David Robson on the Martial Arts and Bodybuilding

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Martial Edge talk to Martial Arts and Bodybuilding writer David Robson. David has been a contributer to Martial Edge since the launch in 2005 and also writes for popular online sites such as bodybuilding.com and well established fitness publications. David talks to Pete Mills about his career to date, the nature of martial arts and bodybuilding, and the blossoming writing career...

Martial Edge: When did you start training in the martial arts?

David Robson: Martial arts have been a major part of my life for many years. Having begun Tae Kwon Do at age ten (in 1984), and having practiced this art since then, I am pretty well versed in this style. As well as practicing and competing in Tae Kwon Do, I have trained in kickboxing and boxing. Today I teach and participate in all of these styles with selected personal training clients. My love for martial arts is as strong today as it was 24 years ago.

Martial Edge: Tell us about what martial arts styles you have studied throughout your career to date?

David Robson: As mentioned, I have studied Tae Kwon Do, kickboxing and boxing. Tae Kwon Do has proven to be the most David Robson.jpg enjoyable in the sense that it emphasizes high kicking and a wider range of kicks along with many fist striking combinations, and basic self-defence. It can be very intense and hardcore – as hard as you want it to be - and the tournaments are full contact. Kickboxing and boxing are also challenging from a full contact striking perspective and the training required to excel in these forms is as hard as you can get, way tougher than for any other sport I believe. While I no longer compete I still love to train and do at least two hours, five days a week of basic punching, kicking and sparring drills along with 30 minutes of intense cardio, and around 40 minutes of weights three times a week. The interesting thing is, and conflicting with conventional thinking on training for muscle mass and strength, is the fact that my bodyweight is still a solid 85 kilos at five feet seven inches, despite my exhaustive regimen.

Martial Edge: Is there anyone in the martial arts world that has inspired you? If so, how?

David Robson: Many martial artists have inspired me. In fact all good martial artists are inspirational because to be a successful martial artist you must be focused, disciplined, humble, courageous, dedicated, smart and skilled. Anyone possessing all of these traits combined is to be admired in my opinion. Bruce Lee inspired me at the beginning of my career because it was he who brought martial arts into the public consciousness more so than any other person of his era. His movies and legend was very popular in my era growing up; all kids wanted to emulate him. He was simply the fastest, strongest guy around despite his size and that appealed to me. Over recent years I have enjoyed following MMA, K1 and kickboxing. These arts appeal to me as for the most part they encompass a full range of disciplines and require multiple skills and abilities. The best MMA fighters are the best athletes on earth in my view. I can attest to the fact that competing in one martial art with many rules (Tae Kwon Do) is tough enough, but when you are up against every conceivable form of physical attack and must look for ways to counter and work offensively you have to be a supremely gifted individual. I admire all MMA fighters on this basis. Randy Couture is, to me number one in the MMA world and a true martial artist and warrior.

Martial Edge: Having trained in Tae Kwon Do, boxing and kickboxing how important do you think it is to cross train in different disciplines?

David Robson: It is very important to be as well rounded as possible these days if you wish to be the total martial artist. While most fighters have a main discipline, any many would argue that their style is superior to all others (only natural) an increasing number of martial artists are dabbling in various forms to become better rounded. When I fought in Tae Kwon Do, I would compete and spar in boxing at the same time. Doing this I feel gave me the edge in aggressiveness and as a result I was way more offensively oriented as a Tae Kwon Do practitioner and won many fights that were close on the score card on aggressiveness alone. If you are involved in one of what I would call more classic arts such as Karate or Tae Kwon Do, it is always good to diversify into something like boxing or a form of kickboxing to develop additional toughness and stamina. They also teach you to take punches more effectively and to maintain your composure for the duration of a fight. Cross training also develops greater fitness levels and provides a welcome break from complete adherence to any one style.

My own experience and the experience of many I have directly trained and witnessed tells me that weight training properly structured into a martial arts program will actually enhance performance. Weight training gives you explosive speed and power, fundamental requirements for any martial artist. The whole notion that bodybuilding (essentially weight training and good eating) will make you “muscle-bound “ and restrict your flexibility is complete nonsense. - David Robson

Martial Edge: How did you make the transition to Bodybuilding?

