What makes us Different.

Both scientifically and practically, we understand the demands of MMA, and how to peak your performance on fight day. Dr. Jason Gillis – Founder of The MMA Training Bible – set out to create his first MMA-specific training program when he began training in MMA, which also coincided with the beginning of Ph.D studies in Exercise Physiology (Check out a few of his amateur fights here). He was shocked when he realized how little information was available describing the physiological demands of MMA, with almost nothing written on MMA-specific program design – separate from a few websites selling generic training programs.

With so many performance factors to bring together for fight day – Muscular endurance, strength and power, flexibility, anaerobic and aerobic endurance, not to mention MMA skill development – Jason quickly felt overwhelmed and had no idea where to start. 

After scouring the scientific literature with little success, he decided to start from scratch. After studying periodization theory he applied his practical experience training in MMA to create the structure of a fight plan that could be adapted to any length. This forms the backbone of the MMA Training Bible’s step-by-step approach to program design.

Next,  Jason reviewed the scientific literature to identify evidence-based training methods that would meet the demands of MMA. This resulted in a knowledgebase that could be used to enhance a fighters anaerobic and aerobic endurance, muscular endurance, strength, power, and flexibility.

The MMA Training Bible’s programming methodology can be easily applied by any fighter, coach or trainer to maximize and peak a fighters performance on fight day.

Our training programs will require some heavy lifting, but the master of this training methodology will have the key to designing an individualized fight plan that can help a fighter reach his or her full potential. And it’s our pleasure to share it with you.

About the Author.

Dr. Jason Gillis is an Associate Professor working in the Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Sport & Movement Science, at Salem State University. Jason Teaches courses in human applied physiology and research methods, and supervises student research. An environmental physiologist by training, Jason has a research interest in the influence of menthol on human temperature regulation, perception and performance.

Jason completed his B.Sc (Hon) in Kinesiology at Dalhousie University in Canada, and went on to complete his Masters at KU Leuven University in Belgium, and at the Norwegian School of Sports Science in Norway. He completed his Ph.D. in England at the University of Portsmouth as part of the Research and Innovation Team at UK Sport in the run up to the Beijing and London Olympic Games. Whether as a scientist, athlete, or coach, Jason is passionate about sports. He has a background in mixed martial arts and a particular interest in the Science of combat sports.

Scientific Publications.

D’Amico, A., Silva, K., Rubero, A., Dion, S., Gillis, D.J., Gallo, J. The Influence of Phototherapy on Recovery from Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2022;17(4):658-668. doi:10.26603/001c.34422

Silva Jr., J.N., Penteado, R., Kons, R.L., Gillis, D.J., Caputo, F., Detanico, D. (2022). Relationship between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Specific Test performance and physical capabilities in experienced athletes. Science & Sport. doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2021.03.009

Gillis, D.J., Douglas, N., Moriarty, J., Ely, B.R., Silva, K., Gallo, J.A. (2021). The effect body surface area exposure to menthol on temperature regulation and perception in men. The Journal of Thermal Biology. doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102982

Gillis, D.J., Capone, S., Nestor, K., Snell, M. (2020). The influence of menthol dose on human temperature regulation and perception. The Journal of Thermal Biology. doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102659

Barwood M.J., Gibson, O.R, Gillis, D.J., Jeffries O., Morris N.B., Pearce, J., Ross, M.L, Stevens, C., Rinaldi, K., Kounalakis, S.N, Riera, F., Mündel T, Waldron, M., Best, R. (2020). Menthol as an ergogenic aid for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games: an expert led consensus statement using the modified Delphi method. Sports Medicine. 50(10):1709-1727. doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01313-9

D’Amico, A., Gillis, D.J., McCarthy, K., Leftin, J.N., Molloy, M., Heim, H., Burke, C.M., (2020). Foam rolling and indices of autonomic recovery following recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.  15(3):429-440. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7296995/pdf/ijspt-15-429.pdf

Gillis, D.J., Vellante, A., Gallo, J., D’Amico A.P. (2020). The influence of menthol on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 34(2): 451-462

Penteado, R., Gillis, D.J., Caputo F. (2020). Reliability of parameters from sport-specific method for evaluating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Performance. Journal of Physical Fitness, Medicine & Treatment in Sports. 7(4):1-4.

Staffiere, W., Gillis, D.J., Varnell, M., Gallo, J., Silva, K., Moriarty, J. (2019). The influence of Menthol on joint range of motion. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 51(6):51

D’Amico, A., Gillis, D.J. (2019). The influence of foam rolling on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 33(9):2443-2452.

Villar, R., Gillis, D.J., Santana, G., Pinheiro, D.S., Almeida, A.L.R.A. (2018). Association between anaerobic metabolic demands during simulated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu combat and specific Jiu-Jitsu anaerobic performance test. Journal of Strenght and Conditioning Research. 32(2):432-440

Gillis, D.J., Vellante, A., Gallo, J., D’Amico, A.P (2017). Pilot Study: The influence of menthol on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 49(5S):1069.

D’Amico, A., Gillis, D.J. (2017). The influence of foam rolling on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 49(5S):1065.

Gillis, D.J., Barwood, M.J., Newton, P.S., House, J.R., & Tipton, M.J. (2016). Influence of a menthol and ethanol soaked garment on human temperature regulation and perception during exercise and rest in warm, humid conditions. Journal of Thermal Biology, 58:99-105.

Gillis, D.J., Barwood, M.J., Newton, P.S., House, J.R., & Tipton, M.J. (2016). Influence of a menthol/ethanol solution on thermoregulation during exercise in warm, humid conditions. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 48(5S):808-809.

Gillis, D.J., Weston N, House, J.R., & Tipton, M.J. (2015). Influence of repeated daily menthol exposure on human temperature regulation and perception. Physiology and Behaviour, 139:511-8.