There are a number of things that you may want to do if you want to get into mixed martial arts (MMA). This is my advice and is a three-part article.
The first step that you should take involves a little self-discovery and searching.
There are a number of decisions that you need to make. I suggest looking into:
1) What do you want to get out of your MMA training? At what level do you want your MMA training?
- Do you want to get in shape?
- Do you want to compete?
- Are you looking for self-defense?
- Do you want to learn some skills and have fun? (should be a part of each goal)
2) Do you have the time to put into the training required? If your goal is to get into shape or learn skills and have fun then you can do your 2-3 times a week and enjoy yourself. However, if you want to compete in MMA you have to see if you can work into your schedule at least 5 days a week at a 3-4 hours a day you will need to get yourself prepared.
3) What philosophies do you have? Excuse me?????? Well, in your research, you may meet many different instructors with a lot of different levels of training and many different styles. Your personal philosophies and choices will not mesh with all instructors. I’ve met a lot of people who don’t agree with my MMA training methods but that’s okay. Not everyone can be satisfied.
4) In your MMA research talk around on the street. You can find out a lot of information if you go into conversations about MMA with an open mind. You can listen for names and locations of different MMA training studios. Mine is at (See The Coaching Site).
BEWARE: Not all street credibility is legitimate. I once moved to a city of about and everyone told me that a certain place had the best submission person in town. I tapped him 3 times in a minute. It wasn’t that he was not a good submission guy. I just happened to know a bit more but be very aware.
5) Use the internet for your MMA research. Look around and find out if a person is on the Internet.
- Does the person have any fights?
-Who do they train with?
- Do they have any bad press?
- Do they have any past problems with people?
Keep in mind that just because it’s on the internet it is not necessarily true. Also, people change, attitudes change, and styles change so read with a grain of salt.
Once you have done your MMA research and you have narrowed your choices then you should go check it out. Usually, places will have a trail period so take advantage of it. Don’t give your money to something you may not like but I guarantee you that you will know if you like it or not after the first class.
Things to look for in an MMA instructor:
1) A sense of humbleness. I hate guys who feel that they are better than everyone else. Always look at it that there is always someone better than you are. It’s a good motivation for your training.
2) Honesty. Is there a lot of bs being thrown out or does this guy legitimately giving information. My instructor went visit a guy who was something like 600-0 in his fight career in shoot boxing. He went through an entire class and then at the end there was sparring. My instructor tapped him out in seconds and then continued to tap him out for the entire 2 minute round.
What to look for in a MMA style.
There is a lot of deception out there. I once spoke with a club who was a traditional tae kwon do club where the head instructor has spent 6 months training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (and hadn’t trained in it in years) and called himself a Mixed Martial Arts dojo.
That’s not right
It’s just my opinion but I like those who teach Submission, Boxing and Muay Thai Kickboxing. That’s another thing to look out for: What style of Kickboxing do they teach? Muay Thai is a little better suited for MMA (again, just my opinion).
I hate to say it but if you want to compete, stay away from most traditional martial arts studios. The reason being is the training methods. A lot of traditional Karate’s, Tae Kwon Do’s and Judo’s don’t train for MMA competitions. Most train for points and a number with stoppages regarding these points to reset. As you see in the MMA shows you get hit in the face for real. If you are not used to it from your training then you will not be prepared to take it in the ring or cage. If you enjoy these martial arts and still want to get in the ring you will need to go somewhere where you can use your skills in a more ‘real’ situation so that you don’t get used to pulling your punches/kicks, take down during strikes and stopping after a technique.
A good friend of mine is a 25 year veteran of Karate. At the time we trained together, my stand up was mediocre at best. I was able to work him… why? Because his instincts/training kicked in and he would not follow through with his strikes. This is one of many many examples that I have had in my training career.
Avoid those styles/instructors that promise that you won’t get hit in a fight. Anyone can and will get hit in a fight no matter what the different levels of training. If someone promises this to you, walk out immediately and don’t forget to laugh in his face.
A great example of this is in my old club we had a guy who had boxed himself to the Olympic trials. By the time we trained together he was 20lbs heavier and hit hard.
I’m saying that I would rather you hit me with your car then him hit me with his fist.
Guess what? Whenever we sparred, no matter how bad he hammered on me, I always hit him at least once and even if it wasn’t effective, I still got him.
To summarize everything start out by deciding what you want out of training; then conduct your research based on these decisions. Then narrow your choices down based on personal philosophies and the final goals you’ve set and try out a couple of clubs. Finally, make the time to train, learn and have fun. If you don’t like something or someone find something or someone you like. Good luck!
Derek Tisdale
FLS Coach
No Heart! No Glory!