Moai Martial Arts Top Ten Ranking

Posted on July 7, 2011 by ALar

What the . . . ?

So my picks for UFC 132 didn’t go so well. Actually, they were awful. I didn’t get a single one right. But that in itself is a reminder why we follow the sport and support the UFC. You can somehow always expect the unexpected. Who thought an aging, broken down Tito Ortiz would run through a young, explosive Ryan Bader? Did we see the last swing in the UFC for the Axe Murderer? And has Dominick Cruz asserted himself as one of the top fighters in MMA? After asking myself these questions at the conclusion of the event on Saturday, I figured I would take a break from the predictions and use my knowledge to assemble a list of the top 10 MMA fighters in the world.

With the UFC now sporting seven weight divisions, it would be very easy for any top 10 lists of fighters to feature the seven UFC champions. Thus, I believe there needs to be a few guidelines for the Moai Martial Arts Top 10 list.

Top 10 Guidelines

  • To be included for consideration in the ranking system, a fighter must have entered the cage within the last six months. Therefore, fighters with long injury lay-offs won’t be considered. This is to keep the rankings as current as possible and to assure that the list features the top 10 fighters at that very moment.
  • Any MMA fighter from any MMA promotion may be considered. Whether it is the UFC, Strikeforce, Bellator, etc.
  • Finishing fights helps your cause.  Don’t get me wrong, winning a fight by decision is an achievement that should be rewarded and revered, but finishing a fight, and leaving the judges out of the process, is appreciated at Moai Martial Arts.

 _______________

On to the Top 10…

10. Jon Fitch
 
 
 
 
 Height: 6’
UFC Welterweight
MMA Record:  23-1-1, 1 No Contest
Nationality: American
 

Fitch fought to a draw with BJ Penn at UFC 127, and it is possible to argue that either fighter rightfully earned a victory in that bout. But Fitch’s gutsy performance and pending rematch with The Prodigy earn him a spot on our list.  Fitch wants another shot at the title, but, before that happens, he will need to defeat Penn in order to assert himself the number one contender.

9. Junior Dos Santos
 
 

 
Height: 6’4
Division: UFC Heavyweight
MMA Record: 13-1
Nationality: Brazilian

The Brazilian striker has not lost since joining the UFC at UFC 90. His recent decision wins over top heavyweights Roy Nelson and past-interim champ Shane Carwin have certified his spot on our list. Dos Santos and his heavy hands are expected to face champ Cain Velasquez later this year.

8. Nick Diaz
 
 
Height: 6’1
Division: Strikeforce Welterweight Champion/ UFC Heavyweight
MMA Record: 25-7, 1 No Contest
Nationality: American

Training under Cesar Gracie, Nick Diaz is on a ten-fight win streak with only one of those fights going to a decision. His ability to provide excitement in the ring and finish fights earns him the eighth spot on our list.  Diaz is the most recent Strikeforce Welterweight Champion, but he vacated that title in order to face Georges St. Pierre for the UFC welterweight title at UFC 137.  Diaz could prove to be GSP’s toughest test to date with his quick hands and Gracie Jiu Jitsu black belt.

7. Dominick Cruz
 
 
Height: 5’8
Division: UFC Bantamweight Champion
MMA Record: 18-1
Nationality: American

At UFC 132, Cruz avenged his only career loss against Urijah Faber. Cruz won a unanimous decision that provided excitement through all five rounds.  Fans should be itching for Cruz to defend his title again as it seems every time he steps in the ring, ‘Fight of the Night’ rewards are the result.

6. Alistair Overeem
 
 
Height: 6’5
Division: Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion/ DREAM Heavyweight Champion
MMA Record: 35-11, 1 NC
Nationality: Dutch

The mercurial Alistair Overeem seems to be a hold over from the larger than life characters that existed during the Pride era. His penchant for kickboxing doesn’t allow him to enter the cage as often as fans would like, but it is impossible to argue with the results when ‘Reem hits the cage. His performance against Fabricio Verdum wasn’t a trademark ‘Demolition Man’ show, but he advanced in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix, and his next match up will be against Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva.

