Body weight vs. External weight strength exercises

[Patrick Smith]

Hi, I'm a new member here and I have a question that I would prefer to be answered by Mr. Kurz, but I welcome anyone else's input as well.

I do not want to take up any more of your time then necessary, so I will get straight to the point.

As the title already states, my question is about using purely body weight strength exercises instead of external weight ("iron" weights) exercises. I have been researching the type of strength training that gymnasts do and as far as Coach Christopher Sommer is concerned (http://www.gymnasticbodies.com/articles1.html), body weight exercises can be quite a lot more effective then external weights (please read the article that is linked to above for comprehension). According to Sommer, the key is to consistently decrease the leverage with which the athlete has to work with. Obviously, gymnasts possess incredible strength to be able to perform the things that they do, and I'm interested if that method can be incorporated into a martial artists strength training.

What is your opinion about this, Mr. Kurz?

Patrick Smith

[Patrick Smith]

You do have an opinion about this, don't you Mr. Kurz?