Advanced Training Methodology in Submission Fighting

By: John Cooper BBA, CSCS

 

Section 1.1 – High Performance Energy Systems Training Methodology

 

This report will look at the body’s energy systems and how they relate to Submission Fighting from a high performance-training standpoint. The energy pathways in the human body work along a continuum and are made up of three general categories. These include: anaerobic alactic, anaerobic lactic, and aerobic. Generally speaking, the anaerobic alactic system can produce a lot of explosive energy in very short space of time with severely limited endurance (<10 seconds), the anaerobic lactic system is also associated with a high level of power (although not quite as powerful as the lactic system) and similar low level of relative endurance (<45 seconds). The aerobic system is the next energy system to be utilized by the body once the anaerobic alactic and lactic systems have been spent. The aerobic system can only create a limited amount of power, but is capable of providing an athlete with energy for an extended amount of time (more than 2 minutes to several hours). In Submission Fighting, all three energy systems become important components of the athlete’s training program,

 

Section 1.1.1 – Alactic Power

 

Alactic Power refers to the energy system responsible for explosive ‘start-up’ power. Alactic power activities involve a maximal effort lasting from 1 – 10 seconds. The energy source for alactic power activities comes from Phosphagens within the muscle cells. The first contraction comes from the ATP already in the muscle fibre followed by the Creatine phosphate stored in the muscle, which is easily and quickly converted to ATP. In Submission Fighting alactic power can be seen during explosive strikes thrown at the beginning of a match, or during explosive takedown attempts early in a match.

 

Alactic Power Sport Specific Training Activity

 

Drill Name:                                                             Explosive Heavy Takedown Drill

Drill Repetition Length:                       3 - 6 seconds

Number of Drill Repetitions:                               3 - 5

Rest Between Sets:                                              5 minutes

Training Frequency:                                            3 - 4 times per week

Intensity Level:                                    100%

 

Equipment Needed: striking gloves, focus pads, thick mats, partner or dummy

 

Drill Description:

 

Athlete A partners with an individual that is heavier than himself. The heavier individual, Athlete B, wears focus mitts and positions himself on a thick mat or has a thick mat placed about 3 feet behind him. Athlete A executes 4 alternating punches using as much power as he can generate, immediately after the last punch is thrown Athlete A drops down and executes a takedown on the heavier athlete B, landing on the thicker mat.

 

Section 1.1.2. – Alactic Capacity

 

Alactic Capacity is the energy system associated with maximum intensity activities lasting from 8 – 30 seconds. Alactic Capacity refers to the absolute amount of sustained energy from the alactic anaerobic energy system. This system is fueled primarily by creatine phosphate (CP) stored in the fast glycolytic muscle fibre. When training alactic capacity a, much like alactic power, a significant amount of recovery time needed for the body to restore muscle phosphagen and CP. In Submission Fighting alactic capacity activities can include powerful striking attacks, takedown attempts that are countered then immediately reattempted, defensive tactics when defending an explosively aggressive opponent, or attempting to overcome an extremely defensive opponent, to name a few.

 

Alactic Power Sport Specific Training Activity

 

Drill Name:                                                             Explosive Striking Attacks from Inside Guard

Drill Repetition Length:                       20 - 30 seconds (fitness level dependent)

Number of Drill Repetitions:                               5 – 6 (max. work volume of 3 - 8 minutes)

Rest Between Sets:                                              5 minutes (lactic acid tolerance desired)

Training Frequency:                                            3 - 4 times per week

Intensity Level:                                    100%

 

Equipment Needed: striking gloves, mats, dummy (heavy bag will work), & timer

 

Drill Description:

 

Athlete A positions himself on his knees between the dummy’s legs or in front of the lying heavy bag. At the coaches signal the athlete attacks the dummy or heavy bag with a series of explosive punches to the head and body to simulate an attack to an opponent from inside his defensive guard position. After the time limit has expired the athlete should engage in some slow movement such as walking slowly around the training area.

