Developing maximal strength for combat sports athletes

<p>This chapter deals with historical aspects of strength training, contextualizing the relevance of strength training for combat sports to maximize the performance of grapplers, strikers, and mixed martial artists. Scientific articles were listed that presented data related to maximum strength in the leading research databases. Scientific evidence presented in official and simulated matches, and official competitions are presented. Likewise, longitudinal studies on the development of maximal strength in combat sports athletes, maximal strength tests for combat sports athletes (dynamic, isometric, and isokinetic tests), and reference for maximal strength (dynamic and isometric exercises) values in several exercises, as well as normative tables are presented. Another point approached was training prescription for muscle hypertrophy and maximal strength development (dynamic and isometric) for combat sports athletes.</p>

Developing aerobic power and capacity for combat sports athletes

This chapter describes the physiological responses associated with aerobic power and capacity of combat sports athletes from different modalities (judo, Brazilian jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, Olympic boxing, taekwondo, karate and muay-thai) during specific and non-specific situations. Moreover, we describe the most used methods for the control and monitoring of these variables. Finally, the longitudinal studies that investigated the effects of aerobic power and capacity training for combat sports athletes are descripted.

Developing muscle power for combat sports athletes

<p>In combat sports, the specificity of the training requires that the athlete improve all performance indicators associated with the match. For this reason, muscle power seems to be determinant during the application of the techniques that result in scores, specifically punches, kicks, elbows, knees, throwing techniques, transitions to the groundwork and some groundwork techniques and sometimes, the win match by knockout. Based in these information’s, the present chapter will approach items referring to the muscle power manifestation and monitoring, and to the training prescription of exercises for the grappling, striking and mixed combat sports.</p>

Developing flexibility for combat sports athletes

<p>The range of motion of a joint is extremely important in combat sports, especially when there is a need to execute a certain motor gesture with maximum range of movement, as in throwing techniques such as <em>uchi-mata</em> in judo, certain types of guards in Brazilian jiu-jitsu or the high kicks common in a variety of striking combat sports. Therefore, in this chapter, we will discuss the elements related to flexibility response during training sessions or combat sports competitions, flexibility tests commonly used for these athletes, and the monitoring and control of the evolution of flexibility in athletes. We will also present the means and methods used for the development of flexibility and longitudinal studies on the development of flexibility in combat sports athletes. Finally, this chapter supports based on the evidence the inclusion of flexibility development within training sessions is an important consideration to maximize performance and other physical capabilities that may be affected both acutely or in the long-term by flexibility.</p>

Developing strength-endurance for combat sports athletes

<p>Strength-endurance is one of the trainable physical capacities that could determine the success in some combat sports and its inclusion is obligatory in the training periodization of high-level athletes. In striking combat sports, such as boxing and taekwondo, it seems likely that increases in dynamic strength-endurance improve the ability to execute combat movements repeatedly. On the other hand, grapplers need to develop high levels of strength-endurance because during the match much time is spent in grip dispute and the success in this phase may determine the possibility to execute scoring techniques. Furthermore, in mixed combat sports, where a combination of striking and grappling are required, athletes needs to have the capacity to maintain dynamic or static muscular actions during prolonged periods during the match, and the strength-endurance is one key element. Therefore, this chapter presents the strength-endurance requirements during the match, the specific tests for its evaluation, scientific evidence of longitudinal studies on the development of strength-endurance in combat sports athletes and the methods for its development.</p>

Developing anaerobic power and capacity for combat sports athletes

This chapter describes the physiological responses associated with anaerobic power and capacity of combat sports athletes from different modalities (judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, Olympic boxing, karate, and Muay Thai) during specific situations. Next, the most used evaluation methods for the control and monitoring of these variables are presented. Finally, based on longitudinal studies that evaluated the effects of anaerobic power and capacity training of combat sports athletes, the main training approaches are presented.

Precariedad e invisibilidad laboral en deportistas de artes marciales mixtas (MMA): un estudio de caso

Las artes marciales mixtas (MMA) son un fenómeno deportivo global. En Brasil, el auge de las MMA ha sido particularmente intenso. Esto ha llevado a muchos atletas a tratar de destacar en este complejo y exigente mercado, en el que las apariencias suelen estar muy alejadas de las condiciones de trabajo reales de los luchadores. Este estudio de caso como objetivo mostrar el trabajo de los luchadores de MMA, a partir de una investigación etnográfica realizada en un evento de MMA celebrado la ciudad de São Paulo. Las observaciones y conversaciones relativas al evento se registraron en un diario de campo, que fue posteriormente objeto de análisis e interpretación desde la perspectiva de la psicodinámica del trabajo. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que el trabajo de los luchadores de MMA es invisible ante diferentes actores sociales, lo que genera precariedad, fragilidad en sus vínculos laborales y la consiguiente banalización de las injusticias sociales que estos sufren.