MMA Training and Isometric Strength , Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 6:21 AM, in

Isometric strength is needed in all grappling styles and MMA competitions. Strikers would not benefit as much as grapplers due to the more "dynamic" nature of their arts. Maybe some work, but in a very specific way to mimic the clinching. But once you start competing in MMA tournaments, it should become part of your training regime. At least, that's what I think.
When I look around is very disappointing to notice that when trainers talk about "static holds" they only talk about grip strength...nothing else! Sure, depending of the exercise other muscle groups would come into play, but the importance is never mentioned anywhere. How many articles on MMA conditioning have you read that brought up the need for some isometric training? If you have, when did they tell you to you apply it? I'm pretty sure that most of you never read anything about.
First, to call an activity "Isometric" (static) you have to understand that there can't be contraction, but there is TENSION. There are two phases known by us as concentric (when your muscle is shortening) and eccentric (when your muscle is lengthening) . If you attempted to push a wall, for instance, you wouldn't be able to move it but you'd feel a huge amount of tension through you body as a result. This is isometry!
When you defend a takedown (you have your "underhook" ) you are trying to lift your opponent while he is "weighing down" on you (your arms). As you know or at least saw it in a fight, this can take a little while. As long as they keep in that "struggle", they are using isometric strength (nobody moving up or down). Now, I need you to pay close attention to this.




If slowly one starts to win (up or down) this shows pure strength. Strength means that you are fighting against a resistance (in this case your opponent's body or effort) without worrying how long it's gonna take as long as you win the "fight". This is maximal strength (pure strength) because we are talking about one attempt.
If you are capable of defending the takedown and quickly you pick your opponent up, then you are showing power (strength + speed). Now... if you are defending takedowns during the entire round, than you are displaying strength-endurance. Remember this...to display "power" you have to add the ability speed, otherwise it'll be just a different type of strength.
As you can see, off isometric strength I showed you three more abilities that need to be worked on for your preparation. Those among of you with more experience in MMA Training may have noticed that we are missing a very important ability to mention here. What if, during the fight I'm still capable of react quickly (picking him up) every time when defending the takedown? Because you can keep the speed round after round you now start taping into your power-endurance (strength+speed+endurance)
Can you understand the consequences if you leave one or more abilities out of your workout planning?

Gilson Barbarian Oliveira is a renowned strength and conditioning coach with more than 15 years of experience in combat sports and 21 years in martial arts. He has coached fighters for MMA, K-1,World Jiu Jitsu, Abu Dabhi and Wrestling.
For more articles on MMA training go to MMA Training and if you own a MMA school please go to SEO New York and learn how he can help your business to be on first page of the major Search Engines such Google, Yahoo and Bing.Read More :How to Gauge Martial Arts Success

How to Gauge Martial Arts Success , at 5:58 AM, in

There are two forms of MMA business. First, there's the mixed martial arts shop, where a practitioner can buy uniforms, mats, belts, and other mma items. This is the "soft selling" part of mma. I call it "soft selling" because it becomes easier to sell these products to practitioners and those who have already decided to try mixed martial arts. The possible generated profit is enough for continued business growth. To think of it, it all boils down to a ready market who would be the ones looking for you and not you looking for them. This scenario is the ideal business.
However, such is not the case for the "hard selling" part of mixed martial arts. This is the entirety of the craft. "Hard selling" corresponds the marketing of mixed martial arts as a whole to new practitioners who may or may never have heard of it. This is where hard work begins. How do you convince someone to try something new? How do you tell someone you do not know that it is for their own good? Will they even believe you?
It is because of the latter that a lot of thought is given to come up with the best marketing plan. A MMA school is quite difficult to position especially in the midst of a so-called recession. Speaking of the so-called recession, this can actually be viewed in two ways: it can be considered as good because competition will be less. Only a few dares to play with money, after all, a martial arts school business still remains as a risk. Second, it can be bad for the business since it may signify a decline in the possible target market. One major factor is that fact that mixed martial arts is not really a necessity. People can live without it. But then again, people will live longer with it. Right?




