July 30, 2003

Martial Artist as Pass Rusher

Mercury News | Carter shaping up into elite pass rusher

The Niners have always gotten into the martial arts thing--even Joe Montana shilled for George Chung's TKDaerobics video.

Added strength ought to help a player who already has tremendous quickness. (Andre) Carter earned a black belt in karate at age 12 and still uses martial arts in his training. The rapid hand movements help him shed blockers, and the mental discipline keeps his game in control.

For an example, Jones pointed to a drill in which the player glides back and forth on a sliding board and knocks down weighted balls. Nobody does it better than Carter, who knocks down the props with his eyes fixed straight ahead.

"In martial arts, they teach you to let everything be fluid," said Carter, a former Oak Grove High star. "Instead of thinking about it, go ahead and do it. For me, pass rushing is all about a smooth motion."

For more on football players who study martial arts, see my Celebrity Martial Artists article.

Posted by jameshom at July 30, 2003 10:25 AM | TrackBack
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