How do you train for MMA?

[IronTormentor]

I'm completely new to MMA (I'm going to be doing Submission Wrestling/BJJ) and don't know how to weight train for it. I'm still stuck in the bodybuilding mentality but need to adapt to my new interests.

Someone recommended the Westside 5x5 program on another site. Any thoughts? I have never done anything like that and not sure I understand what it entails exactly. Anyone agree/disagree?

[rickaysurvive]

not sure what the westside 5x5 program is, but if its 5 work outs 5 reps 5 times thru in under 30 mins then yes thats a great way to train. it works power, endurance and cardio. a very HIT program. you really need to focus on speed and technique, so look in to work outs that hit your fast twitch muscle fibers. IE resistance band work outs are great.

[IronTormentor]

Actually I think I'm going to do something like Bill Starr's 5x5 at the intermediate lifter level. Anyone think this would be good for someone doing grappling?

[krease]

I havn't tried Bill Starr's much as didn't like the taster I did of it. Starting strength by Mark Rippetoe I felt really benefited me in my grappling due to the amount of hip strength developed on this program. Over just one or two months my: takedown defense, clinching, top game and control all improved vastly.

[kwhitte]

You want to be doing explosive lifts such as clean and press, cleans, squats, bench, deadlift. Those are all major lifts you will want to be hitting on a routine base 1-2x a week hard. Also kettle bells are great for isolation, and core strength, and sprints as well as distance running.

Not sure if you want to know what to train MMA wise as well, but if so Boxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Ju Jitsu

Wrestling/Muay thai/ju jitsu are the 3 major necessities (boxing is an extra that I'd say is very important to train on the side)

[IntegratedFit]

I recommend CrossFit feel free to check out some of the workouts on my webpage in my signature. They match up very well with what high end MMA training camps do.