Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Basics: Introductory Analysis of the Physical Requirements of a Mixed Martial Arts Fighter

 

Written By: John Cooper BBA, CSCS

 

Introduction to Mixed Martial Arts

 

This paper will look at the physical requirements of. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is an ancient sport, which goes by many names. It is sometimes referred to as Pankration, Freestyle Fighting, or Submission Fighting. As the last two names suggest, it is a combat sport that combines the elements of several martial arts. There are several different rule formats that fighters can compete under, and because the rebirth of this sport is still an ongoing process these rules are always subject to change. Each promoter has different rules for each event. These rule changes are usually quite minor, and there are several common rules that are always present. Basically Mixed Martial Arts combines several combat sports, the three biggest influences on Mixed Martial Arts have been Wrestling, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Mixed Martial Arts is a one on one combat sport that takes place in a boxing style ring or octagon shaped cage (plastic mesh fencing surrounds a wrestling mat). When discussing the rules of Mixed Martial Arts it is easier to discus what is NOT allowed. The following activities are typically banned in competition, virtually anything else is legal:

 

  • No Biting
  • No Eye Gouging
  • No Hair Pulling
  • No Groin Shots
  • No Small Joint Manipulations (Fingers, toes, & wrists)
  • No ‘Fish Hooking’ (pulling the mouth, nose, or ears)
  • No kicking opponent in the head if he/she is on the ground (i.e. one knee, hand, or elbow touching the mat)

 

Fights can be won the following ways:

 

  • By Submission. (i.e. One opponent taps the mats to surrender, usually due to a submission hold that will inflict damage if not surrendered)
  • By Knockout
  • By Referee Stoppage (TKO)
  • By Doctor Stoppage
  • By Judges Decision after time limit
  • By Corner throwing in the towel

 

Although it may seem that there are countless ways to win an MMA fight, history dictates that fights are most often won with a combination of wresting skills, submission skills and stand-up fighting skills. The physical requirements for Mixed Martial Arts typically mirror the requirements for wrestling. Because the sport of Mixed Martial Arts is so new (the sport is probably one of the oldest in the world, but its rebirth is new), much of the resources used to research the requirements will come from wrestling sources. The author of this paper has studied the sport of Mixed Martial Arts very extensively through personal observation & research and feels that the base physical requirements needed by a wrestler are almost identical to that of a Submission Fighter. It is estimated that 95% of Mixed Martial Arts matches are won with wrestling skills that have had striking and submissions incorporated into them. Virtually any ground oriented combat sports (Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Freestyle Wrestling, Greco-Roman Wrestling) are going to need similar bases with respect to physical conditioning.

 


Part 1 – Fitness Assessment

 

The Physical Requirements of a Submission Fighter

 

Unlike many other sports such as Tennis, & Golf, Mixed Martial Arts is a sport that calls upon your entire body to succeed. Ken Shamrock, one of North America’s first Mixed Martial Arts Superstars describes it in his book “Inside the Lion’s Den”:

 

Every part of a Submission Fighter’s body has to be in tune. He needs superb upper body strength for striking and grappling. Submission Fighters need extra power because they often go for control and submission holds on an opponent’s legs, which are bigger, stronger, and more difficult to control than arms. You have to be able to grip, lock, and load a sizeable limb whose owner is not always eager to go along with the program. While this takes muscle strength, you also need stamina….You have to be ready, ready for anything (1998).

 

Health Related Components

 

Flexibility – The range of motion available in a joint (Corbin, Lindsey, & Welk, 2000).

Importance Rating: 4

 

According to the Canadian Amateur Wrestling association, flexibility training is a critical component of any successful wrestling program (1986). Mixed Martial Arts is no different, if not even more important. Flexibility training reduces injury potential while executing the ballistic body movements of Mixed Martial Arts. In addition to the ground movement flexibility requirements, the threat of submission holds designed to put joints out of their natural range of motion requires superb flexibility. Flexibility in the joints can provide a Submission Fighter with an extra second to attempt a submission escape; this could mean the difference between a win and a loss. Dan Gable, one of the most respected wrestling coaches in the world states that flexibility, although often overlooked, is a ‘powerful bonus to any wrestler’ (1999). Gable argues that one of the hardest wrestlers to beat are the ones with great flexibility, and that flexibility rates right along side the important ingredients if a successful wrestler (1999). Because of the nature of Mixed Martial Arts no distinction is made between upper body & lower body flexibility. Successful fighters need flexibility from top to bottom.

