Certifications for Combat Sports - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[combatathlete]

HI,

I have a few questions for those of you who are informed about personal training certifications. I'm what i consider to be a "combat athlete", i train in mixed martial arts (Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, Freestyle Wrestling, Muay Thai kickboxing), so i have to cross-train in everything (strength training, cardio (tabata sprints, endurance running), pilates, yoga etc.) I was wondering which certification i should start with. I plan on getting several, i'm not interested in teaching group fitness classes but i'm not sure as to the specific information that each certification lends you. I would like to be in a position where i can advise clients (both regular and combat) on proper nutrition and exercise regiments. I have plenty of time to study (since i'm a college student) but i'd like to be able to start by Jan.

Thanks Much,
Pat

[BrianB]

I'll be interested to see what folks with NSCA certs have to say about this, but I'm thinking something like a CSCS. I'm not certified by NSCA, but it is my impression from talking to a couple folks who hold CSCS that it is much more sports oriented than other certs, and that sports orientation would seem beneficial for you.

Anybody with a CSCS or even a NSCA CPT agree or disagree?

[Gentleman_Joe]

I'd be interested in people's opinions on this, too. I compete in the USA Boxing Master Division, and am looking to become a CPT.

Much like combatathlete above, I also cross-train in compound lifts, distance and sprint running, and have started to get into Olympic bodyweight exercises. To say nothing of what I now know from losing 30 lbs. in six months through diet and exercise, and what I've learned about pre-fight dieting to drop 10 lbs. in two weeks while training up to optimum stamina and power. (To quote my sparring partner: "Dude, you talk about losing ten pounds the way other guys talk about buying a new shirt.")

Not only would I like to be able to advise clients to the best of my ability, but also I'd be interested in which certification(s) might be in line with some of the stuff that I already know from working with boxing trainers.