Elements of an MMA Workout by Luke Schollmeyer
Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is one of the toughest, most intense sports around, requiring combatants to be at their peak fitness level and must have all-around strength, agility, and skill in order to be competitive. So, how exactly does one design a quality MMA workout?
Firstly, simply getting stronger is in order, which means basic strength training, preferrably with multi-joint exercises like squats, deadlifts, cleans, rows and push-presses. Heavy squats and deadlifts are some of the best leg and full-body exercises that a mixed martial arts fighter can do. It will build overall body strength and give you tremendous power. You should vary your routines. Some days heavy (1-3 reps with 10-15 sets or the classic 5x5), other days, higher repetition and lower sets. Squats give you the strength and speed for takedowns, kicking, and explosive techniques. Deadlifts develop your overall pulling power, core and grip strength.
Cleans and push-presses are the overall explosive exercises. Perform them together (a clean and press) with dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells and sandbags for arguably the very best single resistence exercise you could do to help develop your punching, pushing and driving power.
Plyometrics
Plyometric training involves practicing plyometric movements to toughen tissues and train nerve cells to stimulate a specific pattern of muscle contraction so the muscle generates as strong a contraction as possible in the shortest amount of time. A plyometric contraction involves first a rapid muscle lengthening movement, followed by a short resting phase, then an explosive muscle shortening movement, which enables the muscles that work together in doing the particular motion. Plyometric training engages the myostatic-reflex, which is the automatic contraction of muscle when their stretch nerve receptors are stimulated.
Plyometric exercises use explosive movements to develop muscular power, the ability to generate a large amount of force quickly. Plyometric training acts on the nerves, muscles, and tendons to increase an athlete's power output without necessarily increasing their maximum strength.
Standing vertical jumps or box jumps are example lower body plyometric exercises. Explosive push-ups (pushups with a clap, for example) and throwing a medicine ball up to 10-ft. target on the wall are good upper-body examples. Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise increases general fitness. Anaerobic exercise however, is also critical to top performance in the MMA fight because anaerobic preparation will allow you to avoid muscle tiring, or more importantly, work through fatigue. Muscle fatigue occurs when too much lactic acid builds up in the muscles. Outlasting your opponents means you must build up a tolerance for this natural occurrence. Circuits, complexes or sprints will broaden your lactic threshold. Sample MMA Workout Routine
As you can see, you will need to have a varied protocal for putting together a quality MMA workout. You will need to perform both strength resistance work along with plyometric and aerobic training as well.
The following is the weight routine made popular by Team Quest a la Randy Couture. It is an example of a "complex" and is an example of functional strength training and a good cardio workout as well.
Here it is:
Bent rows x 8 Upright rows x 8 Military press x 8 Good morning x 8 Lunges x 8 (each leg) Squat push press x 8 (squat, then perform a push-press) Deadlift x 8
The trick is that you use one bar, not changing the weight, but never stopping during the set. Rest 1 minute between each set. Perform 3-5 sets. Try starting out with a 95-lbs. loaded Olympic bar and see how it goes. Sounds light, doesn't it? Try it and tell me how you fared.
Want to boost your chances in the ring, cage or mat? Want to ensure you have gas in the tank when you need it? Don't leave your conditioning to chance with questionable MMA workouts.
Turbo charge your conditioning with a blend of old school techniques put together with cutting edge science and battle-tested experience.
Check out our free MMA workouts for you to try.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Elements-of-an-MMA-Workout/483477

MMA Fight Gear for Fighters and for Fans by Phoenix Delray
Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA gear, has become just as popular with fans as the fighters that wear it have. The Mixed Martial Arts is a series of sports that is derived from a mixture of different fighting techniques and martial arts. The full contact combat that ensues is regulated by rules, but less rules than most other sports. Ever since its inception, it has been criticized and protested against by many different people because of its brutality, and people had claimed for a long time that what went on with the fighting was inhumane and much too violent. Back then, there were no rules at all.
