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Periodization for Mixed


Martial Arts
Lachlan P. James, MExercSc, MSportCoach,1,2 Vincent G. Kelly, BSc (Hons),1,3 and Emma M. Beckman, PhD1
1
School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia; 2School
of Exercise and Biomedical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia; and 3UQ Sport
Academy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia

ABSTRACT This combination of qualities makes strength and conditioning practitioner


MMA unique from many other sports. and sports-specific coach.
THE MIXED MARTIAL ARTIST RE-
QUIRES THE DEVELOPMENT OF A An effective training plan should aim
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
BROAD SCOPE OF DIVERGENT to develop optimally all these physical
MMA is a combat sport incorporating
PHYSIOLOGICAL ABILITIES TO properties to ensure optimal prepara-
a variety of striking and grappling tech-
COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY. TO tion for competition. However, distinct
niques. Fights are won by knockout,
MINIMIZE ANY POTENTIAL INTER- mechanisms underpin adaptations to
submission, referee intervention, or
the varied training stimuli used to
FERENCE EFFECTS AND OPTIMIZE a judges’ decision at the end of the reg-
develop these abilities (38,46,61,68,88).
TRAINING ADAPTATIONS, A ulation time. Typical amateur bouts are
PERIODIZED TRAINING PLAN IS Specifically, the divergent adaptations scheduled for three 3-minute rounds,
NEEDED TO MANAGE THE INTE- stemming from endurance and resis- whereas professional and higher-level
GRATION OF THIS SPORT’S MANY tance training have been reported to amateur bouts are often three 5-minute
TRAINING STRESSORS. THIS ARTI- cause conflict with strength and power rounds. The highest level of competi-
CLE PROVIDES GUIDELINES AND development, limiting the extent of tion, professional main event fights
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES FOR THE adaptation (39,56), in addition to comprise five 5-minute rounds. All
increasing the risk of overtraining rounds at each level of competition
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
(20,31). This makes the development are separated by 1 minute of rest.
COACH.
of an effective training plan for MMA
ixed martial arts (MMA) is a complex undertaking. To address this, AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC

M a unique and complex com-


bat sport which uses a wide
range of kicking, punching, and grap-
a periodization framework is needed to
manage these training stressors in a way
that facilitates the effective development
CAPACITY
The predominant contributor to energy
supply after 3 minutes of activity is the
aerobic system. Thus, the length of an
pling techniques found in more tradi- of each characteristic, manages the
fatigue generated from the training MMA round and minimal recovery
tional martial arts such as kickboxing,
stress, and allows the fighter to peak between rounds necessitates the athlete
wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and karate.
at predetermined points throughout to draw heavily on aerobic metabolism
Because of the diversity in these
the training plan. (36). However, each round consists of
attacking methods, a highly developed
intermittent activity expressed as a high
broad scope of physical abilities is Despite an increasing number of inves-
intensity to lower intensity (Hi:Lo) ratio
needed to successfully compete. A tigations into strength and condition-
of 1:2 to 1:4 (28) (Figure 1). Such
well-prepared mixed martial artist will ing methods for MMA, none have
presented a detailed periodization a work-to-recovery interval necessitates
need to possess high levels of maximal
engagements from both fast and slow
strength and strength endurance in framework which addresses the critical
glycolysis in addition to oxidative
addition to the ability to express power issue of interference effects from con-
metabolism (15). Therefore, physiolog-
repeatedly under loaded and unloaded current endurance and resistance train-
ically, MMA is intermittent in nature
conditions. Furthermore, the MMA ath- ing (5,6,17,55,78). The purpose of this
requiring multiple high-intensity efforts,
lete must have the physical resilience to article is to provide the strength and
which underpin its high-intensity
absorb frequent high-intensity collisions. conditioning coach with a framework
Finally, the sport has high-intensity in- by which the major training tasks can
KEY WORDS:
termittent endurance characteristics, be integrated. A detailed periodized
thus it necessitates well-developed aer- training plan for MMA will be provided mixed martial arts; combat sport;
obic and anaerobic capacities (36,60). as a practical example to guide both the periodization; concurrent training

