Why Wouldn't A Good Athlete Be Good In The Martial Arts

[Gerry Seymour]

Unless we're talking about equestrian martial arts! Can't be much good at mounted archery, jousting, or calvary saber if you aren't good on a horse.

Fair point. Rugby wouldn’t do much to prepare for those arts.

 

[Same Trick]

Unless we're talking about equestrian martial arts! Can't be much good at mounted archery, jousting, or calvary saber if you aren't good on a horse.

“Long ago, this was what constituted civilization: wrestling, horse riding and archery. Mongols maintain that their "Three Manly Sports" separate the real men from the boys.”


Mongolia's Naadam used to define civilization: archery, wrestling and horse riding

 

[Same Trick]

In post #70 I meant to say I was a competitive swimmer for nine years, I did nine years of competitive swimming and three years of equestrian.

From what I remember about equestrian yes you do sense your horse of course, it's all about bonding with the horse. Yes it can be brought over to martial arts practice, particularly for arts such as judo and jiu jitsu.

On swimming , or at least the concept of it, once a well kept secret within chinese internal martial arts, a method only to be passed to inner door disciples

 

[HighKick]

Im not much of a rider, but from my small experience, I don’t see much that would translate into MA. For a serious rider, some athleticism and good inner leg strength (probably helping with wider and lower stances, for instance), as well as some core strength and stability. But the movement and balance seem dramatically different, so I don’t think much would translate there.

Nerve really thought of it in those terms but I have ridden enough to believe the overall body strength and balance usually gained from training would help.
But far and away, being comfortable and relaxed around a horse trumps everything. They can sense fear faster than most animals, and it will really show when tepidly trying to interact with one.
I never was much for riding them, but have been around livestock all my life so I am comfortable around them.