By Mafalda Genevie
A common question asked by Mixed Martial Arts, Jiu Jitsu, and Grappling practitioners is what is the best form of grip training for strengthening the hands for martial artists?
For MMA practitioners, the best type of grip training for combat sports is with thick handled implements performed dynamically. In a close second place would be pinching movements.
For training the grip for martial arts, Fat Gripz are a great training implement. They slip onto a dumbbell or barbell in seconds. Another related item is the Grip 4orce handles which are similar to Fat Gripz, but must be squeezed actively by the hands in order to keep them on the implement.
There is a great product on the market called Grapple Grips as well. These handles go on chin-up bars, kettlebells, barbells and dumbbells and are most commonly used for dynamic movements such as pull-ups and one-handed swings.
All of the above training tools are great for Grip Strength.
If you are not in the market to buy a grip training tool, then explore ways to increase the size of the implements you are already using. For instance, you can wrap, loop or wad a towel around a barbell, dumbbell, chin bar, etc.
Another viable alternative is doing your grip training with your fighting gloves on. This will make it much tougher to lift the weights and perform your body weight training movements because you won't be able to grip the implements as well. This will work your hands harder and bring about more benefits.
The thumb is often neglected in Grip Training. It is actually very important in keeping your grip secure especially when you are trying to hold an opponent's wrist or ankle and they are trying to break free. With that in mind you can practice pinching drills such as pinch gripping 2 to 5 tens together, 2 or 3 25's, etc. With the lighter combinations, you can do holds for time and also figure 8's, cleans, snatches, etc.
This is just the beginning of the alternatives fighters have for implementing grip training into their martial arts strength training program. Trying some open handed grip training like these exercises will be more beneficial to you than just some wrist curls, holds with a bar, or farmer's walks.
MORE INFORMATION: If you are looking for more information on how to build hand strength, check out DieselCrew.com. This site is loaded with information on strength training for sports and will point you in the right direction for your training.
A common question asked by Mixed Martial Arts, Jiu Jitsu, and Grappling practitioners is what is the best form of grip training for strengthening the hands for martial artists?
For MMA practitioners, the best type of grip training for combat sports is with thick handled implements performed dynamically. In a close second place would be pinching movements.
For training the grip for martial arts, Fat Gripz are a great training implement. They slip onto a dumbbell or barbell in seconds. Another related item is the Grip 4orce handles which are similar to Fat Gripz, but must be squeezed actively by the hands in order to keep them on the implement.
There is a great product on the market called Grapple Grips as well. These handles go on chin-up bars, kettlebells, barbells and dumbbells and are most commonly used for dynamic movements such as pull-ups and one-handed swings.
All of the above training tools are great for Grip Strength.
If you are not in the market to buy a grip training tool, then explore ways to increase the size of the implements you are already using. For instance, you can wrap, loop or wad a towel around a barbell, dumbbell, chin bar, etc.
Another viable alternative is doing your grip training with your fighting gloves on. This will make it much tougher to lift the weights and perform your body weight training movements because you won't be able to grip the implements as well. This will work your hands harder and bring about more benefits.
The thumb is often neglected in Grip Training. It is actually very important in keeping your grip secure especially when you are trying to hold an opponent's wrist or ankle and they are trying to break free. With that in mind you can practice pinching drills such as pinch gripping 2 to 5 tens together, 2 or 3 25's, etc. With the lighter combinations, you can do holds for time and also figure 8's, cleans, snatches, etc.
This is just the beginning of the alternatives fighters have for implementing grip training into their martial arts strength training program. Trying some open handed grip training like these exercises will be more beneficial to you than just some wrist curls, holds with a bar, or farmer's walks.
MORE INFORMATION: If you are looking for more information on how to build hand strength, check out DieselCrew.com. This site is loaded with information on strength training for sports and will point you in the right direction for your training.