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Do MMA Fighters Lift Weights?


MMA fighters train year-round to be some of the best all-around athletes in the world. They use sprint training either outdoors or on a treadmill, and they work to become proficient in multiple martial arts like Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Judo.

They learn to be excellent wrestlers, boxers, and focus on training muscles to be as limber and explosive as possible.

Do MMA Fighters Lift Weights?

MMA fighters do lift weights in training. Unlike bodybuilders, the goal of weight-lifting for fighters is not aesthetics. MMA fighters lift weights to build explosive power and increase endurance in the octagon. MMA training weight routines use fewer reps and never lift too heavy or rep to failure. 

MMA training is about much more than bodybuilding. An MMA fighter must be a strong all-around athlete. This means that MMA training focuses on strength, agility, physical endurance, mental fortitude, and explosive muscular power.

Weight training routines that MMA fighters use are always compound movements that focus on increasing multiple attributes. MMA weight routines never focus on a single muscle.

Does Lifting Weights Help In a Fight?

Lifting weights undoubtedly helps in a fight. It is an exercise that builds muscle strength, endurance, and explosive power. This does not take the place of circuit training and martial arts training, but it serves to boost performance in every other area of training. Because the MMA fighter is not weight-lifting to bulk muscle, there is not a risk of becoming less agile. 

The key to lifting weights is to think of every lift with a holistic mindset. Think about the movements that you do in your MMA fights.

  • Punches such as the jab or overhand
  • Kicking 
  • Blocking 
  • Double collar tie
  • Grappling
  • Takedowns and trips
  • Holding
  • Passing
  • Ground striking

Your weight lifting routine will supplement and strengthen these movements. As you do your martial arts training and sparring, pay attention to areas where you see that you need more strength or endurance, then plan weight routines that address those areas.

How Often Do MMA Fighters Lift Weights?

The routine frequency is always determined by other aspects of the training routine. A fighter will spend multiple days a week in martial arts training and sparring. Additionally, much of training time is spent increasing speed and agility with circuit training.

However, every serious MMA fighter spends some time each week in weight training. 

Professional MMA fighters have trainers who help them to identify specific weaknesses and tailor workout routines to maximize their strength and agility.

They also create specific routines that include sufficient active recovery time, and proper nutrition. Amateur MMA fighters have to plan workouts, recovery, and nutrition strategies on their own. 

As you plan your own MMA training routine, be sure to focus on weight routines that will increase your explosive power and endurance when performing common maneuvers in the ring.

Many of these movements will become apparent during your martial arts training and sparring routines. Here are a few principles to keep in mind.

  • Do not focus on a single muscle group. Exercises must be compound, focusing on multiple groups to increase strength, coordination, and agility.
  • Do not focus on maximizing weight. This is not bodybuilding, it is endurance training. This will inevitably lead to cut and lean muscles, but overall muscular endurance and explosive strength is the goal. Adding too much weight will increase recovery time. 
  • Do not do single-rep max weight challenges. This type of activity will increase your recovery time without adding any MMA fighting benefits.
  • Do not do reps to failure. Your focus is to keep going and build the body to work as a coordinated machine. Working a single group to failure will decrease your overall workout effectiveness and do little to increase endurance in the octagon.
  • Do low numbers of reps in a wide variety of exercises for overall training.

Weight Lifting Exercises For MMA Fighters

For those starting out, the bar, a sandbag, or some lighter dumbbells should be used at first. Increase weight only as the exercises become easier. This will build muscle endurance and strength without causing massive increases in recovery time.

  • Bar clean and jerk. This exercise can be done with a bar with smaller weights or dumbbells. This exercise is primarily for improving explosive power from head to toe. This exercise requires the coordination of every muscle group and increases stability and explosive power in the octagon.
  • Deadlift. This can be done with a sandbag, bar with or without weights, dumbbells, or kettlebells. This exercise particularly strengthens the back of the body and increases stability and endurance.
  • Squats. Squats can be done in high repetitions with bodyweight, or fewer reps with added weight from a sandbag, dumbbells, medicine ball, or a bar with or without weights. Add weight as needed to keep the exercise difficult, and be careful to keep proper posture, knee, and hip alignment.
  • Standing Straight-Arm Dumbbell Press. This exercise is done alternately, just like punching. This is the best exercise to increase your punch strength in the ring. This move will simultaneously increase grip strength.
  • Bar Lunges. These are usually done with a bar and weights, but they can also be done with a heavy sandbag. This exercise builds endurance, strength, and agility in the legs and lower back. This is important for that explosive drive needed for grappling in the octagon. This exercise can also be done as walking lunges.

Grip Strength Exercises For MMA Fighters

So you have your opponent down, now you have to keep them there. Grappling can make or break a fight, and your grip strength can make or break your grappling. Here are four main exercises you need to do to increase your grip strength.

