If you are training for mixed martial arts or for your next UFC/cage match, adding ice climbing on an indoor wall or cave will benefit you with stronger hands, forearms (both good for grappling) as well as back and biceps (good for all around strength and punching power) as well as a strong core (good for all around fighting) and endurance to go the distance, whether one round or 5!
The roof I am climbing on in the video below is 3/4″ plywood with metal T-nuts and eye bolts. Very simple and inexpensive to build. The axes are Petzl Nomics.
Start on a vertical wall and work your way up to the 45 degree wall (door hinges screwed to the wall make great ice axe pick placements!) and then onto the roof. Start slow and be safe. At Mountain Athlete, we put mattresses and other padding down to protect us in case of a fall.
I also feel strongly that rock climbing and mountaineering would be a great addition to any MMA fighter looking to become stronger than the competition. Drop me a note with questions or if interested in group or private instruction.
Enjoy!
Stephen Koch
3 responses so far ↓
1 Patrick Fink // Mar 7, 2010 at 10:48 am
Hi Stephen,
I was just wondering what sort if hinge y’all use at montain athlete. What kind of metal, and what diammeter?
Thanks
Patrick
[Reply]
Stephen Koch Reply:
March 8th, 2010 at 11:46 am
Patrick,
Not sure exactly which brand, but they are pretty beefy and we use half of the hinges so the picks can sink into the holes. Let me know if you need more and I will take some photos and put up when I return from my speaking tour in Chicago.
Good training!
Stephen
[Reply]
Stephen Koch Reply:
March 8th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Simple door hinges, similar to the ones in the photos here
[Reply]
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