updates! I would love to see which Real Anime Training Workouts you are doing (if you are doing them) and watch your progress!

We're getting closer to 100 fans on Facebook, which means some cool stuff is on the way.  Also, guess what happens when you type http://www.realanimetraining.com/ into your browser (or just click that link).

Daily Training Update-- 12/20/2010

Last Night
2-Finger Pull-ups- 1 on the first minute, 2 on the second minute, 3 on the third minute, 4 on the fourth minute, 5 on the fifth minute, 6 on the sixth minute... then 7 Regular Pull-ups

Break
Real Anime Training Warm-up

Lunch
Kiichi's Basic Training Training
1. Run 1 Mile- 7:32
2. Handwalk 100 Yards (Did not complete in one go)
3. 50 Fingertip Push-ups- 26, 10, 10, 4
4. 10 Minutes Bagwork (Ran out of time at 5:30)
5. 5 Minutes Mixed Sparring (Skipped, no partner)

Notes:

• Legs still a little sore.
• Had to do that handwalking in sets, because I was inside... also, 100 yards is a long ass way.
• Ran out of lunch break during my bagwork... blegh.

Ultra Red Workout- Sumeragi Sen's Basic Training

Ultra Red is a great manga... that ends way too early. It needs a sequel, so if anyone has connections in Japan-- make it happen!! The story follows Sumeragi Sen, who is a thirteen year-old kid trained in an ancient martial art called Haikaiken, which utilizes finger strikes to the joints of the opponent, dislocating them in an extremely painful fashion. That's gotta suck. 

Anyway, here's the workout!

Sumeragi Sen's Basic Training
(Remember to check out the notes)
1. 50 Fingertip Push-ups+
2. 50 Sit-ups
3. Practice Gymnastics- 15 Minutes
4. Practice Handwalking- 15 Minutes
5. 4 x 50 Meter Sprints

Notes:

• For the fingertip push-ups, use all five fingers until you can get to 50 without stopping, then drop the use of the pinky and do 10 more. That's 60. Then drop the ring finger and do 10 more. That's 70. Then drop the middle finger and do 10 more. That's 80. Now, bring the middle finger back in and do 10 more. That's 90. Lastly, do 10 with just the index finger on each hand. This will take a very, very long time to get to the point where you can do this. Do not drop a finger until you can complete all previous reps without stopping. That means if you can do 50 with five and then 9 with four, without stopping, go ahead and complete that 10th rep, but stop right there. At any point, though, you should stop if you feel real pain. You don't want to break your fingers.
• With the sit-ups, when you get to the point you can do 50 without stopping, you should use a declined bench, gradually increasing the angle each time you get back up to 50 reps. Eventually, you'll be doing hanging sit-ups, which for this instance, I'm going to make an exception to a rule about looping your legs over a bar or a tree limb. When you get to this point (please have a spotter and a mat under you), you may hook your legs over a tree limb (that's obviously big enough to hold you) or a bar (preferrably with a pad on it) and hold yourself there as long as possible. Although your abs may be tough enough to take this, your hamstrings and backs of your knees will not be ready. So, hang for a while and rest, hang for a while and rest... then do your sit-ups back on the declined bench. When you feel strong enough, you can attempt the hanging sit-ups like this. Otherwise, use gravity boots or something.
• By "Gymnastics," I don't necessarily mean to go and take a gymnastics class... although you are certainly welcome to do so. Mainly, what I mean is to practice various jumps, flips, and other gymnastic-like movements. You should have a mat to practice on, for safety's sake. If you know nothing about this stuff, I recommend seeking the guidance of a professional gymnastics instructor.
• With the handwalking, you'll just go as far as you can in 15 minutes. Eventually, you'll be very very good at walking on your hands and (eventually) you'll also have fairly decent finger strength because of the fingertip push-ups. At this point, you can start practicing fingertip handwalking and then decrease fingers (over a long, long time) until you are using only the index and middle fingers. This is something that will require dedication, patience, and a knowledge of your body. Know when to stop-- and know the difference between uncomfortable and painful in your training.
• With the sprints, put absolutely everything you have left into it.
• This workout starts simple, but can be as hard as you make it.

That's all for today. I'm sure you guys see some similarity between this and the Tough workout from a couple of days ago. That's not on purpose, that just happens to be how the training goes in the series.

Hope you enjoy it! Until next time, good luck and train hard!