  • Hammer curl and reach. This exercise can be done with either kettlebells or dumbbells. It will increase both your handgrip strength and the muscle strength in your forearm, especially if you keep the weight out at 90 degrees during the reps instead of relaxing the forearm to your side. 
  • Suitcase carry. Grab a couple of heavy kettlebells, dumbbells, or sandbags, and walk around with them. Do not stop. This will specifically increase handgrip strength and lower forearm strength. 
  • Fatbar pull-ups. Add a tennis ball to each hand, grip the pull-up bar, and do your reps holding those tennis balls on the pull-up bar. 
  • Towel hang. Take a towel, throw it over your pull-up bar, grab an end in each hand and then hang. You can position and reposition your body however you want, but keep hanging. The longer you hang, the more grip strength you build. The thicker the towel is, the more grip strength you will build as you hang.

What Kinds of Exercises Do MMA Fighters Do?

MMA fighters do every kind of exercise necessary to become some of the best all-around athletes in the world. Every exercise is focused on training the body to become better coordinated, stronger, more agile, focused, and stable. 

The better fighter is a fighter who has focused on developing the entire mind and body into a well-coordinated machine that can take advantage of an opponent’s every weakness and oversight with precision, accuracy, and the endurance to finish.

With this in mind, MMA fighters typically divide training time up between multiple types of exercises. Ratios differ from person to person, and routines will change to fit the evolving needs and strengths of the fighter. These are some of the types of exercises that might be involved in a fighter’s training routine. 

  • Sprint running
  • Sprint bicycling
  • Weight lifting
  • Martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Judo
  • Boxing
  • Wrestling
  • Bodyweight lifting
  • Core training such as planks and push-ups
  • Plyometric exercises such as jump squats and burpees
  • Live sparring
  • Punching bag sparring

Conclusion

MMA fighters incorporate weight lifting into their workout and training routines. When it comes to getting the submission from your opponent, all training routines should be exploited to maximize your strength, agility, explosive power, and stability. 

Weight lifting in combination with moves that mimic movements you will be taking in the octagon will strengthen muscle groups in tandem so that your body is more powerful and stable.

This means that you will be able to both guard and attack with more force and accuracy. This training combined with plyometrics, martial arts training, and cardio training will make you a force to be reckoned with.

Interested in MMA? Check Out My Recommendations

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training MMA, here is some of the gear I recommend:
Best Mouth Guard
Best MMA Gloves
Best Groin Protection
Best Rashguard
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Wrestling, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

Sources

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2578948-mma-in-10-moves-a-technical-introduction#:~:text=MMA%20in%2010%20Moves%3A%20A%20Technical%20Introduction%201,…%209%20Rear-Naked%20Choke.%20…%20More%20items…%20

https://fightcampconditioning.com/mma-grip-strength-training/#:~:text=%203%20Killer%20Grip%20Strength%20Exercises%20to%20Develop,weight%2C%20do%20so%20with…%203%20Hang%20More%20

https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/drobson272.htm#:~:text=Therefore%20weight%20training%20will%20take%20place%20twice%20per,sets%20of%2010%20per%20leg%20%2820%20in%20total%29.

https://oldschooltrainer.com/mma-minimalist-routine/

https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/how-to-train-like-an-mma-badass.html

Boxing Vs Wrestling: What’s The Difference?


Boxing and wrestling are two of the most popular combat sports today. In this article I go over some of the things that make these sports similar, and other things that make them different.

What Is The Difference Between Boxing And Wrestling

Here are key differences between boxing and wrestling:

  • Boxers fight standing whereas wrestlers fight primarily on the ground.
  • Boxers fight in a ring whereas wrestlers fight on wrestling mats.
  • Boxers wear big heavy gloves, wrestlers wear no gloves.
  • Boxing involves punching, wrestling involves grappling.

Boxers Fight Standing Whereas Wrestlers Fight Primarily On The Ground

If you have watched a boxing match you have probably realized that the fighters never go to the ground. You can’t even hold your opponent in boxing.

In wrestling, however, the whole purpose of the sport is to grab, toss and pin your opponent to the ground.

Most of the scoring in wrestling happens on the ground with things such as takedowns and pins and so this is why most of the fighting takes place on the ground rather than standing up.

Boxers Fight In A Ring Whereas Wrestlers Fight On Wrestling Mats

When it comes to boxing, the fighting takes place in a square ring. Ropes are surrounding this square and there is no escape for either fighter once they enter into this area of combat.

Wrestling on the other hand does not have such an enclosure. As a result, wrestlers can escape from their opponent’s holds by simply stepping out of bounds.

This is why wrestling mats are circular and not square.

Boxers Wear Big Heavy Gloves, Wrestlers Wear No Gloves

Boxing gloves are big and heavy, meant to protect the fighter’s hands as they punch their opponent.

