Im interested in getting in shape for MMA style fighting?

Question

does anyone have any suggestions or routines that may be help full I'm specifically looking for muscle toning and stamina

Answer 1

Sadly, I can't tell you a whole lot other than to obtain a fighter's workout program (I've only heard of people using Bas Rutten's, which is totally legit).  It seems like training programs differ almost completely from fighter to fighter or at least camp to camp.

One that is quite popular:  Sprint, slow to normal speed, sprint, slow, repeat.  It's an old wrestling training technique that helps develop explosiveness in a match.  This is better than solely running long distance at the same pace.

Another one:  Hitting a large tire with a sledgehammer.  One video showed Fedor doing it, now it seems like everyone does it.  I've also seen a lot of fighters turning tractor tires over.  Both of these seem to be fad-ish staples of MMA training.

Obviously lift weights, spar as often as possible, hit the bags (and use a round timer), etc.

Answer 2

As the previous response notes, cardio is very important.

My son is aiming for MMA competition...he started off with martial arts, did a lot of wrestling in high school, and then added jiu jitsu. He said that the wrestling drills have given him a big advantage as far as cardio and stamina is concerned.

So, find a school that puts at least some emphasis on wrestling. Or, if you're in high school, go out for the wrestling team. The techniques will help greatly, too. The main drawback to wrestling seems to be that wrestlers are so conditioned to not being on their backs that they can't adjust when it comes to jiu jitsu or other techniques, when being on your back can actually be an advantage.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

Obviously the best place is to go to a gym but if you're going to try to go at it alone then Georges St. Pierre has a couple of good videos.

So does Frank Shamrock.  Check them out and do the drills by yourself or with a friend.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Cardio is very important in MMA. Find a school that has a circuit training workout and that spars quite often. I wouldn't suggest training by yourself. Being part of a class will make you work harder.

Just find a good school and start from there. Good luck.