I came across this article on strength training by Ross Enamait discussing strength training and theories on fast/slow twitch muscle development. Ross teaches training methods appropriate for fighters as opposed to the type of weight training that bodybuilders practice.

The gist of it is that strength training is the development of strength with the use of resistance. It’s a myth that lifting weights is an incorrect way to develop strength for combat athletes. Rather, it’s the way you train that can affect your results regardless whether you lift weights or use body weight.

Ross defines four types of strength:

• Maximal Strength – maximum force output under voluntary effort
• Explosive Strength – maximal forces in minimal times
• Speed Strength – quick execution of unloaded movement
• Strength Endurance – maintaining muscular function under stress over time

This video shows Georges St-Pierre, Denis Kang, and David Louiseau doing strength training in a balanced way. Notice that the coach in the video emphasizes that muscle contractions are always done as quickly as possible in an explosive manner, then he slows them down on the negative.

Also, check this video out for some training ideas to develop explosive power and speed:

During a training session with a friend up in San Francisco he showed me the Thai method of hand wrapping. Basically it involves bunching up a length of wrap over your knuckles first, then wrapping around that part. It’s much faster to do and provides thicker knuckle protection. Here’s a video of how to do it from the guys at Daddis Training Centers in Philly. I’m going to start wrapping this way from now on.

This is like something out of a cheesy Hong Kong kung fu flick. Phra Kru Ba Neua Chai is a former Muay Thai champ with three losses in a 15-year career. Now he’s become an ordained monk who takes in abandoned children. He teaches them reading, writing, buddhist precepts, and Muay Thai out of his monastery in Thailand. Interestingly, he also studied law and was married before he went monk.

Full story here via TheStar.com

A while back I wrote an entry about MMA gear bags and the problem that a lot of us have which is how to deal with your sweaty, wet rash guards, gloves, gis, etc.

I’ve found a few additional possible solutions from a Lacrosse sports gear company called Warrior. If there’s anybody who knows how to deal with equipment funk, it’s lacrosse players. Check out their site, they have a bunch of decent looking bags that offer great ventilation and are conscious of the wet/dry separation issue.

These guys have also come up with a slick bag called the Black Hole Funk Off Bag which has a fan built into it that sucks fresh air in, and advertises dry gear in a few hours. The fan plugs into the wall, and is removable. Might not work with thick, folded up gis, but for rashies, MMA gloves, pads, it’ll probably do the trick.

For the best viewing experience, listen to this while reading.

One, two, hook, leg kick
Now there is swelling in my
Leg…  Oh my Gina

Your standup rocks, but
I wish you would pull guard more
That would be awesome

Boob protectors clash
Flurry of hair and leather
Please don’t break your nose

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Fwap fwap fwap ungg! zzzzzz….