Wrestling does not use gloves because there is no need for them. Wrestlers rely on their grip and ability to hold onto their opponent to control them.

Boxing Involves Punching, Wrestling Involves Grappling

In boxing, punching is everything. To win a match you need to land more punches than your opponent does or at least land the most powerful punch of all, a knockout.

In wrestling, grappling is key. You can win a match by taking your opponent to the ground and pinning them there for a few seconds.

This is why boxing and wrestling are two very different sports.

Although there are several differences between the two sports, there are also many similarities as well. Let’s touch on those below.

What Are Similarities Between Boxing And Wrestling?

Here are some of the similarities between boxing and wrestling:

  • Both have timed rounds.
  • Both have similar training regimens.
  • Both have a point system for scoring.
  • Both involve 1v1 combat.
  • Both have ways to win a match instantly.
  • Both have weight classes.

Both Have Time Rounds

Both boxing and wrestling have timed rounds. In professional boxing, most fights will be between 10 and 12 rounds with each round lasting 3 minutes.

In wrestling on the other hand there are 3 rounds with the 1st round lasting 3 minutes and the last 2 rounds lasting 2 minutes each.

Both Have Similar Training Regimens

Although the fighting styles of both boxing and wrestling are very different, the training regimens are often very similar. This is because both sports require speed, agility, endurance, power, and stamina.

For this reason, both boxers and wrestlers will focus on things such as jumping rope and jogging to improve both their quickness and endurance.

Both Sports Have A Point System For Scoring

In both boxing and wrestling fighters score points throughout their matches. These scores are then added up at the end of the match and the fighter with the most points wins the match.

In professional boxing, a boxer will earn points each round from the judges depending on how well they fight (typically 10 points for the winner and 9 points for the loser of the round).

In wrestling, fighters earn points for things such as takedowns, reversals, and escapes. At the end of the match, the wrestler who scores the most points wins.

Both Involve One Versus One Combat

Although boxing and wrestling are two different sports, they both involve one fighter pitted against another.

Even though there are wrestling teams, these fighters are never in the same match at the same time. When you box or wrestle it is just you and the person in front of you.

Both Have Ways To Win A Match Instantly

In boxing, a knockout is the most obvious way to win a match. If you hit your opponent hard enough and they are unable to continue fighting, you win the match.

In wrestling, you can also win a match instantly by pinning your opponent.

This means that in both wrestling and boxing you always have a shot at winning no matter how behind you may be.

Both Have Weight Classes

In both boxing and wrestling, there are weight classes that fighters compete in. This is to make the fights more balanced and to protect the fighters as well.

Unlike other combat sports, weight is a major factor in both boxing and wrestling.

Which Is Better For Self Defense: Boxing Or Wrestling?

Wrestling is better than boxing when it comes to self-defense. This is because 73% of street fights end up on the ground according to studies. Although boxing is useful for self-defense, wrestling is better since most fights end up on the ground.

However, this is not to say that boxing is ineffective or that the skills you learn in boxing will be ineffective in a street fight.

A big part of self-defense is knowing how to take a punch or how to endure an attack from your opponent and boxing definitely teaches that.

But with 73% of street fights ending up on the ground, it’s a good idea to learn how to fight from a grounded position since most fights tend to go that way.

Which Is Easier To Learn: Boxing Or Wrestling?

Boxing is easier to learn than wrestling because it involves less technique. Wrestling involves several moves and a complex scoring system that fighters have to learn. Boxing moves are less complex and you can be an effective fighter by only knowing a few basic punches (jab, hook, cross).

I’m not saying that boxing is easy, it’s not, but it is easier to become proficient at boxing than it is at wrestling.

Which Is More Dangerous: Boxing Or Wrestling?

Wrestling is more dangerous than boxing. According to a study done by The Journal Of Sports Science And Medicine, when injuries in several combat sports were compared, “wrestling had the highest rate of injuries followed by boxing.”

In the study, strains, sprains, and dislocations were much more common in wrestling than they were in boxing or martial arts.

This is not to say that wrestling is dangerous, but when you compare the two combat sports then wrestling does tend to lead to more injuries than boxing does.

With that being said, things such as concussions, bruises, and cuts were more common in boxing than they were in wrestling.

It’s fair to say that both sports are physical and anytime you compete in a physical sport there is a greater chance of injury.

Just make sure that if you do train wrestling or boxing that you are taking proper precautions to protect yourself as this will lower your risk of injury.

Which Is More Fun: Boxing Or Wrestling?

Boxing tends to be more fun than wrestling for most people as both a viewer and a fighter. This is because boxing matches tend to go on for longer periods of time, and they are more exciting to watch. The excessive grappling that occurs in wrestling can sometimes make the sport less entertaining.

