Training Volume and Methods of Athletes Competing at a Mixed Martial Arts Events

This study surveyed 32 athletes competing at a mixed martial arts (MMA) event held in Butte, Montana. The survey attempted to gather information regarding overall training volume, supplement use, volume change and specific exercises used. The survey return rate was 100 percent (32/32). Twenty-five of 32 athletes supplemented their training with strength training. Overall frequency of strength training ranged from one to six sessions/week, and overall frequency of fighting-specific training sessions/weel ranged from two to 10. Two of the 32 athletes used/had used anabolic-androgenic steroids. Sixteen MMA athletes performed exercises specifically for the neck musculature, and eight use the power clean within their strength-training program. Results suggested that strength and conditioning speciialists should educate the importance of, volume variation and periodization, balanced training, effective exercises, and the side effects of anabolic steroid use.

Effects of a Beginning Judo Class on Heart Rate

We evaluated the heart rate responses of 15 adult and six child subjects to beginning judo class sessions. Heart rate responses were compared to cardiovascular intensity ranges recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Heart rate responses of adults (n=15) averaged 70 percent of age-predicted maximum heart rate with a range of 96 beats/minute to 154 beats/minute. The heart rate responses of the children (n=6) averaged 68 percent of age-predicted maximum heart rate with a range of 133-161 beats/min. Our results show that judo is effective in elevating heart rate to levels recommended by the ACSM for appropriate periods of time to improve cardiovascular fitness.

Case Study of a Children's Judo Class: Musculoskeletal Fitness Changes

We evaluated the musculoskeletal fitness changes in 18 children enrolled in the Montana Tech Fall Judo Camp (test sample) and 12 children from a 3rd grade class at a local elementary school in Butte, Montana (control sample). The musculoskeletal fitness tests included push-up test, pull-up test, and one-minute timed sit-ups for the test sample and push-ups and one minute timed sit-ups for the control sample, with five minutes of rest between each test. The test sample increased their performances in pull-ups, sit-ups, and push-ups by 07, 3.7, and 6.6 repetitions, respectively. The control sample decreased in their sit-up performance by 1.3 repetitions, and improved their push-up performance by 0.2 repetitions. These results show that the test sample improved their musculoskeletal fitness as measured fitness as measured by these tests.