5. Gilbert Melendez
 
 
Height: 5’9
Strikeforce Lightweight Champion
MMA Record: 19-1
Nationality: American

This is the second appearance of a Team Cesar Gracie fighter on our list. Melendez is on a five-fight win streak and shows no signs of stopping. Like Diaz, Melendez provides fireworks whenever the cage door shuts.  He is always looking to deal out punishment and to finish fights with flair. It will be interesting to see who he defends his title against next.

4. Jon Jones
 
 
Height: 6’4
UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
MMA Record: 13-1
Nationality: American

The only time the twenty-three year old has lost in the cage came due to disqualification. ‘Bones’ has had a meteoric rise over the past few years, starting as an uber-talented physical freak, to now holding the coveted UFC Light-Heavyweight title.  Last time out, Jones battered Shogun Rua to win the strap, and his first defense will come against past Pride and UFC Champion Rampage Jackson.  Jackson is coming off two wins against top contenders and looks to slow Jones’s rise to superstar status.

3. Jose Aldo
 
 
Height: 5’7
UFC Featherweight Champion
MMA Record: 19-1
Nationality: Brazilian

Another young star makes our top ten list. Aldo ranks higher than Jones simply because he has more time in the cage and has proven he can defend his title.  Aldo has a myriad of highlight reel knockouts to his name, but he was provided with an unexpected test from crafty Mark Hominick at UFC 129.  Aldo and his electrifying style will be sitting out until at least September due to injuries sustained in the fight. Though when he is ready to return, expect more highlights for years to come.

2. Georges St. Pierre
 
 
Height: 5’10
UFC Welterweight Champion
MMA Record: 22-2
Nationality: Canadian

GSP would be regarded as the undisputed best fighter in the world if it wasn’t for some guy they call ‘The Spider’.  But personal accolades are not what the Canadian super-athlete looks to collect, he simply wants to go into the cage and win fights. He lands at number two on our list because he has not had great success in finishing his fights recently. He utterly dominates his opponents for five rounds, but he does not deliver on his promises to finish his opponents. His upcoming bout with Nick Diaz could prove to be his toughest in years, and fans of Rush should be looking for him to attempt to finish the feisty Diaz in any way possible.

1. Anderson Silva
 
 
Height: 6’2
UFC Middleweight Champion
MMA Record: 30-4
Nationality: Brazilian

It is tough to sum up the greatness of Anderson Silva in just one short paragraph. But he is the definition of a mixed martial artist. His skillset is so varied and well rounded that he can finish fights anywhere, anytime.  He holds the record for UFC title defenses with eight, and consecutive wins with 13.  Every time Silva enters the Octagon fans expect a show. His recent front kick knockout of fellow Brazilian Vitor Belfort became a viral hit among the MMA Internet community.  Silva looks to defend his belt and avenge his most recent loss to Yushin Okami at UFC 134 in Rio di Janiero.  We can all expect ‘The Spider’ to put on another highlight filled show for the Brazilian fans in attendance.

Posted in MMA | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Roid Rage! Part II

Posted on July 2, 2011 by moaimartialarts

Given the controversy over Nate Marquart’s testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) this week and its repercussions throughout the MMA world, I thought I’d provide a rare re-post of an article from last September.  The scandal, and Marquart’s subsequent firing from the UFC, shows that more conversation is needed about PED’s in mixed martial arts.  Their use is more widespread than you may think.

__________

We we soon see signs like these in the UFC?

Sean Sherk, Shane Carwin, and now Chael Sonnen–MMA athletes are now commonly included in conversations about PEDs (performance enhancing drugs).  Over the last few decades pro sports has had an increasing number of scandals, and obviously use has gone on much longer than that.  Reactions in the martial arts community are mixed.  “El Guapo” is pretty straightforward:

