Grip strength is a very important aspect when training for MMA or any other type of combat sports. I have heard many combat athletes talk about how their grips are weak. One area of concern is in the sport of jiu-jitsu when using the gi. If you are a practitioner of gi jiu-jitsu then you know very well the importance of having a good grip. Your grip strength and endurance can save you from your opponent passing your guard or worse submitting you.
So how can we can increase our grip for combat sports? You have seen my oversized pull-up handle video, which have helped with my grip strength. Another great way is by doing Farmers Walks. Basically a Farmers Walk is carrying heavy weight by your and walking with it. They do make Farmer Walk handles, which you can load lot’s of weight on. You can also use a trap bar, which can be found in any commercial gym as well as dumbbells or kettlebells. One thing I have found that has really increased my grip strength is the use of regular 45 pound plates found in pretty much all gyms. If they don’t have forty-five pound plates at your gym just stop reading this article thanks.
Here is what I like to do with the forty-five pound plates. Grab them in each hand using your fingertips. Start with four fingers as you get stronger start reducing the amount of fingers that you use. I then take the plates for a ride. I like to go for about 100yards, once I reach the 100 yard mark I drop the plates and take a brief rest no more that one-minute. Usually around the fifty-yard mark you start to feel the burn as you get closer to the hundred yard mark you will notice how you pick up the pace of your walk just to get it over with. Do a couple of sets of these. If your grip is weaker than you thought grab 25’s or 35’s depending on your level of fitness. Soon enough people will be talking about your firm handshake and you will take your fight game to a new level.
Train Hard! Train Smart!
