Building a Fighter

Building a Fighter

By Dr. Austin SchoenHealth & FitnessFitness
Download on the App Store

Building a Fighter episodes

  • Common Strengths In Combat Sports Athletes

    Unlocking the Strengths of Combat Sports: A Personal Insight

    Join Dr. Austin Schoen and Alex Friedman as we delve into the transformative power of combat sports in 'Unlocking the Strengths of Combat Sports: A Personal Insight'. Explore our journey and firsthand experiences in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Denver, Colorado, sharing key strengths that make combat athletes exceptional. From boosting confidence and fostering accessibility to enhancing adaptability, mental toughness, and embracing vulnerability, we uncover how these disciplines shape better individuals both in and out of the ring.

    00:00 Introduction and Hosts’ Background

    00:53 Confidence Through Combat Sports
    07:41 Accessibility of Combat Sports
    15:54 Adapting and Growing with Combat Sports
    24:25 The Mental Toughness of Combat Athletes
    31:09 The Value of Vulnerability in Combat Sports

    41 min
  • Common Deficiencies In Combat Sports Athletes

    In this episode of "Building a Fighter” we discuss common deficiencies in combat sports athletes. They delve into the importance of physical deficiencies, particularly in the areas of foot and ankle stability, and scapulo-thoracic range of motion. They speak about how these deficiencies affect movement, posture, and overall performance, and share their strategies for addressing these issues, such as specific exercises, mobility work, and plyometrics. They also highlight the importance of progressively overloading these exercises to improve the body's ability to adapt. The episode provides valuable insights into enhancing performance and preventing injuries among combat sports athletes.

    Visit our Website at buildingafighter.com

    Message Building a Fighter directly at [email protected]

    @buildingafighter on Instagram

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbnU40nTDk17_7m614Njakw

    Alex: IG @strong_a.f  email: [email protected]

    Austin: IG  @warriorsportswellness  email: [email protected]


    52 min
  • The Difference Between Individualized And Team Training Environments. Which One Is Better?

    In this episode of Building a Fighter, we delve into the differences between individualized and team-based training sessions. We examine the whole spectrum, not just strength conditioning, sharing our diverse experiences. We discuss the importance of self-starters in both contexts and the traps athletes can fall into when training in a team or individually. We also touch on the necessity of being a follower before becoming a leader, and the concept of athletes as business owners, responsible for their own careers. It's a detailed exploration of the journey from being a good athlete to becoming a great one, and the growing pains that come with it.

    Visit our Website at buildingafighter.com

    Message Building a Fighter directly at [email protected]

    @buildingafighter on Instagram

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbnU40nTDk17_7m614Njakw

    Alex: IG @strong_a.f  email: [email protected]

    Austin: IG  @warriorsportswellness  email: [email protected]


    43 min
  • HOT TAKES IN COMBAT SPORTS PERFORMANCE

    In this episode of "Building a Fighter", we return with more hot takes on strength training for fighters. We delve into the importance of calf and ankle training, highlighting its significance in enhancing rigidity, power, and propulsion. We explore the benefits of exercises like jump roping and seated calf raises, while also discussing the importance of training the anterior chain. There is also an emphasis on the necessity of hiring a sports dietician before a strength coach, affirming that nutrition is the foundation for optimal performance. We assert that understanding and optimizing your diet can revolutionize your energy levels, recovery, and overall performance.

    Visit our Website at buildingafighter.com

    Message Building a Fighter directly at [email protected]

    @buildingafighter on Instagram

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbnU40nTDk17_7m614Njakw

    Alex: IG @strong_a.f  email: [email protected]

    Austin: IG  @warriorsportswellness  email: [email protected]



    56 min
  • April Freestyle

    In this episode, we discuss the unforgettable Holloway vs Gaethje fight at UFC 300, exploring the significance of this event for both the fighters and the spectators. In addition to discussing specific bouts, we also touch on the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in the fighting world. We delve into the different approaches athletes take to their craft, from the focused and intense, to the laid-back and playful. Alex shares his experiences from the corner and his approach to coaching, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's 'why' in the pursuit of greatness. Listen in as we analyze the mental and physical aspects of being a professional fighter, and how these athletes navigate their journeys within this demanding sport.

