Issue 077
July 2011
They don't come much bigger or more powerful than the Strikeforce heavyweight champion. Here are some tips on how to blast like 'The Reem'.
STRONGMAN
Overeem’s transformation from the tall, skinny light heavyweight of the Pride era, to one of the most physically imposing heavyweights in mixed martial arts, owes significantly to his dedication to heavy strength training. In the popular online documentary series 'The Reem', Alistair can be seen employing strongman-style training.
In the gym
If you don’t have access to strongman equipment, heavy kettlebells or dumbbells make adequate substitutes for the weighted cylinders used for the farmer’s walk.
In action
Todd Duffee lasted just 19 seconds with Overeem. After he was unable to pressurize the Dutchman he was pushed back and knocked out.
SCISSOR KNEE
One of the more flashy techniques found in Dutch kickboxing is the scissor knee, which involves a fake jump knee, switched in mid-air to deliver the opposite leg.
In the Gym
With your pad man, work on throwing the scissor knee close and low, and progressively go from longer distances and aiming at greater heights, until you’re throwing knees to the head like 'The Reem.'
In action
Overeem threw a spectacular jump knee at James Thompson at Dream 12, almost sending himself over the cage wall.
CLINCH THROWS
The subtle throws of Muay Thai have much in common with Greco-Roman, combining kneeing with variations of lateral twists and belly-to-belly suplexes seen in Olympic wrestling.
In the gym
Long rounds of Thai clinching is the only way to develop the sensitivity to take the balance and effectively throw. Train clinch sparring for five five-minute rounds without leg tackles to focus on developing your upper-body throws.
In action
Overeem used a Thai clinch throw to send the gigantic Brett Rogers crashing to the canvas at 1:08 into the first round of their 2010 Strikeforce world title fight.
GUILLOTINES
As a tall fighter, Overeem is often naturally above his opponents in the clinch, and given his kickboxing pedigree his opponents often shoot in an attempt to capture his hips in order to avoid punishment. This provides ample opportunity to counter attack with the guillotine choke.
In the gym
A power sling is a good investment for practicing isometric holds and pulls, as it replicates the guillotine grip perfectly.
In action
Overeem has an incredible 19 submission victories to his name, eight of which are via guillotine. Overeem was also victorious in the 2005 ADCC European qualifiers, finishing all his matches with the guillotine.
