Considering MMA? Tips and Tricks for the Beginning Fighter

Mixed martial arts, or MMA, is a highly competitive and combative sport. It comprises a variety of martial art disciplines, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Karate or Kung Fu, Muay Thai, boxing, and wrestling. It is an extremely physical sport, and fighting is at the heart of it. Although it is not necessary to be skilled in one of the main areas listed above before delving into your training, it is beneficial. If you have never taken a martial arts class before, then plan on a minimum of five years of training before becoming highly skilled. If you believe MMA is the sport for you, here are a few tips for getting started.

Training

To succeed, it will require a love for physical strength and endurance training. It is highly structured and rigorous. Expect to engage in high-intensity focused exercise for a minimum of 20 hours a week. In addition to focused training, expect to cross-train. Cross-training is essential to any competitive sport. It exercises more muscle groups and improves overall strength and agility.

Given the high impact nature of MMA, it is good to offset it with a low impact and cardio-focused sport. One of the best cross-training sports for MMA is swimming. It is useful for increasing strength, cardio-endurance, and improving breath control. If you are looking for a good excuse to install your own pool, this could be your answer. Searching for local pool loan companies and gathering information may motivate you to get the pool you want for cross-training and for helping with recovery. MMA is hard on the body. Swimming, a no-impact activity, provides the movement your muscles need while also allowing them to repair. Cycling is another excellent low-impact cross-training exercise.

Gear

Every sport has its necessary and specialized gear, and MMA is no exception. The equipment is mainly a form of protection. It is vital to protect your hands, head, teeth, shins, and groin. Some common MMA injuries are a broken nose, ruptured eardrum, concussion, superficial cuts, and dental injuries. Therefore, you must have high-quality equipment to protect yourself and your opponent during training and a fight. Here is a list of essentials MMA items that are important for training:

• Boxing gloves and grappling gloves.
• Shin guards.
• Mouthguard.
• Head guard.
• MMA designated shorts, which allow for maximum flexibility.
• Groin guard.
• Compression rash guard.

Gyms and Cost

The cost of MMA training varies widely from gym to gym. Who are the instructors? What are their credentials? Gathering this information is imperative, and it behooves you to do a thorough background search for each instructor. All your instructors should have extensive knowledge, training, and careers in the sport. The best instructors come with a premium rate, and you can expect to pay approximately $200 a month for their expertise. Some gyms offer discounts to students and can be more affordable, around $50 a month.

It is crucial to check out the reputation and reviews of the gym. What is the gym’s overall appearance? How many training classes are offered a week? If you are serious about MMA and plan on training 5-6 times a week, you need to find a gym that can cater to your goals.

Location is essential as well. A gym near your living quarters may be the reason you successfully make it to class. If you have to make great efforts to get to your chosen gym, then you may not attend as often as you desire. You may need to make some sacrifices and find one that is more conveniently located. Training just a couple of days a week will not benefit you or help you reach your goals.

MMA is a sport that centers around fighting. It requires that you have extensive physical strength, mental focus, and technique. It is demanding and requires daily dedication. The rewards can be plentiful and rewarding, especially if you are a person who benefits from physical activity to combat the daily stresses of life.

Mikkie Mills

Mikkie is a freelance writer from Chicago. She is also a mother of two who loves sharing her ideas on interior design, budgeting hacks, and DIY. When she’s not writing, she’s chasing the little ones or rock climbing at the local climbing gym.