Daily Training Update- 12/17/2010

Break
5 Minutes Heavy Bagwork

Lunch Time
Boxing Practice- 25 Minutes
1. Boxing Heavy Bagwork- Footwork, Straight Lead, Jab, Liver Blow
2. Punching Heavy Bag while standing on half-balance ball
3. Balancing on knees on balance ball.

Random "Twin Lock" and "Diamond Finger" training throughout the day.

Notes:

• Hamstrings are sore from yesterday.
• Didn't use gloves for the heavy bagwork.
• This training is research for a future Real Anime Training workout

Koko Tekken-den TOUGH Workout #1: Kiichi's Basic Training

This is a really good manga for anyone interested in the martial arts. It's sort of a less serious Grappler Baki, but is great because the author really likes to draw grappling situations, which is not often found in manga. The training that we see Kiichi doing toward the beginning portion of the series is simple, but can be taken to extremes.

Kiichi's Basic Training

LEVEL ONE

1. Run 1 Mile
2. Handwalk 100 Yards
3. 50 Fingertip Push-ups
4. 10 Minutes Bagwork
5. 5 Minutes Mixed Sparring

LEVEL TWO

1. Run 3 Miles
2. Handwalk on Fingertips 25 yards
3. Handwalk 75 Yards
4. 15 Minutes Bagwork
5. 2 x 5 Minutes Mixed Sparring

LEVEL THREE

1. Run 5 Miles
2. Handwalk up 100 Steps
3. Handwalk on Fingertips 50 Yards
4. 15 Minutes Bagwork
5. 3 x 5 Minutes Mixed Sparring

LEVEL FOUR

1. Run 5 Miles with 20lb weighted vest
2. Handwalk up 100 steps on fingertips*
3. 15 Minutes Bagwork
4. 5 x 5 Minutes Mixed Sparring

Notes:

• For the handwalking, you need to be able to complete the whole 100 yards without fail before you can move to the next level. Same for all the other levels. You can't advance if you fall even once.
• Handwalking on your fingertips is going to be brutal. This will take you a long, long time, so that's why the 50 Fingertip Push-ups are there for the first level. You need to do those all at once, also. I'm serious when I say it will take a long time. Eventually, when you are on the last level, if you are able to walk the 100 steps without falling, you can attempt to use less fingers, until you are just using your thumb and forefinger.
• For mixed sparring, I recommend MMA gloves or practice MMA gloves (more padding), so you can strike while grappling. I recommend going light on contact, especially at first, just because things can get out of hand in a hurry with mixed sparring. If you're going full contact, wear more gear, like shin guards, elbow pads and such.
• I don't recommend a backpack in substitution for the weighted vest, because you should have a fairly even and centered distribution of the weight. You can start at less than 20lbs, of course.

That's all for today. Hope you guys enjoy this one! Until next time, good luck and train hard!

Daily Training Update- 12/16/2010

Sick for two days! Yay! I knew something was up with my run the other day. Felt it today, too, but at least I was able to train.

Valkyrie's Training Level One

Notes:

• A little coughing during the run, but it wasn't bad.
• Stupid glute-ham tie-in injury was a little rough with my kicking practice, but I think toward the end, it actually started gaining more mobility.
• Balance training was on a half-balance ball. Stood on the flat side with both feet for half of the time and then each leg for the remaining time. One leg was difficult, but it got better when I thought about "rooting" myself, by really focusing on my weight pushing down through the half-ball to the ground.

Daily Training Update- 12/13/2010

Ryouzanpaku Fundamental Workout (Modified)

Break Time
-Deep Horse Stance- 5 Minutes Total (3 Failures)

Lunch Time
-2.5 Mile Run (21 minutes, 15 seconds)

Notes:

• Had to do these exercises on my work breaks, so I didn't really get to finish the whole workout or do it in order.
• Sore all over from yesterday's training, so I'm sure that didn't play into my run going well.
• Felt like I was having a little trouble breathing in the later part of the run. Hopefully, I'm not getting sick... was in the biting cold wind demonstrating some techniques yesterday.

Daily Training Update- 12/12/2010

Today I got to spar/grapple with a good friend of mine, James, the author of Martial Arts and Rainbow Magic. The grappling session was a great learning experience, as I've not had a lot of practice recently with my jiu-jitsu, just because of a general lack of training partners. By learning experience, I mostly mean that James managed to pretty much tap me out at will. It was humbling and I will attempt to seek out as many training partners as I can in order to correct my weaknesses.

Our sparring session was a light one, but was still very nice. In general, it was good to shake off the rust as far as distance and timing were concerned.