 

Section1.1.3 – Lactic Power

 

Lactic Power is the energy system that fuels the body for activities lasting between 10 seconds to a maximum of 2 minutes. This energy system is fuelled by anaerobic glycolysis and powered by the fast oxidative glycolytic muscle fibres. Lactic Power activities will develop a ‘burning’ sensation in athletes because of byproduct created during energy production known as lactic acid. It is this byproduct that creates the ‘burning’ sensation in the muscles. In Submission Fighting rounds are typically scheduled for 5 minutes. During this 5-minute round, the pace of the fight remains explosive. Anaerobic power training will help athletes lengthen their anaerobic power and capacity, and increase their tolerance to lactic acid in the muscle. Typical lactic power activities in Submission Fighting may include:

 

q       Stand up grappling sequences

q       Striking battles on the feet and on the ground

q       Submission escapes

 

Lactic Power Sport Specific Training Activity

 

Drill Name:                                                             The 30 Second Submission Drill

Drill Repetition Length:                       20 - 50 seconds (fitness level dependent)

Number of Drill Repetitions:                               5 – 7 (max. work volume of 6 - 12 minutes)

Rest Between Sets:                                              2.5 – 5 minutes (lactic acid tolerance desired)

Training Frequency:                                            2 – 3 times per week

Intensity Level:                                    100%

 

Equipment Needed: Striking gloves, mouth guards, mats, timer

 

Drill Description:

 

Athlete A and Athlete B are given 30 seconds (+/- 10 seconds) to grapple for a submission. Stalling is not allowed and athletes are encouraged to ‘risk it all’ for the submission attempt and not be concerned with lost position advantages. The purpose of the drill is to train the scrambles and transitions associated with submission attempts, escapes, and reversals. If a submission is landed the opponent says “tap” aloud and the scramble continues until the time has expired.

 

Section 1.1.4 – Lactic Capacity

 

Lactic Capacity refers to the energy system primarily responsible for fuel during maximal effort physical activities ranging from 40 seconds to 2 minutes. The primary energy source for lactic capacity work is anaerobic glycolysis (Converting glucose to energy, which creates a byproduct known as lactic acid). Fast Oxidative Glycolytic (i.e. F.O.G. or Type IIa) muscle fibres are the primary workers for Lactic Capacity activities.

 

Lactic capacity activities in Submission Fighting are extremely common and a well-trained lactic capacity is an important component of a fighter’s arsenal. Typically the sport of Submission Fighting has anywhere from 1 to 5, 5 minute rounds, three five minute rounds being the average. During the rounds fighters are expected to be constantly working. Lactic Capacity activities occur during extended stand-up striking battles, when fighters are exchanging blows on their feet for longer periods of time (commonly < 2 minutes). Other examples of Lactic Capacity activities in Submission Fighting include the following:

 

q       Standup grappling against the octagon fence or in the corner of a ring

q       Holding an aggressive attacker in the guard position for defense

q       Attempting to strike a defensive opponent content to holding the attacker in his guard

q       Maintaining the mount position on an aggressive opponent

q       Holding a side guard/cross mount and attacking an aggressive opponent

q       Attempting to gain a top position from the bottom

 

 

Lactic Capacity Sport Specific Training Activity

 

Drill Name:                                                             The Unforgiving Mount Escape

Drill Repetition Length:                       30 - 75 seconds (fitness level dependent)

Number of Drill Repetitions:                               3 – 5 (max. work volume of 12 minutes)

Rest Between Sets:                                              2.5 – 5 minutes (lactic acid tolerance desired)

Training Frequency:                                            2 – 3 times per week

Intensity Level:                                    100%

 

Equipment Needed: boxing gloves, headgear, mouth guards, mats, timer

 

Drill Description:

 

Athlete A (wearing head gear) is mounted by Athlete B (wearing boxing gloves). The objective of Athlete A (on the bottom) is to get out from underneath Athlete B while Athlete B tries to maintain the mount position and continually punch (using approximately 70% punching power) Athlete A. If Athlete A successfully gets out from underneath Athlete B, Athlete A is immediately repositioned under Athlete B and the drill continues until the time has expired. Stalling tactics are not permitted. Once the time has expired Athlete A will jog slowly or walk around the training area to prepare for the next repetition.

