Fitness for BJJ
'Want to get fit for BJJ, do BJJ'
How many times have we heard this? How many times have I said it? Truth be told, BJJ itself is specific training, and while it no doubt offers variable training for aspects of fitness, to truly get to the next level (excusing natural talent) you need to utilise various methods of training.
To see actual increase in performance and ability we need to optimize the following in our training programs:
Adaption
Progression/overload
Specificity
Individuality
Reversibility
Intensity
Variable
Overcompensation
Recovery
Test/monitor
More to the point, going back to the classic statement quoted above, how many top level grapplers/fighters only grapple? How many do Aerobic training (running/rowing/cycling at low/moderate pace) how many do muscle endurance, muscle strength and power? Most if not all.
This is just a short blog which will develop over the next month or two, but I wanted to engage and see what do the club level, hobbyist do - if anything? Should they do more, or is it in their case OK to just do 'BJJ'
Lastly, remember that a lot of training is transferable, this offers variable sessions to which the above list highlights. Would aerobic training (run) be useful for stamina in a 10 minute fight? Of course...
I will add to this in more detail looking at which system (ATP-PCr, Anaerobic and Aerobic) is more specific to BJJ as well as how we can train them and more importantly the rest periods that is required to increase performance/ability.
Food for thought, until the next blog
Keep rolling