Modernization and application of personal training

June 2026 Total 360 Karate Blog

Modernization and application of personal training

The concept of karate is known as an old art. The concepts may come directly from the Ryusan islands.  You might get statements like this is how it is done and has always been done.  Karate is an evolving art and should be examined in the context of modern society.

This blog is going to discuss the concepts of modernized personal training and how they can complement Karate.  

Total 360 Karate recognizes and values the honor, the traditions, values, and training methodologies of Chito Ryu Karate.  Sensei Rodgers has committed himself to the historical studies and preservation of Chito-ryu Karate. With this in mind, Total 360, a Chito Ryu-based Karate, was built on the concept of modernizing training for not only applications in law enforcement but also to make Total 360 a base for any student to play any other sport. In order to do this, you have to be willing to modernize with current personal training methodologies that  include, but are not limited to, plyometrics, functional training, strength training, and yoga.

How can we build muscle that will help us better defend ourselves, protect our bodies, and increase our fitness?  This is the simple question that Sensei Rodgers asks as he researches, develops, and builds the studio.  In order to build a base of understanding, the first functional step is using our body weight to build muscles. This not only eliminates the need for equipment but also allows the students to learn how to move their bodies to meet the demands.  This is true for any sport and is the fundamental start in Total 360 Karate.  You will see a fitness aspect in every total 360 Karate class.

Other fundamental applications include proper warm-up and dynamic stretching that meet the demands of the workout.  Building the goal for each class and then working back toward how we are going to be properly ready for this workout.  Karate sparring has many concepts of plyometrics that are not called plyometrics.  You want to be able to change direction and strike first in sparring. In order to do this, you have to be able to move quickly in one direction and adapt to changes in direction. This falls directly in the realm of plyometrics.   Plyometrics play a role in any other sport, which is why we have them included in our studio.  

The role of functional training and core stability is the last concept we will discuss in our studio. The structure of most sports relies on the idea that the core can generate power.  From running, throwing, to striking, you have to be able to functionally get the core to move in the direction you need to.  This starts with functional training. Training that is designed to meet the movement demands.  We build our core development on top of the functional training.  

Total 360 has modernized Karate and brought in high levels of personal training concepts from Sensei Rodgers, as he is a Master Personal Trainer with the NFPT and holds various certifications in Yoga, plyometrics, and functional training.  This allows Total 360 Karate to do something other studios can’t, which is to develop students to be fit on levels that meet their demands.   Let’s continue our modernization with great training in the month of June.