 

Muscular Strength – The ability of the muscles to exert an external force or to lift a heavy weight (Corbin, Lindsey, & Welk, 2000).

 

Upper Body

Importance Rating: 5

 

As mentioned in the introduction by Ken Shamrock, upper body strength is extremely important for success as a Submission Fighter (1998). In Mixed Martial Arts upper body strength is needed for striking, grappling, and submission holds. Dan Gable states “Strength is another area that is vital for success” (1999).

 

Core

Importance Rating: 5

 

According to Ken Shamrock “a strong abdomen is absolutely critical to one’s ability to fight long & hard” (1998). The abdomen is basically the hinge that connects the upper & lower body. You need the base of your abdomen to maintain both upper and lower body strength. If your abdominal strength were to fail, it wouldn’t matter how strong your legs and arms were.

 

Lower Body

Importance Rating: 5

 

Legs provide Submission Fighters with their mobility. Leg Strength is extremely important for takedowns, kicks, and opponent control. In Ken Shamrock’s conditioning program for his fighters, lower leg strength is the first thing he stresses with his students (1999). Strong legs put more power in kicks, and provide the strength needed to shoot in and take an opponent down to the mat. Once on the mat, legs provide the power on the ground to turn and control an opponent (Shamrock, 1998).

 

Muscular Endurance – The ability of the muscles to repeatedly exert themselves (Corbin, Lindsey, & Welk, 2000).

 

Upper Body

Importance Rating: 4

 

Upper body endurance can be extremely important or not as important depending on the fighter’s strategy. The fighter who relies on striking power to win fights requires more upper body endurance. These fighters tend to have more skill standing up and thus must have the endurance to last should they succeed in maintaining a stand-up fight. For the fighter who relies on more of a ground fighting/wrestling strategy, the upper body endurance is not as important as some of the other areas. However, as noted in the rating, this cannot be overlooked. A stand-up fighter with a solid takedown defense can maintain a stand-up fight, and if the ground fighter is incapable of defending himself while standing due to fatigue its ‘lights out’.

 

Core

Importance Rating: 5

 

Core muscle endurance is a critical component in Mixed Martial Arts. As mentioned in the core strength section above, the core acts as the hinge to connect the upper and lower bodies, it also acts as a stabilizing foundation from which all actions originate. Whether the fighter is boxing, wrestling, or taking hits, the abdomen needs to be calloused to the exhaustive work it will most definitely endure in a fight.

 

Lower Body

Importance Rating: 5

 

Just as critical as the core, the lower legs also act as a foundation for other activities, even if the fight goes to the ground, the legs will be a prime source of movement and opponent control. Ken Shamrock states that “your legs give you the stamina to outlast the man you are fighting. In Mixed Martial Arts your legs are your foundation. If you don’t have a strong foundation, the house is shaky” (1999). Ken Shamrocks fighters reportedly perform over 500 squats in a row daily (Shamrock, 1999).

 

Cardiovascular Conditioning – The ability of the heart, blood vessels, blood, and respiratory system to supply fuel and oxygen to the muscles and the ability of the muscles to utilize fuel to allow sustained activity (Corbin, Lindsey, & Welk, 2000).

 

Aerobic

Importance Rating: 4.5

 

According t the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Associating, the aerobic system is considered the basis of all athletic conditioning (1987). The association argues that aerobic fitness provides a base to attain higher levels in all other sport specific activities, allowing the athlete to achieve higher levels of performance. A highly developed aerobic system also puts less strain on the anaerobic system during a fight due to the increased efficiency of the cardiovascular system. More fights are lost in the final minutes of the late rounds due to conditioning than any other factors (Gable, 1999). As Frank Shamrock always says “Fatigue makes cowards out of men”. Losses due to a poorly conditioned aerobic system are so common that the fight world has created a name for it, “gassing out”. Referring to the fighter running out of energy in the middle of a fight and subsequently losing. In the fight world, losing a fight to a better opponent is noble, however, losing a fight because you got tired is simply a lack of preparation and inadequate conditioning.