34 VOLUME 35 | NUMBER 6 | DECEMBER 2013 Copyright Ó National Strength and Conditioning Association
Figure 1. Time-motion breakdown from a collection of regional level MMA bouts (28).

intermittent endurance foundation (84). seconds (15), it can be concluded that league that has physiological character-
Amtmann et al. (7) measured postbout the repeated engagement of these sys- istics similar to MMA including frequent
lactate levels reaching 18.7 and 20.7 tems fuel decisive encounters in MMA. tackling collisions with high-intensity
mmol/L for bouts lasting regulation intermittent endurance demands, it
time. These levels are similar to those STRENGTH was determined that the ability to
found in the grappling sports of wres- The grappling battles experienced by express power under loaded conditions
tling (70) and judo (27). Because the end MMA athletes resemble that of wres- differentiated elite from subelite players
product of the fast glycolytic pathway is tling and thus require expressions of (8,10,12). It is possible, then, that power
lactate, it can be concluded that mixed both dynamic and isometric strength may also be the defining physiological
martial artists rely heavily on this sys- (53). Del Vecchio et al. (28) determined ability of high-level MMA athletes.
tem over the duration of a bout, partic- that approximately 50% of fights ended However, further investigations are
ularly during brief grappling battles during ground fighting action. Thus, the needed to determine the characteristics
lasting approximately 30–90 seconds development of this characteristic can of elite mixed martial artists.
(15). contribute to the performance enhance-
An investigation of the work-to-rest ment of a decisive MMA skill. More- PHYSIOLOGICAL ADAPTATIONS
ratio of the component sports of over, strength forms the foundation TO CONCURRENT TRAINING
MMA suggests that grappling arts for the development of power (23,24), A successful MMA athlete will need to
have higher work-to-rest ratios than and significant improvements in athletic employ a number of training tasks over
striking sports. A ratio of 3:1 has been performance have been well docu- the course of a training plan to develop
determined for both judo (64) and mented as a result of training induced these capacities. Energy system condi-
wrestling (70), whereas striking arts increases in strength (22,50,85,90,91). tioning and resistance training in addi-
such as muay Thai and taekwondo tion to technical and tactical sessions
experience work-to-rest ratios of 2:3 POWER of varying intensities will be the key
(79) and 1:6 (59), respectively. Thus, The delivery of strikes including factors manipulated to achieve perfor-
it seems as though MMA possesses punches and kicks require rapid applica- mance gains. Underlying the effective
an intensity that falls between grap- tion of force under unloaded conditions. integration of these tasks are their
pling and striking sports. However, Aagaard et al. (3) noted that a punch is chronic and acute physiological re-
the decisive nature of MMA grappling delivered in 50–250 milliseconds, thus, sponses. Because endurance-training
encounters (28) and the high blood exceptional rate of force development stimuli can illicit differing and conflict-
lactate levels suggest that grappling, (RFD) capabilities are required. In the ing adaptations to resistance training
rather than striking, represents the only investigation using elite MMA ath- tasks, close attention must be paid to
greater proportion of engagements in letes, McGill et al. (62) determined that the management of these distinct
MMA. In addition to these findings, it a rapid contraction-relaxation strategy of modalities to minimize interference
has been reported that approximately trunk musculature is used when per- effects. Although there have been no
77% of fights were decided during forming powerful punching and kicking investigations into the periodization
high-intensity striking or grappling se- actions. Additionally, when executing of an MMA training plan, there is
quences either standing or on the takedowns, forces applied at high rates a depth of research that has examined
ground, lasting 8–14 seconds (28). against the mass of an opponent are the effects of concurrent endurance
Because the ATP-PC and fast glycolysis required. Thus, the expression of power and resistance training programs.
are the primary systems used for high- under loaded conditions is also a key Understanding this research will assist
intensity expressions lasting 6 to 30 element of MMA. In the sport of rugby in the design of an effective periodized

