Marianne
I will both agree & disagree with you!!! ;-)

Functional bodyweight exercises defo have their place however;
these still need to be taught correctly (in my experience this is rarely done within martial arts); moreover there is still basic principles that need to be adhered to to extract the maximum benefit from the effort input (such as F.I.T.T. – Frequency, Intensity, Time Type).


However, there is no mistaking that a true strength & conditioning programme can improve your speed & strength (thus power), endurance, decrease injury risk through correct strengthening of the stabilising muscles (although some would say there is an increased risk due to the exercise itself but that's another story), increase body awareness (possibly helping correct technical issues) plus many more things.

Who doesn't want to hit harder & faster for longer????

If these programmes are implemented correctly within/alongside the high level technical/fight training then you are bound to produce a more rounded athlete.

Its a science, and to those not “within” it; it can seem complicated :-)