 

Anaerobic

Importance Rating: 5

 

If we estimate that aerobic conditioning makes up about 30% of  ground fighting (Greenberg, 2000), then anaerobic conditioning must comprise the remaining 70%. For Mixed Martial Arts these percentages can easily vary from match to match.  It is safe to say that Mixed Martial Arts is primarily an anaerobic sport. Explosiveness is constant. Remember, the point if this sport is to inflict or threaten damage to your opponent. Athletes have to be fast and furious to avoid punishment. In the early days of Mixed Martial Arts, ground fighters used stalling techniques to tire opponents and then execute a submission hold on their exhausted opponent. That was before the onset of time limits and fighters that trained specifically for Mixed Martial Arts. The new sport is now faster than ever before. Like in a boxing match, fighters are setting up submissions with submissions and constantly exploding at their opponent to create openings to finish fights. The sport is anaerobically exhausting. Most newcomers to the sport are completely finished within 2 minutes of a match. Fighters are transitioning from arm bar attempts (designed to hyperextend the elbow), to knock out punches, from knock out punches to explosive double leg takedowns, then trying to knee you in the head. The sport requires an athlete to explode repeatedly throughout the fight.

 

Body Composition – The relative percentage of muscle, fat, bone, and other tissues that comprise the body (Corbin, Lindsey, & Welk, 2000).

Importance Rating: 4.25

 

Because the sport is weight class driven body composition is an important factor. Although the weight classes are not as tight as they are in wrestling & boxing, they do exist. In the evolutionary stages of the sport in the early 1990’s there were no weight classes, but the increasing skill of fighters has forced all organizations to implement weight classes. A low body fat (<15%) is desired. If a fighter can enter his respective weight class at the top of the bracket with a high lean body mass he will be more efficient than a comparable fighter with a high fat mass. Muscle produces power, whereas fat is only a fuel source that provides a small amount of protection. Muscle provides protection and power.

 

Skill Related Components

 

Agility – “The ability to rapidly and accurately change the direction of the movement of the entire body in space” (Corbin, Lindsey, & Welk, 2000).

Importance Rating: 4

 

The only movement restrictions in Mixed Martial Arts are that you stay within the boundary of the ring. You need to be able to move within the ring and change direction as the fight progresses, however, because of the small space within which the fight occurs, the movement of the body is small. Also, the defensive strategy of running from your opponent does not go over well with the judges, typically fighters square off and attack each other. Agility is important but it is not as critical as some of the other skill related components.

 

Balance – “The maintenance of equilibrium while stationary or while moving” (Corbin, Lindsey, & Welk, 2000).

Importance Rating: 4

 

Dynamic balance is very important, particularly in the ground-fighting realm of Mixed Martial Arts. You need to have good feeling for your body in space as you execute throwing moves and evade moves. A well-balanced fighter is able to more aptly centre his body weight on his opponent to increase the workload of the downed opponent.

 

Coordination – The ability to use the senses with the body parts to perform motor tasks smoothly and accurately (Corbin, Lindsey, & Welk, 2000).

Importance Rating: 4.75

 

Coordination, particularly for the Submission Fighter is a very important aspect of a successful fighter. Top level Submission Fighters have an extremely large arsenal of submission holds in their head. These moves need to be smoothly applied during a fight flawlessly. Accuracy is also very important. In ground fighting and submission holds, the difference of an inch can often be all that is needed for a fight ending submission attempt to succeed or fail. These techniques need to be executed with precision, particularly in the fighters of today as the education of each fighter’s submission holds is increased.

 

Reaction Time – The time elapsed between stimulation and the beginning of reaction to that stimulation (Corbin, Lindsey, & Welk, 2000).

Importance Rating: 4.75

 

Reaction Time is important in Mixed Martial Arts for several reasons. When an opponent shoots in to take a fighter to the ground he has to sprawl to avoid ending up in the bottom position. When an opponent throws a powerful punch the fighter has to react & avoid it. When a submission lock is attempted the fighter only has a split second to secure the hold, and the opponent has only a second to react to the attempt. Responding to the countless and relentless stimuli of a full contact fight is a critical component for success in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts.

 

Speed – The ability to perform a movement in a short period of time (Corbin, Lindsey, & Welk, 2000).

Importance Rating: 5

 

The ability to move in a short period of tine is definitely a critical component of Mixed Martial Arts. Takedown attempts need to be fast. Punching & kicking needs to be lightning fast to be effective. In Mixed Martial Arts your opponent is ready and prepared to be hit, this means that you have to be quick enough to make contact before they have an opportunity to react.