Therefore, your martial arts school marketing plan should be able to counter everything that the pessimist may throw at you. If one is asked; "why should I waste my money on learning mixed martial arts?" How would you respond? You cannot possibly say; "because of this," and perform a demonstration right then and there. Not only is it a weak reply but it is also ridiculous. You need to make to see and feel why.
Surpass this level and you're through the worst part. Fail it and just quit, you're not made up for this kind of business. Nevertheless, an initial martial arts success in getting the most number of students for your dojo is not a guarantee that you've succeeded. See, the fall back of mma is that it is very difficult to gauge success.
Since it is not a regular school, students may not come every time. The pace of the lessons cannot be called into a halt just so that one student can catch up. Yes, you will gain the gratitude of one but may lose the trust of the others. This is the very reason why plans A-Z should exist. A martial arts business school is very seasonal. Alternatives should always be kept handy, just in case.

schoolownersecrets.com provide an easy way to success for martial arts school marketing and martial arts business plan. Read More :MMA is a Show, Not Self-Defense

MMA is a Show, Not Self-Defense , at 5:54 AM, in

If you are thinking that MMA is self-defense then you are wrong. In reality, MMA is not self-defense but a martial arts spectacle.
The objective of MMA is to defeat the other opponent whether he/she is in a cage or ring. With this in mind, an offensive mindset is completely wrong for the average person. Imagine if you were trained as a pitbull, and someone said something that you thought offended you. Your timing to your reaction? My money is on the probability that you would be more apt to attack than defend.
Training yourself to be an attack dog can be dangerous legally. Train with calmness and not with aggressions. It can change your life in seconds. Legal troubles from fighting can haunt your finances for the rest of your life. This is something that you probably do not want to think about doing. But, nonetheless people say that this won’t happen to them. Well, it would be wise not to train that way in the first place. Training is a self defense mode creates that momentary pause of thought if you are ever attacked. You must think defensively and watch how the attacker moves.




It is better to react, and put the attacker one move behind, then it is to attack, and put yourself behind. Being attacked is like a human chess game. Each side is making their move, and the one side that fails to capitalize, or makes a mistake, will pay with their life. So, in essence, it is better to understand different scenarios with different methods of attacking. That primarily means by learning how to defend against a knife, stick, or another type of weapon. Learn from a center that has a self-defense mindset, and can realistically addresses different scenarios regarding attacks and confrontations.
It is essential to learn the basics of self defense, and not to get it confused with mixed martial arts. We all know that wrestling on television is entertainment, and we should all have the same logical approach when regarding the martial arts. Make sure the instructor has at least 15 years of martial arts experience, and is able to effectively communicate the scenarios that you seek.

For more information on the academy, please go to orange county mma. Read More : Martial Arts Marketing - A Follow-up

Martial Arts Marketing - A Follow-up , at 5:49 AM, in

After having established a name in the martial arts school industry, it is adamant that the old clients are kept and new ones are found. The armor built by your initial marketing strategies must never waver.
A proposal would be to initiate a campaign for mixed martial arts awareness. This does not have to be large-scale. A community-wide one would suffice for starters. The important thing is it was done successfully. There are three reasons why a campaign is strongly suggested. Firstly, it brings prestige to your mma school and secondly, it is a strong foundation for a year-long advertisement. Annual events become bigger each year and research shows that those companies who have annual events succeed more in the business.
I'm not saying that you have to start big and spend more. If you are on a tight budget, have partnerships; be a co-presentor first. Take one step at a time.
The third reason is because annual events prove how well efficient the martial arts school management is. It is a way of showing that the management is not only good inside the classroom but outside as well.
Always bear in mind that martial arts marketing is not a one-way process. There must always be a follow-up after the seeds have been planted. A follow-up is of outmost importance especially in the martial arts business because for the most part, it is a special school. Studying martial arts is not really a need but rather, it is an added commodity to make life easier. Not all people understand nor care about this. Thus, what will happen to your initial marketing strategies if you'll just let it die? The efforts, money and time will only be gone to waste.




Another proposal is the inclusion of perks to encourage your existing members to invite new ones. Referral programs are widely used nowadays and so far, it has proven to be much effective. Aside from the savings on the company's finances, it is also more efficient because new members are encourages based on first-hand information. As for the company, the need to print flyers and create booths would possibly be cut in half.
But what exactly do the referrers get in return? Well, you can offer discounts or freebies. That's the best that you can have as a beginner. If you plan to be more generous, you can have a certain amount of cash waiting for them. What do you think?

However, general martial arts school marketing may be easier compared to Karate marketing. Why? That is because in karate marketing you have a more limited scope. Your target market may only be a minute part of the immediate population. To add more to that, there are a number of karate schools everywhere so it allows more competition. As a result, marketing strategies must be stronger and the follow-up plan more extensive.
What I am providing here are mere suggestions that you may or may not follow. Create your own follow-up martial arts school marketing plan that best suits your business.Read More :Women's Self-Defense - I Got This Feeling

Women's Self-Defense - I Got This Feeling , Monday, September 7, 2009 at 5:44 PM, in

That was a great song, wasn't it?  Girl, I'm hooked on this feeling, high on believin'...  It was a song that just transported you and was pretty catchy in the process.  It was a song where the melody and words were easy to remember.
So what does this have to do with self defense you ask?  Everything!  How many times have  you had "a feeling" that something or someone wasn't right and decided to ignore it?  Did you compromise your safety in the process?
Guys call it a "gut feeling" and embrace it.  You know, trust your gut!  For women, it's labeled as "women's intuition" and made fun of as in "over-reacting", "being silly".  You get the jist.  Unfortunately, the very thing we are told to ignore may be the very signal that keeps us alive and out of harms way.




