Starting MMA - any advice?

[Eddie Hitler]

Ok, so been meaning to do this for quite awhile now. Loved the idea of the fitness side of MMA along with the obvious skills that come with it.

I've been running for a few years now, been doing more of a sprint approach recently along with army style backyard fitness which has come off pretty well, but feel like I'm hitting a limit and not improving, just toning.

So any tips before I show up? Anything I shouldn't do? Have got my protein needs sorted today, and also starting a 300 style training class twice a week (going to kill me!)

Thanks

[carlosthejack...]

Hit them harder than they hit you?
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[supZ]

what kind of martial arts do you do/prefer?

are you the type that likes to maintain distance and trade blows or one that likes to take it to the mat and grapple?

the one thing i would suggest is whether you like it or not learning grappling forms is essential. at some point you're going to end up on the mat and you need to be able to defend yourself/tie up the other guy. sprawling can only work for so long although it is a good technique to learn as well if you dont like going to the mat.

and after re-reading your post do you mean you're interested more in just MMA style training rather than actual fighting?

in that case you might as well find a local BJJ or Krav Maga class and go for it. there are plenty of 'MMA' specific schools but they're always based around one or two recognised arts. BJJ being a very popular one due to its holds/locks and chokes
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[Frost]

Stand with your back against a wall and get some of your mates to beat the shit out of you for an hour or two.
It's basically just that only you have to pay for it. MMA doesn't make you tough by teaching you kung fu style wisdom and secrets, it's all body conditioning, bulking up and learning to take a punch / kick / knee tot he head.

I found kick boxing much more fun, though my shins disagreed.

[Chalky.]

I do some, not as much as I'd like though. I wouldn't fight unless you had a "skill" so to speak. Boxing is my forte. The fitness side is superb.

[MinhDinh]

Do not be cocky. A mouthy guy will get picked to spar with a tough guy. That's if they allow sparring for beginners.

As for 300, that shit is for looking big, but not always the case you will be fit.

Muscles are very bad for endurance. You won't have speed in your punches and create power. Also in grappling, it is very tiring to push, and lift someone.

Do a lot of stretches, be flexible! Act as the beginner and get the advice needed, don't be afraid to ask.

You are going to feel a lot of muscle pain if they make you do proper warm ups and kicking on padding. A kick to your leg, even with padding will kill.
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[Eddie Hitler]

Well just to follow up..

Went last night, awesome.

The guys were sound, we spent the first hour doing a 300 style training, which I /just/ managed to do, with a shedload of effort!

Then started the MMA after BJJ an hour later, and learnt some groundwork. Have another lesson tomorrow.

Still feeling the effects now, fingers crossed I'll be ok tomorrow, otherwise I'm leaving the spartan training because of my muscles not healing. Most likely will say f*** it anyway.

Well worth doing, feel better already and only 1 lesson in.

[Darylw27]

Good to see you enjoyed it. How did you find it today? Takes a couple of good sessions before you can wake up the next day feeling 'normal'.

I had done it for about a month before retiring back to Muay Thai. While I done it loved every moment,one of the best ways to train imo is with a kettlebell. Builds functional strength and endurance related to MMA such as short bursts of power. Might go back to stay in due time, but Muay Thai is more than enough for me at the moment. Now all I need is epic wrestling and takedown defence.

Where are you training? I know quite a few people from around the UK that coach.

[smegballs]

[GhostRider]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to pay a man to oil up and choke you from behind whilst rubbing his dick against your bottom? I'd imagine the experience is much the same....


GhostRider
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