 

Power – The ability to transfer energy into force at a fast rate (Corbin, Lindsey, & Welk, 2000).

Importance Rating: 5

 

The Power component of Mixed Martial Arts combines the elements of speed & strength. A quick look at any Mixed Martial Arts competition and you would see the incredible muscle mass of the fighters. The successful fighters are the ones that can translate their well developed strength into highly explosive movements, whether it be a knock out punch or an explosive takedown. If a fighter cannot put his strength to work in the fast action of a fight his muscle is of little use if his opponent can.

 

Mixed Martial Arts Fitness Tests Summary

 

Based on the aforementioned requirements for success in Mixed Martial Arts, a brief summary of tests that could be used to evaluate fighters has been included. Some of these tests include the following:

 

Isotonic Muscle Strength

 

Bench Press Test

 

The bench press test is a valid way of measuring arm extension in a push movement. This motion is used in punching, and in wrestling to control opponents either offensively or defensively. Quite simply the participant lies in the supine position on a bench and performs a barbell bench press. The highest weight lifted is recorded The score are calculated by dividing the participants body weight into any additional weight successfully completed in the test (Johnson & Nelson, 1979).

 

Squat Test

 

The Squat Test can be used to measure absolute strength in the lower limbs (Johnson & Nelson, 1979). Leg strength is important to evaluate because the lower leg strength need for takedowns & leg contact during a submission fight. The test is performed by the participant executing an Olympic Style squat and recording the maximum weight successfully lifted.

 

Measurements of Muscle Endurance

 

Dynamic Curl-up Test

 

The Curl-Up test is a valid test for Mixed Martial Arts. As discussed earlier, core muscle endurance is a very critical component of a successful Submission Fighter and the curl-up test is a reliable mechanism of measure (Corbin, Lindsay, & Welk, 2000).

 

Ninety-Degree Push-up Test

 

Upper body muscle endurance is important for the Submission Fighter for activities such as boxing and ground fighting. The Ninety Degree push up is a reliable method of evaluating upper body muscle endurance. However, the scale might need to be adjusted. Any Submission Fighter would easily reach the high performance level.

 

Cardiovascular Tests

 

Aerobic

 

2400 metre  Run

 

A timed 2400 m run reliably measures aerobic cardiovascular fitness. This test is easy to administer and requires only a measured track & a stopwatch. The quicker the athlete runs 2400m, the better the aerobic fitness. A time of 7.5 – 8 minutes indicates an excellent score.

 

Anaerobic

 

200m Sprint Test

 

A timed 200m sprint will evaluate the anaerobic abilities of a Submission Fighter. The quicker the time, the better the anaerobic fitness. This test gives the evaluator insight into the athlete’s speed.  A 200m sprint is timed and recorded, the quicker the time, the better the athletes’ anaerobic fitness.

 

Agility

 

Burpee Test or Squat Thrust Test

 

The Burpee Test measures the rapidity by which body position can be changed. This is a great test to measure a critical component of Mixed Martial Arts, the ability to change body position up & down, and the ‘sprawl’. The test is performed by executing a burpee, the burpee is evaluated in a 10 second duration, with points being deducted for improper technique.

 

Speed

 

30m Sprint Test

 

The 30 metre sprint tests an athletes leg speed. This is great test for a Submission Fighter given the anaerobic demands of the sport and the necessity for explosively fast lower leg movement (e.g.,: takedowns, ground movement, leg kicks). The athlete runs as fast as possible for 30 metes and the time is recorded, the quicker the time the better the athletes speed.

 

Power

 

Vertical Jump Test

 

Explosive leg power is key in Mixed Martial Arts. If your opponent is a kick boxer by trade and is attempting to take your head off with a flying spin kick, your ability to ‘shoot in’ and take him off his feet can be critical. The Vertical Jump Test is a good measure of explosive leg power, and is very easy to perform. The athlete’s vertical reach is measured; a vertical jump is performed as the athlete reaches as high as possible. The distance is the difference between the reach height and the jump height.