Even though other related sports do not allow things like grappling and striking, the MMA does, which incidentally is one of the reasons that many fans like it all so much. Both non traditional and traditional techniques are allowed and used, and thanks to the little bit of MMA gear that the fighters wear, it seems to be the right balance between power and action, with a little bit of safety thrown in for fun. The Ultimate Fighting Championship was established in 1993, and is now the largest promoters of Mixed Martial Arts today.
The original intention of the UFC was to find the best fighters with the best moves that would be used under unarmed combat situations, which is why there were so few rules and regulations. In comparison to how it was when it began, there are now many more rules to increase safety. The whole reason for this is to gain more public acceptance so that the fan base would grow.
Although there is not a lot of MMA gear that is worn during the fights, the little bit that is worn is to protect the fighters and to prevent injuries. Not only that, but having the fighters wearing it all does promote safety to the fans as well. There are shorts, gloves, helmets, and mouth guards that are used, but that is about it. There are no shoes that are worn or allowed, and no footwear of any kind, for that matter. Although the fighters are not allowed to wear much during competitions, there are many different styles of clothing and apparel that have been made for fans to wear. Fans love the MMA gear because it shows support for the sport and for their favorite fighter as well. The gloves that are worn are very popular, because they dont restrict flexibility and they dont hinder good grip. They come in two different styles, open palm and closed palm. There are different thicknesses and weights for the gloves too, and they promote dexterity as well.
Mouth guards and focus mitts are two other important pieces of MMA gear that fighters rely on for their protection. The focus mitt is used in training to improve accuracy with hitting and timing along with coordination. They are curved to fit the hands well to prevent cramps and fatigue. The mouth guards do more than just protect the teeth from being knocked out; they protect the head from injury, too. Many people do not think about the teeth being a part of the head, and by protecting the lower part of the head (teeth) they are protecting themselves against potentially serious head injuries. Whether MMA gear is used for fighting or for fun, there is no question about its popularity.
For more information on MMA Gear, please visit our website.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/MMA-Fight-Gear-for-Fighters-and-for-Fans/581770

Why You Want to Own an MMA Shirt by Paul B
Not long ago, there weren�"'""t many T-Shirt options available (save Tapout) for casual MMA fans and enthusiasts. Chances were if you wanted to own a shirt with your favorite fighter on it, you were simply out of luck if it wasn�"'""t one of a small handful of top tier UFC fighters.
Luckily for the of MMA fans out there times have changed. If you see a fighter on television, there�"'""s a good possibility that they have a signature shirt with a reputable MMA brand name attached to it.
Why you need to own an MMA Shirt:Having a tee with your favorite fighter on the front is incontestably cool. And if you truly support a fighter; you�"'""ll wear it during his or her fights to cheer them on. But the best part is that many times you are also helping to support their training since many brand names offer fighters a cut of their merchandising sales.
What if I don�"'""t want a Fighter Shirt?Don�"'""t worry because there are many, many MMA shirts out there that are not fighter specific. In fact, some of the larger Mixed Martial Art retailers�"'"" stock well over 20 brands of MMA related t-shirts many of which are not related to a particular fighter.
How you can purchase an MMA Shirt:Purchasing an MMA shirt is very simple. You can either go to a mall with an MMA Shop store front or make your purchase online. I favor and highly recommend shopping online for the reason that you can often find a much wider variety at a much cheaper price. If you shop at a brick and mortar retailer you�"'""re often restricted to a small selection of shirts from only a handful of brands. If you make the right choice and purchase online, I suggest you shop with MMA Overload for your next order of MMA Shirts as they have the widest selection, competitive prices, and are very trustworthy.
Written by Paul Bradish
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Why-You-Want-to-Own-an-MMA-Shirt/589395

5 Simple Ways To Intensify Your MMA Conditioning by Luke Schollmeyer
If you're an MMA fighter or grappler, you need more than just "typical" stuff that passes for conditioning these days. To prepare yourself with the cardiovascular endurance that grinds your opponent down and strength, even at the end of the last round, that can always be called upon, you need need to train with loaded movements and sand bags and kettlebells are some of the best ways are to perform these kinds of movements.
