Wednesday 25 December 2013

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.

Be prepared to take a mix of classes in order to become a good MMA fighter. You will need to take strength and conditioning classes, as well as different types of martial arts. A good mix for a beginner might include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and boxing classes. Both of these are essential skills for an MMA fighter, and after you have learned some solid moves from these classes, you can add some Muay Thai classes and a Judo class or an MMA class that teaches you how to integrate skills in the ring. Because you will need to take a variety of classes, look for a San Diego MMA gym that offers you unlimited classes for one low rate.

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.

If you wish to join an MMA gym in San Diego but aren't sure which one is right for you, visit a few to find the one that best suits your interests and needs. Some gyms offer prospective clients a free one-time training pass, and this allows you to really take a good look at the facility and the trainers. Trainers at an MMA gym will be tough, but the interaction shouldn't look like something out of "Full Metal Jacket." There should be some level of camaraderie that both pushes you to excel but still allows you to enjoy the overall experience.

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.

At The Arena MMA, beginners are always welcome to sign up. The instructors at this MMA gym in San Diego specialize in training beginners from the ground up whether you hope to have a career as a fighter or you just want to get into the best shape of your life. The only requirement is that you work hard and take your training seriously. This means that in addition to focusing on improving your fitness level, you need to be improving your fighting skills.




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