View Full Version : Fighting in the right weight class?
Slammzero
05-06-2010, 10:30 PM
Osu-EN1 everyone!
I don't know if there has been a discussion about something like this already, but I didn't find anything in my search...
At the moment I weigh 95 kg (~209 lbs) and I am 186 cm (6'1) tall.
I don't care that much about my weight normally but Karate kind of makes me :rolleyes: The thing is, weight categories in tournaments usually look like this: -70kg, -80kg, -90kg, +90kg
As you can see, with my "normal" weight I have to fight open category. At the moment I don't have a problem with that, because I am still beginner. But my Sensei says, if I want to compete in bigger tournaments with more experienced fighters, I should lose so much weight to fight -90kg. So far I only fought beginner categories (up to 5th kyu), but he wants me to progress and fight bigger tournaments and better categories.
The problem, Sensei says, is, in the categories from 4th kyu or better, Open category is very hard to compete, especially if you are near the -90kg category with your weight.
So far I always lost the weight to compete in -90kg category for tournaments. But the thing is, I can't really keep it there... After a month or something I am back at 93-95kg.
So my question is: Do you think it's better lose weight every time or just try and fight Open category? (I know the best would probably be to lose weight and stay there, but it just won't work :rolleyes: )
Thanks for helping!!
Osu!
meguro
05-06-2010, 10:42 PM
So my question is: Do you think it's better lose weight every time or just try and fight Open category? (I know the best would probably be to lose weight and stay there, but it just won't work :rolleyes: )
Most weight category fighters (boxers, wrestlers) are at a walking around weight higher than their fighting weight. Those fighting at their natural weight are at a disadvantage against heavier fighters who cut & then rehydrate.
powerof0ne
05-06-2010, 11:36 PM
Most weight category fighters (boxers, wrestlers) are at a walking around weight higher than their fighting weight. Those fighting at their natural weight are at a disadvantage against heavier fighters who cut & then rehydrate.
This is true but I think some cut too much weight that can sometimes do permanent damage to themselves and if not can even fatigue them for the fight.
If you have 2 or more months to cut about 15 pounds I don't think that's a big deal but when you start doing stuff like cutting 20-30 pounds in a few weeks (like some I know do) that can't be right.
I do miss fighting but I don't miss cutting weight :)
Use your best judgement on how much weight you want to lose, cutting 5-10 pounds in a month is very doable and can be done healthy but me personally...anything more then that I don't want to cut.
Granted, I am on a plan to lose 30 pounds by September but this is because I want to get back where I was.
I always wondered how I would be right at one pound below the maximum weigh in..happened to me more times then I can remember, such a weird phenomenon.
Osu!
FredInChina
05-07-2010, 12:58 AM
(...)After a month or something I am back at 93-95kg. (...)
Luckily, there are not many competitions that last a month. :)
Osu!
Slammzero
05-07-2010, 06:07 AM
Thanks for your advice! I just wanted to make sure, I'm not doing something very unhealthy... :) And of course, I find it very annoying to have to do that every time... I guess that's one of the downsides to fighting ^^
So now I have a month before the next tournament and will try to lose 11 pounds... we'll see how that works :D
@Fred: not many? Honestly I don't know any that last so long! :eek:
kanku
05-07-2010, 06:30 AM
Osu Slammzero!
This is a very personal thing, my own advise would be...if you feel more comfortable and strong at the heavier weight, stay there...unless you are just slightly "porky" and the weight loss would help you as a karateka and a person.
Perhaps read the Jeff Wybrow interview, he used to like fighting in the heavier catagory.
Also you don`t say how old you are....i think this is a factor that should be taken into account?
Slammzero
05-07-2010, 06:40 AM
Oh I am sorry, I am 24 years old!
Osu!
kanku
05-07-2010, 07:32 AM
Oh I am sorry, I am 24 years old!
Osu!
In your prime hey!!.....at 24 i don`t think age is a factor.:)
senshido
05-07-2010, 09:08 AM
My advice is to fight where you are comfortable,
most of the tournaments i go to, the heavyweight category is over 80Kg not 90Kg
usually lightweight = under 70K
middleweight = 70-80K
Heavyweight = over 80K
Osu!