Strength and Conditioning Journal | www.nsca-scj.com 35


Periodization for Mixed Martial Arts

training plan to manage the training this suggests that technical, tactical, a 4-year period (11) and maintain these
stressors of MMA. energy system, and resistance training abilities over a 29-week competitive
Reports of interference effects stemming should be prioritized in a way that con- season with high volumes of aerobic
from the concurrent training of aerobic siders these effects. The prioritization and anaerobic activities. Moreover,
and resistance training modalities are will be dependent on the stage of the subelite players were able to increase
well documented in the scientific litera- training plan and the individual abilities strength with equally high levels of
ture (25,30,39,41,45,48,52,56). A seminal of the athlete. Additionally, strategies concurrent endurance training over
that promote aerobic, anaerobic, a season (9) and further develop both
study by Hickson (45) investigated the
strength, and power adaptations strength and power over a 4 year-
effects of concurrent strength and endur-
with minimal interference should be period (11). Although the framework
ance training in untrained individuals. By
used. was not described, it was suggested
the end of the 10-week training program,
that the periodization of this training
strength levels were significantly lower in CONCURRENT ENDURANCE AND including the sequencing of modalities
the combined strength and endurance RESISTANCE TRAINING and prioritization of training goals al-
group compared with the strength only These findings highlight the complexity lowed for this effective concurrent
group. Consistent with these findings, faced when developing the MMA development of endurance and
Rønnestad et al. (76) found significantly athlete. A framework is needed to mini- strength qualities (9,11).
greater increases in strength, thigh cross- mize these interference effects and facili-
sectional area, jump squat performance, tating the concurrent development of These findings suggest that despite
and RFD in subjects performing strength opposing physiological abilities. Garcı́a- conflicting mechanisms underpinning
training only when compared with elite Pallarés et al. (35) proposed a block peri- the adaptations to various MMA train-
endurance athletes performing concur- odization strategy for the concurrent ing modalities, it is feasible to develop
rent strength and endurance-training. development of strength, power, and strength, power, and endurance con-
For the MMA athlete, this suggests that endurance that considers the effects of currently in athletes. However, poorly
high volumes of low-intensity aerobic- training modalities at the central and organizing these modalities will limit
based training will certainly limit the abil- peripheral level. To account for this, performance gains. Thus, to effectively
ity to enhance strength and power levels. hypertrophic resistance training was arrange these modalities and optimally
This effect would be particularly appar- paired with lower-intensity interval train- prepare the MMA athlete for compe-
ent if the MMA athlete was undertaking ing (LIIT) occurring at 75–85% V̇ O2max tition, a periodization framework
a large workload of physiologically non- in a training block, whereas strength and should be used.
specific continuous conditioning at a low power development were paired with
intensity for an extended duration, other- high-intensity interval training (HIIT). PERIODIZATION OF AN MMA
wise known as long slow distance (LSD) Underpinning this framework is the sug- PROGRAM
(15) in conjunction with strength-power gestion that opposing physiological adap- The primary training factors of MMA
training. However, because aerobic and tations occur at the peripheral level can be broadly classified as technical,
anaerobic capacity are important quali- between hypertrophy training and tactical, conditioning, and resistance
ties for the mixed martial artist, alternate HIIT (56). Here, the high metabolic training. Table 1 shows an example of
training methods should be applied that stress induced by HIIT would interfere how these factors can be prioritized
promote these adaptations while form- with peripheral anatomical adaptations, across a macrocycle. The classic model
ing a more fitting complement to the whereas LIIT elicits primarily central of periodization suggests that nonspe-
development of key strength and power adaptations, and therefore poses less cific training like general conditioning
abilities. Conversely, the inclusion of interference. In accordance with this be introduced initially, with more spe-
resistance training has been reported to model, the predominantly neural adap- cific tactical and technical training
improve performance in endurance ath- tations to strength and power training occurring in greater volumes as the
letes (13,44,49,65,66,71,75,77,80) in addi- are a more fitting complement to the event approaches (73).
tion to improvements in maximal peripheral adaptations of HIIT. This Caution is advised with the inclusion
strength (1,2,14,44) and RFD (1,2). Thus, strategy significantly improved endur- of continuous endurance training such
further to the well-understood improve- ance, strength, and power performance as LSD because of a lack of specificity
ments in strength and power, the inclu- markers in high-level athletes (35). to the intermittent nature of MMA
sion of resistance training to an MMA Providing further support to the effec- and more severe impact on strength
training plan has the potential to tiveness of periodization in developing and power development than interval
enhance endurance performance. How- conflicting abilities are investigations training strategies (15). Thus, LIIT at
ever, caution must be applied by manag- by Baker (9) and Baker and Newton a 1:1 work-to-rest ratio should be
ing the overall training workload to (11). These studies demonstrated that applied during the early stages of
allow for the incorporation of this addi- elite rugby league players could the training plan. The use of Garcı́a-
tional training factor. Taken together, develop strength and power over Pallarés et al’s (35) model in pairing