However, at the end of the day, it just depends on how you like to fight and train. If you prefer fighting on your feet then you will like boxing more. If you like grappling, then wrestling is the way to go.

Should You Learn Boxing Or Wrestling?

If you want to learn a martial art that is good for self-defense and will help you win in a fight then wrestling is the better option. If you are looking for a martial art that is safer, easier and more fun then boxing is the better option.

As you have seen throughout, both boxing and wrestling have their pros and cons, their similarities, and their differences.

At the end of the day, it’s best to choose a martial art that you will enjoy and that you feel will protect you if you ever have to use it.

However, I will say that if you are interested in competing in MMA competitions then wrestling is absolutely the way to go.

Many MMA fighters have backgrounds in wrestling and things that you learn in wrestling transfer very well over to MMA.

But again, do what feels right to you.

Interested in Wrestling? Check Out My Recommendations

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training Wrestling, here is some of the gear I recommend:
Best Ear Guards(Headgear)
Best Mouth Guard
Best Wrestling Shoes
Best Groin Protection
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Wrestling, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

Sources

https://www.highpercentagemartialarts.com/blog/2019/3/23/almost-all-fights-go-to-the-ground-and-we-can-prove-it

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3809053/

Is Karate A Sport? Reasons For And Against It


According to dictionary.com, a sport is: “an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature”. With this in mind, would karate be considered a sport?

Is Karate A Sport?

Karate can be both an art and a combat sport. For this reason, there are two main types of karate competitions: Kata (where fighters are judged by their form) and Kumite (where fighters spar against each other). Karate made its Olympic debut in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

In fact, the karate competitions that were held in the Olympics were both Kata and Kumite which only further illustrates how karate can be seen as an art and a sport.

But if you are not fighting an opponent, such as is the case with the Kata style of karate, can you still consider karate a sport?

Down below I will go over 7 reasons why karate IS considered a sport and 7 reasons why it is NOT considered a sport. Then read through to the bottom see my final thoughts.

7 Reasons Why Karate IS A Sport

  • Karate is an athletic activity.
  • Karate has competitions.
  • Karate is in the Olympics.
  • Karate requires some level of physical fitness.
  • Karate allows you to spar against other people.
  • Karate has rules.
  • Karate can be practiced and improved upon over time.

Karate Is An Athletic Activity

The first reason why karate is considered a sport is that it’s an athletic activity. This means that you are using physical skills to accomplish something, just like you would in any other sport.

This is seen in the karate competitions, training at your local dojo, and sparring against other people.

If you have ever trained karate then you know it can be physically demanding and breaking out in sweat is not at all uncommon.

Karate Has Competitions

The second reason why it’s considered a sport is because there are competitions involved. And these aren’t just any kind of competition- some of them are Olympic-level events!

There are several different karate styles that competitors can use to compete with including Kyokushin (full contact), Shobu Ippon Karate (point fighting), and Sport Karate International Federation (sparring).

The types of categories may vary by country but all three can be found at the Olympics under Section 19 – Martial Arts.

Karate Is In The Olympics

The third reason why karate is considered a sport is that it’s in the Olympics! This event made its debut in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, and is being considered for future Olympic competitions.

Now of course several events in the Olympics would not be considered sports such as figure skating, but having karate in the Olympics supports the opinion of karate being a sport you can compete in.

And how fitting is it that Karate makes its debut in the Olympics in the same country where the martial art originated in the first place?

Karate Requires Some Level Of Physical Fitness

The fourth reason why it’s considered a sport is because you need to have some level of physical fitness to be successful. If you cannot properly do some of the fighting techniques then they won’t be effective in self-defense, competition, or even just demonstrating them at an event like Karate Day.

And while this physical training can vary depending on your instructor, there are some common exercises and moves that you will do regardless of where you train karate.

This is one major thing that karate has in common with most sports. The more physically fit you are, the better your chances of succeeding.

You Can Spar Against Other People

One of the staples of a combat sport is being able to spar against other people. Whether the combat sport is Muay Thai, boxing, or wrestling, sparring is quite common.

And just like those combat sports, karate allows fighters to spar as well. However, sparring in karate is slightly different compared to other combat sports and I’ll touch on that more below.

Karate Has Rules

The sixth reason why karate is considered a sport is that there are rules that must be followed. If you’re not familiar with the ruleset, then you can’t just go in and start fighting someone.

There are specific regulations put in place to ensure fairness and safety amongst all participants. This includes everything from what type of attire you wear, to how many points you need to win a match.

Having a ruleset is a must for a sport or else utter chaos would ensue and karate definitely has a ruleset.

Karate Can Be Practiced And Improved Upon Over Time

The seventh and final reason why karate is considered a sport is that you can practice it and improve upon your skills over time just like any other sport.

This is common in most sports, but you can also become better at karate over time with practice and dedication to your craft.

