Martial artists, whether beginners or seasoned practitioners, need to focus on a wide range of skills to excel. From refining techniques to improving fitness levels and tracking progress, martial arts training is a multifaceted journey. In today’s digital age, apps and online resources are powerful tools that can significantly enhance your training experience, offering instruction, motivation, and analytics in the palm of your hand.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best apps and online resources for martial artists that can aid in sharpening skills, building strength, and even deepening your understanding of the various martial arts disciplines.
Training Apps for Technique and Instruction
Martial Arts Academy Online
A go-to resource for martial artists, Martial Arts Academy Online offers an extensive range of video tutorials covering disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai, Taekwondo, and Karate. The platform provides detailed breakdowns of techniques from expert instructors, making it ideal for those who want to improve their skills outside of the dojo.
Learn Martial Arts
The Learn Martial Arts app is designed for beginners looking to get started in disciplines like Karate, Taekwondo, and Kung Fu. The app provides video lessons broken down into easy-to-follow segments, helping newcomers understand the fundamentals while gradually moving into more complex techniques.
Gracie University
A must-have for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, Gracie University offers comprehensive video lessons covering everything from beginner to advanced techniques. The app includes a structured curriculum, so you can work through techniques systematically and track your progress. In addition, the platform offers real-time feedback and testing options for belt promotions.
Muay Thai Fitness
Specializing in Muay Thai, this app provides instructional videos on striking techniques, clinching, and combos. It also offers workouts that focus on improving striking power and stamina, which are essential elements in Muay Thai. The app is perfect for martial artists wanting to focus on improving their stand-up game.
Liam Harrison Training
Included is an ever-growing library of over 500 videos. The courses suit all levels of student to help you achieve your training goals.
This app is perfect for anyone with an interest in improving their Muay Thai, from beginners right up to experienced fighters. This will also be helpful to MMA fighters looking to improve their stand up game.
Fitness and Conditioning Apps for Martial Artists
To succeed in martial arts, practitioners need more than just technical skills; they also require exceptional strength, endurance, and flexibility. The following fitness and conditioning apps complement martial arts training by targeting these critical areas.
FightCamp
FightCamp combines combat training with fitness, making it one of the best apps for martial artists who want to sharpen their striking while also improving overall physical conditioning. The app offers tailored boxing and kickboxing workouts, allowing users to build power, speed, and endurance. One of the standout features of FightCamp is its tracking system, which provides real-time data on punch speed, output, and intensity.
Nike Training Club
Nike Training Club offers a wide variety of workouts designed to improve strength, endurance, and flexibility. Martial artists can benefit from the app’s selection of bodyweight exercises, HIIT routines, and yoga sessions to supplement their martial arts practice. The flexibility workouts, in particular, help martial artists increase range of motion, which is essential for kicking techniques in disciplines like Taekwondo and Muay Thai.
MyFitnessPal
Tracking nutrition is vital for martial artists aiming to optimize performance, recover faster, and maintain weight for competitions. MyFitnessPal offers a user-friendly platform for tracking meals, setting caloric goals, and monitoring macronutrients. This app is particularly helpful for MMA fighters and BJJ practitioners, where weight categories play a critical role.
StrongLifts
Strength training is an integral part of any martial artist’s training plan, and StrongLifts is one of the best apps for gaining functional strength. It focuses on compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, which help improve overall power. Martial artists can use this app to build the strength required for takedowns, throws, and powerful strikes.
StretchIt
Flexibility is key in martial arts, especially in disciplines like Taekwondo or Karate that involve high kicks. The StretchIt app offers flexibility and mobility programs designed to increase range of motion. With guided stretching routines, martial artists can enhance their flexibility, reduce the risk of injury, and improve their overall performance.
Online Communities and Learning Platforms
Sometimes, the best way to improve in martial arts is to learn from others or engage in discussions with fellow practitioners. The following online communities and learning platforms are invaluable for gaining insights, sharing experiences, and learning new techniques.
Reddit – r/martialarts
Reddit’s r/martialarts community is one of the largest online spaces where martial artists of all levels share advice, experiences, and tips. Whether you’re looking for recommendations on gear, strategies for improving your technique, or insights into different martial arts styles, this subreddit is a treasure trove of information.
Sherdog Forums
For MMA enthusiasts, the Sherdog forums provide an extensive community of fighters, trainers, and fans discussing everything from fight strategies to fitness tips. It’s a great resource for learning more about MMA techniques, fighter analysis, and even martial arts-related news.
BJJ Fanatics
BJJ Fanatics is an online platform focused on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling arts. It offers instructional videos from world-class instructors like John Danaher, Gordon Ryan, and Marcelo Garcia. The platform covers everything from fundamental drills to advanced submissions, making it a valuable resource for grapplers looking to elevate their game.
Tracking and Analytics Apps for Martial Artists
Tracking your progress is key to improving your martial arts performance. These apps help martial artists monitor various aspects of their training, from workout metrics to technique improvement.
Strava
While primarily a fitness app for runners and cyclists, Strava is excellent for martial artists who want to track cardio workouts, such as roadwork or interval training. The app provides detailed analytics on distance, speed, and heart rate, making it easier to gauge improvements in conditioning over time.
Conclusion
Incorporating digital tools like apps and online resources into your martial arts training can elevate your skills, improve fitness, and keep you motivated. From instructional apps like Gracie University to conditioning platforms like Nike Training Club and community hubs like Reddit’s r/martialarts, there’s a wide array of options for martial artists to choose from. Whether you’re looking to refine your technique, build strength, or track your progress, using a combination of these apps ensures that your training is optimized for success.