What is a necessary foundation for lower body and upper body strength in combat?

The necessity of cardiovascular functioning for building a solid foundation for both lower and upper body strength in combat stems from the understanding that endurance and overall fitness play a critical role in a combat scenario. While explosive power, balance, agility, and flexibility certainly contribute to physical performance, cardiovascular functioning is what supports prolonged activity, allowing a fighter to maintain strength and power throughout an engagement.

In combat, the demands on the body are not limited to short bursts of effort. Instead, sustained activity, where strength and endurance are equally important, is often required. A well-developed cardiovascular system enhances oxygen delivery to muscles, improves energy production, and accelerates recovery during and after exertion. This is vital for maintaining strength over time, especially in situations where prolonged stress is encountered.

The other options focus on specific physical attributes or skills that, while relevant to combat performance, do not serve as the primary foundational requirement for the endurance needed to sustain strength during physical confrontations.