36 VOLUME 35 | NUMBER 6 | DECEMBER 2013


Table 1
The configuration of training tasks within a mesocycle and over a macrocycle

Macrocycle

Order of Mesocycle 1: Mesocycle 2: Mesocycle 3: Taper


priority general specific Precompetition
preparation preparation

1 Interval Technical Tactical 8–14 d in Bout


training duration.
using 1:1 Reduce overall
Hi:Lo ratio training stress
by 40–60%
2 Hypertrophy High-intensity Technical
training energy system
conditioning
using 1:2 Hi:Lo
ratio
3 Technical Strength training High-intensity
energy system
conditioning
using 1:2 Hi:Lo
ratio.
4 Tactical Tactical Strength-power
training

resistance and endurance-training mechanisms underpinning adaptations training stress to continue to promote
modalities in specific training blocks to strength-power training (21). training adaptations (73) (Figure 2). A
should be considered. Conditioning The following section provides an 3:1-loading paradigm will be used for
in the form of LIIT will be paired with example of the specific preparation each mesocycle (73). Here, the training
higher-volume resistance training period within a training plan. Detailed stress will increase over the first 3 weeks,
whereas strength and strength-power guidelines will be presented for weeks whereas the final week provides a
training is paired with HIIT. Here, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of a 13-week macrocycle, period of restitution before the increased
the peripheral adaptations to hypertro- culminating in a high-level amateur training load of the next mesocycle. This
phy resistance training should pose less bout. The integration of training fac- strategy allows super-compensation and
interference with LIIT than HIIT. LIIT tors, the management and distribution the performance gains from the meso-
should progress to more specific HIIT of training load, and the design of cycle to be realized (82).
after the early stages of the mesocycle. physiologically specific energy system In accordance with the principles of
Peripheral adaptations stemming from training are presented. In summary, periodization, technical sessions increase
HIIT forms a fitting complement to this 4-week mesocycle will combine in priority (73). This training is ath-
the predominantly neural adaptations strength development with HIIT, in lete specific, targeting technical flaws
of strength and strength-power train- addition to technical and tactical and fine-tuning other techniques.
ing for the remainder of the cycle. The training. This is in contrast to tactical sessions,
decreased volume load (VL) from which involve strategies specific to
strength and strength-power training, THE DISTRIBUTION OF TRAINING the upcoming opponent. As a more
compared with hypertrophy training, LOAD developed technical ability and
makes way for additional volumes from This proposed block periodization increased conditioning dictates the
HIIT and technical and tactical activi- model prioritizes, vertically integrates, strategic options for an MMA fighter,
ties. Another important factor is the ten- and horizontally sequences the train- tactical sessions remain a lower pri-
dency for HIIT to increase type II fiber ing factors of MMA. Such a strategy ority until the final mesocycle. The
concentration (26). This adaptation in- has proven to be the superior design VL of resistance training decreases
creases RFD (51,54), maximal force pro- for athletes participating in concurrent as the athlete moves from the devel-
duction capabilities (51), and maximal training (33,72). Each successive meso- opment of hypertrophy to strength.
power output (86), which match the cycle will have a greater overall This makes way for the increased

Strength and Conditioning Journal | www.nsca-scj.com 37


Periodization for Mixed Martial Arts

Figure 2. A 3:1-loading paradigm used to manage the overall training stress over a macrocycle. The last week of the pre-
competition mesocycle forms the first week of the 2-week taper (73).

volume of technical and energy sys- plan, increases the risk of overtraining morning heart rate, and rate of per-
tem training. Relative distribution of (20,31) necessitating careful athlete ceived exertion using questionnaires
the training workloads for this period monitoring of fatigue state. To monitor such as RESTQ-Sport, profile of mood
is presented in Figure 3 and Table 1. training load and its impact on fatigue states, and total quality recovery. Train-
Table 2 depicts the weekly schedule effectively, a number of strategies are ing loads should be modified if this
for these training tasks. recommended. The loads should be
monitoring data provide evidence of
preplanned and based on the capacity
increased fatigue.
MONITORING of the individual. Self-reporting should
A large volume of concurrent training, assist in athlete monitoring by record- Field tests should be conducted during
as is common in an MMA training ing fatigue level, sleep quality, resting the first week of each mesocycle to

Figure 3. Distribution of training workloads over the specific preparation mesocycle.