But why these two tools? For one, loaded movements improve your overall conditioning, but in a way where you are simulating primary movements in your sport. Lifting and moving "odd objects" through force is like moving your opponent. Second, by lifting in "rounds" (just like in your competitions), you can work to improve your lactic threshold.
Certainly, stairs, sprints and jumping rope are great for general conditioning and are a part of your overall workout, but little matches the conditioning you get with loaded movements.
Here are some additional techniques for intensifying your MMA conditioning:
Supersets - One can really push your metabolism by using opposing muscles groups, like chest and back or upper and lower body, to perform a fast-paced strength workout. A sample super set with kettlebells and sand bags could be 5 x 5 of clean and press on KBs and 5 x 5 of sand bag squats. Perform a five-rep set of the clean and presses, rest one minute and then do a five-rep set of sandbag squats. Repeat this super set five times.
Burpees - Adding a kettlebell or sandbag with the demanding burpee pushes the intensity through the roof. So, rather than performing the jump portion, clean and press your sandbag or kettlebells overhead.
Circuits - Circuits are two or more exercises performed together. Your strength endurance will greatly improve training this way with your heavy sandbags and kettlebells. Take this sample circuit:
1. Sandbag bent over row x 82. Clean and press with kettlebell x 5 (each arm)3. Sandbag stiff-legged deadlift x 8 repsPerform the above circuit for 5 rounds.
Couplets are amalgams of a sandbag or kettlebell exercise with a bodyweight movement - An example of a couplet routine are 2 armswings and bodyweight squats for 3 x 20 reps each.
Rounds - Pick three or more exercises and perform as many sets as possible with a proposeed number of reps. You might have to do repetitions in descending pattern such as 21 reps on the first set, 15 on the next set and 9 reps per exercise on the last set. By recording your time on these rounds, you can try to better that time the next time around.
A sample set of rounds:
Sandbag clean and press2-hand kettlebell swingsWalking lunges with sandbag
So, your first round you'll do 21 reps of cleans, 21 reps of the swings and then 21 lunges, next round is repeated, but using 15 reps for each exercise. Then, 9 rounds.
By using the varying methods above you can absolutely kick your MMA conditioning into overdrive!
Want to boost your chances in the ring, cage or mat? Want to ensure you have gas in the tank when you need it? Don't leave your conditioning to chance with questionable MMA workouts.
Turbo charge your conditioning with a blend of old school techniques put together with cutting edge science and battle-tested experience.
Check out our free MMA workouts for you to try.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/5-Simple-Ways-To-Intensify-Your-MMA-Conditioning/599456

What Is The Purpose Of MMA Shirts And Hoodies by Jason Bacot
Mixed martial arts shirts, also called MMA shirts serve more than the obvious, "cool looks" purpose of the person wearing these shirts. Rules and regulations of the MMA industry stipulate a certain dress code for every Mixed Martial Arts fighter.
While these t-shirts are not an essential item for MMA fighters in a combat situation, they do serve a major purpose to help them find recognition. On top of the statement, these jerseys also help to support the industry by paying royalties to fighters.
MMA hoodies are made to last.
These days, with the popularity of this industry rising, more and more people wear fighter shirts. This comes as no surprise really since fighter shirts are becoming increasingly trendy. Since the sport has become more mainstream, fans of all ages are eager to demonstrate their association with MMA by wearing a groovy looking t-shirt, jersey or hoodie.
Usually made of durable cotton, these shirts and hoodies are based on white, black or grey colors with a relative snug fit. Designed to withstand more than the average wear and tear they are also a common staple of this sports training wear.
Fighters usually wear these jerseys during training to keep themselves covered. It also helps them to make a statement about their club by sporting a club logo. While fight wear clothing traditionally only includes shorts and gloves, these shirts and hoodies form the perfect basis for fighters and fans to make a statement.
Protection of the upper body during a long sparring session is important for most fighters in order to preserve their physique for the real deal - the actual combat. Therefore jerseys are also a practical attire for MMA fighters.