 


Part 2 – Sport Specific Training Exercises

 

Scientific Training Principles

 

Fitness Target Zone Principle

 

The target zone principle is based on the premise that each aspect of fitness (e.g. Cardiovascular Conditioning, & Strength) has its own minimum threshold of training, and upper limit of diminishing margin of return. For example in Mixed Martial Arts, the anaerobic energy system needs to be trained, in order to have a training effect on the anaerobic system we must get the athletes heart rate beyond the 90% MHR, and this type of training need to be performed at least 3 days per week. Anything below this will not improve anaerobic fitness. If the athlete trained the anaerobic energy system 6 days a week, it could potentially have a negative effect and cause damage due to over training. Thus the target-training zone for a Fighter to train their anaerobic system would lie between 3 & 4 days a week with a heart rate between 90-100% of their maximum.

 

Overload Principle

 

The overload principle states that in order to improve ones level of fitness an individual must work at a level beyond what they are normally accustomed to. For example in Mixed Martial Arts if an athlete wanted to increase the flexibility in their Hamstrings, they would have to increase the range of motion typically executed when stretching in addition to performing the stretch more regularly. By overloading the stretch normally encountered by the muscle it will physiologically adapt to its new demand and a subsequent increase in flexibility will result.

 

Specificity Principle

 

In order to make fitness improvements in specific areas, training program design must specifically target the areas identified for improvement. For example if one of a Submission Fighter’s goals was to increase the speed of his punches, sprint training to increase his leg speed, would not target the area identified in his goals. Training exercises such as Plyometric Push-ups or Heavy Bag sprinting, that targeted the punching movements with speed exercises would be using the Specificity Principle to scientifically achieve training improvements.

 

Progression Principle

 

Training must use scientific approach that gradually introduces the athlete to greater demands. By gradually increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of exercise, we minimize injuries while safely maximizing the gains made towards the achievement of the athlete’s goals. For example, a Submission Fighter that wanted to increase his stamina while fighting could begin by wrestling under medium resistance for 5 minute rounds, twice a week, for 3 weeks, once this became easier to maintain we could increase the length of the round to 7 minutes, then 9 minutes, and so one. By gradually increasing the length of the round, or frequency per week, or intensity of the exercise we can insure that gains are being made and our athlete is minimizing the risks of injury associated with over training.

 

F.I.T.T. Principle

 

The F.I.T.T. Principle refers to the Frequency (how often), Intensity (how hard), Time (How Long), and Type (What Exercise). These factors can be manipulated to achieve the desired training goals. For example, the Submission Fighter that wanted to increase his Fitness conditioning could follow the following work schedule:

 


F.I.T.T.  Prescription applied to Fitness Plan

 

 Cardio Fitness                     Muscle Fitness                                    Flexibility                              Anaerobic

Week

F

I

T

F

I

T

F

I

T

F

I

T

1-4

3x/wk

70% MHR = 137 bpm

25 min.

3x/wk

75% 1RM

2sets 12 reps  45sec rest

4-6 x/wk.

Na

2 sets 15on 15off

3x/ wk

85% MHR

5-2 min rds.

4-8

4x/wk

75% MHR = 147 bpm

30 min.

3x/wk

80% 1RM

2sets

10 reps 60sec rest

4-6 x/wk

Na

2 sets 20on 20off

 

3x/ wk

95% MHR

5-4 min rds.

8-12

5x/wk

80% MHR = 156 bpm

35 min.

3x/wk

85% 1RM

3sets

8 reps 90sec rest.

4-6 x/wk

Na

3 sets 20on 20off

3x/ wk

100% MHR

5-5 min rrds.

12-16

5x/wk

85% MHR = 167 bpm

40 min.

3x/wk

90% 1RM

4sets 6 reps 120 sec rest

4-6 x/wk

Na

 

3 sets 25 on 25off

3x/ wk

100% MHR

5-7 min rds

 

Cardiovascular Training Activities for Mixed Martial Arts

 

According to Micah Nathan, NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist & Trainer for UFC Middle Weight Mixed Martial Arts Champion, Frank Shamrock, Mixed Martial Arts is a sport that involves both a controlled pace and explosive speed & power. Because of this unique combination, proper endurance training is essential. Micah states that it is not just enough to wrestle or spar for conditioning. The athlete must maintain the heart rate at the desired levels to train either aerobically or anaerobically. Mixed Martial Arts requires both systems for sustained energy and the ability to move with explosive speed & power. Mixed Martial Arts, like wrestling, is primarily an anaerobic sport, however by increasing the conditioning of the aerobic system we put less stress on the anaerobic system, allowing higher levels of performance to be achieved (Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association, 1987).