Our intuition is our lizard (animal) brain's survival instinct.  It is a homing beacon for danger and when it picks up a potential signal, it sends out that feeling that says, "something's not right."  That should be your cue to remove yourself from the environment or engage your personal protection options to ensure you can deal with whatever is coming your way.  In other words, wake up and pay attention!

The more we hone and listen to our intuition, the more precise and accurate it becomes.  Don't let your "rationale" mind talk you out of listening to your "animal" brain when it comes to your own personal safety.  Pay attention to the feelings you are receiving.  They may just save your life some day.

Angie M. Tarighi is the CEO of Women's Self-Defense Institute at http://www.self-defense-mind-body-spirit.com, a national leader in educating and training women about their self-defense and personal security options. Read More :Finding a Boxing Trainer

Finding a Boxing Trainer , at 5:35 PM, in

Firstly - I want to say that most boxing gyms are very welcoming places that are far removed from the dusty smoke filled image you saw in the movies. Often it's OK to just turn up at a gym, but it might be better to call first in case they reserve certain days/times for newcomers/novice fighters. When you do go, you'll quickly find that boxers are some of the most genuine people you will ever meet.
OK, so you've decided to get involved in the sport and your next step is finding a boxing trainer.
Or maybe I should say find a "good" boxing trainer as there are many out there who do more harm than good.
Well, a boxing trainer should be certified by a nationally recognised organisation, and be sure to check that the trainer also has liability insurance.
Having said all that though, I'll let you into a wee secret - One of the best trainers I ever had wouldn't know a "coaching certificate" if it jumped up and bit him on the arse, he didn't have insurance, nor did he know much about nutrition or the business side of the sport. BUT he sure knew what he was talking about when it came to teaching boxing skills and was also excellent at motivation, that was definitely good enough for me. So thanks for everything "Auld Jimmy."
One of the most important things required to be a good trainer is the ability to communicate, and he could do that. Sure they have to know their facts and have good techniques, but that doesn't count for much if they are unable to get their point across, or if they complicate things so much you can't understand what the hell they're talking about.
A good trainer will also know what motivates you personally, as there will be many times when you are pushed beyond your limits.
So...Firstly check out your local boxing gyms as watching their trainer's in action can tell you a lot. Do their fighters look sloppy or are you quite impressed? What references do they have? Are there any local champs or pro fighters in there?




Once you take the plunge and begin with a trainer, your early sessions are going to give you an idea of just how good your boxing trainer is. If he's throwing you out to spar immediately, then you are going to want to consider finding a different trainer. NO quality trainer is going to risk you getting injured when they don't even know your capabilities. So, make sure that you have a trainer that wants to take the time to figure out what type of boxer you are first, and maybe several weeks later he will get you sparring with other boxers of similar ability.
The first thing that a boxing coach is probably going to want to do with you, is give you an all around test to see where you are at aerobically, anaerobically, and mentally.
To do this, they are going to apply a variety of tests that will obviously vary from one coach to another, but one of the main thing they are going to have you do that is pretty consistent, is get you to take punches at them while they wear the practice pads.
By doing this, they get an up close look at how you punch, your style, stance, movement, reach, power, etc.
A good coach will quickly pick up on the parts you need to work on, offering advice and suggesting certain training routines to start correcting things.
They will probably also have you run a mile as fast as you can, to see where you are at aerobically. They won't expect you to beat any world records, but they'd be looking for a time of around 6/7 minutes from their fighters. If you can manage that, then great. If not, it doesn't matter as the training will soon have you reaching those kinds of times anyway.
Next, you can generally expect them to test out your anaerobic fitness. To do this, they are maybe going to have you go several rounds with a punching dummy...Yeah that sounds easy until you try it.
So give it a few weeks with your new trainer and see how things progress - If you have never worked so hard in your life, feel fitter than you've ever felt before, learned something new at almost every training session and been pushed past all your limits, then you have probably found a decent boxing trainer.
You will often form a very close relationship, as he will become a mentor and a friend.

Dave is better known as ScotBoxer...Whether you are interested in taking up the sport of boxing, maybe just learning aspects of it for self defense, or wanting to use "boxing style" training to be fitter and leaner than you've ever been before - You'll find plenty advice and information on my website. So why not take the first step and Pay Us A Visit sometime?

Read More : How to Do a Hook Sweep For Use in Karate Kumite