Thread: Strength and Conditoning MMA fighters

Im really interested in becoming a strenth and conditioning coach to mma fighters, ive just completed my reps level 2 gym instructor course and am about to start reps level 3 in advanced gym instructing and strength and conditioning.
I was also an ABA boxer for 5 years and train MMA at london shootfighters, how would I go about getting to work along side the fighters?
Anyone got any suggestions on the best way i should go about things?


thx

contact justin on here, hes soon off to cyprus so maybe you could have his job? lol

he'll definitely be the one in the know

First I'd recommned getting some sort of certification related to strength and conditioning.

I didnt even know there was a REPS level 3 cert in strength and conditioning so I cant say if its any good or not, but I do know that the Fitness Instructor and PT courses won't get you very far in strength and conditioning, as the knowledge is quite limited and outdated in my honest opinion.

Go for JC Santana's MMA-Certified S&C award, which would be a nice addition after you get your level 3 REPS. It should help tie what you learn on the REPS course in with MMA and how to make it a little more specific. Otherwise the UK-SCA offer some courses.


A degree course in some exercise / sports field would be highly beneficial, but it depends how far you want to take it. I don't think there's much chance of making a career from S&C without a degree.


Then I'd recommend buying all the top products available on coaching S&C for MMA fighters, as although the principles of S&C are similar for most sports, there is still a LOT that is different about MMA compared to other sports.

The best products out there right now would be:

Fit to Fight - Jason Ferrugia
Secrets of Martial Arts Conditioning - Alwyn Cosgrove
Advances in Functional Training - Mike Boyle
Training for Warriors - Martin Rooney
S&C For the Modern Gladiator - JC Santana


Then, spend at least 1 hour every day learning and reading whatever you can on injury prevention, mobility & stability, assessment and program design. These things are actually more important than the strength and conditioning in many cases!


As for getting work with fighters, don't expect to get paid first of all. Just volunteer your services wherever possible, by telling the atlhetes exactly how you can help them and what is different about your program design. Also make sure you always state exactly HOW your training will help thier sport.

For instance, proclaiming "I'll add 20kg to your squat" isn't usually appealing to an MMA fighter. But if you tell him "I'll show you how to gain the strength to hoist a heavier opponent up without you getting gassed", suddenly thier ears will perk up.


Also, make sure you have a full program in place before offering your services, as they might want to see what you do. Do NOT make the mistake of making up each workout as you go along, that doesnt help anyone! After the REPS level 3 you should know how to put together an effective 12-16 week programme.


Sorry for rambling, I think that should be enough info for now.

So get reading and learning! :thumb