 

Section 1.1.5 – Aerobic Power

 

Aerobic power activities are associated with maximal effort activities lasting beyond

two minutes and less than six minutes. Since Submission Fighting rounds are scheduled to last a minimum of 5 minutes with one-minute rest periods between rounds, aerobic power activities are extremely important components of the sport. After 2 minutes glucose levels in the blood drop, the body responds to this drop and to prevent further drops switches to a more sustainable fuel system, the aerobic energy system. The aerobic energy system uses primarily glycogen stored in the muscles cells for fuel. The aerobic energy system is extremely efficient and produces CO2 (exchanged at the lungs for 02) and H2O (sweat used to regulate body temperature) as its byproducts. The slow oxidative (SO) muscle fibres are the primary workers during aerobic power activities. During Submission Fighting, many matches last longer than the first 5 minute round and during rounds fighters are typically not allowed to engage in ‘excessive’ stalling tactics, so the tempo of a fight remains high for the entire round. Fighters that are incapable of maintaining the high tempo for 5 minutes (commonly referred to as ‘running out of gas’) are commonly knocked out. Obviously, given the high price for an insufficient aerobic power source, it is in the fighter’s best interest to take aerobic power training activities seriously. Fighters must train to last an entire five minute round and be capable of recovering as fully as possible during the one minute rest period between rounds for optimal performance capabilities.

 

Aerobic Power Sport Specific Training Activity

 

Drill Name:                                                             Cross Training for Combat

Drill Repetition Length:                       2 – 5 minutes (fitness level dependent)

Number of Drill Repetitions:                               5 – 10 (desired work volume of 15+ minutes)

Rest Between Sets:                                              1-5 minutes (lactic acid tolerance desired)

Training Frequency:                                            3 - 5 times per week

Intensity level:                                                      80 - 100%

 

Equipment Needed: Muay-Thai striking pads (2 sets), striking gloves (for each athlete), mats, timer.


Drill Description:

 

Athlete A and Athlete B begin the drill by engaging in a ‘free flow’ (65% effort match that involves no stalling and constant movement, wherein each competitor allows the other to make advances, submission attempts and escapes) grappling-only match for 50% of the drill length (1 – 2.5 minutes). The athletes then immediately stand-up and work with two trainers with Muay-Thai pads that will coach the athletes through a series of striking combinations at a constant tempo. Once the time limit has expired the athletes will walk and or jog slowly around the training area to recover and prepare for the next repetition.

 

Section 1.1.6 – Aerobic Capacity

 

Aerobic Capacity activities (commonly referred to as endurance training) are, sustained moderate intensity activities lasting from 5 minutes to several hours. The aerobic capacity system is extremely efficient and utilizes glycogen stored in the muscles, and the oxidation of free fatty acids to meet energy demands. Similar to aerobic power training, aerobic capacity also utilizes the slow oxidative muscle fibres. The sport of Submission Fighting does not rely heavily on the aerobic capacity energy system for optimal performance capabilities. The absolute longest fight length is 29 minutes (5 rounds, 5 minutes per round, 1 minute rest between rounds), and these fights only occur at the elite professional level (The Ultimate Fighting Championship in the U.S.A., and the Pride Fighting Championship in Japan). The average Submission Fight is estimated to last approximately 7 minutes. Although competitions rarely require a need for highly trained aerobic capacity, a Submission Fighter needs to have a solid aerobic base to ensure a healthy circulation system. In addition to the need for a general aerobic base, Submission practices often last for over 60 minutes and require a steady supply of energy. A lack of a general aerobic capacity base would limit the athletes ability to maintain energy levels throughout extended practice periods consisting of moderate intensity activities such as learning submission skills, striking skills, takedowns, fight tactics, and competitive strategies.

 

Aerobic Capacity Sport Specific Training Activities

 

Drill Name:                                                             Road Running

Drill Repetition Length:                       20 – 45 minutes (fitness level dependent)

Number of Drill Repetitions:                               1

Rest Between Sets:                                              2 – 5 days

Training Frequency:                                            2 – 3 times per week

Intensity level:                                                      60 - 80% MHR

 

Equipment Needed: quality running shoes, heart rate monitor (optional), timer

 

Drill Description:

 

Athlete’s run as a group or independently at a moderate pace on the roads in their surrounding area. If a heart rate monitor is used have athletes maintain their heart at approximately 60 – 80% of their theoretical maximum heart rate using the following formula:

(220 – age) – resting heart rate) x 6o% = HR + resting heart rate = Lower Limit THR

(220 – age) – resting heart rate) x 80% = HR + resting heart rate = Upper Limit THR

 

The Target Heart Rates (THR) provide the athlete with the desired heart rate range to be deliberately maintained during the road run.

