Sunday, April 18, 2010

MMA Training Concepts - Hammer Time


There is no question that without a strong striking game, you are not going to last in the MMA game. We have seen the tide of fights changed with one well placed strike. Whether it’s an elbow or a punch, timing, strength and endurance are major factors.

There are a variety of ways to develop strong strikes. At Burn with Kearns, we use a lot of “off the shelf” items to accomplish this. For an item to be consided “off the self” it has to be affordable, adaptable and functional.

One of my favorite items that anybody can find and implement is small sledge hammers, in weights anywhere from 2-6 pounds. The amount of work that can be done in multiple dimensional angles is truly amazing and limitless. They can develop grip strength and endurance in all the muscles used for striking.

For the MMA and grappling game, they are one of my go-to tools for fight prep. When we perform this workout, there will not be a muscle you do not feel in your entire striking mechanics. This is also great for shoulder and hand rehab as well.

Monday, April 12, 2010

MMA Training Tips - On Unstable Ground


Instability training is really a simple concept. If you train in an unstable environment your stability improves in a stable one.
To continue this line of thinking, it is very important for fighters to “feel” the pressure of combat and the chaotic nature of the fight. One of the hardest aspects to prepare for a fight in the Octagon is getting stuck against the cage. This is not a fun position to be in, especially if your sight is compromised from a previous strike.

We prepare for this situation, knowing all too well that it can happen at any given moment. The first time I showed this drill to Marcus Davis, he said, ‘That’s exactly what the pressure feels like in the ring.”

The drill is simple. One fighter is sitting on the floor against the cage or wall defending, and the other fighter is attacking with a large stability ball and crushing the guy against the cage.

This replicates the overwhelming pressure that combat athletes feel in the ring. When you add to the scenario that the fighter can’t see that crushing motion, he needs to feel it. We use the Bosu Ballast Ball for this drill since it adds some weight to the drill as well. Hey, I never said I was a nice guy!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Victoria, British Columbia

I am truly blessed to be able to travel so much and meet such wonderful people around this earth of ours. Victoria, British Columbia is an unbelievable place. I have never seen a place so clean. The architecture is inspiring. What a beautiful island. Victoria feels as if you stepped back in time in Europe when you walk around.

Big kudos to Mr. and Mrs. Clark, from Clarks Tae Kwon Do for bringing me out to perform a seminar. Although I do not relish being away from my family, I would have liked to stay longer to explore. 

On the way back from Victoria to Seattle, on a early flight, I was treated to an intensely inspiring sunrise! As a culture, we need to stop and look around once in a while and appreciate the marvels of our planet.

Also, I have to say traveling on Alaskan Air is awesome. From the people, to their planes, it is truly a pleasure to do business with them.