And just like other sports, there are levels of belts or rankings within the art itself depending on what style you’re training in.

One of the best things about competition is moving up in rank and karate certainly has that with their belt system.

You have heard the reasons why karate should be considered a sport, but now let’s dive into why karate should not be considered a sport.

7 Reasons Why Karate Is Not A Sport

  • You can compete without ever fighting.
  • You are not allowed to “go all out”.
  • There are no teams in karate.
  • Karate is meant to be used as self-defense.
  • It does not have the same physical demands as other sports.
  • There is a major disparity in the weight classes
  • Karate is a martial art, not a sport.

You Can Compete Without Fighting

The first reason why karate is not a sport is because you can compete without ever fighting. This means that you could theoretically win a competition without ever throwing a punch, kicking or otherwise fighting another person. While you can use karate to protect yourself in a self-defense situation, this is not the same as competing against another person with rules and regulations.

You Are Not Allowed To “Go All Out”

The second reason why karate is not a sport is because you are not allowed to “go all out”. If you’ve ever watched a match in a combat sport and seen two people just going back and forth at each other with all their might, you’ll understand where this is coming from.

In karate, you are not allowed to do this. You have to abide by the rules and regulations set in place which includes not going all out.

Fighting an opponent in karate is more about scoring points and using the right techniques than it is about dominating your opponent.

With this in mind, what kind of sport tells their competitors to hold back and to not dominate their opponent. This is definitely a strike against karate being a sport.

There Are No Teams In Karate

The third reason why karate is not a sport is that there are no teams in karate. This means that you cannot join a team and compete against other teams.

Of course not all sports have teams, look at tennis for example, but some people may decide not to label something a sport unless there is a team aspect to it.

Karate Is Meant To Be Used In Self Defense

The fourth reason why karate is not a sport is that it is meant to be used in self-defense and not for sport. If you’re ever in a situation where you need to defend yourself, then karate is a great option.

However, what does self-defense have to do with competition or sports?

Many will argue that karate was created for fighting and self-defense and has morphed over time into what it is today: competitions and fighters being judged for what their technique looks like.

Does this lead to the question, “Should karate used as self-defense be viewed as a sport?”

It Does Not Have The Same Physical Demands As Other Sports

The fifth reason why karate is not a sport is that it does not have the same physical demands as other sports. This means that you’re not going to be as physically exhausted after a karate match as you would be after a wrestling or boxing match.

Like I mentioned, when you are fighting someone in some of these other combat sports you are literally trying to dominate and subdue your opponent.

In karate, this is not the case. You often hold back quite a bit. This is not to say you will not be tired after a match but it is just not the same exertion as other combat sports or sports in general.

There Is A Major Disparity In The Weight Classes

The WFK, which is the largest governing board for karate, recognizes 5 weight classes in karate competitions.

Compare this now to boxing which recognizes 17 weight classes when it comes to competitive boxing and you will see why completive karate can’t be taken as seriously as other combat sports.

If you have ever competed in, or trained in a certain combat sport then you know that a person’s weight can give them a major advantage or disadvantage.

And the fact that karate only has 5 weight classes leads one to wonder how competitive it can be with so much disparity in the weight classes.

Karate Is A Martial Art, Not A Sport

The seventh and final reason why karate is not a sport is that it is a martial art, not a sport. This means that there are a lot of other objectives in karate besides just fighting.

There are self-defense elements, there is the aspect of mastering your technique which is something that many people never get to, there are different levels of belts and rankings you can achieve through your training.

This means that karate is not just about fighting which some would argue disqualifies it from being a sport.

So in the end…

Is Karate A Sport Or A Martial Art?

Karate is both a sport and martial art. It is a sport because of its athletic nature and competitiveness and it is a martial art given its focus on fighting and self-defense.

However, with that being said, I believe that karate can be done as either a martial art or a sport.

If you only practice karate to learn the moves and to perfect your fighting style then I would view that type of training more as a martial art.

But if you are doing karate to compete and to spar against other fighters then I would say you are practicing karate more as a sport than a martial art.

Regardless of how you train karate, it can be a great martial art to learn basic fighting and self-defense techniques, especially for those just beginning in martial arts.

Interested in Karate? Check Out My Recommendations

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training Karate, here is some of the gear I recommend:
Best Mouth Guard
Best Chest Protector
Best Headgear
Best Karate Bags
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Karate, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

Sources

https://www.britannica.com/sports/boxing/Weight-divisions

https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/karate-at-the-tokyo-olympics-what-you-need-to-know/

Is Karate Hard? What You Need To Know


Karate is one of the most popular combat sports in the entire world with over 100 million people who practice the martial art. With so many new people training karate every year, I decided to discuss some of the difficulties of training karate as well as tips for those just starting.

Is Karate Hard?