 

Section 1.2 – High Performance Muscular Strength & Endurance Training Methodology

 

Section 1.2.1 – Physiological Metabolic Adaptations

 

The physiological metabolic strength related adaptations in Submission Fighting are numerous. Submission Fighters need to develop strength for takedowns, throws and suplexes, and powerful submission escapes. Power is needed for striking damage, and muscle hypertrophy is also desired for aesthetic reasons associated with fighter promotions.

 

Section 1.2.2 – Neural Strength Adaptations

 

Neural adaptations are associated with the stretch shorten cycle (Plyometrics), learning and transfer of training (strength to skill), motor unit recruitment, firing rate, and synchronization. Neural strength related adaptations in Submission Fighting include Plyometric push ups, sprinting drills, learning weight training exercises, and transferring strength and speed development to sport specific movements (e.g. Power clean strength and power converted to take down strength and explosiveness).

 

Section 1.2.3.1.1 – Isometric Training Examples

 

Specific Example Considerations

Training Age:                                       2 years

Phase of Season:                  GPP

Purpose:                                                Develop static strength at specific joint positions to overcome weaknesses and/or develop endurance in common static positions.

Frequency:                                            2 times/week

 

Example 1 – Swill Ball Squeeze Between Legs

 

Purpose:                Develop static guard strength

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

N/A

30 sec. hold

3

10

300 seconds

                               

Example 2 – Isometric Bench Press Hold

 

Purpose:                Develop static strength at typical arm position (approx. 90 degrees) for forearm strikes

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

N/A

20 sec. hold

5

5

100 seconds

 

Example 3 – Dummy Fence Hold

 

Purpose:                Develop calve and leg endurance for pinning opponents against fence/ropes

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

N/A

30 sec. hold

3

10

300 seconds

 

Example 4 – Static Dummy Cross Mount Holds

 

Purpose:                Develop strength and endurance holding opponent in the ‘cross mount’ position.

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

N/A

45 sec. hold

5

5

225 seconds

 

 

 

 

Section 1.2.3.1.1 – Isotonic Training Examples

 

Specific Example Considerations

Training Age:                                       3 years

Phase of Season:                  GPP

Purpose:                                                Develop isotonic strength for specific joint movements and overcome weaknesses and/or develop endurance in common sport movements.

Frequency:                                            2 - 3  times/week

 

Example 1 – Barbell Lunges

 

Purpose:                Develop takedown strength

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EICi

3012

4

6

24 seconds

                               

Example 2 – Bent Elbow Dumbbell Front Raises

 

Purpose:                Develop uppercut strength for power development

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

CIEi

1121

3

10

40 seconds

 

Example 3 – Grizzly Bear Lunges

 

Purpose:                Develop leg and core strength and endurance

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EICI

3131

2

10

70 seconds

Example 4 – Piggy Back Squats

 

Purpose:                Develop leg strength and/or endurance

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EICI

2121

2

10

50 seconds

 

Section 1.2.3.1.1 – Variable Accommodating Resistance Training Examples

 

Specific Example Considerations

Training Age:                                       3 years

Phase of Season:                  GPP

Purpose:                                                Develop strength for specific joint movements and overcome weaknesses or muscle imbalances, and develop endurance in common sport movements.

Frequency:                                            3 times/week

 

Example 1 – Cable Fly’s on Swiss Ball

 

Purpose:                Develop ‘hooking’ strength for striking applications.

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

CIEi

2131

3

8

48 seconds

                               

Example 2 – V-Grip Lat Pulldowns

 

Purpose:                Develop strength for head control in the clinch for knees.

