Do you really need a six pack abs to be a master or good fighter?

[Andrew WA]

Does having a six pack REALLY make you a better fighter?

I have heard so many people dis on martial artists because they were a little chubby and didnt have perfect bodies. People said they suck and are a joke and in no way could be good at fighting.

I am sure having nice abs helps you in fighting but is it really necessary?

And keep in mind I am not defending super fat 500 lb obese guys at all. I am just saying guys who are reletively in good shape but dont have a six pack at all and have a gut somewhat. What do you think?

[Ronin]

NO.
NO.

[Stick]

.....

Why did you post this?

Blegh, fine- no it isn't necessary to have a 6-pack per se, but a strong torso (all your abs, chest, back, obliques, etc) is vital to doing what must be done. If I'm fighting a guy with a beer gut and I take his ass down, I don't honestly exect him to pull of many situp sweeps before he passes out...

The big deal is "Masters" that are about as physically fit as country kitchen buffet reular customer, there are too many of them!

[Strat_Tones]

Clearly you must have a six pack in order to be a good fighter. That is why Fedor is so horrible. Seriously, when is this guy going to get a win???!!!

[Andrew WA]

I am not talking about those types of country kitchen people.
I have even seen japanese karate masters who have sort of a chub to them.

Anyway there are a lot of skinny guys who work out a lot and have decent shape but their gut still is there. I have even seen UFC guys who have flab beating up their opponent.

[Gosai]

Agreed, my instructer isnt gonna win Mr. Universe any time soon, but he'll kick my ass any day of the week. And he is definetly in shape or I would assume considering he's managed to get onto the police force recently.

[Cullion]

There are people who are good at fighting and have big bellies. They can be very strong, if lacking in wind and agility. With a big enough strength difference a modicum of technique, and aggression, that's enough to deal with most people. I'm sure Tank Abott in his worst shape could kick most of our arses handily.

However, people like that are often only dangerous _because_ they are so big and heavy, and against somebody the same weight who's mass was made up mostly of functional muscle, they'd be in trouble. I've also seen a lot of big fat sumo types get their asses kicked in the early UFCs by guys who although strong, were nowhere near their size, just a lot fitter and more nimble.
As already mentioned, having trouble getting up again once downed and getting pounded seemed like a significant problem for them.

[Ronin]

You are in the shape you need to be for what you do.

[feedback]

Of course not; the necessary steroids a good fighter has to take will make a 6-pack difficult, if not impossible~

[Samfoo]

Clearly you must have a six pack in order to be a good fighter. That is why Fedor is so horrible. Seriously, when is this guy going to get a win???!!!

Psh! Only the eight-pack abs are the true masters of fighting. Six packs are so UFC 23.

Hehe, someone should make a fighting team: "Eight Pack Abs"

[Gezere]

Look douche bags a middle age karateka with some chub isn't a bad thing but when you are 20~40 carrying around a spare tire and claiming to be a MASTER then that is obviously bad. Its that simple. Oyama as he got older starting carrying more and more weight but that was due to aging not siting on his ass and he would STILL sparr younger students. What we tend to make fun of is the 30 yr old guy looking like FAT BASTARD who claims to whip ass but doesn't sparr and would probably die if forced to walk a flight of stair. That, and Phil, are our main targets.

[Seraphim]

Does having a six pack REALLY make you a better fighter?

I have heard so many people dis on martial artists because they were a little chubby and didnt have perfect bodies. People said they suck and are a joke and in no way could be good at fighting.

I am sure having nice abs helps you in fighting but is it really necessary?

And keep in mind I am not defending super fat 500 lb obese guys at all. I am just saying guys who are reletively in good shape but dont have a six pack at all and have a gut somewhat. What do you think?


To answer your orginal question of "Does having a six pack REALLY make you a better fighter?".

OF COURSE NOT. DUH!
**BITCH SLAPS YOU**

[SkinnyNinja]

If you're referring to visible abs, then no, that's just a measure of body fat. But it definitely helps to have a nice thick layer of strong muscle tissue between someone's attack and your vital organs. More muscle is pretty much more padding, far as I know. But that's just my take on it.


- SkinnyNinja.

[PirateJon]

The only 6 pack I need to be a fighter comes with a plactic ring to choke seaturtles.

:evil6:

[Renn]

And he is definetly in shape or I would assume considering he's managed to get onto the police force recently.
Hahahhahaha... Sorry, i couldn't help laughing. Have you SEEN the physical requirements to make it into the police force?

All i have to say is google it and laugh. It's quite pathetic. It varies from police dept to police dept but i think the standard req's are something like 18 pushups in a minute, 15 minute mile and a half, and some other ridiculously easy req's.

[Yrkoon9]

Certainly not neccessary. But desirable? Yes. Why? A well conditioned and healthy body produces superior results on average.

I do not have a 6 pack. I have low body fat that makes my abs show a little bit. But compare it to bodybuilders, whose abdominals are bloated beyond belief and you see we are built for two totally different purposes. One if for show, one is for go.