MMA Workouts - Different Philosophies
The intense physical demands of Mixed Martial Arts fighting has led to a variety of different strength and conditioning routines. This article is not going to compare and contrast different routines in order to determine which is “the best.” Rather it will focus on what are some of the most popular programs and some of the different philosophies behind them.
Probably the most common conditioning routines are what I call the “home made” routines. Most amateur fighters, without proper guidance, have concocted a unique combination of routines from the internet, movies, and their friends. This is the type of routine I see a lot of college students come in with at my Baltimore Mixed Martial Arts gym.This guy might run 5 miles once a week and also follow a bodybuilding weightlifting routine.100 pushups, 100 situps, and 100 squats every morning and night might be the conditioning routine of another guy.
Another popular fitness
Click here to continue readingInjury and Illness on Martial Arts Training
For the athlete or martial artist, one of the most frustrating situations one can face is when one is slightly injured or sick. Unlike a severe injury, the athlete often faces increased self-doubt about his own toughness. For example, at my Baltimore MMA gym, one of my top Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitors, had to undergo major shoulder surgery. There was absolutely no possible way he could practice. On the other hand, when my athletes are sick with the flu or a simple cold, they often try to come in and work out.Reputation is important in the gym and they do not want to be seen as not tough enough to train when sick.
But is this really a good idea?
The first issue to consider is the benefit to the athlete himself. Will an extra training session be productive in his or her weakened state?In addition, will the athlete's return to health be
Click here to continue readingTraining Power And Accuracy In Martial Arts
When you learn martial arts online there are a few areas in which you need to ensure that you have good techniques. Things like power and accuracy are some of the attributes you need. However if you develop them in the wrong order long term it can lead to bad habits.
Power
Once where happy with the form and speed of the technique then we can start focus on adding more power to the skill or technique. To hit a target as fast as you can won’t have much effect in a real self defence situation if there is no power in your strikes. To start adding more power focus on bending your knees slightly and digging your toes in the floor, it’s what boxers call sitting down in your technique. To add power into your technique you need to hit targets, a kick shield, focus pad or bag will help
Click here to continue readingThe Different Goals Of Kicking
A great deal has been written and said about kicking in today’s age of modern martial artists. Many people who are cross training seem to mainly focus on low Thai kicks because of their effectiveness and they present less risk of being taken to the ground by the grappler.
When it comes to kicking you really have to decide what your purposes are for martial arts home study, it might be that the art you practice in encompasses a lot of kicking. If you are aiming for competition then kicking might be an important element, or you may be hooked on the Kung Fu movies and like all the flamboyant techniques which are generally kicks.
When I was a junior, kicking was my best technique and I quickly realised that I also need to be able to punch after being beaten by the puncher on several occasions. I then
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