Not sure what weight class you should be competing in at your next martial arts tournament? Loren W. Christensen and Wim Demeere, authors of The Fighter's Body, offer this rule of thumb:
Begin by measuring your body fat percentage. It’s recommended that a competitive fighter have less than 15 percent. Now, some fighters feel comfortable carrying more, but they should know it’s useless weight that slows and inhibits their mobility, and decreases their overall effectiveness. “Sure, I got a belly, but I’m really fast,” some argue. Great, but how much faster would they be without the tummy to lug around? Extra weight is something you want your opponent to have, not you.
Seven percent body fat is as low as you should go. Lower, and you risk serious health problems. Yes, competitive bodybuilders often drop to three or four percent, but they remain there for only a few days, sometimes only the day of the contest. Carrying 15 percent is comfortable and easy to maintain.
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