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

CIEi

1121

3

7

28 seconds

 

Example 3 – Incline V-grip Cable Rows on Swiss Ball

 

Purpose:                Develop pulling power for ground defense.

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

CIEi

2121

3

8

40 seconds

                               

Example 4 – Lying Cable Hip Adductions

 

Purpose:                Develop leg endurance for holding opponents in the guard.

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

CIEi

2131

3

18

108 seconds

 

Section 1.2.3.1.1 – Eccentric Resistance Training Examples

 

Specific Example Considerations

Training Age:                                       2 years

Phase of Season:                  GPP

Purpose:                                                Develop strength for eccentric muscle movements, overcome strength training plateaus, and develop eccentric endurance in common sport movements.

Frequency:                                            2 times/week

 

Example 1 – Standard Bench Press

 

Purpose:                Develop resistance to takedown attempts and charges

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EICi

6121

3

6

54 seconds

                               

Example 2 – Back Squats                   

 

Purpose:                Develop relative strength in the legs

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EICi

6121

4

6

54 seconds

 

Example 3 – Seated Row

 

Purpose:                Develop pulling power resistance for submission defense and erector spinae endurance

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EICi

6121

3

8

72 seconds

                               

Example 4 – Wrist Curls - Extensors

 

Purpose:                Develop wrist strength and endurance for punching

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EICi

5121

3

10

80 seconds

 

 

 

 

Section 1.2.3.1.1 – Concentric Resistance Training Examples

 

Specific Example Considerations

Training Age:                                       2 years

Phase of Season:                  SPP

Purpose:                                                Develop strength and endurance for common concentric sport movements and overcome strength-training plateaus.

Frequency:                                            2 times/week

 

Example 1 – Standard Bench Press

 

Purpose:                Develop resistance to takedown attempts and charges

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EICi

2161

3

6

54 seconds

                               

Example 2 – One Leg Squat with Ball Against Wall      

 

Purpose:                Develop relative strength in the legs

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EICi

2161

4

6

54 seconds

 

 

 

 

 

Example 3 – Seated Row

 

Purpose:                Develop pulling power endurance for submission defense and erector spinae endurance

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EICi

2171

3

8

80 seconds

                               

Example 4 – Wrist Curls - Extensors

 

Purpose:                Develop wrist strength and endurance for punching

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EICi

2171

3

10

100 seconds

 

Section 1.2.3.1.1 – Pause Training and Super Slow Resistance Training Examples

 

Specific Example Considerations

Training Age:                                       3 years

Phase of Season:                  GPP

Purpose:                                                Develop strength and endurance for common sport movements and overcome strength training plateaus.

Frequency:                                            2 times/week

 

Example 1 – Abdominal Crunches on Ball

 

Purpose:                Develop static curl endurance for ground fighting

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

CIEi

2721

4

12

132 seconds

                               

Example 2 – Hand Stand Press against Wall

 

Purpose:                Develop absolute shoulder strength

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

CIEi

2631

3

5

55 seconds

 

Example 3 – Standard Bench Press

 

Purpose:                Develop pushing power endurance and absolute strength

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EICi

7162

3

5

70 seconds

                               

Example 4 – Dead Lifts

 

Purpose:                Develop absolute takedown strength

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EICi

8171

3

5

75 seconds

 

Section 1.3 – High Performance Power Training Methodology

 

Section 1.3.3.4 – Maximum Explosive Power Training

 

This style of training involves explosive movements usually performed at 30 – 45% RM at high speeds. Typically, explosive power training includes the follow through (e.g. explosive jumping or medicine ball throws). This is a critical training component for Submission Fighting and can involve a near infinite variety of exercises. Exercise design and the equipment required can be a problem due to the combination of weights and explosive movement. Here are a few examples of core maximum explosive power training activities that could be utilized by the Submission Fighter:

 

Maximum Explosive Power Training for Submission Fighting Examples

 

Specific Example Considerations

Training Age:                                       3 years

Phase of Season:                  SPP

Purpose:                                                Convert strength gains acquired during GPP phase into explosive functional power for combat.