38 VOLUME 35 | NUMBER 6 | DECEMBER 2013


Table 2
Weekly training schedule for the specific preparation period
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Week 5 Recovery day


Morning Technical Technical Technical Energy system Technical Technical
conditioning
Lunch
Evening Energy system Strength training Strength training
conditioning
Week 6
Morning Technical Technical Technical Technical Technical Technical
Lunch Energy system
conditioning
Evening Energy system Strength training Energy system Strength training
conditioning conditioning
Strength and Conditioning Journal | www.nsca-scj.com

Week 7
Morning Technical Technical Technical Technical Technical Technical
Lunch Energy system
conditioning
Evening Energy system Strength training Energy system Energy system Strength training
conditioning conditioning conditioning
Week 8
Morning Technical Technical Technical Energy system Technical Technical
conditioning
Lunch
Evening Energy system Strength training Strength training
conditioning
39
Periodization for Mixed Martial Arts

determine the athlete’s preparedness of the following period. This is sug- repetitions are to be performed not to
and to monitor the impact of the pre- gested to be the superior approach failure. Table 4 presents the resistance
vious training cycle (Table 3). These when developing a training plan training prescription and loading
performance tests will assist in identify- (23,40,63,72,83,91). Targeting muscular schedule.
ing any deficiencies in the athlete’s hypertrophy in the previous mesocycle
physiological abilities. This information stimulates increases in cross-sectional POWER TRAINING
should also be presented to sports- area, anaerobic capacity, and fat-free The sequenced approach to this train-
specific coaches to help determine the mass, which provides the foundation ing plan aims for maximal power gen-
prioritization of training tasks (thus for the development of strength in the erating capacity to peak on completion
allocation of workloads) over the meso- following block (82). However, caution of the final mesocycle, thus, the resis-
cycle and within each block. For exam- should be applied to prevent additional tance training emphasis of this period
ple, a highly technical fighter may be hypertrophy from interfering with the is directed toward the force portion of
found to lack HIITcapacity, thus, energy athlete’s ability to reach the required the force-velocity relationship. How-
system conditioning may be prioritized weight for their class. The improved ever, the weightlifting activities and
over technical work in a training block. strength aids in the development of their variations that are included allow
Alternatively, an athlete may have low power in the following mesocycle for the development of both force and
strength, and the development of this (23). The resistance training frequency, velocity components (19). Velocity-
capacity may increase in priority. Special volume, and loading should fall within specific improvements are trained in
attention must be paid to the potential the optimal bandwidth for high-level this period through the inclusion of
interference effects that can impact adap- concurrently training athletes (34). plyometric-type, and low-load ballistic
tations. Thus, if an increase in strength or Additionally, to provide necessary un- and weightlifting tasks during energy
power is desired, it would be beneficial to loading, the presented program incor- system training and technical sessions.
lower endurance-training workload. porates only 2 sets in the final week of Such modalities are understood to
this mesocycle. Heavy and light days impact the velocity portion of the
RESISTANCE TRAINING are included to provide reasonable var- force-velocity relationship (24). This
The development of strength in this iation in intensity, which optimizes mixed-methods approach is recog-
mesocycle is in accordance with the the- recovery and adaptation (32,81). nized as the superior method for devel-
ory of sequenced training. This method The principle of dynamic correspon- oping power (69).
suggests that the development of one dence (19) would suggest that multijoint
ENERGY SYSTEM TRAINING
ability potentiates the development of exercises including weightlifting activities
the next (47,83). Thus, each training are ideal. In accordance with the findings As LIIT delivers improvements pre-
period should facilitate the improvement of Izquierdo-Gabarren et al. (48), dominately in aerobic capacity, it
may be suitable for inclusion in the
early stages of a training plan. How-
Table 3 ever, this should shift to HIIT strate-
Physiological testing battery for MMA gies, which are bioenergetically
specific to an MMA bout. MMA’s re-
Ability Test ported high intensity to low intensity
Unloaded power output Countermovement jump (Hi:Lo) ratio of 1:2 to 1:4 (28) should
be used to guide the design of energy
Loaded upper-body power Ballistic bench press throw at 55% of 1 repetition system training. In the example pre-
outputa maximum (1RM) sented (Table 5), a 1:2 Hi:Lo ratio is
Loaded lower-body power Jump squat at a load representing the weight used and would allow a fighter to effec-
outputa class of the athleteb tively prepare for an anticipated grap-
pling-dominant fight. This is in
Upper-body dynamic strength 1RM bench press
accordance with the indication that
Lower-body dynamic strength 1RM back squat grappling sports have higher work-to-
rest ratio than striking sports
Intermittent aerobic and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 2 test
(18,59,64,70). A 1:4 Hi:Lo ratio could
anaerobic capacity
be used for bouts in which striking ex-
1RM 5 repetition maximum. changes are expected to predominate.
a
These tests will be conducted if a linear position transducer is available.
Additionally, the work intervals con-
sider the finding that approximately
b
For example, a fighter competing in the 77-kg weight class will use 77 kg for this test. This 77% of fights were decided during
reflects the expression of power against an opponent during many standing grappling high-intensity sequences lasting 8–15
exchanges.
seconds (28). Each set of work-to-

