The US Army as one of the top fighting forces in the world has strict fitness standards not only for passing basic training but also as part of on going testing to ensure a regulated high level of fitness. The US Army’s Physical Fitness Test (also known as the PFT) consists of just three basic exercises; push ups, sit ups and running.

So, you are looking to become a professional MMA fighter.  If you have hopes and dreams of one day fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championships you may be asking yourself is once place to live is better than another. MMA contenders and fighters that have starred in the UFC octagon have come from all over the world, so location doesn’t have to mean you can’t get a chance, especially if you are really good and can travel. However there are of course a few factors that make where you are from or where you live better for chances of joining the cast of the next Ultimate Fighter series or getting a fight. These factors include; reputation, training and opportunity.

1.  Striking Strength for that Knock Out Punch or Kicks

The heavy bag was actually designed for boxers to enhance their punching power. It allows for the perfect opportunity to focus on using as many muscles as possible, to ensure a punch is thrown with perfect technique, and with the greatest possible force – the bag never hits back.

Intermediate ground and pound workout Integrate this workout into your training program to improve technique and increase your cardio.

To begin in mixed martial arts and make it to the elite level of the UFC a fighter must posses a good deal of strength. This strength and power will help you out in several areas: throwing punches, on the ground, and in the clinch.  Strength and conditioning specifically for MMA must be done through training you functional strength.  This is not the same workout routine that a bodybuilder would use in the gym to grow their muscles.  Functional strength is what some commonly refer to as ‘farm boy strength’.  It is that strength that can’t be created on the bench press, in the squat rack, or doing tons of curls.

The current explosion of MMA has motivated many people to consider their newly found curiosity and take it one stage further. Increasing numbers of people are signing themselves up to learn the fighting techniques of MMA and the MMA gyms can’t pop up fast enough for the demand that is there.

It happens to the best. Whether it’s the championship grappling match for six-year old kids or for the UFC Heavyweight Championship of the world; someone is going to walk away as the loser. What is yet to be seen is how that moment affects that person. Losing is an important part of our growth as athletes. How we react to it, says a lot about how far we will go.

This week’s motivational focus is centered on the importance of discipline. The ability to have self control will affect you greatly throughout life, not just your training. However, when you are an athlete that has specific desires in mind the practice of self control will help you reach the mountain top.

The Perfect MMA Fighter

The ownership of a title is the goal of every MMA Fighter when they step into the cage. Competing for the love of the sport is one thing, but everyone wants to be on the top; to be known as the best. To reach that goal, each fighter must travel a path to the top. The fight to reach the number one contender’s slot is often as hard as winning the championship.