5 Tips for Beginners to Start MMA Training
As a beginner, it is always hard to get out of the ambivalent state of the mind, though there is a lot to choose from. Same with martial arts, beginners have a problem deciding what would be the best way to start mixed martial arts and from where to start?
Although MMA is a thrilling sport and has a lot to serve you, either in a self-defense state or a profession for life. Since MMA is one of the fastest-growing combat sports, it’s even more difficult to determine which gyms will provide you with the best training and the most experienced teachers, and which ones are simply trying to cash in on the latest trend.
That doesn’t mean MMA isn’t worth trying, though. With a little bit of preparation and a clear head, you’ll be able to decide easily which MMA type you would like to join. MMA is based on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Boxing, Muay Thai, and other combat sports that have helped to influence the sport and its fighters.
Here are some tips to assist you to take that first step into the cage, whether you’re seeking a new recreational outlet or considering a career in the sport.
Do Your Research
Talking about any type of martial arts, all of them require hard work, consistency, and most importantly patience. If you’re a fan of MMA, then you know how much hard work each fighter puts
into each bout, from improving their physical fitness and drawing up a game plan considering their opponent’s fighting style.
Same in that way, you should prepare to start MMA training. Researching the gyms in your areas would be your first task. Visit the gyms which look most promising to you. However, most reputable gyms offer a free or low-cost trial period.
Secondly, select the place that best meets your goals and needs. If you’re looking for a new activity, the gym that most closely matches your personality will be your best choice.
Make Sure You Are Ready
Once done with your research, you should make sure that you’re prepared to start training, both physically and mentally. If you are weak in any of these aspects you’ll never be able to continue your MMA training.
It is not like if your body is in not fighting shape so you are unable to join the MMA gym. Therefore, it is all about gaining. It will be rather your first task after joining the gym to build physical strength and endurance.
It is hard to train any discipline of MMA, however, most beginners classes at MMA gyms are for people with little to no experience in MMA. Warming up will be more difficult than many non-martial arts workouts. So, having a strong foundation in strength and conditioning will help you transition into your new training more safely and sustainably.
Pace Yourself
You may feel obliged to accomplish everything right when you first start training. It’s a logical desire. You’re overjoyed. You still have a long way to go. You’d also like to study everything at the same time! However, there are no overnight sensations in MMA. Mastering mixed martial arts takes time, and if you push yourself too hard, too fast, and become sick or hurt, it will take even longer.
Begin by exercising twice or three times a week, with days off for cross-training such as running, yoga, or bodyweight strength training. Also, make it a point to take one day off per week to rest completely. You won’t be able to improve if your body is never allowed to recuperate and repair. You can adjust your program based on your goals and time constraints as you and your fitness improve.
Don’t be Afraid to Spar
Finding the sweet spot in your MMA training can feel like Goldilocks attempting to locate the perfect porridge. As previously stated, you don’t want to get off to a fast start. Jumping into hard, full-body contact sparring in your first week and possibly getting your butt kicked, for example, is dangerous for both your safety and your self-esteem. However, waiting too long to engage in any kind of sparring might be damaging to your game. Because learning to use your new skills in the heat of a fight is an important aspect of your MMA training.
So, while you shouldn’t go immediately to the cage when you begin your training, it’s not a bad idea to do so. You can begin grappling-based sparring as well as “technical sparring.”
However, sparring involves body contact and sweating can cause infection. It is compulsory to always spar in a rash guard to protect your opponent and yourself from infectious diseases.
Don’t Give Up
MMA is both enjoyable, rewarding, and difficult. The more you meet its requirements, the more you study and refine your skills in this art. There will be difficult days on your road to study mixed martial arts as a novice, where the extensive warmups alone will make you want to give up. And the mental strain could be far greater. It takes a lot of cognitive capacity to master the techniques from the various martial arts that inspire MMA and learn to adapt them to mixed martial arts sparring and competition – and putting them all together against another person will also test your psyche.
In class and sparring, you’ll become frustrated. You’re going to lose this game. However, this is all a part of the process. And, as any serious martial artist will tell you, losing teaches you more than winning. So, while you’re feeling bad, keep in mind that you’re getting better.
Ann Edwards is the fully qualified personal trainer from Elite sports. She has been helping people in the field of bodybuilding and fitness from more than a decade. Her career in nutrition and physical therapy has made her a fine addition for our team.