A Serious Question for Contact Sport Coaches

**LiamSP** · Posted On: 7/07/2012 2:19pm

I am seriously considering returning to my old workplace: riekes.org
Among other things it is a high level athletic training center. I left before on very good terms and feel comfortable that I will be welcomed back. Although I have a basic common sense knowledge of physical training, nutrition, and workout structure, I could take the opportunity working at this place to really focus on bringing my knowledge to the next level. In short I can get training from my professional coworkers on an incredibly wide range of technical athletic knowledge.

Omega, SamboSteve, Serge and other high level trainers and coaches: If I wanted to gain the knowledge that a MMA coach needs on all aspects of physical training, what specific skills would I request to be trained at in my workplace?

Specifically, I can only think of gaining proficiency in coaching olympic lifts, nutrition for muscle recovery, and how to structure workouts where you also learn specific skills. What am I missing?

As far as my personal qualifications up to this point, I am still a far way away from coaching. I am a low blue belt and only have an 6-1 striking record, but if I keep training perhaps in 5 years I will be very happy to have taken advantage of this opportunity.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations. Also, please forgive me if I am slow in answering to replies. I am without internet most of the time for the next month.

**SifuJason** · Posted On: 7/11/2012 7:04pm

Add to your list:

1) basic evaluation of injuries and how to rehab them (if offered)

2) anaerobic/interval workouts that simulate the cardiovascular demands of MMA (it's not pure cardio ala running)

3) stretches

**1point2** · Posted On: 7/12/2012 9:56am

Bump. Good question.

Olympic lifting is my vote. But you probably knew that, and I'm not an MMA coach.

**LiamSP** · Posted On: 7/12/2012 1:27pm

Thanks!

**Gypsy Jazz** · Posted On: 7/12/2012 10:38pm

No one place ever really holds all the answers, but read and watch everything you can get your hands on by Mike Boyle. Newer is better since he's one of the few people on this strange world of ours who changes their opinion in light of new information.

For more on MMA specifically check out Dewey Neilsen and Joel Jamieson. The latter of the two has some incredibly interesting ideas on energy systems (cardio-ish) stuff.

When one of those people mentions someone else, it's generally worth looking them up and seeing what you can learn from those people as well.

Personal favorites of mine beyond there if i just want to say a bunch of names: Mike Robertson, Gray Cook, Eric Cressey and Dan John for training. Alan Aragon and Lyle McDonald for nutrition.

**TheRuss** · Posted On: 7/15/2012 6:33pm

Anatomy and physiology.

**sambosteve** · Posted On: 7/16/2012 10:47pm

Hey, I was just directed to this thread. I wanna answer this week on my day off so I can give adequate time to an answer for ya. Will be back Soon!

**blackmonk** · Posted On: 7/16/2012 11:27pm

Sounds like your head is in the right place... This is actually exactly what I do for a living. I'm a CSCS.

From my experience in combat and contact sports, athletes are most deficient in proper nutrition, followed by workout protocols, exercise technique, and sport-specific movements. They also (usually) are misinformed on the advantages/disadvantages of martial arts and supplemental weight training... I don't know how many times I hear some BS like "squats only train ONE part of the body (which any serious squatter knows is absolutely ridiculous), which is why I practice yoga. I have whole-body strength."

A lot of what I do is proving that progressive weight training works, while dispelling exercise myths that are very ingrained in the martial arts world. There's a lot of injury rehab and prevention in there, as well, and I love working with knee and shoulder injuries. I have a literal stack of research journals on the subject, if you're ever looking for scientific answers to those questions.

**sambosteve** · Posted On: 9/07/2012 10:03am

Hey, sorry this took so long...

Regarding training, I will say that you should get as much training as possible in several areas. Obviously some basic in fitness and conditioning, etc, but, most importantly, when you decide to coach is to establish a team of coaches that can compliment each other's stregnths and weaknesses. No single coach can do it all.

But, in terms of MMA/Martial Arts Specific education for you, I have several suggestions:

Start your USA Boxing coach certification. At least take the level 1 course. You won't regret it. It cover the basics of many areas including teaching methods, language, physical training, basic sports related first aid, weight cutting, etc.

I would also suggest taking the Association of Boxing Commissions Referee/Judge course...even if you never plan on reffing or judging.

Aside from your basic CPR & First Aid certs, in terms of combat sports medicine, I would highly suggest attending this: http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/4/11...ium-new-jersey

I found it EXTREMELY valuable. The NJ Athletic Commission started this program this year in conjunction with Dr. Sheryl Wulkan and the Sports Medicine branch of Atlantic Health (they are also the medical team for the NJ Devils and NY Jets). It is now an annual event like none other. Very worth making the trip.

Other things I have done that have helped me were really based on my own college and graduate education. Also, my training as a massage therapist was super helpful over the years (knowledge of the body, Anatomy & Physiology, rehab, sports medicine, etc.).

**sambosteve** · Posted On: 12/21/2012 6:10pm

Replying to this thread only to note that there is an ABC approved MMA referee & judge course coming up on Feb 16-17, 2013.

If you are serious about building your credentials as a coach, this is a not to be missed event!

Website: www.nymmatraining.com
Bullshido thread: http://www.bullshido.net/forums/show...04#post2749604