Should I bulk up or not?

[mal103]

Sorry to sound negative but there are plenty of plans or "get ripped quick" schemes that seem nothing more than a glorified yoghart with vitamins, if you want to get stronger/bigger then you need to train for it. Select a gym and tell them what you want to acheive but there is only one person that will be able to acheive it!

A big step in MA training is the transition from being trained by a Sensei to managing your own training program.

I know I am offering advice on a forum but this is the last place you want to be taking advice from.....

[bushido_man96]

Sorry to sound negative but there are plenty of plans or "get ripped quick" schemes that seem nothing more than a glorified yoghart with vitamins, if you want to get stronger/bigger then you need to train for it. Select a gym and tell them what you want to acheive but there is only one person that will be able to acheive it!

A big step in MA training is the transition from being trained by a Sensei to managing your own training program.

I know I am offering advice on a forum but this is the last place you want to be taking advice from.....

I'd like to point out that no one here so far has mentioned any "get ripped quick" plans. The plans that have been mentioned have been plans used for years in the weight training community in regards to gains strength and size. The Starting Strength and Stronglifts 5x5 plans are all based on what is called linear progression, which is the best way for a novice lifter to gain strength. Once a novice lifter has come to the point where linear progression no longer works, its necessary to switch to an intermediate program like the Texas Method, or variants.

Its also typical for those seeking strength gains to add weight along with it. The GOMAD diet, or creatine, or use of protein shakes are all good ways to gain weight to facilitate strength gain. There are varying opinions on the use of creatine, but milage will vary.

Someone who starts out strength training can run on linear progression anywhere from 6 months to a year or more, depending on their individual capabilities. From there, one can run an intermediate plan from 2 to 5 years after that, depending on the individual. Once linear progression is over, its likely that the need for something like GOMAD declines, and that can be stopped in favor of the protein shakes. Stronglifts 5x5 tends to run longer on the linear progression plan than any of the others because of starting with the bar only on every lift except dead lift and barbell row, and only adds 5 lbs per lift per week. The others will progress linearly a bit more quickly by adding around 10 lbs per week, and starting with more weight than the bar. But, these methods both have the same common base that is rooted in building the foundation of strength.

[quinteros1963]

Its better to have functional strength than to be bulky. Bulk limits flexibility.

[AdamKralic]

You do not have the frame to get "huge."

IDK...just my two cents...I'd focus on other strengths. Speed. Accuracy. Reaction time. I've seen a smaller fighter beat much larger opponents over n over n over again. They win with speed.

You can absolutely increase your speed through exercise. Dramatically at that. Plyometrics is something that you should google the bajeebus out of.

[Kuma]

As others have mentioned, to add weight to your frame or not is your choice. However, unless you plan on being competitive in a weight controlled sport, I think a good strength training routine to add size and strength is a good idea for many martial artists. There are no weight classes in real life, so you may end up fighting a much larger opponent. Technique goes a long way, but a significant size and strength advantage can be dangerous even without skill.

Don't worry about getting "too bulky", as this is usually a byproduct of competitive bodybuilding and performance enhancing drugs. You will not see any loss in flexibility due to proper strength training - in fact, depending on what you do you will most likely see an increase. You won't turn into the Incredible Hulk in a few weeks just by lifting a barbell so don't worry about that either.

Most of the program recommendations in this thread are good. Make sure you're eating lots of good nutritious food, getting plenty of sleep, and doing your stretches after each workout. Combined with a focused effort in the gym and the discipline to stick to a program, you will see gains quickly.

[sensei8]

Bruce's frame wasn't bulky, imho. It was a silhouette of a nice MA frame; possibly a frame that other MAist could consider for themselves.

I still get a small kick out of a statement I read many, many years ago. It spoke about how a body builder looks strong, but isn't. Hhhmmmm!!