I think that there are also quite a few kd fighters that have gone the other way, ie pushed the weights to bulk up and put on a bit of muscle (but not too much - it will slow you down if you go too far). It is also normal to put on weight (muscle) with age and training. Any decision should depend on your present build and constitution.
Osu!
Slammzero
05-07-2010, 01:56 PM
Thanks again for all the advice :)
Osu!
I think that there are also quite a few kd fighters that have gone the other way, ie pushed the weights to bulk up and put on a bit of muscle (but not too much - it will slow you down if you go too far). It is also normal to put on weight (muscle) with age and training. Any decision should depend on your present build and constitution.
Osu!
Yeah, I discussed that also with some people at the dojo, but I guess, if I can manage, I'd rather lose some weight :D
Hopefully someday I am experienced enough to fight Open anyway, at least then I wouldn't have to bother :D
Osu-EN1
Duarte1991
05-23-2010, 04:16 AM
I know others already answered, and that im a beginner but from experience from wrestling, where i had to keep my weight down to 130 lbs. i understand how hard it is to keep weight off. I had enough of it and moved up to 135 lbs.
FredInChina
05-23-2010, 04:47 AM
(...) i had to keep my weight down to 130 lbs. i understand how hard it is to keep weight off. I had enough of it and moved up to 135 lbs.
(...) My goal is to get up to 185 lbs. right now im at 165 lbs.
Hummm, was that at different times, a typo, or am I getting confused? :)
osu!
Duarte1991
05-23-2010, 04:53 AM
Hummm, was that at different times, a typo, or am I getting confused? :)
osu! if youre referring to me, it was a couple of years ago where i was that light.
FredInChina
05-23-2010, 05:46 AM
I see (that is what I thought ;))...
I think you should share your age and a little bit more information than on your intro thread so someone on the forum can try to help you. :)
osu!
Zantetsu
06-07-2010, 09:11 PM
It is indeed a complicated question, I am right now at 94 Kg, for my 1m90, and I think i am more comfortable in superheavyweight category, 'cause I am still building muscle quite easy during my trainings, and think I am gonna stop around 98-100 Kg. But I cannot say something else than everyone, it is important to fight in a category where you feel comfortable, 'cause weight isn't everyting for us Karatekas, and we need to work on technique, power, zanshin, stamina... Well you know :)
Slammzero
06-07-2010, 09:34 PM
Hey guys!
The tournament (Austrian Open 2010) took place on Sunday and I thought, I'd inform you that I succeeded in losing the weight :D I dropped from 95,7kg do about 87kg in 2 weeks... almost nothing to eat and running 10km almost every day, kind of exhausting :rolleyes:
but it was worth it, I managed to win in my category (Men up to 5th Kyu -90kg)
As soon as our Sensei posts a list with all the official results I will post it here in the Event section! Along with some fotos or video links of my fights if you like :D
Osu!
Zantetsu
06-07-2010, 09:37 PM
Congratulations mate!
But be aware that losing almost 9 kg in two weeks is kinda very dangerous... Your playing with your metabolism, and it is something you souldn't try again... Then again, each one does what he wants, but...
Slammzero
06-07-2010, 09:46 PM
Don't worry, I don't intend to gain the 8-9kg again :D And I certainly can't lose another 8kg ^^
meguro
06-07-2010, 09:50 PM
Hey guys!
I managed to win in my category (Men up to 5th Kyu -90kg)
That's great news! Congrats!
smoothsake
06-07-2010, 10:02 PM
Osu congrats on the win. I'd like to see the vid when it's ready. Osu!
sandman
06-08-2010, 12:17 AM
Osu!
Congrats! Looking forward to the video :)
FredInChina
06-08-2010, 04:23 AM
I'll join meguro in the congrats; congrats! :)
Osu!
FredInChina
06-08-2010, 05:52 AM
Fighting in the correct category is important... :D
http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/oh-shit-moments2-11.jpg?w=500&h=375
Slammzero
06-08-2010, 01:34 PM
good one :D
I posted one video, results and some photos in the event-thread, if anyone is interested :)
here (http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10923)
Osu-EN1
Endrew
05-02-2011, 04:19 PM
Thats good to read about your weight loss class.
