Training hard isn’t enough—fighters who neglect recovery risk burnout, stalled progress, and injuries. Many athletes believe more training leads to better results, but without proper rest and recovery, performance suffers. This article covers the most common recovery mistakes fighters make, from poor sleep to overtraining, and provides practical fixes to keep you strong, healthy, and progressing in MMA, boxing, or grappling.
Read MoreGrappling sports like BJJ, wrestling, and MMA require a unique strength approach. While striking relies on speed and power, grapplers need grip strength, isometric control, and explosive transitions to dominate their opponents. This article outlines key strength qualities, effective training strategies, and how to structure a program that improves performance on the mats.
Read MoreConditioning is a key factor in combat sports, allowing fighters to sustain high performance throughout a match. Whether you practice MMA, boxing, or wrestling, stamina ensures you can execute techniques effectively under fatigue. This article covers practical training strategies, including energy system development, HIIT, sport-specific drills, and recovery methods to help you outlast your opponents.
Read MoreInjuries are a reality in combat sports, but smart injury management can keep fighters training and competing longer. Recognizing symptoms early, seeking professional help, and following proper rehabilitation protocols are key steps to recovery. Strength training, cross-training, and gradual reintegration into training help prevent setbacks. A well-structured approach not only speeds up recovery but also reduces the risk of future injuries. If you're a combat sports athlete looking to train smarter and recover better, book a consultation and build a plan that keeps you in the fight.
Read MoreStrength and power play distinct yet complementary roles in combat sports. Maximal strength builds the foundation for force production, while power determines how quickly that force is applied. Strikers prioritize explosive speed for punches and kicks, while grapplers rely more on raw strength for control. A well-structured training plan must balance both elements to improve performance in the ring or on the mat.
Read MoreRecovery is key to sustained progress in combat sports. Managing training volume, prioritizing sleep, and fueling properly can enhance performance and reduce injury risk. Learn the best recovery strategies, from strength and conditioning principles to targeted recovery techniques like ice baths and massage therapy. Train smarter and recover faster—so you can stay in the fight.
Read MoreIn this article, we examine alternatives to Olympic lifts for power development in combat sports. While lifts like the Clean & Jerk and Snatch can enhance athletic performance, they may not be practical for every fighter due to time constraints or physical limitations. By modifying these traditional lifts and focusing on biomechanics, we can improve power transfer in striking and grappling techniques. This approach highlights the significance of tactical execution, technical proficiency, and how strength and conditioning play a vital role in an athlete's overall combat sports development.
Read MoreWant to train like a fighter without burning out? Strength and conditioning can enhance your performance, prevent injuries, and improve endurance—all while fitting around your busy schedule. Learn how to balance high-intensity intervals, aerobic conditioning, and sport-specific drills to build stamina and outlast opponents in the ring or cage.
Read MoreBalancing skills training with strength & conditioning is key for combat sports athletes. Learn how to structure your training, prioritize year-round development, and optimize your physical preparation without sacrificing skill work.
Read MoreClinching is a critical skill in Muay Thai and MMA, allowing fighters to off-balance opponents through pushing, pulling, kneeing, and sweeping. It requires a combination of technical skill, endurance, and strength to maintain control while delivering effective strikes.
This guide explores two approaches to building clinch strength. The pragmatic approach (skills based) and dogmatic approach (traditional resistance training).
Read MoreImprove your combat sports performance with a focused Strength & Conditioning approach. Explore the benefits and limitations of methods like CrossFit, HYROX, and functional training, and learn how to balance skill sessions with resistance training.
Read MoreIs resistance training within the lactic threshold beneficial to fighters, especially when the drawback and recovery time are significantly longer?
Read MoreThis is the continuation of the Conditioning Series for Combat Sports. Anaerobic energy pathways are one of the backbones of performance, enabling fighters to deliver powerful strikes, execute lightning-fast takedowns, and evade opponents with agility and precision. Understanding these systems through targeted conditioning protocols will aid athletes striving for peak performance in the ring or octagon.
Read MoreDiscover the first part of our Conditioning Series designed for combat sport athletes. In this article, we delve into the essentials of building a robust aerobic system for a larger gas tank, recovery, and overall performance in the ring. Transform your training routine and gain a competitive edge with expert insights and practical tips.
Read MoreThe world of combat sports is a game of millimeters that calls for decisions made within milliseconds. For both coaches and fighters, honing reaction times can be the difference between victory and defeat. While traditional skills practice is crucial, there is a popularity with supplementing a fighter’s reaction training outside of regular skills practice. Certain professional fighters can be seen utilizing this supplementation within their training regimen. Can reaction training supplementation be beneficial to a fighter’s development or is it another trend within the world of combat sports?
Read MoreWelcome to our Combat Sports Q&A page! This is your ultimate resource for all things related to MMA, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and other martial arts. Whether you’re a seasoned fighter, a passionate fan, or just starting out, our expert community is here to help you with insightful answers to all your combat sports questions.
Read MoreTapering in combat sports is a strategic approach to maintaining peak physical condition while prioritizing recovery, crucial for optimal performance on fight night. Similar to fine-tuning an instrument before a concert, a well-planned taper carefully manages fatigue, volume, intensity, and recovery to set the stage for excellence when the bell rings.
Read MoreIn this article, we cover general to sport-specific Muay Thai conditioning for fighters while prioritizing skill. Training for skill transferability., balancing skill development and energy system training through a systemized framework.
Read MoreThis article covers the importance of strength and power development in Muay Thai fighters through proper implementation of strength and conditioning principles and exercise modalities. Debunk weightlifting myths & harness plyometric exercises for explosive performance. Optimize S&C sessions, prevent injuries & enhance technique in this guide.
Read MoreThis article discusses the physical demands, skill development, and fatigue management required for success in Muay Thai Kickboxing. Part two of the series will cover general and specific strength and power development for the sport of Muay Thai.
Read More
![Common Recovery Mistakes in Combat Sports [And How to Fix Them]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dbfc1230f3dd315bb4fffdc/1741826949033-K423N8K3TQR654HTD5Y6/Article+Cover+Common+Recovery+Mistakes.png)
![[PART II] Alternatives to Olympic Lifts for Power Development](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dbfc1230f3dd315bb4fffdc/1740602857129-YYS0XK4KAUJSLFMYH3VK/Alt.+Oly+Lifts+Article+Cover.png)
