MMA training is intense. Competitors need to know striking, grappling and, also, it doesn't hurt to be able to take a
punch in the face (or does it?). What you may be curious to learn is the
type of training that these fighters do in order to get ready for a
match.
Specificity is training the body in a very specific way. for example, the best way to train your fists is by punching, no weights or resistance.
Resistance only hurts competitors. Yes it builds muscle, but resistance is not important when training. With resistance, the arms becomes accustomed to the resistance to bring it back to chamber instead of bringing it back himself. It creates dependence on the resistance to bring the fist back to chamber. He waits for the resistance but it doesn't come, costing competitors agility and timing in an important match.
Periodization is training cycles. An athlete will dedicate a certain amount of time, typically two months, in a certain area of training. This keeps the muscles from getting too complacent and also helps athletes from plateauing too quickly.
These cycles are not about martial arts training, the cycles are about other training methods, including weight training, muscle growth, flexibility and endurance.
These are two techniques offered in Eric Wong's program, Ultimate MMA Strength and Conditioning Program. Eric has many methods to train competitors of any level to get into good shape or AWESOME shape to kick some ass in the Octagon. Click Here to learn more about these training methods and the third principle that Eric created to get his fighters to the final rounds!
Marshall,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting write up. I thought it was interesting how you talked about periodization. In track and field we use a similar concept. We would cycle through different phases of training in order build on skills and increase our capacity to perform by targeting specific results.