5 things can make karate hard and they are: the discipline required, the injuries that can occur, having a sensei who is tough on students, understanding it is more than just fighting, and lastly the belt system that ranks you.

1) The Discipline Required

The discipline required to do karate is one of the hard things about training in this martial art. You have to be dedicated and willing to work very hard because it will not come easy at first.

For you to get better, you need a lot of practice which can take up a good portion of your weekdays and weekends.

In addition to discipline, you also need a lot of patience. This is because it can take years to truly master all of the techniques and become a karate master. With enough hard work and dedication, however, anything is possible.

2) The Injuries That Can Occur

Karate is a very physical combat sport and you will be using your body in ways that it has probably never been used before.

This can lead to injuries no matter how good of shape you are in or what level of karate black belt you have achieved. Even if you’re ready for the pain, it doesn’t mean that injury won’t happen!

One way to help prevent injuries while doing karate is by warming up properly before every class and cooling down properly after each session as well.

Stretching is very important as well and you will soon see, if you haven’t already, how important it is to stretch before and after every training session.

It’s also important to get proper rest between classes so that your muscles don’t become sore which could lead to an injury later on during training.

Finally, make sure not to push yourself too hard because this could result in extreme exhaustion which could also lead to an injury. Always listen to your body and if something doesn’t feel right, stop what you’re doing and consult a doctor.

3) Having A Sensei Who Is Tough On Students

Another thing that can make karate hard is having a sensei who is tough on students. This can be discouraging for some people and may lead to them quitting before they ever really get started.

A good sensei will push you to your limits but will also be there to support you when you need it.

If you find yourself struggling with a sensei who is too tough, try talking to them about it. Oftentimes, they don’t realize that they are coming across as being too harsh and would be more than happy to adjust their training style.

If this doesn’t work, or if the situation becomes too uncomfortable, then it might be time to seek out another dojo where the atmosphere better suits your needs.

4) Understanding It Is More Than Just Fighting

One of the things that can make karate hard is the fact that it is not just about fighting. There is a lot more to this martial art than meets the eye and it takes time to learn all of it.

To be successful in karate, you need to understand all of the aspects involved such as self-defense, physical conditioning, and mental discipline.

Many people are attracted to karate because they think it is only about fighting and learning how to physically defend themselves. While this is certainly a part of karate, there is so much more that goes into it.

Be prepared for a long journey if you decide to start training in this martial art.

5) The Belt System

The belt system is one of the first things that can make karate hard. When you are a beginner, you have to earn each belt through dedication and hard work.

This can be difficult for some people who are not used to having to work hard for something. The belt system is also one of the things that makes karate unique and special.

One of the best ways to make sure you don’t quit when the going gets tough is by remembering why you started in the first place. Maybe it was because your friend does it or because you saw a cool fight scene on TV.

Whatever your reason, remember it and keep it close to your heart. When times get tough – and they will – think back to that moment and use it as motivation to push through.

And from personal experience, I can assure you that pushing through these hard times and overcoming your obstacles is an extremely rewarding experience.

How Long Does It Take To Learn Karate?

It will take you between 6 months and 1 year of regularly training 3 times per week to learn the basics of karate. A person who trains and practices more will learn the basics much sooner. Also, any experience in other martial arts will make it easier for you to learn karate.

As with any martial art, consistency is key. If you are serious about learning karate then you can’t go weeks or months without training.

Everybody will have to take a week off for one reason or another at some point, but going several weeks or months without training could be detrimental to your mastery of karate.

And lastly, make sure that you visit and train at several different dojos before you commit to one. You want to make sure that you feel comfortable with your sensei and the dojo as a whole.

It would be horrible committing to a dojo where you don’t like the teacher and where the other people you train with are annoying. Be wise in choosing your dojo as this will make your training much more enjoyable.

Karate can be difficult to master, but if you have the patience and the discipline to stick with it, the results can be truly rewarding.

Interested in Karate? Check Out My Recommendation

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training Karate, here is some of the gear I recommend:
Best Mouth Guard
Best Chest Protector
Best Headgear
Best Karate Bags
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Karate, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

How Much Do Wrestling Classes Cost? More Than You Thought


Wrestling is a fun sport that requires special skills for safe and effective fights. Whether your goal is to become a professional wrestler or just do it for fun, you would want to have professional training because, after all, it’s a hazardous combat sport. But how much are you expected to pay for wrestling classes?

How Much Do Wrestling Classes Cost?

Professional wrestling classes cost between $2,000 and $4,000 on average for a yearly tuition fee, excluding the introduction class and potential administrative fees. However, many schools offer a discount rate if you pay a lump sum or have previous wrestling experience.

If you can’t afford to pay everything up front, most academies will allow you to pay a weekly or monthly membership, but it’ll cost a bit extra. Keep reading to learn what age is ideal for wrestling, how much private classes cost, and how to find wrestling classes in your area.

