Get a Grip

One of the most important and one of the most overlooked training aspects of martial arts training...is the grip.  We tend to train for strength; pushups, situps, squats and etc.  We train for speed and toughness, but we forget about the grip.

Having a strong grip means we can train longer.  Normally, our grip strength is used for making fist, blocking, holding and manipulating weapons.  Without grip strength we rely on clamping down and using more forearm and upper arm strength to compensate.

Grip strength comes in different forms, there is crushing, pinching and extensor strength.  These three uses of the grip are necessary for long term training.

I find every so often my tendonitis flares up in my right arm.  This causes the grip to fatigue rapidly.  I use grip training to rehabilitate.  I start with a 15lb gripper.  This is really weak.  Average strength for most people is 35 to 40lbs.

As my grip improves, I move up to the next level of gripper.  Grip strength training should be done every day.  Just a few days without training and your grip slides back in strength.  My left hand is still strong and gaining.

So just for reference my grip training is as follows:  50 reps of 30lbs for the right hand.  The left hand starts with 20 reps of 200lbs and then 30 reps of 145lbs.

I recommend grip training for anyone and once you start...keep it rolling.  Anyone can have grip strength, but it takes true dedication to keep it.

Train well,