The Adaptable Athlete Podcast SMSC 25' Speaker Spotlight: Scott Sievewright
In this repost episode of the podcast, we revisit one of our most favorite conversations — a deep dive into combat sport skill acquisition with Scott Sievewright, founder of Primal MMA and host of the Primal MMA Coaching Podcast.
Scott brings an athlete-centered and constraints-led approach to his work with MMA athletes. In this conversation, we discuss how to design representative practice without traditional drills, how to keep intensity high while still respecting athlete safety, and why coaches should shift from cueing movement to shaping it through context.
Scott will be one of our featured presenters at the 2025 Sport Movement Skill Conference happening June 26–27 in St. Paul, MN. Get your ticket at:
🔹 Key Topics Discussed:
✅ What a live, constraints-led approach looks like in MMA
✅ Why Scott eliminated drilling entirely from his practice
✅ Managing contact, safety, and intensity in striking and grappling
✅ How ecological dynamics helps simplify coaching
✅ Why Scott avoids over-coaching and embraces organized chaos
✅ What it means to train perception and action together
📌 Resources & Mentions:
- Primal MMA Coaching Podcast
- Primal MMA Website
- Scott’s Coaching Philosophy & Framework
- SMSC 2025 Tickets & Info
💡Like what you hear? Then you’ll love what Scott brings in person at this year’s conference.
Register now and join us in St. Paul, MN – June 26–27, 2025.
Stay connected at The Adaptable Athlete for more great conversations.
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Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io
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