Where Can You Find Wrestling Classes?

You can find wrestling classes online by searching for “Wrestling classes near me” in a search engine. All major wrestling classes from your local area will appear on a map, and you can learn more about the school by going to their official website.

Do proper research on wrestling classes near you before choosing the one you like. It’ll be in your best interest to select a school run by professionals. Since you’ll be paying a load of money for the classes, you might also get what you pay for.

If you are already hitting your local gym, perhaps somebody was or still is a wrestler. If you like chatting with people in the gym, you might want to ask them if they know any excellent wrestling clubs.

How To Tell if a Wrestling School Is Reputable?

A reputable wrestling school typically has many positive reviews on Google reviews and the school’s official Facebook page. You also will wan to look into the coach’s background. But ultimately it’s best to ask someone who has been wrestling in the school for some time.

Granted, this is much easier to do if you’re an extrovert who doesn’t mind talking to people and if the school is close to you. But then again, you wouldn’t go to a wrestling school that’s an hour’s drive away from your home anyway.

Another good indicator of a good wrestling class is the cost. If it costs less than $1500, it’s wise to skip it and find a better, more expensive one.

How Much Do Private Wrestling Lessons Cost?

On average, private wrestling lessons cost between $30 and $120 per 1-hour session. The cost largely depends on the experience and knowledge that the coach has as well as your age. The price is lower if one or two wrestlers join the private lesson.

Just like with any other sport, you’ll have to pay for private wrestling lessons if you want to learn how to do a proper takedown and grappling hold to defeat your opponent. Think of it as an investment because it’s usually worth the cost.

If you’re a beginner, you can learn a lot from almost any wrestling coach, so a $40 session is what you can expect to pay. Of course, bringing a friend to the lesson will save you a lot of money, but you’ll learn slightly less.

When Is a Good Age To Begin Wrestling?

A good age to begin wrestling is 12 years old, typically before puberty. According to a study about early sports specialization in wrestlers, children that start wrestling before puberty sustain more severe injuries than those who start wrestling later.

Beginning wrestling while still young is great because it allows you or your child to learn the basics of the sport and become an elite wrestler at a younger age.

Many wrestlers will say that your six-year-old is perfectly capable of becoming a wrestler, but this can’t be true.

A study about sports specialization explains that it’s risky for children to engage in sports specialization at a young age. There are higher rates of injury, increased psychological stress, and eventually, children quitting the sport.

So, even if your son has a dream to join the WWE when he grows up, signing him up to your local wrestling school before puberty is a significant risk. Instead of risky contact sports, consider sports with fewer injuries, such as soccer.

Can You Be Too Old To Learn?

You can’t be too old to learn wrestling as long as you’re in good health and don’t have chronic muscle and bone illnesses. Several professional wrestlers have started wrestling in their 30s and even 40s, so you can’t be too old.

Still, it’s a good idea to wear some protective gear when wrestling, such as Cliff Keen Headgear (available on Amazon.com). This piece of headgear is specially designed for wrestling, meaning that it’s lightweight and won’t cause friction against the mat.

There are several weight classes in wrestling, so you won’t have to fight someone physically larger than you. Likewise, a 15-year-old who has just started wrestling won’t have to face an adult just because both of them are beginners.

If you have the motivation and got what it takes to become an amateur or professional wrestler, I’ll just say go for it!

Wrestling has numerous health benefits and provides you with the opportunity for a full-body workout. Not to mention that it’s going to increase your endurance and improve your cardiovascular health.

Wrestling is a fun and competitive sport, but it can be costly. For beginners, the tuition fee and cost of additional private classes to further improve wrestling skills is expensive.

Nonetheless, you can pay in lump sum, share private lessons with others, or do both to lessen the total cost.

Good thing, you can never be too old to start wrestling as long as you’re in good health and reasonably athletic.

But you can be too young to begin. Children below the age of 12 shouldn’t start wrestling because of the high risk of injury and psychological stress.

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Interested in Wrestling? Check Out My Recommendations

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training Wrestling, here is some of the gear I recommend:
Best Ear Guards(Headgear)
Best Mouth Guard
Best Wrestling Shoes
Best Groin Protection
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Wrestling, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

Sources

How Much Do Wrestling Mats Cost? We Found Out


A wrestling mat is probably the only piece of equipment you’ll need to practice wrestling, MMA, judo, jiu-jitsu, or any other combat sport you’re into. Before you buy yourself a mat, it’s worth taking a look at the prices across different types of wrestling mats so you can pick one that suits your budget.

How Much Do Wrestling Mats Cost?

On average, a 42′ x 42′ (official regulation size) will cost you between $6800 and $8000, with the price varying depending on the manufacturer and the materials used.

In this article, I will describe the different kinds of wrestling mats you can purchase and provide a table comparing the prices of each one.

