[Freelancer]

Originally Posted by joppp

So athleticism in your opinion is all about physique? Because in my oppinion a talented person is someone who just learns everything fast and effortlessly, but an athletic person canTRAIN to get good at almost any sport, but it may not go that fast. And that includes technique IMO.

Because just casue, say Randleman is one of the the most EXPLOSIVE guys in MMA doesn't mean he's pne of the best athletes. Or does it? I feel like I don't get this straight...

That's right.

[Terror Kovenant]

Randy Couture is a great athlete. Being 45, fighting like hes 30, being able to go a full five rounds against opponents much larger than him. Hes strong, agile, intense conditioning, and great ability

[Gluteal Cleft]

Originally Posted by joppp

How should we define athleticism with focus on MMA?

Roids and EPO?

[DCDIME]

To me athleticism, has always been based on natural ability. With training and practice "natural athleticism" can be developed. There are many that have natural gifts, B.J. penn being one of them. GSP is an athlete, and has natural ability. With the development of those "gifts" he is now a super-athlete. Think about those guys you took gym class with when you were young...the guys that always excelled at anything BEFORE training. It doesn't have to be huge muscles, or explosive takedowns...just people that are ahead of the average curve in physical ability IMO. There are people who can become athletic as well...I am one of them...average with lots of work, but have to work harder than those who were born with it.

[ean6789]

To me athleticism should only encompass physical atrributes. Technique, the ability to learn and so on are always mental things that while extremely beneficial for an athlete to have do not fit in with the definition. Things like explosiveness, speed, conditioning and strength are what define athleticism. The TS's definition is really a list of every attribute in MMA wrapped up in one but athleticism is but one of several different attributes needed in the sport.

[GMW]

Originally Posted by ean6789

Things like explosiveness, speed, conditioning and strength are what define athleticism.

I'd agree with this but I fail to see how technique is mental.

[Damone]

Roids and EPO?

HGH and EPO, in my opinion.

[Freelancer]

Originally Posted by GMW

I'd agree with this but I fail to see how technique is mental.

It's not mental but it definitely isn't an athletic attribute. Better technicians are usually physically inferior to good athletes.

[Ape City]

I think some people are mixing up talent/skill with athleticism. Atheleticism is a broad definition that is meant to describe either the mentality to, or the physical ability to excell at somthing physical compared to the general population.

When people say "that was a great display of athleticism", they are not refering to technique, but rather how fast, strong, and how enduring said act was.

At least that is how I see it. Athleticism =/=skill imo. Does running a 100 yard dash take more skill or athleticism?

[GMW]

Originally Posted by Freelancer

It's not mental but it definitely isn't an athletic attribute. Better technicians are usually physically inferior to good athletes.

Which could be because more time is spent on technique. Idk if it's athletic because of how athleticism is defined, but it's certainly physical.