Difference between core strength when working out and core strength when fighting

[Banana&Coffee]

I need help understanding this.

On the surface, it stands to reason that if you can do, let's say, 20 perfect hanging leg raises with legs straight, full ROM and no swaying, even for multiple sets, or if you can do toes-to-bar or even windshield wipers, all while hanging, that your core should essentially be as close to impenetrable as possible against the force of body shots.

Yet, somehow, this often isn't the case.

Even though you reach the capacity to tighten up the 'corset' of core muscles as much as possible, to thicken up the padding of it and to maintain this with as little fatigue as possible, somehow, most people still get worn down easily from body shots.

Why is that?

How is it that such a huge dichotomy can exist between core strength when working out and core strength when fighting, between abs being under put huge amounts of strain via one thing versus another thing? It makes no sense to me.

Please keep answers respectful, please.

 

[thecoldbloodedone]

Good question.

From my observation/experience, its because most of the movements in the gym you described are fairly isolated to the core area, when most movements in combat sports are using the core within a kinetic chain from the feet through to the target or lever they are driving towards.

There are exercises you can do in the gym that are less isolated and are trying to mimic the kinetic chain of combat sports techniques, but often times its just a mind-muscle connection thing that gets lost when doing the real thing.
Plus the timing and speed required to execute a technique in the ring with perfect core engagement and land on an opponent, under pressure, and not sacrifice defense at the same time, its a perfect storm.

In terms of being able to sustain shots to the body, there are simply some areas like the liver which are very vulnerable and no amount of abdominal strength will protect that, especially when livers are inflamed from overtraining and weight cutting.

The solar flexus is very difficult to build muscle across, and strengthening it generally only assists with ability to breath and regulate nervous system.
Useful when you take a shot and have to poker face, but not impenetrable.

Again, if you get hit while relaxed, fatigued, exhaled and not properly hydrated, your ability to stay standing is reduced.

Plus lets face it, not everyone has the mental fortitude to get hit with a paralyzing painful body shot and just grit through it until they get some space to breath again.
You can train for it, but its very unpleasant, and most people avoid it.