Would Batman’s Training Work in Real Life?
We are officially starting yet another series on the Action Hero Athletics blog, where we break down a character's training in comics, TV shows, and movies and determine whether it will work.
While I love offering you guys and gals fictional workouts, I also love nerding out and having more in-depth discussions, so this can be our space to do just that!
We are kicking off this new series discussing Batman, and by the end, we will determine whether his vigilante training would work if put to the test in real life!
Like Batman, we have also covered some amazing DC Character workouts, such as Superman, Wonder Woman, Deathstroke, and The Red Hood!
Batman's Training Regimen
Bruce Wayne's journey to becoming the world's greatest detective was forged with intense training and discipline. The foundation of his training lies in achieving an insanely muscular physique and mastery of martial arts skills - mastering over 150 martial arts styles and mental conditioning.
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Batman's Strength Training
I actually made a video on this subject, discussing why Batman is in peak physical conditioning in the first place - and that's because his training seen in the comics and movies is fundamental!
Batman throws some weight around to maintain his muscular physique while in preparation mode. He is seen incorporating tons of athletic moves in his Batcave regimen. I discuss this training style in my Strength Training for Martial Arts article, which covers the importance of sports-specific weight lifting!
Speaking of which, this takes me back to BVS and the aspect of his training is what makes the movie a guilty pleasure to me.
Being a billionaire, with both money and power, continues to train like he is in the trenches. No aesthetic appeal, no fancy gym equipment - just straight iron.
This is what I refer to as the “go-to” for anyone who wants to have their own home gym.
Batman is seen doing athletic movements like the bench press, weighted pull-ups, squats, and the power snatch! These movements promote the critical points of overall conditioning: stability, functional strength, and muscular endurance. This is what it truly means to strength train like Batman.
Also… Batfleck FTW.
Batman's Ninja Skills
One main takeaway from Batman's training is that he was a ninja first, mastering over 100 martial arts skills!
Now, while I can see someone being proficient in many forms of martial arts, I can't see someone being a master at that many - especially considering how he did all this by age 25.
"But, he's Batman," is what most would say.
While I won't explain how to master 100 styles, I will discuss the training implementations that helped Bruce Wayne become the Dark Knight in a martial artist perspective.
Training with Masters
You must seek masters before becoming one, which Bruce Wayne did when evolving his martial arts skills! He trained with various masters in various martial arts styles, such as Ras Al Ghul, Wildcat, Kirigi, and more!
2. Cultural Immersions
Batman's Martial Arts training wasn't only limited to physical abilities but extended to cultural immersion. He lived and learned from different communities and adopted their martial arts master's mindset, languages, and insights. This enriched his fighting style, becoming more adaptable in actual combat.
3. Combining Disciplines
What makes Batman's fighting so unique is that it isn't limited to one style but multiple. Blending multiple styles in battle is shown to be unique and highly effective - it adapts to different opponents and even overpowers multiple!
4. Constant Training and Improvement
The best part about being a martial arts master is that not even the master is "The master." Even someone like Bruce Wayne needs to keep his skills sharp and ready for action! Having the weight of Gotham city on his shoulders requires him to keep his skills sharp.
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Batman Training Results
As a result of years of hard work and dedication to his training plan, Batman built his body and mind and became one of the most badass crime fighters in Superhero history! One notable feature is that he is known for being "powerless" in the sense of cosmic-level heroes, yet he is still able to go toe to toe with some of the strongest big bads with just training alone!
Here is what he gained along the journey…
Peak Human Strength
Agility and Acrobatics
Proficient Martial Arts Expertise
Ninja/Detective skills
Adaptability and Versatility
Crazy amounts of willpower and discipline
Would Batman's Training Work in Real Life?
In short, while the story of Batman serves as an iconic narrative to us mere mortals, the comics definitely stretch the human limits in a way. So, not really.
In the real world, the feats, human capabilities, and mastery of many skills are 1 in a billion.
But stick around - just because Bruce Wayne's training approach won't work for everyone, I will tell you what will work for those who want to achieve a Batman-level physique with the performance to match!
Strength and Conditioning
Strength and conditioning will be implemented using the Athletic Bodybuilding method. Batman's strength is not only built for the weights but also useful outside of the gym. This means implementing a 90/10 training approach where 90% of the exercises you do during workout sessions come from free weights, and 10% of the exercises in each session come from machines - to target specific muscle groups that the free weights may not target.
We actually already have a Batman Workout in our Superhero Training Series! Feel free to give that a go!
2. Martial Arts Training
Practicing a martial arts style will be crucial when training to perform like Batman. But from a real-world standpoint, it is a great way to get more workouts in and keep the body moving! You don't have to necessarily train a martial art to master it - just pick up a style you are interested in, enjoy the process, and have fun with it!
Practicing a martial art will also give you the added benefit of fighting skills and self-defense. While we don't condone violence, we know it may save you one day!
Training like Batman is incredibly basic and straight to the point! Combining these two modalities of training will most definitely turn you into a hybrid beast!
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Closing thoughts
As we conclude our first episode of this brand-new series, a couple things to take in from Batman's training are to remain consistent, strive for better, and embrace the journey. While Batman's training seen in the comics may not be probable to all of us, it is more important to recognize the journey he took to becoming Batman - and in us is our own personal Batman, facing our inner Gotham.
Stay tuned for the next episode, where we will cover Baki's Training on Yasha Creek!
For those who want some quality workout plans, be sure to check out our series below:
