Fitness Components for the Martial Arts
In addition to the high level of skill required to compete in martial arts, to be successful you need, among other things, speed, balance, power and reflexes! However, which of these are more important? Below is a discussion about the fitness requirements for martial arts, which can help with developing training programs for this sport, and for interpreting fitness testing results and determining the relative strengths and weaknesses of a martial artist.
You need to have good balance and coordination, and be quick too
We have a poll about the component of fitness most important for success in martial arts. Out of the options of Body Size and Composition, Muscle Strength, Muscular Endurance, Power, Speed / Quickness, Agility, Flexibility, Balance and Coordination, and Cardiovascular Endurance, the factors which are considered most important by the readers of this site are Balance and Coordination and Speed / Quickness. You can add your vote too, and see the latest results, as well as the same factors rated for MMA athletes.
You need to have good technique with quick reflexes
In a similar poll, we asked people to rate the 12 factors of success for sports. Visitors to this site have rated each of these factors for the sport of martial arts, and the most important according to them are: skills and technique, reaction time and motivation and self-confidence. You can also add your ratings of Which Factors Make Successful Martial Artists, and see the latest results.
Kung Fu masterMost Important Factors for Success in Order of Importance (data from 2018)
4.6 Skill and Technique
4.5 Reaction Time
4.5 Motivation & Self Confidence
4.4 Speed / Quickness
4.1 Strength & Power
4.1 Agility
4.1 Analytic & Tactical Ability
4.1 Coping with Pressure Situations
4.0 Balance & Coordination
4.0 Aerobic Endurance
3.9 Flexibility
2.9 Body Size and Composition
Related Pages
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Upcoming Events