High-Intensity Conditioning for Combat Athletes: Practical Recommendations

Abstract

Combat sports have been practiced for millennia and today are predominant sports at the Olympic games, with international organizations that host world, continental and national championships at amateur standard. There are also an increasing number of professional combat sports with global audiences. The growing popularity of professional combat sports and their importance at the Olympic games have led to an increase in scientific studies that characterize the physical, physiological, nutritional, biomechanical and training strategies of combat sports athletes. These studies characterize combat sports as high-intensity sports which require training strategies to develop the high-intensity capabilities of athletes. Therefore, the aim of this article is to (i) summarize the physiological demands of combat sports; (ii) present the primary considerations required to program high-intensity conditioning for athletes; (iii) define and present key high-intensity conditioning methods; and (iv) provide guidance for scientists and coaches to help prepare athletes under common but differing circumstances.

Maximum Isometric and Dynamic Strength of Mixed Martial Arts Athletes According to Weight Class and Competitive Level

“…Lumbar strength development is essential for combat modalities as a preventive factor for lower back pain, especially when the fighting strategy involves projections or actions to control the opponent on the ground [ 29 , 30 ]. Therefore, given that MMA includes high versatility of movements, and a high level of lumbar demand, strengthening this region through, for instance, back extension and deadlift exercises [ 10 , 31 ] is crucial for preventing injuries in combat athletes, especially before competitive phases [ 31 ].…”

Developing an Annual Training Program for the Mixed Martial Arts Athlete

“…However, lactate levels remain at or above anaerobic threshold, not allowing full recovery, significantly impacting performance (7). Therefore, the MMA athlete should train in a manner that develops a high aerobic capacity but still emphasizes the ability to work at high intensities (23).…”

“…When working with MMA athletes, the strength and conditioning professional faces several challenges unique to the sport of MMA. Unlike most sports that feature a preseason, in-season competitive period, and an off-season, MMA does not have predetermined seasonal fixtures (23). However, an active MMA athlete can expect to compete 2–3 times per year.…”

“…A fight camp (preseason) can be as short as 2–6 weeks or as long as 4 months, depending on when a fighter receives notice that they will be competing. A typical training camp, however, is about 1–3 months long (23). Such variability necessitates that the MMA athlete stays prepared to compete on short notice.…”

Rapid weight loss among elite-level judo athletes: methods and nutrition in relation to competition performance

“…In judo, there is no “off-season”; therefore, weight cycling occurs throughout the year [ 6 ]. RWL and RWG can negatively affect athletic performance [ 7 ], mood and sleep [ 8–10 ], and GI well-being (constipation, diarrhea, and stomach pain) [ 11–14 ] and increase the risk of injury [ 10 ] and eating disorders (binge eating, anorexia, and bulimia) [ 4 , 9 , 14 , 15 ].…”