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How to Develop Power for Combat Sports

There is a big difference between strength and power.  Strength is exemplified by a boxer who can knock you out with a single punch; assuming he can land it.  Power is when a boxer can close the distance quickly with footwork, beat you to the punch, and knock you out with that punch.  In other words, power is a combination of strength and speed.  Power can emanate from the legs, upper body, and both.  When I think of power, I think of explosiveness.  A boxer or martial artist with explosiveness is very tough to contend with.  So how to you develop explosiveness?  The secret is plyometrics.  Upper body plyometrics usually involve throwing or slamming a medicine ball.  Even old school clapping push-ups can be done.  Lower body plyometrics include exercises like the box jump or any vertical or horizontal jumps.  Kettlebell swings is a great all-around plyometric exercise.  Click below for examples of some of my favorite plyometric routines.

Upper Body Plyometrics

Lower Body Plyometrics





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