They asked me b4 who I thought would use PED’s, I am just blown Away with who gets caught. What happened to good food, water and some supplements? That’s what I did, and I never had a problem with people being stronger or in better shape.
Listen, if u had shoulder surgery, or whatever surgery, and the doc tells u that u will heal faster, do It, but then do NOT fight!
This is giving the sport a bad name, everything we (MMA) do, is already “frowned upon”, like masturbating in an Airplane, sorry, had to do that, was writing and thought about “hang over”.
But serious, its very sad, and you do NOT need it. If u can’t Train had anymore because u are getting up there in age, then don’t fight, very simple. I could never look at myself in the mirror if I would have cheated, NEVER, and don’t give me the BS excuse “but everybody is doing it”, yeah, lots of people don’t use their freaking turn signal either, that doesn’t mean that I also simply not gonna do it. I use this example because those people stress me out, just don’t care about anybody else But their selves, and that’s the same as using PED’s.
Don’t care about our sport getting a bad name, “as long as I get better”. This, of course, is for guys who are proven to have used. I DO believe that there r over the counter supplements out there that raises u’r level, but If I would have been accused of using while I was not, I would find out 100 % sure, what those supplements were, why? Because that will prove my Innocence! Strange that nobody did this right? That would be proof! OK, way too many tweets, this s*** just drives me crazy. Every pro should write down exactly what supplements they take. Then When they get caught, test those products, if nothing is in there, ban him for 3 years, that will stop it, you watch. The end…. (http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/266380/Bas-Rutten-sounds-off-on-PEDs/)

Apparently Bas doesn’t mind commentators on speed (J/K!), but it’s pretty clear where he stands on the issue: steroids and PEDs are for cheaters and are hurting MMA.  Here’s a slightly different take from Josh Burkman—an excerpt from his interview on Sherdog.com:

“I was out of shape because I was in Scottsdale and I was drinking and I was partying and I wanted to take the steroids so I could get in shape faster,” Burkman said. “I cut out the drinking and the partying, and I started to develop a more healthy lifestyle and stayed in shape so that I didn’t need (PEDs) to cheat to get ahead. As the competition gets more fierce, people are going to look for an edge and that’s what I was trying to do. I was trying to get that edge.”
Having to tell the football players he coached about his positive steroid test was another experience that hit home for Burkman.
“I was coaching high school football and told my kids, ‘Hey, I’m not going to be around this season. I’m going on ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ and two weeks later, I showed back up and the kids asked what happened,” Burkman said. “I had to sit the kids down and tell them what happened. It was embarrassing, but it helped me teach them a good lesson in life and it taught me a good lesson in life. I’ve become a better person, a stronger person and a better influence. Sometimes the worst things that can happen to you, you learn from them. They make you better and stronger, and I’m just lucky that happened for me.”

He says he felt guilty about it and regrets it, and I think Bas would be proud of him.  This is all well and good, but Burkman went 5-5 in the UFC and is fighting his way back into the organization.  Is it from a lack of talent or work ethic, or is there another issue at play?  Maybe his record suffered because, in Rutten’s words, “he was the one who got caught.”

Last quote.  In a Frank Mir interview, he explains his view:

“I think everything has to be a case by case situation. This is why we have laws in our civilian life. They’re not cut and dry.
“If (the fighter is) like ‘yeah, I had an injury and my competitive nature got a hold of me and I went to the doctor’ or if it was a situation where he was facing not fighting and his competitive nature got a hold of him, I don’t know if that would justify ending someone’s career.
“If the same guy says ‘yeah, I took this so I could smash skulls and I’m nuts.’ That guy’s in a different category.”

So Bas blames the athletes, Burkman blames himself, and Mir blames the situations fighters are forced to deal with.  No one seems to be able to pinpoint the real problem, but I think Mir comes closest, albeit unintentionally.

See, the problem isn’t cheating.  The problem isn’t competition.  The problem isn’t even the more extreme “win at all costs.”  The real problem is that we are a nation who likes to “smash skulls because [we’re] nuts.”  Nearly EVERYONE in EVERY pursuit uses PEDs.  Fighter pilots use amphetamines to stay alert during long sorties and to improve their reflexes.  Musicians use marijuana to enhance their creativity and beta-blockers to calm their nerves during auditions.  Students use adderall to pull all-nighters.  Porn stars inject Viagra into—er—the muscles they need to perform their best.