All my good thoughts are with you.. i Hope you would achieve your aim soon.
SteveK
05-20-2011, 02:06 PM
So my question is: Do you think it's better lose weight every time or just try and fight Open category? (I know the best would probably be to lose weight and stay there, but it just won't work :rolleyes: ) Thanks for helping!! Osu!
This is part of the learning process - you need to fight in the different categories, work out which one is best for you and develop the best approach to preparation
Losing 3 - 5kg is not hard - many fighters can do that in a week and put it on again overnight if the weigh in is the day before - if you weigh in on the day it depends then if that is in the morning and you fight late in the day etc
If you are ripped at 93 - 95 then you need to decide if it is better to fatten up and fight at about 100kg or struggle to get down to 90 _ I would go up
If you are fighting every second week then fight at your walk around weight if you are fighting every 2 - 3 months then cut weight or add it
My advice is don't focus on the weight - focus on the fighting and choose your events and prepare - if you must lose weight lose it - if you dont then dont there is no right or wrong and only you can know for sure - it is all a learning curve
If you are
olyckan
06-13-2011, 09:00 PM
Cutting weight is part of most fighters competitive life.. You really should try both weightcategories and see where you perform the best. Or you could try this. nationally fight in the +90kg tournaments. International tournaments cut weight and fight in -90kg. Fighting guys heavier then yourself nationally will prepare for the -90 guys internationally. You will most likely find out that the guys fighting internationally will hit equally hard as the national competitors weighing 10-20kgs more...
I dont think that -90 or +90 is that big deal when there is a -90 class. -80 and +80 is something completely different, then its always better to fight in the lower class.
As long as you are fighting "novice" class also I dont think that the weight itself is that big issue. Focus your time and efforts on getting the condition with a lot of running (that might also make you loose weight). A fat tired 125kg 5th kyu is not impossible to beat for a 91kg fighter with lots of stamina. And if the fight goes to the scele you will easliy win!
FredInChina
06-14-2011, 02:47 PM
(...) A fat tired 125kg 5th kyu is not impossible to beat for a 91kg fighter (...)
Osu Dr No,
It is all the easier if he is also injured, old, jet lagged, has diarrhea, is recently divorced, has a tax control, been hit by the bus, did not eat, is not flexible & could not train for 2 years!
:D:D
Osu!
Are you taking this personally Fred? :p
For me weight cats are a good target motivator for weight loss so I say aim low if you are chubby it's a good incentive, I was 93+kg and wanted to fight 3 years ago now, got down to juuuust under 80kG, low numbers on the day meant it was open event in the end but I stayed around 80-82kG for a good while. This year it's all about getting under 70kG so again well motivated to get off the excess, taken plenty of time about it but nearly there.
The best starting point is body weight/ fat % if you are 20+% fat you have plenty to loose as fat does nothing except provide a little rib cage protection (as I have found out since dropping to 9% :eek: - shitaski's are mean :(). if you are already about 10% and above the weight limit you will either need to be cutting each time you fight, most of the pro's and cons are covered above but the only other con to consider is if you are naturally under the limit your prep can be about fighting and using super compensation to charge yourself up for a fight rather than spending the final week or so dehydrated and undernourished but that's your call, while your young and fighting in the Novices it's probably best to try both but do be aware that a lot of tournaments are over 80 as HW so it could be a waste of time dropping below 90.
Osu!
be aware that a lot of tournaments are over 80 as HW
Which is a bit silly. Kids are a lot bigger these days, and that should be taken into account.
Osu!
Osu!
Which is a bit silly. Kids are a lot bigger these days, and that should be taken into account.
Osu!
100% agree Dent been calling this for awhile as a lot of high 80's fighters cut very hard to avoid the 100+ guys but given the numbers most tournaments get it's hard enough filling categories without adding one.
What I do think is valid is a 5kg lift across the board 75,85,85+ as a decent middle ground?