Unfortunately, many novice trainers in Martial arts consider bodybuilding the same as Athletic Strength Training. As a result, bodybuilding routines are being designed for athletes by incompetant coaches. 

 Bodybuilding is not what a competitive fighter needs, functional training is far more useful. Make function a priority over muscle size. Larger muscles are useless unless they can perform in your chosen field. 

If an increase in strength is your goal, it does not have to be attained via a body building program. 

Strength is very important but do not let your training compromise any of the other essential aspect of your performance. 

Your body needs to be versatile, powerful, fast and very enduring, not just bulky.

 Each element of your training needs to have a specific purpose. Training as a bodybuilder is not going to help reach your very best as a competitive fighter in Jiu-Jitsu or any other fighting art.

You get out, what You put in to your Combat Conditioning!

Fighters continue to fail because of poor Combat Conditioning yet it is one of the very areas of a fight that you can actually do something about. You should never lose because of poor Combat Conditioning, make it a major part of your arsenal. 

With Superior Combat Conditioning, you can oftentimes beat an opponent who is technically superior by controlling the fight at a relentless pace. 

Great Workouts are not necessarily fun, they are often painful. They don’t even have to be attractive to watch. It is not easy and it’s not meant to be either. 

This is your chosen arena and superior levels of Combat Conditioning will undoubtedly make the difference. Of course, you already know that so “what are you waiting for”? 

The amount of training required for just two or three - 3 minute rounds is huge, it’s real tough in there. MMA Fighters can fight in 5 minute rounds and there is nothing worse than seeing great technical fighters lose because of poor Combat Conditioning. Starting out looking great but soon wilting and unable to perform their technical skills at any reasonable level because of fatigue. 

Step up the plate, put in the extra effort, go the extra mile in your Combat Conditioning and you will reap the rewards in competition.

Flexibility for Jiu-Jitsu is as important as any other aspect of training, such as strength, endurance, stamina and speed training. It has received a great deal of attention over the last few years in Martial arts and in general fitness. 

Everyone needs a basic level of suppleness and mobility and it is even more important for anyone involved in physical sports. The level required is relative to an individuals needs and the needs for Jitsuka and other Martial arts are much higher than the general population. 

When we are talking about flexibility for Jiu-Jitsu we are referring to range of motion of a joint. It is important to develop functionality and strength whilst in the stretched position. 

Flexibility for Jiu-Jitsu goes well beyond improving the range of motion in the hip joints but unfortunately many Martial artists fail to go beyond this region.  

Flexibility for Jiu-Jitsu really needs to include all the major joints in the body.

An increased flexibility for Jiu-Jitsu will help improve other areas of your game such as improved techniques, increased strength and a greatly reduced risk of injury. There are so many cases of inflexibility leading to injury. 

The bottom line is – Do not neglect Flexibility for Jiu-Jitsu!

If your are just starting weight training for Martial Arts then seek expert advice to ensure you are getting the most from your efforts and also to ensure that you are lifting safely. If you learn to lift correctly right from the start, then injuries will be avoided.

Do not forget to warm up well and stretch before any resistance exercise. This will help towards injury prevention.

Do not lift alone! Accidents do happen and athletes have died after getting trapped under a weight that they could not lift back up.

Do not lift weights heavier than your program calls for. You want your weight training for Martial arts to benefit your progress not to cause injury.

Do not work your legs before running as tired leg muscles leaves the joints less protected and can cause jarring on the joints.

Do not forget to use the safety devices provided such as locking collars.

Do not unload a bar one end at a time. It may seem obvious but I’ve seen it done and the bar go flying.

Do not train with weights just before skill training as fatigue will hamper your efforts to learn a new skill.

Do not neglect any part of the body. A neglected muscle could become a weak point for you.

Weight Training for Martial Arts is great but always make sure you train safely!