40 VOLUME 35 | NUMBER 6 | DECEMBER 2013


Table 4 prescribed in the final week (Table 6).
Strength training prescription Furthermore, no conditioning using
MMA-specific activities is prescribed
Tuesday (heavy) Friday (medium) in this final week to allow restitution
Clean Hang power clean and press from the intense collisions associated
with this mode.
Push press Back squat
Deadlift DB Press TECHNICAL TRAINING
Because of the large number of disci-
Bench press Single-arm DB row plines that compose MMA, technical
Barbell row Stiff-leg deadlift sessions likely comprise a greater por-
tion of a training plan than many other
Loading schedule single-event sports. Such sessions usu-
Week Sets Repetitions %1RM ally include Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wres-
tling, boxing, muay Thai boxing, or
5 2 5 T: 80%, F: 70% a combination of these. Technical
6 3 5 T: 85%, F: 70% training may occur 6 days per week,
and in many cases, more than once
7 4 5 T: 85%, F: 70% per day. These sessions often consist
8 2 5 T: 75%, F: 60% of learning or fine-tuning specific tech-
niques, followed by a period of live
DB, dumbbell; F, Friday; T, Tuesday. sparring in positions where the tech-
nique can be applied. However, spar-
ring sessions may also be delivered
recovery sequences lasts approxi- the right (29,42) eliciting improvements independently of other activities.
mately 5 minutes, which replicates in lactate buffering capacity, which is
the duration of a round. As technical sessions increase in prior-
critical considering the high lactate
ity, the sports-specific coach will be
In addition to greater specificity, the pro- levels experienced by MMA athletes
directed to increase the training work-
gression to HIIT in this mesocycle min- (7). Energy system conditioning strat- load for this mesocycle, distributing
imizes the disruption to the development egies can use resistance training, cycli- the training workload in accordance
of strength (51), power (86), and RFD cal activities, or more sports-specific with the 3:1-loading paradigm used.
(51,54) while simultaneously improving modalities such as grappling and strik- Methods for achieving this can be by
both low-intensity exercise endurance ing drills (Table 5). In accordance with the inclusion or removal of sessions or
and HIIT capacity (57,74,87). This form the 3:1 loading pattern, training stress adjusting the duration of the session.
of interval training can shift the lactate is increased over the first 3 weeks, Furthermore, the intensity or duration
threshold and onset of blood lactate to whereas a considerable decrease is of the live sparring component can be

Table 5
Energy system training strategies based on a Hi:Lo ratio of 1:2
Mode Set length Work intervals Recovery No. Repetitions Sets Rest (min)

