The Wrestling Association of the Philippines (WAP) recently conducted a highly impactful seminar featuring renowned sports performance doctor and coach Dr. Berik Zulkharnay, focusing on smarter training and long-term athlete development in combat sports.
Centered on the theme “Train smarter. Perform longer. Dominate healthier,” the seminar introduced a science-based approach to performance that integrates sports medicine, injury prevention, and strength & conditioning specifically tailored for combat athletes.
Dr. Berik shared his proven performance system designed to build stronger, more durable, and injury-resistant athletes. The session emphasized the importance of understanding the athlete beyond technique—highlighting how proper physical preparation and intelligent training decisions directly impact performance and longevity in the sport.
Participants were guided through practical and easy-to-apply methods, including athlete assessment, injury prevention strategies, and effective training load management. The seminar also covered how to properly structure rehabilitation and safely return athletes to peak performance.
A key highlight of the session was the demonstration of simple testing protocols and step-by-step progressions—from foundational strength development to sport-specific performance. Dr. Berik also addressed common mistakes in training that often lead to burnout or injury, providing clear solutions that coaches and athletes can immediately implement.
The seminar welcomed a diverse group of participants, including practitioners from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, and mixed martial arts—making it a valuable learning experience across multiple combat disciplines.
This initiative reflects WAP’s continued commitment to elevating not only the technical skills of Filipino athletes but also their overall health, durability, and performance. By bringing in world-class expertise in sports science, the organization continues to strengthen the foundation of combat sports development in the Philippines.
WAP extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Berik Zulkharnay for sharing his knowledge and to all coaches and athletes who took part in this meaningful learning experience.