Frequency:                                            2 – 3 times/week

 

Example 1 – Power Clean

 

Purpose:                Develop explosive lower body movement on the feet for takedowns, suplexes, and throws

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

CIEi

1122

3

5

20 seconds

                               

Example 2 – Jump Squat

 

Purpose:                Develop explosive lower body movement on the feet for takedowns and charges.

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EICi

2013

3

5

18 seconds

 

Section 3.3.3.5 – Functional Isometrics

 

Functional Isometrics involve a technique in which an isometric pause is imposed near the end of the concentric phase of a isotonic exercise. The concept (although presently unproven in scientific literature) being that an increase in force capabilities will be initiated at the end of the range of motion, where it is typically need most. Some examples of functional isometric exercises in Submission Fighting include the following

Functional Isometrics for Submission Fighting Examples

 

Specific Example Considerations

Training Age:                                       2 years

Phase of Season:                  GPP

Purpose:                                                Increase strength, particularly at the end of the range of motion in critical concentric exercises and sport movements.

Frequency:                                            1 - 2 times/week

 

Example 1 – Inverted Leg Press

 

Purpose:                Develop powerful lower body strength at the end of the range of motion for highly effective push kicks.

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EiCIi

21231

3

5

40 seconds

                               

Example 2 – Decline Dumbbell Press

 

Purpose:                Develop powerful punches to your opponent from the ‘high-mount’ position and maximize striking effectiveness.

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

CiiEI

23123

3

8

 64 seconds

 

Section 3.2.3.7 – Functional Plyometric Training for Power

 

Plyometric training helps Submission Fighters develop additional speed, power, and agility. Plyometric training takes advantage of the stretch –shorten cycle in muscles and can be trained scientifically to enhance performance. These exercises should be performed after a base level of strength has already been developed (Min. 12 month training age).  Some examples of Plyometrics that can be used by the Submission Fighter include:

 

Functional Plyometrics for Submission Fighting Examples

 

Specific Example Considerations

Training Age:                                       2 years

Phase of Season:                  SPP

Purpose:                                                Increase fighter power in core movements

Frequency:                                            2 - 3 times/week

 

Example 1 – Defensive Crouch Medicine Ball Single Arm Chest Push

 

Purpose:                Develop explosive counter punches from the semi-crouched defensive crouch position.

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EICI

1012

3

11

22 seconds

 

Example 2 – Lying Hip Buck and Roll

 

Purpose:                Increase the explosiveness of bucking off the back to ‘create space’.

 

Exercise Order

Exercise Tempo

Number of Sets

Number of Reps

Total Time Under Tension

EICi

1012

4

11

22 seconds


Section 3.4 – High Performance Speed Training Methodology for Submission Fighting

 

Speed training an important component of submission fighting. In particular the concept of quickness (the ability to accelerate and move rapidly) is of critical importance in a fight. The high velocities of a sprinter are unnecessary for the submission fighter, however the takeoff power of a sprinter can be extremely beneficial to the submission fighter. Activities in Submission Fighting that require quickness include striking and takedowns.

 

High Performance Speed Training for Submission Fighting Examples:

 

Activity 1 – Muay Thai Pad Punching Sprints

Drill Length:        3 minutes

Athletes wear bag gloves and face the coach. Using straight ‘left-right’ combinations, athlete’s punch repeatedly to the pads using good technique and full range of motion, focusing on speed, not necessarily power. Each sprint should last approximately 10 seconds, with at least 40 seconds to recover.

 

Activity 2 – Timed Grappling Agility Circuit

Drill Length:        3 minutes

Athletes begin drill in fighting stance. When the coach gives the signal athletes sprint forward 7 feet touch the floor, shuffle backwards 7 feet then sprawl. From the sprawl position athletes should rotate to four pint stance with back towards floor, cross leg under then back over on both sides, stand back up and sprint forward 7 feet to finish. Each participant will perform the circuit twice.

 

Activity 3 – Muay Thai Pad Knee Sprints

Drill Length:        3 minutes

Same as punching drill above but with alternating knee strikes.

 

Activity 4 – Duck Sprints

Drill Length: 3 minutes

Duck Sprints need to be performed on a padded floor. Athletes line up at end of mat then sprint using the duck walk technique to the end of the mat and back. Rest at least 40 seconds between sets for recovery.