Training camp

[1] Athletes typically utilise training camps to prepare for upcoming events, and in competitive sports, to focus on developing skills and strategies to defeat their opponents.

[6] Coaches and athletes also use a training camp to analyse the upcoming opponents fighting style and skills, and develop counter strategies specifically for the bout.

[7] For example, if a fighter is chiefly a striker or boxer, but their opponent is a highly skilled Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, they will train for takedown defence and escapes from various grappling positions.

This entails optimising a nutritional program, and physically and emotionally preparing a fighter for the weight cutting process, if necessary.

[3] These training camps also factor in the biological effects of severe weight cutting, and therefore typically also contain a ‘recovery week’ immediately prior to the event.

Various active methods are used for recovery during a training camp, including massage therapy, cryotherapy, hydration, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Coaches can also reduce the risk of overtraining and burnout through using different training styles and exercises, in order to stimulate the fighter.

The following is a list of the most notable MMA training camps, most of which are run by ex-professional MMA athletes: Bob Cook Leandro Viera Daniel Cormier Khabib Nurmagomedov BJ Penn Luke Rockhold Mike Winkeljohn Holly Holm Georges St Pierre Rashad Evans Daniel Wanderley Scott Cushman Tyron Woodley Rose Namajunas Professional teams competing in most sports have training camps, generally prior to the start of the season.

These training camps provide a set time in which a team can develop their skills, as well as improve their cohesiveness and strategies.

Coaches will also incorporate routine bonding and trust building exercises, in order to improve the team’s mentality and cohesiveness.