David Robson: Another way to cross train for martial arts is to lift weights, although this must not be overdone if your fighting training is exhaustive. Weight training is something I did early on as an adjunct to my Tae Kwon Do and boxing training. It really does provide an edge if you include flexibility training on a regular basis also. The old adage “train in line with how you wish to compete” is very true so a serious martial artist must always focus the majority of their efforts on their fighting craft, but weight training can be included periodically for an added edge in strength and power, which are themselves very valuable attributes for any martial artist. I recommend training with weights three times per week for 30 minutes each session for most martial artists. Exercises and training style will need to be based on a fighter’s specific goals and current level of fitness/strength/power so this will need to be assessed by a professional coach or trainer before designing a particular resistance training program.

I personally began training specifically for bodybuilding while competing in marital arts. After a degree of success on the bodybuilding stage I decided to do it full time and cut back on martial arts training to become a better bodybuilder. After placing second in my class the 1997 World Bodybuilding Championships I resumed martial arts training. To me bodybuilding and the martial arts are very similar. Both are largely individual pursuits and success depends on the individual’s strength of mind and willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed. In team sports an individual can cut corners without (potentially) anyone knowing of their reduced performance. If you try to cut corners in a boxing ring or on a bodybuilding stage everyone will know that you messed up as all eyes will be on you and you alone. There are no excuses for losing in either martial arts or bodybuilding. You are in total control of your destiny. You can be guided and helped in some areas (from trainers/coaches and nutritionists for example) but ultimately it is you that has to achieve the final result. So there are certainly parallels that exist between bodybuilding and martial arts in that sense. The obvious similarity between bodybuilding and the martial arts (including boxing) is the fact both these pursuits are among the toughest challenges on earth, if done correctly. Many people would say that bodybuilding is the toughest sport in the world to train for and they could be right. I would say that training to be a fighter could even be tougher as you have to endure many hours of extreme workouts that test your endurance to the limits then after doing this you might have to go straight into sparring. When you compete you will have to make a weight class regardless of whether you are doing kickboxing, boxing or Tae Kwon Do, or any other style, and this generally involves a dietary component. So the fighter is often as hungry and grumpy as the bodybuilding in the months and weeks leading up to a contest.

So the transition from martial artist to bodybuilding and back again, and now to where I am doing both, has been rather easy for me. Fundamentally I have a passion for both, as they both require total discipline and seriousness of purpose.

Martial Edge: Certain commentators in the martial arts world claim that bodybuilding has a negative impact on your abilities as a martial artist. What would you say to this?

David Robson: I would disagree. My own experience and the experience of many I have directly trained and witnessed tells me that weight training properly structured into a martial arts program will actually enhance performance. Weight training gives you explosive speed and power, fundamental requirements for any martial artist. The whole notion that bodybuilding (essentially weight training and good eating) will make you “muscle-bound “ and restrict your flexibility is complete nonsense. In saying that, weight training does require recovery time so if you choose to do it while training in the martial arts (which I recommend) it must be done sparingly. You would not use Mr. Olympia’s routine if you were training for the UFC, for example.

A sensible approach of three shorter weight-training sessions per week is a good start. Do the basics and keep the repetitions moderate to high with the addition of occasional power sessions - emphasize the explosive, concentric (or upward phase) aspect of each repetition, but also be sure to get a good stretch to ensure flexibility is targeted also. Weight training done properly can actually encourage good flexibility as it lengthens the muscle bellies (the bulk of the muscle) and stretches the contractile fibers of each muscle group. When weight training I recommend stretching the muscle that is being worked, between each set of an exercise. Get at least 94 hours of rest between weight training sessions and these workouts should not compromise your martial arts training in any way. Remember, to be a good martial artist (or a good athlete in any sport) you need to focus most of your energies on training specifically for that sport or activity. As long as weight training does not interfere with your basic skills and sports specific training it can only enhance your overall performance by making you larger, faster and stronger.

Martial Edge: What inspired to you to make the transition from student to instructor and open your own gym?

David Robson: Training people for bodybuilding and martial arts was a natural progression. When competing in the late ‘90s I would help train people in Tae Kwon Do and boxing and enjoyed this. During this process I picked up further teaching skills and since then have worked alongside many top ranked trainers and fighters who I have also learned from. With my own training studio I can instruct people based on 24 years of accumulated knowledge and a love for the martial arts. And this can be done in conjunction with training people for bodybuilding competition or simply to pack on additional weight, or get in shape fast.

Martial Edge: Do you find the demands of operating a gym impact your own training?

David Robson: Not really. These days I am no longer competing in bodybuilding or martial arts so gaining and retaining size, or aiming to “make the weight” is really not an issue. The emphasis with my training these days is stamina and kickboxing technique. Additionally training people helps me to build stamina and the sparring helps with technique. A win/win situation.

