5 MMA Training Drills

Practicing these 5 MMA training drills daily can possibly increase your chances of surviving matches. MMA, or mixed martial arts, is a sport of fighting opponents within the confines of a ring, similar to boxing or professional wrestling. MMA requires strength, endurance and a desire to win.

1. Crunches. An important part of MMA training drills is focus on the core, or upper and lower abdominal areas. Crunches are performed by lying flat on the back and bending the knees at a 45 degree angle. Place hands behind the head forming a triangle on each side of the head with the arms. Lift the head and the legs simultaneously bringing the head as close to the knees as possible. Keep the elbows out and do not bend them towards the knees during the movement. Return the body to the starting position and repeat. Crunches are varied for MMA training drills by pulling up, holding the position for an amount of time and then releasing. The starting positions of the legs is also altered to work on different muscle groups.
2. Twists. Another of the  MMA training drills which focus on the core area is twists. The move is achieved with the use of weights or a medicine ball. The feet are planted shoulder width apart in a standing position. The weights or medicine ball is held close to or against the body. The body is then turned at the waist to the left, to the front, and then to the right. The motion is smooth and deliberate without jerking motions.
3. One Foot Jumps. MMA training drills include the building of balance. One such drill is jumping and landing on one foot. The participant stands on one side of a line. They jump sideways over the line landing on one foot. They then jump sideways back over the line and land on the opposite foot.
4. Balance Beam. Another balance related piece of MMA training drills is walking on a gymnastic style balance beam. This focus on balance lets the athlete maintain his footing during bouts.
5. Running. Endurance enhancing MMA training drills include running. Long distance and obstacle style running are included in the drills.