Americans are addicted to MORE, not drugs.  We are never satisfied with what is naturally attainable.  Once we experience something enjoyable—driving a fast car, being complemented on our looks, or the flavor of desert—we almost always want to enhance it or make it more intense.  So we burn through oil, get Botox, and eat as much sugar as possible.  Naturally sports—the nexus of competition and entertainment—are no exception.  PEDs in athletics are merely an aspect of a culture that has yet to learn it has a problem.

I’m borrowing ideas from Bigger Stronger Faster here.  If you haven’t seen it yet, get to it.  Comments?  Questions?  Let’s hear them.

Posted in MMA, News, Philosophy | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

UFC 132 Preview and Predictions

Posted on June 28, 2011 by ALar

UFC 132 Preview and Predictions

What’s up Readers? This is your new UFC and MMA correspondent for Moai Martial Arts.  As a fan I was a little late to the UFC game, but watching Rampage Jackson knock out Chuck Liddell at UFC 71 hooked me on the sport. Ever since then I have surrounded myself with combat sports and scoured the World Wide Web to learn about its extensive history. UFC 132 will take place this Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The card is stacked with young talent as well as veterans of the Octagon. With the details set, take some time and check out my previews and predictions for UFC 132.

Prelims aired on SpikeTV

RAFAEL DOS ANJOS V. GEORGE SOTIROPOULOS

This lightweight bout should be a showcase for each fighter’s jiu-jitsu skills.  Dos Anjos and Sotiropoulos are both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts and have ended a majority of their fights with submissions.  Dos Anjos is coming off a tough loss to Clay Guida at UFC 117.  While his opponent Sotiropoulos is coming off his first defeat in nearly 4 years.  Viewers should expect excitement on the ground with each fighter seeking a submission victory.

PREDICTION: Sotiropoulos by Submission in the 2nd Round

MELVIN GUILLARD V. SHANE ROLLER

This is the classic striker versus wrestler matchup. Fans will remember Guillard for his stint on The Ultimate Fighter 2; he is known for his stand up game and has obtained 16 of his 27 victories by knockout.  Roller is an All-American wrestler out of Oklahoma State whose slick submission skills were shown during his tenure in the WEC, gaining 6 of his 10 wins by submitting his opponent.

 PREDICTION: Roller’s ground game will prove to be too much for Guillard. Roller by decision.

Main Card

RYAN BADER v. TITO ORTIZ

Tito is back! …crickets… That statement would have excited me about five years ago, but not so much in 2011. The early face of the UFC climbs back into the octagon against up and comer Ryan Bader.  This booking by Joe Silva and Dana White seems like an attempt to unceremoniously end Tito’s career. Bader is a young fighter with outstanding wrestling ability and one-punch knockout power; his only loss comes to current Light Heavyweight Champ and budding superstar, Jon Jones. On the other hand, Mr. Jenna Jameson is winless in his last five fights over a five-year span.

PREDICTION: BADER by KO in Round 2, this could be the last time we see the “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” in the UFC.

WANDERLEI SILVA V. CHRIS LEBEN

One word. SLUGFEST. Fists will be flying in bunches in this bout. Silva is a vanguard of the sport, being in the fight game since 1996. His relentless attacking style and vicious knockouts have made him an overwhelming fan favorite. After rehabbing from knee surgery, this will be Wanderlei’s first fight since defeating Michael Bisping by decision in February 2010.  His opponent, Chris Leben A.K.A. “The Human Punching Bag” is an ideal match up for the aging superstar.  Leben is known for his incredible ability to take punishment and his aggressive stand-up style. There should be instant fireworks when these two enter the cage, so expect furious exchanges and a highlight reel knockout.

PREDICTION: “The Axe Murderer” himself says that he is in great shape and gunning for the Knockout of the Night bonus, and I have no reason to doubt the former PRIDE superstar. Silva by 1st Round KO.

BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT

CHAMP DOMINICK CRUZ V. URIJAH FABER

This matchup will be Cruz’s first defense of the UFC bantamweight title. He successfully defended his 135-pound title twice in the WEC, which the UFC recently absorbed. His opponent, Urijah “The California Kid” Faber is a past WEC Featherweight champion and one of the banner athletes of MMA. Faber is known for his relentless motor, wrestling ability, and the overall excitement he brings to the ring.  This will not be the first time these two have entered the ring together. Faber handed Cruz his only career loss at WEC 26 in 2007. Cruz may feel like an underdog in this bout due to the heavy support Faber will receive from the fans, but no doubt he will be looking to avenge the only blemish on his MMA resume.

PREDICTION: The California Kid seems to be reenergized at 135 pounds, and he is a past champion who knows how to win a title. I see Faber using his stand up to tire and batter Cruz, and subsequently using his wrestling skills to lock Cruz into a submission. Faber by 4th round submission.

Posted in MMA | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Merrell Trail Glove Review

Posted on June 20, 2011 by moaimartialarts

You should buy these now! (In my unbiased opinion.)

I may not have mentioned this before.  Unless otherwise noted, all products reviewed on this blog are purchased outright and are not provided by a manufacturer or retailer.

The Merrell Trail Gloves are no exception.  I researched these shoes on sites like Barefoot Running University and compared them with other models on the market.  I then prepared to write a review after researching and testing equipment as I would any other purchase.

So if you want the short version, or if you don’t have time to read the rest of this post, go out and buy a pair of Trail Gloves right now.  You won’t be sorry!

If you couldn’t tell, I am crazy about these shoes.  Ever since I reviewed Vibram Five Fingers last spring, I’ve run and cross-trained “barefoot” with nice results.  VFFs feel great and allow a martial artist to move, and especially kick, in the most natural ways possible.

However, I was never crazy about off-roading in VFFs.  Running on grass, dirt, and mud?  No problem.  Even gravel and pavement are fine.  On the trails though?  Maybe I’m just a wimp, but after one or two sharp rocks, I was ready to turn around.

This isn’t so with the Merrell Trail Gloves, a shoe with an especially apt moniker.  They’re great on the trails thanks to the Vibram sole, which feels a lot like the VFF’s.  Since they’re a closed shoe with a little more padding, you can feel the ground surface almost as well as VFFs, but the bottoms of your feet and toes are much better protected.  Traction is aggressive, and I felt confident running through wet and muddy conditions.

The Merrells feel great on the feet as well; thanks to the slim lining and tight lacing, they truly do fit like a glove.  Wearing without socks is comfortable, though they’re a bit scratchy at first.  They do fit well right out of the box and require no breaking in.

The only cons I experience with these shoes are that they’re a bit narrow with a pronounced plate in the midsole.  It’s meant to protect against jagged surfaces while maintaining the fit and flexibility of the shoe.  It succeeds on both accounts, but it’s a little uncomfortable for my flat Fred Flinstone feet.  I found that lacing them more tightly over this section prevents extra play and possible blisters.

They are also not as good as VFFs for martial arts training due to the stiffer feel and the closed forefoot.  You may even prefer wrestling boots for katas or grappling work.

Overall, Merrell Trail Gloves provide the barefoot feel of other minimalist shoes while providing more style and protection.  I originally bought a size 11, and after running on and off road, cycling, strength training, and doing yard work in them, I decided to buy a second pair to wear casually.  I opted for an 11.5 for this pair: they are a little more forgiving in the midsole, have a more spacious toebox, and leave a little more room for socks.  Both pairs still smell new, and they’re machine washable should they get that “not-so-fresh” feeling.

I’m glad I went with the Merrell Trail Gloves.  I also tried the New Balance Minimus.  These have a more traditional running-shoe feel, and you might even prefer them if you’re not used to barefoot-style running.

Have you tried any new shoes lately?  Let us know what you think!

Posted in Equipment, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

More Video!

Posted on June 15, 2011 by moaimartialarts

 

Another new video is up on the Moai Martial Arts Facebook page.  Check it out and let us know what you think!  (Don’t forget to “Like” our page, so you can get all the latest updates and bonus material!)

