I spent the last few years training tons of fighters, but I always knew I was missing something. We’ve had great success preparing fighters to step into the cage, but I needed a greater understanding of combat sports. About a month ago I started my journey into BJJ. I’m training at Fenix Brazilian jujitsu under Raphael … Read More
Training MMA Fighters
5 Mistakes Coaches Make When Training Fighters
It’s been awhile since I’ve written. Life has gotten (even more) crazy, but it’s no excuse. I’ve been spending a ton of time writing training programs, looking back at old training programs and researching new ways to improve the performance of my athletes. Today I’m going to share with you what I believe are the biggest … Read More
Armor Building 101
Armor building is a term I first heard from Dan John. In case you you haven’t heard of him, he’s kind of a big deal. Dan is a seasoned coach and he’s made some amazing contributions to the strength and conditioning community. Here is Dan’s article on armor building. I suggest you read it! http://www.t-nation.com/training/armor-building … Read More
Spend Your Time Wisely
Your time is limited. Spend your time wisely. Fighters need it all. Strength Strength Endurance Power Mobility Flexibility Alactic conditioning Lactic Conditioning Aerobic conditioning Grip strength Core work On top of everything listed above, you CANNOT forget about all of the skill work fighters should/need to be doing at their MMA gyms! Before, I continue, lets … Read More
Circuit Training with a Purpose
To be honest, I’ve never really been a big fan of circuit training. Sure, it has its place, but if you are simply picking 5-6 exercises and performing them in a :30 on, :30 off fashion, you’re probably missing the boat. Will you be tired if you exercise this way? Yes, you will. If you … Read More
MMA Strength and Conditioning Gear
Over the last few years, I’ve experimented with hundreds of drills, tried various types of equipment and spent hours researching the best ways to condition my fighters. When I look back through my programming, I see a pattern. There are a handful of tools that I always use with my fighters. There’s a ton of … Read More
Linear Squat Program for Strength and Hypertrophy
Do you want to gain some serious lower body strength? If yes, keep reading and do this program. Do you want to put some extra muscle on your lower body? If yes, keep reading and do this program. Are you currently 4-6 weeks out from a fight? If yes, don’t do this program. If no, … Read More
The Kettlebell Swing for MMA Strength and Conditioning
Kettlebells are a popular tool for strength and conditioning for MMA. The exercises that athletes can perform with kettlebells are limitless. However, if you know me at all or have been reading my blog, you know that I like to keep things simple. You likely know that the two-handed swing is excellent for developing the … Read More
3 Isometric Exercises You Should Be Doing
For the most part, my training is pretty boring. It’s simple, basic and principle-based. Very rarely will you see me inventing “new exercises that crush your delts” or “5 new ways to increase your internal hip rotation and stabilize your fibular head AT THE SAME TIME!” It’s not that I don’t like new things or … Read More
5 Conditioning Mistakes in MMA
At this point in my career, I can confidently say that I’ve worked with some pretty high level athletes. It seems that 11 years of working 60+ hours a week will get you some experience! Over the last 2.5 years, I have worked with more than 20 professional mixed martial artists. I have attended numerous … Read More