Dark Horse Athlete

Combat Sports, Wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, Martial Arts, Functional Fitness
Coach
Justin Biays

Features
0 sessions per week
Must use App app to view and log training
Program Training
benefit-image-0
16 Weeks of Structured Training:
Organized into progressive blocks to build strength, improve power, and peak performance. Includes planned deload and taper weeks for recovery and progression
benefit-image-1
Time-Efficient Design:
Sessions last 50-60 minutes, including a RAMP warm-up and targeted cool-down. Weekly schedule: 3 strength days, 2 conditioning days, 1 active recovery day, and 1 rest day.
benefit-image-2
Specificity to BJJ:
Targeted exercises mimic the demands of live grappling, such as grip-focused circuits, rotational strength, and isometric endurance.
benefit-image-3
Injury Prevention:
Build resilience by strengthening the neck, core, back, knees, and shoulders to reduce injury risk and extend your career.
benefit-image-4
Peak Strength and Power:
Develop unmatched strength and explosive transitions using advanced methods like wave loading, cluster sets, and contrast training.
Features
feature-icon
Programming 5 days per week
Daily strength, conditioning, and skill training that’s accessible and challenging for athletes of any level or background
feature-icon
Exercise Video Guidance
Instructional videos to guide your practice and make execution easy
feature-icon
Delivered through TrainHeroic
sample week banner image
phoneMockup
Sample Week
Week 1 of 16-week program
Sunday
Baseline Day 1

Circuit

A

RAMP Warm up Protocol: Raise: 2 minutes of light cardio (e.g., rower or jump rope) -then- 30 seconds each: high knees, butt kicks, and jumping jacks Activate: 2 sets Glute Bridge march: x 10 rep/legs Band Pull-Aparts: x 12 reps Dead bug x8 reps per side Mobilize: 2 sets 90/90 stretch x8/side cat cow x10 Thoracic Spine Rotation x5 per side Potentiate: 2 sets Rest 30 seconds between sets Bodyweight Squats x 3 reps, slow down, fast up Push-Ups: x 3 reps , slow down, fast up Jump squat x3 plyo push up x3

B

Trap Bar Deadlift

8 x 3

C

Bench Press

8 x 3

D

Run

1 x 12:00

Circuit

E

Foam Rolling: -Foam roll lats (1-2 minute) -Hamstring Smash (1-2 minute) -Glute smash (1-2 minute) -pec smash (1 minute) Static Stretching: -Couch stretch + reach and rotation (30 seconds per leg) -Sciatic nerve flossing (30 seconds per leg) -pigeon stretch (30 second per side) -Chest stretch (30 seconds per side) Key Points: Controlled Movements: Perform foam rolling and stretching slowly and deliberately to maximize muscle relaxation. Deep Breathing: Use deep, controlled breaths to enhance the effectiveness of each stretch and promote relaxation. Proper Form: Maintain alignment during each stretch to target the correct muscle groups.

Monday
Baseline Day 2

Circuit

A

RAMP Warm up Protocol: Raise: 2 minutes of light cardio (e.g., rower or jump rope) -then- 30 seconds each: high knees, butt kicks, and jumping jacks Activate: 2 sets Pallof press: x 8 rep/side Bird dog: x 16 reps Glute bridge march x20 seconds Mobilize: 2 sets forward leg swings x8/side Lateral leg swings x8/side Potentiate: 2 sets Rest 60 seconds between sets 10 second assault bike sprint 5 jump squats

B

Max Effort Broad Jump

3 x 1

C

Assault Bike

6 x 10

Circuit

D

Foam Rolling: -Foam roll quads (1-2 minute) -Hamstring Smash (1-2 minute) -Calf smash (1-2 minute) Static Stretching: -Couch stretch + reach and rotation (30 seconds per leg) -Sciatic nerve flossing (30 seconds per leg) -Calf stretch (30 seconds per side) Key Points: Controlled Movements: Perform foam rolling and stretching slowly and deliberately to maximize muscle relaxation. Deep Breathing: Use deep, controlled breaths to enhance the effectiveness of each stretch and promote relaxation. Proper Form: Maintain alignment during each stretch to target the correct muscle groups.

Tuesday
ACTIVE RECOVERY

Circuit

A

Active Recovery 30-45 minutes of light walking, cycling, or swimming at an easy pace

Circuit

B

20-30 minutes of targeted mobility work focusing on hips, shoulders, and ankles. Use foam rolling, static stretching, and band work MyoFasical Release: *spend 2 minutes on each muscle group -Glute Smash -TFL Smash -Foam roll lats -calf smash -Lax Ball in foot Activation: 2-3 sets -clam shells x10/side -banded shoulder external rotation x12/side -Toe walk x25 yards -heel walks x25 yards Stretch: 2 sets -Couch stretch + Reach and rotation x30-60 sec/side -Childs pose x1-2 minutes -Tibialis Anterior stretch x30 sec/side -Pigeon stretch x30 sec/side