Posted in DIY, Karate, News | 2 Comments

Dumpster UBE Machine

Posted on June 13, 2011 by moaimartialarts

I went for a bike ride today, and, as usual, my legs were completely fried. I often work some reps with light weight to even out the workout, or I do some pullups and dips. This time I tried something different.

20110613-054808.jpg

I found this bad boy besides a dumpster about five years ago. It actually does have a seat, but it’s a crappy stationary bike.

It does, however, make a sweet UBE machine!

I worked out on it for about 20 minutes after my ride. I’ve seen wrestlers and fighters ripping on the real machines, but I never realized how hard it is! I rotated between three different positions with my “new” toy: standing facing the bike and moving the handlebars and sitting/kneeling behind the bike to turn the pedals in both directions.

My dumpster-issue UBE machine doesn’t have variable resistance. It grinds and whines like the devil. But I am glad I dragged it out of storage to give it a try. I’m sure to be sore tomorrow.

Do you have any good used or repurposed equipment finds to share? Let us know!

Posted in DIY, Equipment, Fitness, Workouts | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Facebook Video!

Posted on June 11, 2011 by moaimartialarts

Check it out! Our new video is live on the Moai Martial Arts Facebook page. Click the link to the right to watch!

Posted in Equipment, Karate, News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

To film, or not to film?

Posted on June 6, 2011 by moaimartialarts
Posted in Karate, MMA | 4 Comments

Darth Vader is a Cardio Stud

Posted on June 1, 2011 by moaimartialarts

Readers have expressed some pretty interesting feedback about my new toy, The Training Mask.  Reactions span from “are you that worried about the Rapture?” to “are you The Gimp?”  Naysayers all.

I’ll try to justify my obtaining it simply: The Training Mask is surprisingly fun to use!  Not only that, but I felt at least some of the promised positive effects while training with it.  So there.

Moving on.  First, the workouts.  I used it for three different sessions, which I list here for later reference.

Workout One (about 35 minutes with the mask)

all Shohei-Ryu katas (Sanchin — Ryuko) x 3 = 27 katas

Workout Two (about 15 minutes with the mask)

8 x 1 minute intervals on the elliptical machine (5 seconds rest to switch direction)

10  x 15 second max-effort intervals (30 seconds rest and to switch direction)

Workout Three (about 25 minutes; 1 minute rest between rounds)

1 x 5 minute round of bag work (mask on)

1 x 5 minute round of jump rope/pushups (mask on)

1 x 5 minute run (mask off)

1 x 5 minute round of sledgehammer swings (mask off)

1 x 5 minute round of core exercises (mask off)

 

Now for the review.  If you don’t believe my claim that it’s fun and effective, I’ll give you a few reasons.

Reason #1: The Training Mask looks cool.  Compare exhibits A and B

Before donning the mask . . .

Future master of the Dark Side? Or a young Justin Bieber?

and after it’s on . . .

'Nuff said!

 

Reason #2: The Training Mask is challenging.

My first workout was to wear the mask while performing all the Shohei-Ryu kata three times consecutively.  Nearly all martial arts involve mastery of breathing, right?  Styles that include katas and forms especially seem to focus on controlling when and how you inhale and exhale.  Breathing appropriately helps to improve focus and power when moving and delivering strikes.

The Training Mask disrupts normal breathing patterns to say the least.  When doing the first few katas of my workout, my breathing felt pretty natural.  I learned quickly that I couldn’t do my “karate breathing,” however.  The deliberate pauses and quickening of breath that come with effort and exertion are not possible with the mask.  If you hold your breath or exhale forcefully, YOU WILL PAY.  Every time I forgot this, I literally sucked wind, the mask expanding and contracting around my face.

It also forces you to pay attention to your breathing and your energy levels, and it makes even the simplest exercises difficult in time.  Toward the end of my session, I kept screwing up the techniques in my katas due to fatigue and lack of concentration.  You obviously aren’t worried about form while maxing out your cardio, so I wasn’t too concerned.  Then next day on the elliptical was much easier in the sense that I didn’t have to concentrate on my movements.  I just wrestled with the machine and sweat (and panted and gasped) through my workout.