 

The following cardiovascular training activities are good examples of how a Submission Fighter could improve their cardiovascular system:

 

Aerobic Training

 

Aerobic activity involves the energy system where the heart rate is maintained at a level that allows the utilization of oxygen in its metabolism of glycogen (the stored form of carbohydrates). Typically this involves activities that maintain the heart rate at approximately 55-90% of the athlete’s maximum heart rate. All cardiovascular activities should maintain the heart rate at the appropriate levels for at least 20 minutes and progressively increase in duration. These activities should be performed at least 3 times per week to a maximum of 6 days per week, to allow for recovery. A solid aerobic base will be extremely advantageous for the high intensity training required from a Submission Fighter. Some effective activities for Submission Fighters to increase their aerobic conditioning are:

 

Jumping Rope

 

Jumping Rope is a great way for the Submission Fighter to develop their aerobic condition while simultaneously improving their foot speed. Skipping should be maintained at a moderate level that maintains the heart rate within the 50-90% MHR zone.

 

Running, Cycling, & Swimming

 

These forms of aerobic training provide the Submission Fighter with a variety of activities that can be performed at any time with a minimal amount of equipment & skill required.

 

Mixed Martial Arts Circuit Training

 

In the combative area, a series of stations can be set-up, with a different sport movement being performed at each station. Here is an example of a Basic Mixed Martial Arts Aerobic Circuit:

 

Station 1 – Leap Frog Drill

Station 2 – Jump Squats

Station 3 – jumping Jacks

Station 4 – Shadow Boxing

Station 5 – Burpees

Station 6 – Rest & Hydration

Station 7 - Stair Climbing

Station 8 – Grizzly Bear Lunges

Station 10 – Star Bursts

 

Heavy Bag Training

 

Submission Fighters need to know how to Box. Working out on a heavy bag is great way to work on boxing skills while training aerobically. Fighters can freestyle on the bag using punching & kicking combination for 5-minute rounds with a 1-minute rest period for 5 rounds. Gradually increase the length of the rounds and/or the number of rounds.

 

Medium Resistance Wrestling

 

Fighters can develop their aerobic system and practice wrestling by working with a partner and wrestling with medium resistance. This involves flowing with your partner, giving up submission holds, escaping the holds, changing positions, and reversing your opponent. The key here is that the wrestlers do not get too involved and begin to wrestle with full resistance. A moderate pace should be maintained. Start with 2, 10-minute rounds, and work up to 4, 10-minute rounds, switching partners each round, to keep it interesting.

 

Anaerobic Conditioning

 

Anaerobic conditioning refers to the maximal amount of energy that can be produced in the first 30-90 seconds of an all out effort. The anaerobic system is utilized when the heart rate reaches levels beyond 90% MHR. At this point oxygen is no longer utilized in the metabolism of energy (Canadian Amateur Coaching Association, 1987). Lactic Acid is produced during the energy metabolism; this acid is a major limiting factor while training anaerobically. The acid causes the muscles to fatigue. Anaerobic training trains the muscles to tolerate and eliminate these high levels of lactic acid, increasing the fighter’s ability to maintain high intensity activity. In Mixed Martial Arts, an ability to maintain these explosive bursts of activity are paramount for success. The optimal way to train the anaerobic system is with high intensity intervals; with adequate amounts of rest interspersed between the high intensity bursts. This style of training should elevate the heart rate to near 100% MHR (Maximal Effort) and use a work to rest ratio of 1:1 to 1:5 (Canadian amateur Wrestling Association, 1987). The rest periods should be spent moving slowly, not simply laying down or standing still. By moving slowly the body will rid itself f the lactic acid that had accumulated. Lactic Acid inhibits maximum performance. Anaerobic training activities should be performed at least 3 times per week, to a maximum of 4 times per week. Gradually increase the number of intervals and decrease the rest time (to a minimum work to rest ratio of 1:1). Some activities that will help the Submission Fighter train the anaerobic system include:

 

Sprinting Interval Training

 

Sprinting interval training is an extremely efficient way of developing anaerobic conditioning in a Submission Fighter. This can be executed in a variety of ways. Typically athletes would perform interval training on a track or a field, and they would sprint as hard as they can for 30 seconds, and then take a minute rest (2:1 rest to work ratio). This could be performed for at least 10 times. The duration of the sprint can be gradually increased to a max of 90 seconds, with a subsequent increase in the resting time to maintain the 2:1 ratio. As athletes progress a 1:1 ratio could be attempted. Another easy way for athletes to train this way on their own time is to incorporate sprinting sessions into their aerobic activities. So if an athlete jogs he can sprint for a short distance while maintaining a run while recovering. A timer can be used or telephone poles also make a great marker (e.g., sprint for 3 telephone poles, run for 8).