James also showed me several very nice Taiji (Tai Chi) techniques and talked a lot about kung fu in general. There is so much to learn out there in regards to the martial arts and I urge anyone who takes a martial art to cross train in another one, just so you can experience the subtle differences and see what you can take from one and apply to your own style of combat.

Probably going to be a little sore tomorrow, but it was a good day. Hopefully I can find some good sparring partners, soon.

Goku's Gravity Room Workout- Demonstration Video

Here's our latest video from our YouTube account. Subscribe to Real Anime Training so you can get all our video updates as soon as they're posted!

Daily Training Update- Day 2

1. Break Time Training
-Roundhouse Kicks for Balance - 2 Sets of 20 on each side
-Practice some blocking from Wing Chun
-Practice Thai Kick
Total Time: 5 Minutes

2. Lunch Time Training
-Baki's Trainer Workout- 5 Rounds

Notes:

• Still sore from previous training days.
• Average incline on treadmill 6%, average speed 9.5
• 20lb Dumbbells used for curls
• Decline bench used for sit-ups
• Tomorrow is an off day.

New Endeavor-- Daily Training Updates

In the spirit of showing you that I'm not all talk. I'm going to start posting my daily training for you guys. Not sure if I'll include commentary... maybe some days yes, some days no.  I don't claim to be in amazing shape, so if you're already past me in a certain workout or something, bravo!  Keep up the good work.

Daily Training Update- Day 1

1. 5 Minutes Heavy Bagwork on B.O.B. (Body Opponent Bag), no gloves.


2. Kenichi's Vacation Workout- Getting There
Concept 2 Rowing Machine on MAX difficulty 30 minutes non-stop.
-Total Distance (6056 Meters)

3. Random "Twin Lock" training throughout the day. (Reference Retsu Kaioh's training)

Notes:

• Sore from past couple days of training, but overall, not too bad.
• Tried to hit myself in the abs with the Rowing Machine's handle on every stroke.
• Slight blister on right hand from Rowing Machine.
• Right thumb is slighty sore from catching it on focus mitts yesterday, but it hasn't really affected my grip or ability to make a fist.

Let me know if you guys enjoy these updates along with our workouts and other things.

Video Update and Other Thoughts

So... I finished editing the new video for the YouTube account and it... Will. Not. Render.

Not to mention the fact that Sony Vegas was freezing on me every two minutes (more like every time I'd move a clip, towards the end of the editing process)... needless to say, I'm stuck in an odd place. I'm going to attempt to convert the files to a different format and then edit the video one more time. That is, if I can keep my brain from exploding in a fit of irritation. 

Speaking of irritations, Nam Phan got robbed!! Anyone who had the pleasure of watching Nam Phan's glorious use of punching and parrying against Leonard Garcia on the Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale also had the displeasure of watching Phan LOSE a split decision. Even Garcia admitted that it was strange! Serious props to Joe Rogan for going on a little rant during the event about the quality of judges provided to the UFC by a certain athletic commission. And so ends my own short rant.

Hopefully, I can get the video done for you guys within the next few days. Until then, good luck and train hard!

Kenichi's Vacation Workout- Getting There

Looking back through the anime, I realized there was another opportunity for a workout when Kenichi, also called Engine-kun during this little trip, went to Furinji Hayato's island for summer vacation (What? The Invincible Superman can't have his own island?!)

The scene is a glorious day at sea, with everybody cruising along on the boat built by Apachai. As we go below deck, we see that Kenichi is actually moving the boat across the water by moving hand and feet pedals. Initially, I skipped over this little bit for a workout because I thought, "Hey, who the heck has a big-ass boat they can just pedal around?"  

However, upon further meditation, I came up with this:

Kenichi's Vacation Workout- Getting There

Pick One:

• Elliptical Machine at MAX difficulty for 30 Minutes total.
• Rowing Machine at MAX difficulty for for 30 Minutes total.
• Stationary Bike at MAX difficulty for 30 Minutes total.
• Hand Bike Machine at MAX for 30 Minutes total.

Notes:

• By 30 minutes total, I mean that if you have to stop, by all means stop, but the total time that you spend on the peace of equipment should be 30 minutes.
• I've given a lot of options for you because I know a lot of place have different kinds of cardio equipment.
• If you have questions about proper form for the Rowing Machine, there should be directions on the machine itself. In general, though, you should be pushing with your legs as well as pulling with your arms. Try to make it all one motion instead of two separate ones.

That's all for today. I think this is a good one to throw in there every now and again, because it includes some movements we don't normally do.

Until next time, good luck and train hard!