More than a statement.
Sponsorship is another important aspect of the MMA industry, meaning that many sponsors choose to place their own logo onto a shirt. Logos give the various mixed martial arts retailers the perfect opportunity to market themselves. Sometimes their logos are coupled with the picture of a fighter. Either way, these shirts give sponsors the opportunity to create brand awareness while helping to support the industry in general.
Since the rules for "combat wear" are very strict, the only noticeable way for sponsors to do this is by sponsoring jerseys and shirts of certain fighters.
Support your favorite fighter.
The best way to show your support is by wearing a hoodie or t-shirt with the logo or picture of your favorite fighter. Imagine the rush of excitement your man or woman feels when they see a sea of support jerseys in the crowd during an important fight.
For some fans these shirts are a simple support statement while for others they are pure fashion. Either way, when you are ready to choose from the growing range of MMA fighter shirts you will be able to make an informed decision by selecting the jersey best suited to your taste and preferences.
We have all the MMA Shirts and MMA Jerseys that you will ever need all in one place.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/What-Is-The-Purpose-Of-MMA-Shirts-And-Hoodies/605547

The Truth About MMA Fighter Salaries by Damian Kutzner
Sports salaries are a highly controversial topic. Sit in any sports bar for any length of time and phrases like, "so-and-so isn't worth what he's being paid," or "so-and-so is stupid for paying that much for a player," will surely be heard. Critics argue that the paychecks earned by sports figures are excessive. But a look at the monies earned by sponsors, promoters, and advertisers makes a paltry six-figure salary look like a blip on the radar.
Consider that UFC 100, the UFC's heavily promoted and long-awaited milestone event, brought in a sold-out crowd estimated to be 11,000. This was the second-largest gate in the history of the UFC history, bringing in approximately $5.1 million from ticket sales alone. Brock Lesnar, the UFC heavyweight champion and Georges St. Pierre each took home $400,000 for their co-main event victories. Those fighters took home less than 16% of the income ticket sales, a figure which doesn't include pay per view fees or merchandising.
Currently, top-level MMA fighters are paid from two primary sources sources. The first comes from the fight promoters. Fighters get a small base salary per fight and a percentage based on Pay Per View viewership. Successful fighters also have sponsors that pay them varying amounts to promote products and make public appearances.
Interestingly, while one would readily assume that the salaries, bonuses, and sponsorship dollars paid to Major League Baseball players, NFL players and some of the stars of the NBA are higher than MMA stars, Major League Soccer players also earn more than top UFC fighters.
Here are some of the salaries of top earners within the UFC for comparison:
* Chuck Liddell at UFC 88: $500,000 * Brock Lesnar at UFC 100: $400,000 * Georges St. Pierre at UFC 100: $400,000 * Quinton Jackson at UFC 96: $325,000 * Matt Hughes at UFC 98: $260,000 * Forrest Griffin at UFC 92: $210,000 * Lyoto Machida at UFC 98: $200,000 * Rashad Evans at UFC 98: $200,000
Some of these fighters only fight once or twice a year so these figures could be annual earnings or 50% of annual earnings. Because the fights are dictated by the UFC fight calendar, injuries, and the availability of coaches, Ultimate Fighters have less control over their earnings than their counterparts in other sports.
Of course, average fighters aren't even in the same league as the top competitors. An average fighter can expect to be paid around $30,000 per show. If they win, they are paid another $30,000.
How much would you want to make to take a hit like these guys?
Sources: * MMA Frenzy * MMA Weekly * The Mixed Martial Arts News Website
Damian Kutzner is a serial entrepreneur who understands success. He opened his own real estate firm at 23 then went on to launch one of the most successful debt settlement firms in the nation. Damian is the founder and CEO of Integrated Legal Systems (ILS), a company that provides applications to simplify the way law firms do business. He is also the president of Serious Pimp, an extreme lifestyle clothing company that sponsors MMA fighters and events.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/The-Truth-About-MMA-Fighter-Salaries/719478