First off, I’m not an expert.

An “expert” implies knowing everything and no longer a need to learn, and that’s not what I’m about.

In fact, on the contrary, I’m all about the continuous learning and experimenting with anything and everything that will improve strength and conditioning levels for mixed martial arts.

This is a blog dedicated to mma fighters, coaches, and fans who want to learn everything about mma strength and conditioning.

I’ve been studying weight training, nutrition, and physical fitness for over 10 years, along with 7 years spent training in different martial arts including Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, wrestling, boxing, Kung Fu and Muy Thai kickboxing.

Currently, I am studying under professional MMA fighter Raul Castillo, and am in the process of becoming a certified Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Association Coach (MMACA) to train professional fighters and athletes.

Finally, I’m the author of a top-selling bodybuilding ebook, How to Gain Weight and Build Muscle for Hardgainers.

The whole purpose of this blog is to share my passion with mma and the fitness industry with a focus on – surprise surprise – strength and conditioning for mma fighters.

Everything from mma training workouts, mma strength training, mma conditioning workouts and everything else in between is covered to help mma fighters reach optimal levels of strength and conditioning.

I’ve noticed that there are plenty of mma news sites for both the casual and hardcore fan, but you won’t find much for fighters or mma fitness enthusiasts looking to incorporate mma specific training either to get in the best possible shape as a fighter or as just an fun and innovative way to spice up your workouts.

After all, you don’t have to be a fighter to training like one.

Here you’ll find posts by either myself or other mma strength and conditioning trainers that cover everything from the basics to the latest and greatest.

I am constantly learning and experimenting with new and innovative ways for mma fighters to increase their strength, power, speed, flexibility, and conditioning so that they can perform there absolute BEST in the ring or cage. One of the best ways for myself to learn something new is to teach it, and this blog is my way of doing it.

So thanks a million for all my fans and supporters of the blog. I don’t want this blog to just be a one-way form of communication so please don’t hesitate to comment with questions and concerns and I’ll respond in a timely manner.

Train hard, fellow fighters and fans,

Derek Manuel