Buitron Academy class schedule
Professeur Paul-Raymond Buitron III
Those who gave me direction for DDRS
Savate Knife #1
Women's perfect Protection(sm)
Training equipment for Savate DDRS
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TRAINING FOR THE RING
By Coach Ken “Mechanico” Martin
Anyone who ever has competed in the ring or in a heavy sparring session knows
the feeling….lungs on fire, can't lift the arms, legs feeling as though you are
wearing cement boots. There is more than one way to train for competition and
delay these feelings as long as possible and I would like to touch on a few
ideas. Some I've picked up from experience, some from Prof, and some from
others.
My first contention will spark a little controversy among some. I do not believe
in road work or long distance running. Prof once told me about 15 years ago that
he wasn't teaching us to run from a fight. Also, the intensity level one exerts
on a long run does not compare to the energy expended in the ring. If you enjoy
running and want to implement it into training, I suggest running quarter
sprints, which is running as hard as you can around a track one time. Run 2-3
quarter sprints with 2-3 minutes of rest in between and you will discover how
brutal this is. This simulates much more the feeling I have had in the ring in
contrast to a long run.
Power training is another form of training that I felt was important for me.
When training for the ring, it's important to remember that you're not entering
a bodybuilding competition. Instead, I have always advocated the lifts that
require one to use their entire body. Power Cleans, snatches, other variations
of the Olympic style lifts, squats, and dead lifts are examples. I use these to
train my body to be explosive (punching and kicking power), and what I call
“explosion endurance” (throwing lots of punches and kicks without losing my
power). Try 5 sets of 5 reps of power cleans with 2 minutes of rest in between
sets and see how you feel. It simulates how I've felt in the ring. Word of
caution: learn to perform these lifts properly to avoid injury. There are
videotapes, internet articles, and coaches to learn from if you desire to learn
these lifts.
An
essential part of training for competition is sparring. This is the closest
thing you can get to an actual fight. If you were limited to only one form of
training, I would suggest sparring. The important thing to remember is that this
is not an all out fight, but a time to learn. Working on your jab, moving,
throwing different combinations, learning distance, and just learning to take a
punch are few purposes for sparring. It is very important to have good sparring
partners that you trust and will help you learn. Yet sometimes painful, I
remember sparring with Prof. for countless rounds during the summer of 1993. I
was very fortunate having him work with me as a beginner, pushing me but not
taking advantage of me. I learned a lot.
The most relaxing and fun part of training for me is the heavy bag. I love going
rounds on the bag and just pounding away as hard as I can, punching and kicking.
This is also the time to work your technique while developing power. Work on
your basic kicks, punches, and combinations. Try 8 to 10 rounds on the bag. Next
to sparring, I believe this the best way to develop one's stamina.
To be your best in the ring, pattern your lifestyle to be successful. Eating
right, limited alcohol and proper sleep are necessary. One must not forget the
mental component of training. Picture yourself entering the ring with the right
attitude, know in your mind how you want to react if you get your opponent into
trouble, or get into trouble yourself. Also, don't carry personal problems into
the ring. From experience, I know carrying personal problems into the ring will
usually lead to an undesirable outcome. Your energy will be drained and you will
not perform anywhere near capability. To prevent this problem, it is best to
remove yourself from any distractions to the best of your ability a week or two
leading up to the fight.
When reduced to its bare bones, I recommend that you train ways specific to the
activity in which you are involved. You must train your body to be capable of
maximum exertion for 2 minutes in an enclosed space. You must train to strike
with power and to take the competition's best shot. That is done with power
training (both in the form of sprints and weight lifting), sparring and pounding
the bag.