 

Heavy Bag Sprint Intervals

 

Another very effective method for training anaerobically that incorporates some boxing practice is to have athletes execute punching sprints on a heavy bag. This drill can be executed with partner. One partner holds the bag steady while the other punches the bag repeatedly for 30 seconds, as fast as possible. Once the 30 seconds is up they switch roles. Variations can be added by incorporating kicking sprints. These Heavy Bag Sprints are extremely exhausting. A variation of this exercise is to incorporate 20 second punching or kicking sprints into a freestyle heavy bag round. So as the athletes are performing their heavy bag work, they have to punch as fast and as they can when the whistle is blown and continue until it is blown again 20 seconds later. This drill also has a positive effect on speed development

 

High Intensity Skipping Sprints

 

This method is fairly self explanatory, basically its skipping with a jump rope but going very fast and very high for short burst and adequate rest (i.e. 2:1 rest to work ratio). Not only does this build the anaerobic capacity of the athlete, but also helps with coordination, power, & speed.

 

Anaerobic Circuit Training

 

A great way to train the anaerobic system and incorporate the entire body is to design anaerobic circuits. Because Mixed Martial Arts demands movement from the body in its entirety these circuits are an excellent ‘all in one’ form of anaerobic training. Basically a series of exercises are performed in short bursts in succession with a brief rest period in between. For example:

 

  1. Jump Squats – 30 seconds
  2. Rest – 30 seconds
  3. Plyometric Push Ups
  4. Rest – 30 seconds
  5. Burpees – 30 seconds
  6. Rest – 30 seconds
  7. Crunches
  8. Rest – 30 seconds
  9. Step-Ups – 30 seconds
  10. Rest – 30 seconds
  11. Alpine Steps – 30 seconds
  12. Rest – 30 seconds
  13. Jump Rope

 

High Intensity Full Resistance Free Flow Wrestling

 

This exercise is obviously very sport specific. Athletes get in partners and wrestle under full resistance for a 1-minute round. No stalling is allowed, and if a submission hold is executed, the partner immediately lets go of it and the sparring continues. Participants are encouraged to maintain movement, and refrain from positions that allow either participant to rest. Once the round is complete a 1–minute rest is provided while partners are switched.

 


References

 

Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association. (1987). Wrestling: Level 1 Coaching Certification. Edmonton, Alberta: Barry, J.

 

Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association. (1987). Wrestling: Level 2 Coaching Certification. Edmonton, Alberta: Barry, J.

 

Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association. (1987). Wrestling: Level 3 Coaching Certification. Edmonton, Alberta: Barry, J.

 

Carson, R.F., Patterson, B.R. (1972). Principles of Championship Wrestling. Cranbury, New Jersey: A.S. Barnes and Co., Inc.

 

Corbin, C.B., Lindsey, R., Welk, G. (2000). Concepts of Physical Fitness (10th Ed.). Burr Ridge, Illinois: Mc Graw Hill.

 

Gable, D. (1999). Coaching Wrestling Successfully. Windsor, Ontario: Human Kinetics.

 

Greenberg, J.S., Dintiman, G.B., Oakes, B.M., Kossuth, J.D., Morrow, D. (2000) Physical Fitness & Wellness (Canadian Edition) Scarborough, On: Prentice Hall.

 

Jesse, J. (1974). Wrestling: Physical Conditioning Encyclopedia. Pasadena, California: Athletic Press.

 

Johnson, D.A. (1991). Wrestling Drill Book. Champaign, Illinois: Leisure Press.

 

Martell, W.A. (1993). Greco-Roman Wrestling. Windsor Ontario: Human Kinetics Publishers.

 

Shamrock, K. (1998). Inside the Lion’s Den: The life & Mixed Martial Arts system of Ken Shamrock. Rutland, Vermont: Charles E. Tuttle Co. Inc.