Price Comparison of Wrestling Mats

There are three types of wrestling mats you can buy in the market, each with its specific use and price range.

Classic Mats

Classic wrestling mats are the most popular and are used for both training and in competitions. Schools and colleges often purchase these, and they come with thick padding for protection against all types of wrestling maneuvers.

Classic mats are often two-sided, and most institutions use one side for regular training and flip the mat over during competitions.

Lightweight Mats

Lightweight mats are meant primarily for home-training sessions and private tournaments or friendly competitions. These mats are predominantly designed for portability and easy storage. They can be rolled up, transported quickly, and set up in a new place within minutes. 

Another advantage of getting a lightweight mat is that you have more freedom in customizing the size and thickness according to your specifications.

Competition Mats

While classic mats are used for competition, they are not the same thickness or size as the mats allowed by the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association).

Competition mats have a standard thickness of 1-⅝″ and are used only for competitions as it would be expensive to invest in one just for practice. Most high school, college, and even professional wrestling use this type of mat.

Mat TypeKey FeaturesPrice (for the approximate size of 10 x 10)
Classic Mat Used for training and competitions.Thicker padding offers extra protection during bouts.Generally two-sided mats.Starts at $500
Lightweight MatMeant for training at home.Designed for portability, storage, and easy setup.Can be customized in most cases.Starts at $600
Competition MatUsed only for competition bouts. Standard regulation size in terms of diameter and thickness.Starts at $800(However, most competition mats are only available in larger sizes so the price tends to be more)

This table provides an approximate cost of different wrestling mats roughly 10′ x 10′ in size. While each type of wrestling mat comes with its price tag, the cost will slightly vary based on the thickness, installation costs, and printing charges for any specific designs you want on the mat.

How Big Is a Full-Sized Wrestling Mat?

The size of the practice and home-training wrestling mats will differ based on your specifications and requirements. 

As per NCAA regulations, competition wrestling mats are required to be 42′ x 42′ with a wrestling circle not more than 32′ in diameter inside the mat.

How Much Does a Wrestling Mat Weigh?

The weight of the wrestling mat will depend on the manufacturer, the materials used, and the thickness of the mat. 

Today, a standard 42′ x 42′ wrestling mat will weigh between 700 lbs (317.5 kg) and 800 lbs (362.9 kg). Older versions were much heavier, weighing in at nearly 2000 lbs (907.2 kg) for a 42′ x 42′ mat.

The lower weight makes these new wrestling mats portable and easy to set up wherever necessary.

How Long Do Wrestling Mats Last?

Vinyl-coated wrestling mats experience shrinkage over their lifetime, and most manufacturers take this into account during production by making the mats slightly larger than the desired size.

There is no specific period for the longevity or durability of a wrestling mat. How long a wrestling mat lasts will depend on the frequency of use, storage conditions, and maintenance.

Once you get the wrestling mat, it will most likely shrink by 2% – 3% more in the next 12 months and will stop shrinking after. 

  • You must periodically inspect your mat for cracks or foam depressions and rectify issues, as this will help prolong the life of your wrestling mat. 
  • When storing the mat, try laying it out flat, as this will prevent snags and wrinkles on the mat surface. If you need to roll it up, avoid using ropes, wires, or chains to hold the mat together. 
  • While rolling the mat, alternate rolling from either side each time you’re putting the mat away.

These tips will help you preserve your mat and ensure it can be used for a long time.

Where To Get a Wrestling Mat?

Now that you have an idea of the kind of mats out there and the price range of each type, here are a few websites to purchase your next wrestling mat.

  • MatsMatsMats – This website specializes in lightweight wrestling mats with some of the most remarkable digital prints you’ll come across.
  • Resilite – Resilite possesses one of the most extensive collections of wrestling mats out there. You can get yourself classic, lightweight, and competition mats of various sizes.
  • Rubber Flooring Inc – Rubber Flooring isn’t a sports supplies company. Still, they’ve got a separate section on their website dedicated to soft flooring, where you can find a variety of competition wrestling mats and accessories.
  • AK Athletic Equipment – This website focuses exclusively on floor and padding for outdoor and indoor wrestling bouts. They have an extensive collection of lightweight, roll-up mats that can be easily transported and set up.

The cost of a wrestling mat will vary based on the size and type you’re looking for. 

It’s best to identify your specific needs before investing in a mat. Are you looking for equipment that you can set up at home? Or do you want to invest in a mat that will take a permanent spot at a gym or athletic institution you run?

Determining your needs can help you narrow down on the right mat and give you an idea of the budget you’ll need to set aside for the investment.

Interested in Wrestling? Check Out My Recommendations

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training Wrestling, here is some of the gear I recommend:
Best Ear Guards(Headgear)
Best Mouth Guard
Best Wrestling Shoes
Best Groin Protection
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Wrestling, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

Sources