Bridge the Gap Practical: Training 8-Week Program in Fight Camp

Bridge the Gap Lecture: Training 8-Week Program in Fight Camp

This article seeks to provide a sample periodized program plan that will progress wrestlers for multiple years while considering the diverse individual needs and weight class-specific goals.

This article examines firefighter knee injury risk factors, screening tools, and strength and conditioning strategies to support injury prevention and return to duty. Visit NSCA online to learn more about strength training for firefighters.

This article discusses the benefits of an upper body power program for law enforcement officers and how to program this effectively.

Coaching elite mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes demands creativity, adaptability, and a global mindset. Gavin Pratt, Senior Director of Strength and Conditioning at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Performance Institute, shares insights from his international career. Pratt reflects on preparing athletes for the Chinese National Games and managing strength and conditioning at the world’s first MMA academy in Shanghai. Applying a systems-based approach, he tackles MMA’s unique challenges — including unpredictable training schedules, diverse personalities and backgrounds, session intensity, and load management. Driven by passion rather than prestige, Pratt emphasizes he’s never been a "tracksuit hunter" — someone motivated primarily by titles or status. He highlights MMA’s innovation potential, especially when using individualized technology based on athletes' force or velocity deficiencies. Pratt contrasts the United States’ expertise in speed, agility, and change of direction with Australia’s early adoption of sports science. He also provides valuable interview advice to help coaches communicate effectively under pressure. Discover practical strategies to elevate your coaching impact. Connect with Gavin via email at gpratt@ufc.com and on Instagram: @gav_pratt | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs If this episode sparked your interest in MMA and other combat sports, take the next step by joining the NSCA Combat Sports Special Interest Group (SIG) on LinkedIn. Connect with a global network of professionals shaping the future of performance. Inspired by Nick Barringer’s recommendation? Register early to save on 2025 NSCA Tactical Annual Training. Catch Barringer’s talk on performance bloodwork and more nuggets of wisdom.

The NSCA Combat Sports Strength and Conditioning Clinic and Live Stream is back for another round, September 21-22, 2018 at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas!

NSCA has a network of volunteer leaders who direct NSCA’s efforts at the state level. NSCA’s Southeast Regional Coordinator provides oversight and training to local state directors. Members in the Southeast Region can connect at local and regional events as well as on Facebook to others in this area.

An evidence-based movement assessment could hold Marines accountable for mobility and stability by systematically assessing movement patterns. This article (part three of a four-part series) explains one way that this could be accomplished.