Quotes Meaning

"I never train with wraps. I’ve always found that they kind of cut off blood flow when you’re grappling as well, because you’re flexing your forearms and grips and things. It’s just something I decided wasn’t for me anymore."

- Rory MacDonald

Former professional mixed martial artist Rory MacDonald is renowned for his discipline and technical skill in the sport. He discussed his thoughts on the use of wraps in training sessions in an interview. Elastic bandages called wraps are used to stabilize and support the wrists during grappling or striking.

MacDonald clarified that because wraps alter blood flow during grappling, he never uses them during training. The wraps can compress your veins when you're flexing your forearms and grips during wrestling, which makes it more difficult for your muscles to receive the oxygen-rich blood they require to function at their peak. This is similar to applying a tourniquet to a garden hose; although it may temporarily increase stability, it restricts the amount of water (or, in this case, blood) that can pass through.

MacDonald prioritizes natural performance and the entire range of motion required for grappling techniques by eschewing the use of wraps. He feels that training without them improves his understanding of his body's strengths and limitations, which enables him to use more effective tactics in real matches.

MacDonald's strategy is representative of a larger idea in martial arts circles: some fighters choose minimal equipment to develop their raw strength and technique, while others prefer gear to avoid injuries or improve their performance. In such sports, his statement emphasizes the significance of individual choice, body awareness, and training objectives.

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