I often get asked about the best kind of conditioning for BJJ and MMA. People want to know what’s better: running vs swimming, circuit training vs powerlifting, crossfit vs bodybuilding, sprints vs extended cardio, kettlebells vs dumbbells, bodyweight exercises vs barbells.. Having done quite a bit of strength and conditioning over the last 20 years I actually do have some definite opinions … [Read more...]
MMA training
Podcast EP22: Adam Singer on Modern MMA Training and Competition
Stephan: I’m here today with my friend, Adam Singer, who runs The HardCore Gym in Athens, Georgia. He is probably best known for being Forrest Griffin’s MMA coach during the formative years of Forrest’s career. He’s also a jiu-jitsu black belt and has trained tons of fighters. I’m really looking forward to picking his brain about MMA and jiu-jitsu and the relationship between these things. … [Read more...]
More On Concussions in MMA
Last week I published my contentious, 'Does MMA Make You Stupid' article. Since then there have been a few more developments on the concussion controversy, so I figured it was worth sharing the updates so as to keep you in the loop. UPDATE 1: STEPHAN KESTING ON THE NHB NEWS PODCAST Over the weekend I was contacted by Eddie Goldman, the Godfather of MMA, from the NHB News website and podcast. … [Read more...]
Podcast EP15: Burton Richardson on Training and Performing under Pressure
Stephan's note: today I interview Burton Richardson who has spent decades researching the training methods that make martial arts techniques practical, reliable, and functional. His approach is very applicable to street self defence, but is equally valid for anyone wanting to compete. Click Play Below to Listen to My Conversation with Burton … [Read more...]
Counter vs. Opponent Catching your Kick
In MMA a sharp striker can sometimes counter a determined grappler. But to do this they have to know how to mix their striking with standup wrestling, like in this technique! … [Read more...]
Takedown and Neck Crank vs. Thai Kick
Photos and explanation that show the transition from Blocked Thai Kick to a takedown and neck crank. … [Read more...]
Clinch to Inside Trip to Heel Hook vs. Punching
Closing the gap in MMA can be the most dangerous part of the fight. Sometimes throwing fake strikes allows you to get in close enough to take your opponent down... White and Black are in punching range. White throws and overhand right - Black blocks at the bicep and rushes in... ...achieving the 'over and under' clinch position, a very common clinch in NHB and MMA … [Read more...]
Sprawl Counter vs. Double Leg Tackle
If you try a sloppy takedown in MMA you could end up paying a hefty price. Here's how your takedown gone wrong might go down... … [Read more...]
Double Leg Shoot vs. Right Cross
A lot of MMA fights have been won by someone shooting a double leg takedown just as their opponent throws a big right cross... … [Read more...]
Sport Specific Training for MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)
An article by Ryan Pratt (www.royharris.com) The whole MMA game has evolved quite a bit from the early days. It is now a distinct sport with its on style, tactics and strategies. To think and train as though it is merely a combination of several arts would, in my opinion, be a mistake. … [Read more...]
Kettlebell Training for MMA
By: Mike Mahler Mike Mahler is a strength coach and a certified kettlebell instructor based in Santa Monica, California. For more information go to www.mikemahler.com. … [Read more...]
How to Train MMA
John Hackleman on MMA Training at the Pit, Love of the Island and the Underestimation of Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts, by Bryanna Fissori (with the help of Stephan Kesting & the Grapplearts Readership) Hawaiian MMA Training? While on a mid-day break from his busy class schedule, long time MMA superstar trainer John Hackleman was able to spare some time for an exclusive interview and … [Read more...]
No, no, no. Sharpen your blade first!
Friendly rivalries on the mat often turbocharge your grappling progress. Recently I was corresponding with a BJJ player who kept on getting caught in the same leglock by a fellow student with a Sambo background. … [Read more...]
Gi? No-Gi? Self Defense? MMA? No Problem!
There's a long-standing debate in the grappling community whether training with the gi helps your no-gi skills. My personal preference is to train both with and without the gi. … [Read more...]
So You Wanna be a MMA Fighter?
It must have been the climax of The Ultimate Fighter TV show that did it: last week I recieved multiple emails asking me how to go about getting started in MMA. Now I am not an MMA expert, but I have participated in the training of several top-notch MMA fighters, so I have a few ideas on the topic. … [Read more...]