    Visit our Website at buildingafighter.com

    Message Building a Fighter directly at [email protected]

    @buildingafighter on Instagram

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbnU40nTDk17_7m614Njakw

    Alex: IG @strong_a.f  email: [email protected]

    Austin: IG  @warriorsportswellness  email: [email protected]


    44 min
  • Warm ups, Cool Downs, And Mobility Sessions

    In this episode of "Building a Fighter," we discussed the importance of warmups, cooldowns, and mobility work. We emphasized that warmups are crucial to prepare the body for the workout and increase body temperature, which makes muscles more pliable. We also discussed various warmup exercises from shadow boxing to jump roping. In contrast, cooldowns help transition the body from a high-energy workout state to a normal state, aiding in recovery. We encourage the incorporation of specific exercises into the cooldown that facilitate relaxation and reduce the "fight or flight" state. We hope this episode empowers listeners to enhance their workout routines with effective warmups and cooldowns.

    Visit our Website at buildingafighter.com

    Message Building a Fighter directly at [email protected]

    @buildingafighter on Instagram

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbnU40nTDk17_7m614Njakw

    Alex: IG @strong_a.f  email: [email protected]

    Austin: IG  @warriorsportswellness  email: [email protected]


    27 min
  • The Ultimate Planning Guide For Coaches. From Designing a Drill To Planning A Season

    In this episode of "Building a Fighter," we dive deep into the art and science of planning effective wrestling practices. We discuss the benefits of an 'ecological approach' to designing practice sessions. Our conversation focuses on creating drills that optimize learning, energy usage, and athlete progression, moving away from traditional formats of practice. We explore the importance of manipulating various constraints and variables within drills to facilitate self-guided learning for athletes. We also discuss the unique ways of structuring practices into 'technical,' 'tactical,' and 'competition' days, helping athletes to better understand and implement techniques in actual matches. Join us as we unpack the nuances of wrestling practices and the pedagogical principles behind them.

    Visit our Website at buildingafighter.com

    Message Building a Fighter directly at [email protected]

    @buildingafighter on Instagram

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbnU40nTDk17_7m614Njakw

    Alex: IG @strong_a.f  email: [email protected]

    Austin: IG  @warriorsportswellness  email: [email protected]


    1 hr
  • How Sport Coaching Elevates Your Strength And Conditioning

    In this podcast we discussed the valuable insights strength coaches can gain from becoming skill coaches, especially in MMA. We believe that understanding the sport on a deeper level allows us to be more thoughtful about our training strategies. We also emphasized the importance of a coach's ability to perform the exercises they're teaching, and the need for programming that reflects the specific demands of the sport. Ultimately, we concluded that having a foot in both strength and skill coaching can significantly enhance our ability to serve our athletes effectively.

    Visit our Website at buildingafighter.com

    Message Building a Fighter directly at [email protected]

    @buildingafighter on Instagram

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbnU40nTDk17_7m614Njakw

    Alex: IG @strong_a.f  email: [email protected]

    Austin: IG  @warriorsportswellness  email: [email protected]


    26 min
  • Top 5 Training Concepts That Apply To ALL Portions Of Combat Sports Training

    In this episode of "Building a Fighter," Dr. Austin Schoen and strength coach Alex Friedman discuss the importance of minimal effective dosing in MMA training. We explore how it's about achieving adaptation without overtraining and how it varies from athlete to athlete. We stress the importance of hard work, understanding energy systems, and applying these concepts effectively in practice. Tune in for this informative discussion on MMA training strategies.

    Visit our Website at buildingafighter.com

    Message Building a Fighter directly at [email protected]

    @buildingafighter on Instagram

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbnU40nTDk17_7m614Njakw 

    Alex: IG @strong_a.f  email: [email protected]

    Austin: IG  @warriorsportswellness  email: [email protected]


    1 hr 1 min
  • Training For MMA Vs. Traditional Martial Arts

    In this episode, we delved into the differences between training for mixed martial arts (MMA) and individual martial arts like wrestling and jiu-jitsu. We agreed that the rule sets of individual martial arts can be quite different from those of MMA, which can affect the strategies and techniques used. For instance, a move that works well in wrestling might not be as effective in MMA due to the change in rules and environment. We also touched on the importance of understanding the principles of each martial art and applying them to MMA, such as the concept of heavy forward pressure in grappling. We further discussed the idea of focusing on one's strengths in MMA, such as striking for a striker, and incorporating defensive wrestling into striking routines. We concluded that MMA requires a higher level of athleticism and the ability to adapt to a wide range of situations, making it a fascinating and complex sport.

    Visit our Website at buildingafighter.com

    Message Building a Fighter directly at [email protected]

    @buildingafighter on Instagram

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbnU40nTDk17_7m614Njakw

    Alex: IG @strong_a.f  email: [email protected]

    Austin: IG  @warriorsportswellness  email: [email protected]


    27 min

About Building a Fighter

From the publisher's feed

Join our weekly coffee hour where we discuss the building blocks of making you a combat ATHLETE, not just a brawler. Dr. Austin Schoen, a sports chiropractor/wrestling coach, and Alex Friedman, an…