Applying an ecological dynamics framework to mixed martial arts training

In this paper, we outline an ecological approach to training in mixed martial arts (MMA) to support coaches in helping fighters coordinate skilled movement solutions to the ever-changing problems they encounter in the cage. Orienting one’s perspective on the fighter-cage system may require coaches to re-align their role towards being designers of alive and representative training sessions that are filled with opportunities for (inter)actions, where constraints are purposefully manipulated to facilitate the emergence of skilled behaviours for mixed martial artists of all levels. We conclude by offering three case examples ranging from amateurs to professional champions to highlight the significance of adopting an ecological dynamics framework in MMA.