What is Jungshin?  Each class is a high intensity full body workout using a wooden practice sword.  Jungshin originated in San Francisco and has spread nationwide.

Jungshin facilitates weight loss, toning and muscle strengthening.  The creator of Jungshin fitness is Annika Kahn.  Her resume is as impressive as the program.  She is a four time World Grand Champion in the Korean Art of Kuk Sool Won, and a 4th Degree Black Belt.  Prior to creating Jungshin, she was an instructor teaching the basics of DNA sequencing and Fragment Analysis.  She has a deep understanding of the physical and mental aspects of her art.  She is even studying the biochemical effects of Jungshin movements as they relate to well-being.  Absolutely amazing.

Click to watch an example of Jungshin Fitness Football Drills:

http://vimeopro.com/lelandevans/jungshin/video/46586516

There is a deep philosophical component tied to Jungshin.  The sword requires engagement of concentration, focus and power.  The sword cuts physical restrictions away in order to achieve a human goal.  The repetitive motions of raising and bringing the sword down engages the biceps, shoulders, triceps, upper back, core and chest.

Each instructor puts their own personal spin on the art.  Background music varies from instructor to instructor.  My personal favorite is Flo-Rida's Good Feeling.  The four instructors I've spent the most time with at the Sport and Health Clubs in Crystal City are Michelle, Grace, Dennis and Igor.  Grace incorporates powerful core engagement; Michelle brings graceful smooth moves with a twist of Yoga thrown in; Dennis is just an all-out assault of hardcore cardio with a variety of plyometric moves; and Igor brings his martial arts intensity with movements that feel like dance to each class.  I appreciate each class and the variety of approaches.

Each class turns me into a sweaty mess.  I never leave class thinking I did not learn something new or that I did not get a good mix of cardio and strength training.  The sparring sessions with a good partner can leave you totally winded.

One weakness that I have always fought is my lack of balance and rhythm.  That is probably the reason I stuck to running countless miles.  Going forward is easy.  Anyway, my rhythm and balance have vastly improved over the last few months.  I attribute that to my Jungshin training.

My incredible transformation between January 1 and now was the direct result of diet, P90X2 and Jungshin.  Jungshin introduced me to a totally different form of exercise.  It is incredibly fun and gets results.  Many times in Jungshin class I do not realize that I am even exercising because I am having so much fun.  Of course that is only until my quads start burning, my arms feel like rubber, and my lungs are on fire.

If you are in an area that offers Jungshin, give it a try.  You will not regret it.  You might find yourself getting fit and having a lot of fun along the way.