Sports-specific 5 min A takedown against 20-s low-intensity 10 Week 5:5 1


a resisting opponent, grappling or sparring Week 6:6
or 10-s striking Week 7:7
combination Week 8:4
Resistance complex 5 min 15 s 15 s of either hang 30-s back squat. At 40% 7
power clean/clean/ 1RM hang power
high pull/push press. clean
Change each work
interval. At 40% 1RM
hang power clean
Rowing, cycling, 5 min 15 s 15 s at 110–120% 30 s at 70% maximal 7
running, or maximal aerobic aerobic speed
combination speed

Strength and Conditioning Journal | www.nsca-scj.com 41


Periodization for Mixed Martial Arts

TAPERING
Table 6
Energy system training frequency Although this discussion focuses on
the specific preparation period, it
Mode Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 is important that strength and con-
Sports-specific 1 1 2 0 ditioning coaches have a general
understanding of tapering. An effec-
Resistance complex 1 1 1 1 tive taper reduces overall training
Cyclical activities 0 1 1 1 stress, allowing fatigue to dissipate,
thereby maximizing preparedness.
Total 2 3 4 2 It has been shown that a correctly
designed and implemented taper
can improve performance to varying
altered to meet the requirements of the reduce the risk of such injuries (37). degrees depending on the training
period (Table 7). Because of the low Injury prevention strategies that type and characteristics of the ath-
prioritization of tactical sessions in this focus on precise lower limb align- lete. A meta-analysis of tapering data
mesocycle, such tasks can be easily ment during specific plyometric and on endurance performance shows
integrated into technical sessions with- ballistic tasks are recommended. that the most effective strategy is to
out extending the training time exces- Such exercises may include depth implement an 8-day to 2-week taper
sively. Technical workouts should be drop variations, progressing to single- that reduces training volume by 41–
scheduled early in the day to minimize leg-bound and stick actions. These 60% (16). Furthermore, it seems as
the potential for fatigue to interfere with may be included in the dynamic though a reduction in training vol-
the skill acquisition required from these warm-up at a submaximal effort. Addi- ume while intensity and frequency
sessions. The 24 hour period between tionally, such activities, performed with are maintained has the most positive
sessions, including sleep, will aid in the greater degrees of effort, will form effects on performance in highly
consolidation of these complex motor a fitting complement to strength-power trained athletes (67). In this example,
skills (89). resistance sessions in the following the taper begins 2 weeks before
mesocycle. Close qualitative analysis of the bout with a 40% reduction in
INJURY PREVENTION the ballistic and plyometric actions used training load followed by a further
Many MMA techniques require in energy system conditioning should be 20% reduction of pretaper training
superior neuromuscular control of undertaken to ensure that precision of load in the final week before
the athlete’s center of mass over their movement is maintained when in competition.
base of support, and of the lower a fatigued state. Implicit learning strate-
limbs themselves. Deficiencies in gies are to be applied throughout to aid
CONCLUSIONS
these areas, which lead to valgus col- in the motor learning process (58).
MMA is a complex sport requiring the
lapse about an excessively extended Application of close qualitative analysis
concurrent development of a broad
knee, are reported to increase the risk and feedback on movement quality in
scope of abilities. The development of
of noncontact anterior cruciate liga- technical and tactical sessions will pro-
these attributes requires training inter-
ment injury (4,43). Improvements in vide further opportunities to improve
ventions which illicit distinct and often
neuromuscular control seem to neuromuscular control.
conflicting adaptations. This increases
the risk of mismanaged training work-
Table 7 loads and poorly integrated training
Frequency, duration, structure, and intensity guidelines for technical tasks, which will certainly limit per-
sessions formance gains and may lead to
overtraining or injury. However, by
Week No. sessions Duration (min) Sparring/live Intensity of
understanding the potential conflicts
application sparring
component component stemming from divergent training
(min) stimuli, an effective periodization strat-
egy can be developed. This will direct
5 5 90 30 M the management of fatigue and recov-
6 6 90 30 H ery while pairing complementary
endurance and resistance training
7 6 90 45 H modalities and sequencing targeted
8 5 60 20 L abilities. By using these strategies, the
strength and conditioning coach can
L 5 low; M 5 medium; H 5 high.
effectively assist in the short-term and

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