Circuit Training for MMA

No other sport in the world requires as much strength and endurance as Mixed Martial Arts. MMA fighters must demonstrate different levels of speed and strength from multiple positions. Professional Mixed Martial Arts fights are three rounds with five minutes in each round. Anyone who has ever been into a fight knows that having the ability to fight for fithteen minutes requires tremendous endurance as well as a strong mental attitude. Circuit training can be an effective tool in for the fighter to use to train them for the demands of a championship fight. In Circuit training, athletes move through a series of exercises or drills with now rest between them. The exercises or drills can be adjusted according to the duration of the fight.

The key for a solid circuit training program is addressing your goals and the needs of your sport. In mixed martial arts, fighters need both isometric strength and dynamic strength. MMA athletes need to sustain a certain level of strength through the entire fight while still battling through fatigue. Dynamic movements such as punches, kicks, and takedowns play a big role in the fight. So make sure when setting up your program that you include sport specific exercises that mock these movements. The same case for isometric strength drills. In Brazilian Jiujutsu and wrestling, grapplers use isometric strength to hold an opponent down or to pin.

When preparing for a fight the number one goal is always conditioning. In-between fights its good to focus on building strength. All of the basic tried and true weightlifting exercises are great for this time. Squats, power cleans, deadlifts, heavy rows, and bench press are a good start. As the fight comes closer, the focus on strength is changed to conditioning. The athlete should focus on more specific fight drills. Takedowns drills, thai pad kicks, tire flips, mount escapes, planks, box jumps, rowing, hindu squats, pull ups, and jump rope are all great choices.

Every fight is different so the training should be diverse as well. Its hard to plateau with combat circuit training because of how flexible the workouts can be. Circuit training is one of the best ways for a fighter to prepare him or herself for the battle ahead. Using these concepts can help you achieve your fitness goals and will lead to to becoming victorious in your next martial arts competition.