Wednesday
Baseline Day 4

Circuit

A

RAMP Warm up Protocol: Raise: 2 minutes of light cardio (e.g., rower or jump rope) -then- 30 seconds each: high knees, butt kicks, and jumping jacks Activate: 2 sets Glute Bridge march: x 10 rep/legs Band Pull-Aparts: x 12 reps Dead bug x8 reps per side Mobilize: 2 sets 90/90 stretch x8/side cat cow x10 Thoracic Spine Rotation x5 per side Potentiate: 2 sets Rest 30 seconds between sets Bodyweight Squats x 3 reps, slow down, fast up Push-Ups: x 3 reps , slow down, fast up Jump squat x3 plyo push up x3

B

Bulgarian Split Squat

8 x 5

C

Single Arm DB Bench press

8 x 5

D

Plank

1 x 1

Circuit

E

Foam Rolling: -Foam roll lats (1-2 minute) -Hamstring Smash (1-2 minute) -Glute smash (1-2 minute) -pec smash (1 minute) Static Stretching: -Couch stretch + reach and rotation (30 seconds per leg) -cobra stretch (1 minute) -pigeon stretch (30 second per side) -Chest stretch (30 seconds per side) Key Points: Controlled Movements: Perform foam rolling and stretching slowly and deliberately to maximize muscle relaxation. Deep Breathing: Use deep, controlled breaths to enhance the effectiveness of each stretch and promote relaxation. Proper Form: Maintain alignment during each stretch to target the correct muscle groups.

Thursday
Baseline Day 5

Circuit

A

RAMP Warm up Protocol: Raise: 2 minutes of light cardio (e.g., rower or jump rope) -then- 30 seconds each: high knees, butt kicks, and jumping jacks Activate: 2 sets side lying clamshells: x 12 rep/side Bird dog: x 16 reps Scapular push up x20 seconds Mobilize: 2 sets Scorpion stretch x8/side forward leg swings x8/side Potentiate: 3 sets Rest 60 seconds between sets 10 second assault bike sprint

B

Wall Sit

1 x 1

C

Towel Grip Dead Hang

1 x 1

D

Strict Bodyweight Pull-Up

E

Push-Up

1 x 2:00

Circuit

F

Foam Rolling: -Foam roll quads (1-2 minute) -Foam roll lats (1-2 minute) -forearm Smash (1-2 minute) Static Stretching: -Couch stretch + reach and rotation (30 seconds per leg) -cobra stretch (1 minute) -Forearm stretch (1 minute) -childs pose (1 minute) Key Points: Controlled Movements: Perform foam rolling and stretching slowly and deliberately to maximize muscle relaxation. Deep Breathing: Use deep, controlled breaths to enhance the effectiveness of each stretch and promote relaxation. Proper Form: Maintain alignment during each stretch to target the correct muscle groups.

Friday
ACTIVE RECOVERY

Circuit

A

Active Recovery 30-45 minutes of light walking, cycling, or swimming at an easy pace

Circuit

B

20-30 minutes of targeted mobility work focusing on hips, shoulders, and ankles. Use foam rolling, static stretching, and band work MyoFasical Release: *spend 2 minutes on each muscle group -Glute Smash -TFL Smash -Foam roll lats -calf smash -Lax Ball in foot Activation: 2-3 sets -clam shells x10/side -banded shoulder external rotation x12/side -Toe walk x25 yards -heel walks x25 yards Stretch: 2 sets -Couch stretch + Reach and rotation x30-60 sec/side -Childs pose x1-2 minutes -Tibialis Anterior stretch x30 sec/side -Pigeon stretch x30 sec/side

Saturday
REST DAY
FAQs
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for intermediate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes who train regularly and want to enhance their strength, power, endurance, and injury resilience. It’s also scalable, making it suitable for those with varying skill levels or fitness backgrounds.
What equipment do I need for this program?
You’ll need access to basic gym equipment, including a barbell, dumbbells, kettlebells, a squat rack, a bench, and an assault or air bike. While optional tools like a rower, sled, or sandbag can enhance the experience, the program is flexible for limited setups.
How long are the training sessions?
Each session lasts 50-60 minutes, including a 10-12 minute RAMP warm-up, targeted strength or conditioning work, and a 5-8 minute cool-down. This ensures efficient use of your time while maximizing results.
Can I follow this program alongside my regular BJJ training?
Yes! This program is designed to complement your BJJ practice. With a balance of strength, conditioning, and recovery days, it enhances your performance on the mats without overtraining. Be sure to adjust intensity if necessary based on your overall workload.
What results can I expect from this program?
By the end of 16 weeks, you can expect improvements in grip strength, explosive power, anaerobic and aerobic capacity, and overall endurance. Additionally, you’ll strengthen key areas to reduce injury risk and perform at your best during live rolls and competitions.
DHA GRAPPLER