MMA training is serious business, and in order to become successful, it is imperative that you find a professional gym that offers a myriad of training options. You need to become skilled in multiple fighting styles, training with experts in each of the main components of mixed martial arts.
Balanced MMA training should include taking some boxing classes. Boxing, which is one of the oldest forms of martial arts, accelerates your MMA game by helping improve hand striking skills and improving your overall conditioning. It wouldn’t be wise to depend solely on your boxing skills during a fight, but you will be a better fighter after taking some boxing classes. Clearly being able to throw an opponent to the ground is a huge skill in MMA, and there are many forms of training that will allow you to improve that skill.
Wrestling is one of the world’s most ancient sports, and it is a huge component of mixed martial arts. Greco-Roman wrestling dates back to the earliest Olympic games, and these skills are still used today. These ancient fighting techniques can help you overcome a larger opponent. A good gym will teach the fundamentals as well as a variety of wrestling skills, such as freestyle, grappling, beach, Sambo and Greco-Roman.
Muay Thai is another component of your MMA training. Originating in Thailand, Muay Thai is a combat sport that is also known as the Art of Eight Limbs. This is because it utilizes kicking, punching, elbow strikes and knee strikes, with a total of eight different points of contact. While it might sound complex, Muay Thai can be fairly easy to learn and is very effective during fights, which is why so many MMA fighters use Muay Thai techniques.
Another popular component of MMA is Jiu Jitsu, particularly the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu perfected by the famous Gracie family. Jiu Jitsu is particularly important in MMA because the skills help fighters improve their ability to force an opponent down. While wrestling and many martial arts emphasis quick takedowns, Jiu Jitsu incorporates a variety of grappling strategies.
Conditioning and strength training classes are another key part of MMA training. Staying healthy and building strength will help you maximize your MMA techniques. Find an MMA gym that offers condition and strength classes that can be tailored to fit your needs.
Finding a gym that caters to the total fighter is key. Be sure to choose a training facility that is serious about MMA, thus taking you from beginning levels all the way to competitive fighting.
