I stumbled over this video and was really surprised. Wouldn’t it make sense to at least do this kind of circuit training on top of heavy weight lifting?
If you want to pick up your opponent it’s not going to help you if you can squat the amount that Randy is doing in the Video. On the other hand Randy just completely dominated Tim Sylvia at age 43 so there is no arguing with the results whatsoever.
Also, I think I read at some point, when GSP was posting on T-Nation, that he does some kind of circuit training as well.
Does anyone understand the logic of this kind of training or knows whether that is just one of the weights sessions?
Yeah, but think of it this way–as a world class and long-time wrestler type, Couture has probably spent most of his time over the years physically trying to throw an actively resisting object (human) around a ring. That would tend to build some crazy strength–even if you don’t weight train heavy.
I tend to agree though. I like heavy lifting for strength. I’m just saying…besides, if you’re doing as well as Randy, then more power to you.
I’m sure Couture needs your advice. You should write him.
Given that Couture cannot deadlift 2-3X his bodyweight, he is not a complete mixed martial artist. It is only a matter of time before people realize this.
By the way, how many UFC/Pride champions have you trained?
I hate when these clips are posted on the 'net, because then everyone just assumes that this is the ONE workout Couture uses all the time. In reality, that’s the opposite of the truth. Most world-class fighters switch up their routines in the gym quite frequently, so perhaps on this day he was doing lighter weight and more sets/reps to try and exhaust his muscles. I’ve seen other clips of him snatching a decent amount of weight.
Another point to consider: Couture has yet to sustain a serious injury (not counting his fractured orbital) and he attributes that to his training style.
So, whatever he’s doing, is clearly working.
People seem to get so caught up in what other people are doing. Unless it works for you, there’s no sense in doing it.
Here’s a recent clip of Couture’s training in preparation for Sylvia. Lots of med ball training and plyos. He also mentioned that hes been doing olympic lifting recently.
[quote]CaliforniaLaw wrote:
I’m sure Couture needs your advice. You should write him.
Given that Couture cannot deadlift 2-3X his bodyweight, he is not a complete mixed martial artist. It is only a matter of time before people realize this.
By the way, how many UFC/Pride champions have you trained?[/quote]
Dude, you’re a retard! Have you even read my entire post? I have never claimed to know anything or even having trained anyone let a alon a Pride / UFC fighter. I like that you are open for discussion and the exchange of ideas. Awesome…
Now to the interesting replies. The fact that he has been lifting guys around for years probably is a big factor, I didn’t think of that.
Djwlfpack, I was wondering whether that was the only gym session he was doing but nobody seems to know for sure. His chest for example though would not receive much stimulus from what he’s doing in the video so he probably is doing other workouts.
I’ll spell it out again. I don’t claim to know anything about how to train for MMA events. I think Couture is an incredible athlete at 43 particularly and I’m a huge fan of his.
As stated I don’t think Coutures’ workout needs tweeking. To answer the OP’s question from my training experience maximal strength training is probably the least important aspect of MMA.
Strength endurance is of the utmost importance(weight training wise), being able to sustain strength for 3-5 5minute rounds is way more important to him than 5 sets of squats.
[quote]snipeout wrote:
As stated I don’t think Coutures’ workout needs tweeking. To answer the OP’s question from my training experience maximal strength training is probably the least important aspect of MMA.
Strength endurance is of the utmost importance(weight training wise), being able to sustain strength for 3-5 5minute rounds is way more important to him than 5 sets of squats. [/quote]
Makes sense, but doesn’t your maximal strength aid the strength endurance? Or do you achieve better results by focusing on strength andurance and leaving max strength to develop alongside?
If you want to pick up your opponent it’s not going to help you if you can squat the amount that Randy is doing in the Video. On the other hand Randy just completely dominated Tim Sylvia at age 43 so there is no arguing with the results whatsoever.
[/quote]
Couture relies on takedowns much more than throws. He gets the clinch, works for a good grip, traps a leg, and uses his upper body for leverage. Worked like a champ against Sylvia. Why try and pick up and throw a big guy when technique and leverage will do a better job?
[quote]snipeout wrote:
As stated I don’t think Coutures’ workout needs tweeking. To answer the OP’s question from my training experience maximal strength training is probably the least important aspect of MMA.
[/quote]
If Randy’s training routine doesn’t need ‘tweeking’ why is he constantly looking for new ways to better himself?
This clip is from a while back. You guys can get the team quest training video if you really want to see more of that. But it is several years old & not necessarily his current routine. Sure it worked, but that doesn’t mean it was the best or most efficient.
For anyone else whos wondering he’s been doing a lot more weightlifting than he ever was before & he said its been a key to him being able to stay explosive & quick.
Of course this is not the only kind of workout he can do. But from what I’ve heard from him(interviews and dvds) he’s a serious proponent of circuit training, he does not advocate heavy lifting.
If you actually grapple and spar on a regular basis, you already know that your max strength has very little value after a few minutes of intense fighting. Sure it can help you throw an opponent, but I think that strength endurance and anaerobic conditioning are the keys.
Plus, physical training training requires a lot of time. A complete training regimen must include resistanc training and cardiovascular work. Circuit training enables you to train your energy system and strength endurance at the same time.
Randy cannot afford long rest intervals, and heavy lifting is tough on the nervous system. Think twice about it, he has to train at least 15 hours a week, at 43 yr-old!
[quote]Djwlfpack wrote:
I hate when these clips are posted on the 'net, because then everyone just assumes that this is the ONE workout Couture uses all the time. In reality, that’s the opposite of the truth. Most world-class fighters switch up their routines in the gym quite frequently, so perhaps on this day he was doing lighter weight and more sets/reps to try and exhaust his muscles. I’ve seen other clips of him snatching a decent amount of weight.
Another point to consider: Couture has yet to sustain a serious injury (not counting his fractured orbital) and he attributes that to his training style.
So, whatever he’s doing, is clearly working.
People seem to get so caught up in what other people are doing. Unless it works for you, there’s no sense in doing it.[/quote]
Thank you, good post. I remember someone posting a video of Mirko where he does squats in a smith machine and then leg press and then the world collapsed and everyone said he sucks. Fedor doesn’t even touch weights and hurls people around like rag dolls, Ricardo Arona lifts like an animal and hurls people around. It’s about whatever works for you, and if they are at that elite level second guessing what they’ve done is dumb.
[quote]Djwlfpack wrote:
I hate when these clips are posted on the 'net, because then everyone just assumes that this is the ONE workout Couture uses all the time. In reality, that’s the opposite of the truth. Most world-class fighters switch up their routines in the gym quite frequently, so perhaps on this day he was doing lighter weight and more sets/reps to try and exhaust his muscles. I’ve seen other clips of him snatching a decent amount of weight.
Another point to consider: Couture has yet to sustain a serious injury (not counting his fractured orbital) and he attributes that to his training style.
So, whatever he’s doing, is clearly working.
People seem to get so caught up in what other people are doing. Unless it works for you, there’s no sense in doing it.[/quote]
Some Excellent points made.
Barbell complex’s are rough on the anaerobic system and would be beneficial to any combat athletes gpp. I also think he’s going through the routine quite reserved, normally the reps would be more dynamic.
What many people, probably fighters more than most seem to forget is they ALL perform resistance work of some sort, be it against a heavy bag, bodyweight or someone else. Sparring will obviously increase as the fighter reaches his peak when training so to assume he’s only doing these circuits in the final week or two would be wrong. SPP and the fight plan would be the main focus.
Concerning couture we should all take inspiration. His conditioning for anyone period is world class, let alone a guy of 43.