It felt so good to get through “the burn” and to take off the mask.  I must also admit to a whole new appreciation for Darth Vader.  Now I know why he never really moved too much during his fights–he was just trying to keep breathing!

 

Reason #3: The Training Mask provides pulmonary resistance.

I’m not sure I buy the claim the the mask truly simulates altitude training.  I’m no scientist, but I know that acclimatization plays a major factor in building and sustaining the effects of low oxygen.  You simply can’t get that from short, breathing-restricted workouts at or near sea level.

You can enjoy the benefits the mask provides by training your lungs, though.  After my first two workouts–especially sprinting on the elliptical–I tried to perform a few intense movements after removing the mask.  I noticed that aside from muscular fatigue, my cardiovascular system made a much easier job of exercise.  It reminded me of how hitters swing the bat with a weight on it before stepping up to the plate.  I think this is the main effect of The Training Mask; if you wear it, you’ll strengthen your lungs and diaphragm, making “the swing” of breathing easier when you tax yourself.

Workout Three was designed to test this hypothesis.  But my experiment wasn’t prefect.  I made it through 2:30 of round one before having to back off: the mask and the heavy bag were winning the fight.  I recovered a bit in round two before removing the mask and hitting the road for round three.

I ran as fast as I could, but I had no legs.  The lack of oxygen depleted my muscular endurance by that point.  I did enjoy a mild “high” from breathing freely, and didn’t feel the least bit winded throughout the rest of the workout.  The Training Mask had done it’s job, but I have a lot more work to do before getting used to it.

It will be a long time before I move up to the orange and red levels of resistance!

 

Wrap Up

Thanks for reading through my somewhat discursive review of The Training Mask.  It is easy to use, places unique demands on your mind and body, adds some variety to your workouts, and is a unique way to build your cardio.  Once I got past the freaky feeling of breathing through three small holes, I had fun with it.  Give it a try and you will too.

PS – One other thing I meant to mention cleanliness.  The mask ships with a few packs of sanitary wipes to keep out mold and scuzz.  I didn’t think I’d use them until Workout Two when I put the mask on, and it was wet and slimy from the day before.  I’ve been wiping it with a towel since then and plan to disinfect as needed.

Posted in Equipment, Reviews | 2 Comments

Training Mask: The Unveiling

Posted on May 26, 2011 by moaimartialarts

The results of our last poll showed that you wanted more equipment reviews, so here’s the first. I just received a Training Mask after watching Wanderlei Silva and Sean Sherk restricting their breathing while working out. Sherk actually developed this device as a means to simulate high-altitude training–something I’ll evaluate in the next few posts.

First, the reveal.

20110526-085746.jpg

It looks pretty freaky, huh?  The warning label doesn’t really entice you to wear the mask either.

20110526-085926.jpg

Now intimidated, I decided to try it on for a few minutes. The mask is rubber, the straps easily adjustable. It even looks tough, like wearing it will make you into an Imperial Stormtrooper or the guy from the cover of New Vegas.

Bad Ass!

20110526-060525.jpg

Not so much.

But aesthetics can’t eliminate the initial freak out. You know that feeling when you swim underwater for just a moment longer than you should? That panic set in after two seconds. There are three “levels” of breathing resistence, as adjusted by switching out the colored nosepieces. I was on yellow (the lowest) and couldn’t fathom what the others would feel like.

After literally sucking wind for a little while, I desperately wanted to take it off. How the hell does anyone train in this thing?   Sean Serk demonstrates a deceivingly easy workout on trainingmask.com.  If you watch the video, he’s moving at pretty low intensity compared to his usual pace–not because he’s off the “supplements.”  He just can’t breathe!

I reminded myself that it’s recommended to wear the mask during normal activity to adjust.  So, I walked around my office a bit and did some light kata. Not so bad after a while.  I survived the trial, but what about an actual workout?

Stay tuned for a few “high-altitude” training sessions! I’ll report on the challanges and results in my next post.

Posted in Equipment, Fitness, Reviews | Tagged , , | Leave a comment