Martial Edge: You have been writing on the subject of martial arts, fitness and bodybuilding for a number of years now. When did you get started?

David Robson: I got started writing for the world’s biggest bodybuilding/fitness site bodybuilding.com in 2003 and have progressed from there. At bodybuilding.com we also have a sizable martial arts section so I have been able to write on all aspects of fighting for this site also. I receive many emails daily from viewers of this site who like to ask questions pertaining to their own health and fitness goals, and I try to help out, time permitting. The best thing about writing for bodybuilding.com is the vast number of people you can help to progress in their respective sporting fields.

Martial Edge: What publications and online journals have you produced work for?

David Robson: Since writing for bodybuilding.com I have been commissioned to write for various bodybuilding/sporting publications and have done advertising work for supplement companies. The worlds biggest, best martial arts site Martialedge.co.uk is the number one martial arts site I write for. Classic Anatomy, Ironman Magazine and Muscle Training Illustrated are among other publications I have worked for.

Martial Edge: You have two books out next year. Can you tell us what they are about and the inspiration behind them?

David Robson: The biggest project I worked on for the majority of 2007 was Heart of Steel: The Dan Lurie Life Story. Anyone who has had anything to do with the bodybuilding, sports or fitness industry will probably have heard of Dan Lurie. Dan is widely regarded as a bodybuilding and fitness pioneer and is known the world over for helping to develop the weight training industry, as we know it today. So working with Dan has been a major highlight of my life and his book a challenging and enjoyable project. Of all the high flyers in the bodybuilding industry Dan has been the most multitalented, no question. A contest promoter, barbell and nutritional product manufacturer, bodybuilding competitor (winner of America’s most Muscular Man for three years consecutively), television actor and bodybuilding federation head (for the WBBG – World Body Building Guild) Dan had done it all and his book highlights all of his experiences in these various roles. Today he is 85 and still going strong.

Another book due for release in 2008 is The Truth Behind the Muscle: The Nasser El Sonbaty Story. Nasser was one of bodybuilding’s biggest champions (literally and figuratively) of the ‘90s. Known as one of the most vocal and outspoken professional bodybuilders of all time, as well as one of the most massive at over 285 pounds in contest shape, Nasser is certainly one of the standout bodybuilders in the sports history. His book does not hold back and it pulls no punches. I would say to anyone reading this: if you have read Nasser’s bodybuilding.com interviews and enjoyed them, you will definitely want to read the book, which will be a definitive, compelling look into the entire bodybuilding industry from Nasser’s “no holds barred” perspective.

Also due for release in 2008 is a motivational book on goal attainment that I have been working on over the past year. It is based on the commonalities many of the most successful professional athletes in the world share and is written with a view to changing lives. Having worked with many top athletes and other professionals for many years I have been impressed by what separates these amazing people from the norm. I got to work studying what makes them, along with other notables who have achieved at the highest levels, tick and came up with a long list of why they function in advanced ways mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. From this list I expanded on the finer points of achieving greatness in life.

Martial Edge: As a martial artist, gym owner, freelance journalist and author, what are your goals for the future?

David Robson: Future goals are to keep doing exactly what I am doing now: continue to refine my writing craft, train people to be at their very best physically and mentally while keeping myself mentally and physically fit. Several high profile athletes have expressed interest in having their biographies written so this will also be part of my future plans. Obviously I will continue to train hard in, and learn more about, both the martial arts and bodybuilding. The idea is to never stop learning and to treat each day as a valuable opportunity for self-growth and mastery.

Martial Edge: What do you like most about the martial arts?

David Robson: The martial arts as a concept (regardless of style) has its own unique philosophy based on thousands of years of advanced warfare and combat knowledge and a code of conduct that its adherents live by every day of their lives. Martial arts, whether practiced for sporting purposes or as an end goal in itself, is a noble and humbling pursuit that should be approached with respect to honor the memories of those masters who have paved the way and passed down their secrets. This is what I love most about martial arts as a whole an as a way of life: the fact that it is steeped in thousands of years of history and teaches valuable life lessons. Respect, humility, determination, desire and courage are but a few of the lessons martial arts teach.

Good martial artists are modern day warriors and gladiators who place their craft before their own life and are willing to die for what they believe in, willing to give all they have for the pursuit of excellence and honor. That, to me, is admirable. That is what I believe in. David Robson

Martialedge would like to give special thanks to David Robson, who, without ever questioning the cause has supported Martialedge since its launch. Stay tuned for more from David.

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