The Science of Striking: A Comprehensive guide to Physical Preparation for the Stand-up Combat Athlete

The Science of Striking is a culmination of decades of practical experience and in-depth study into the application of sports science to striking combat sports.- Get insights into the biomechanics of stand up combat and how this relates to the training process. We break down individual techniques, discuss the specific movements that occur at relevant joints, and implement this analysis in our assessment of physical characteristics and programming.- Discover testing protocols to establish baseline levels of mobility, movement competency, strength, power, and endurance. It is impossible to effectively begin a training process without knowing exactly where you are, and we provide you with the tools to accurately assess the different physical qualities that are critical to success. - Be guided through the specific training methods for each of these qualities, - Learn the theory and practice behind session design, programming and periodisation, including practical examples of programmes for different levels of athletes with different goals and priorities.- Includes with a 100 page exercise library appendix complete with a guide to exercise progression and regression, as well as YouTube links to over 450 instructional exercise video clips.- Gain information from supplementary chapters pertaining to recovery and lifestyle management, training for special populations, mental and psychological skills training, injury reduction and management, as well as concussion.Author Sam Gilbert has a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy and a master's degree in exercises science (strength and conditioning). He is also a former elite level full contact karate competitor, with a decorated competitive competition career culminating in a 4th place at the 2009 world cup. He has dedicated his life to better understanding the qualities and training methods that optimise performance in combat sports, as well as gaining a thorough understanding of common and less-common injury mechanisms and rehabilitation protocols. He combines his knowledge and experience in this definitive text, which can be utilised as a step-by-step guide to assessing your current physical conditioning and building a strength and conditioning programme from the ground up, or as a useful resource to refer back to. The book serves as a valuable resource to athletes and combat sports/martial arts practitioners of all levels, skills coaches, as well as strength and conditioning coaches, sports scientists and medical practitioners working in the field. Read more