Entries Tagged 'Yoga and the Mixed Martial Arts' ↓

Many people assume that yoga and the martial arts have nothing in common. In fact, researchers consider the ancient practice of yoga to be the foundation of these fighting techniques. The modern martial artists are now rediscovering the benefits of this philosophical discipline.

Yoga develops the strength of the body as it provides for the efficient exercising of all muscle groups. You might not look like a fitness champ, but if you perform a number of Yoga breathing techniques and asanas you will develop stronger tendons and even joints. The functional strength you gain will allow you to train more effectively and for longer periods of time.

Nothing is more important in the martial arts than flexibility. By practicing yoga you will be able to jump, kick and slip from grabs much more easily and quickly. The ancient techniques will improve the flexibility of your back as well as the arms and legs. The reflexes are also excellently trained – you will be reacting better to all the surprises that may come up during the fight. Your balance will also be improved allowing you to defend yourself more firmly and to make more precise punches.

Overall, yoga will also efficiently protect you from the common everyday injuries as well as more serious ones by developing your body to the fullest, reducing the impact of a hit. The physical endurance that you gain with constant practicing of the ancient discipline is invaluable.

As long as you are serious about practicing yoga, you will be able to improve not only your physical strength, but your stamina as well. It is essential to consider the higher mental awareness that is created through performing the special exercises regularly. All your senses will be sharper and you will be able to focus more effectively. Yoga is also renowned for curing stress, which is quite beneficial for those participating in the mixed martial arts.

For mixed martial artists, it is incredibly important to fully develop all the muscles within the body. This will allow them to reach their full potential for strength as well as flexibility. Regular gym exercises and strength training have traditionally made up the majority of a mixed martial artist’s exercise routine, but today that is starting to change. More and more MMA fighters are realizing the benefits of yoga and implementing it into their daily routines. This is due to the fact that yoga does more for athletes than many people originally thought. In fact, yoga and MMA are actually pretty closely related. Not only does yoga help to increase flexibility, it also allows one to strengthen their core and learn methods of controlled breathing, all of which can greatly benefit the MMA fighter.

Yoga routines can be designed to include all the poses and positions that are ideal for MMA fighters. There are several different poses that are perfect for increasing flexibility in the most important areas for fighters. Improved flexibility in the legs and hips can help MMA fighters to have an increased ability to perform various moves and submission holds. Flexibility in these areas can also help fighters break free from holds as well. There are numerous yoga poses known as asanas. These asanas have been developed to help improve both physical and mental endurance. This is achieved through a combination of stretching exercises and careful, controlled breathing. Learning the correct way to use essential muscles while keeping others relaxed and breathing in a controlled manner can work to help fighters drastically improve their performance. Black Belt Jiu-Jitsu and master yoga instructor Phil Migliarese offers a complete instructional DVD regarding the best yoga for fighters.

Adding yoga to one’s workout routine has also proven effective in helping fighters learn to remain calm and control their emotions. This is because yoga is designed to train the body as well as the mind. Learning this kind of self control can help train fighters to remain calm rather than becoming upset or overly emotional during a fight. This can be highly beneficial because when a fighter becomes frustrated and emotional, he is prone to making mistakes that could cost him the match. Many fighters who practice yoga are also able to remain calm even when put into a submission hold that puts them in a compromising position. By keeping a relaxed demeanor, they can prevent themselves from hyperventilating. When the mood remains calm and the fighter does not panic, often he is able to free himself from the submission hold.

Many fighters are learning that yoga is not just for those who are looking for an easy workout. On the contrary, yoga is a complete training regime for body and mind. When implemented into the fitness routine of an MMA fighter, it can help improve flexibility, endurance, and overall performance. In his “Yoga for Fighters” fitness video, Phil Migliarese says, “To be a champion, you need to be fast, you need to have flexibility, you need to have strength…all these attributes”. Yoga is one way that fighters can easily develop all of these skills and attributes.