KETTLEBELLS FOR BJJ
By Guest Writer: MATT CONNOLLY

Guest contributor Matt Connolly is a Strength & Conditioning Coach and owner of Infinity Strength & Conditioning . He is a CrossFit L1 Trainer, UKSCA Associate, RockTape Practitioner, SAQ Advanced Trainer and trains at Roger Gracie Academy in London, UK.

"They say that strength doesn't count, but it does. Maybe it wouldn't make a difference if the opponent didn't know anything. If the opponent knows something, then strength starts to count." - Carlson Gracie

This is becoming ever more prevalent in the competitive world of BJJ. Whilst in a self-defence situation you would most likely have the upper hand of your attacker not knowing how to defend a takedown attempt, armbar, or triangle. When competing, not only does your opponent know how to counter but more and more competitors are enlisting the help of Strength & Conditioning coaches especially at high level. Many academies now offer some sort of S&C training as part of their curriculum, because as the saying goes "when technique is equal - strength counts."

One of the most versatile and, in my opinion, best value training tools available to the BJJ athlete is the kettlebell. It's fairly common to see them at your BJJ academy or at your local gym, you may have seen them being swung around, or even used them yourself. They vary in price from around £30 - £120 ($40 - $200) depending on type and weight, but I'd strongly recommend investing in one if you want to improve your strength and conditioning. Kettlebells come in two main types, the traditional cast iron type shown here: ... READ MORE >