Entering The World Of MMA: Tips For The Beginner

By Rod Bourgoine


If you want to learn mixed martial arts, but you have little or no experience with any type of martial art, joining an MMA gym might make you nervous. Beginners often think they shouldn't join an MMA gym until they are already in great shape and are experienced with at least one martial art. This is definitely not the case, as an MMA gym can be the perfect place to learn a wide variety of skills as well as the essential piece of the puzzle, which is learning how to mix up these skills and fight successfully.

Obviously, you will be taking many different kinds of classes if you want to be successful in mixed martial arts. If you are a true newbie, start out with boxing classes and perhaps Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, as well as classes that include strength training and conditioning in general. Boxing and jiu-jitsu skills are excellent basic skills for MMA, and once you gain some confidence, you can mix it up and add some Judo or perhaps Muay Thai, all of which can be helpful during a fight. A good MMA gym will have instructors that will teach you how to integrate all that you have learned, and you need to find a San Diego MMA gym that allows members to take all the classes they want for one monthly fee.

When it comes to MMA gear, you don't need much as first, just basic items that will protect your body, such as cup, jock strap and a mouth guard. Unless you plan on wearing a gi for jiu-jitsu or Judo, regular gym clothes probably are fine, although many people like the look and feel of MMA shorts and rash guards. The rash guards do protect the skin from burns from the mat as well as uncomfortable chafing. Later, you can purchase some MMA gloves or different kinds of boxing gloves and perhaps shin guards, but typically in the early weeks, you can borrow what you need from the gym.

When researching MMA gyms look for gyms with highly qualified instructors and ask about taking a free class. Good MMA gyms will give you one free training pass, so that you can look around, take a class and see if this looks like a good fit for your needs. Make note of how instructors interact with students. Obviously MMA athletes are tough, but if you are beginner, you want instructors that push you and still have some level of patience with your lack of skills.

On that note, it is important to remember that MMA gyms aren't fitness clubs. If you just want to improve your general health, run on a treadmill and do some basic weight training, go someplace else. The people who choose MMA are serious about learning martial arts and serious about getting into top performance shape. This is more than exercise, it's a lifestyle and learning any form of marital art is a serious business that requires dedication and focus.

While toughness is required, beginners are still encouraged to sign up at The Arena MMA. The instructors actually specialize in helping you train from the ground up, and all they want in return is a fighter who works hard and keeps up in class. Not only will you improve your strength and focus, you will be prepared to head into the octagon and face an opponent if that is your goal.




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