Mixed martial arts (MMA) is indeed a sport worth watching. The sheer anticipation of which martial art style is superior keeps spectators at the edge of their seats as they enjoy the match filled with pure athleticism and raw power.
If you’ve seen the fight between Randy Couture VS Tim Sylvia and felt like you deserve a spot on the MMA hall of fame as well, then this article is for you.
In what follows, you’ll learn some invaluable tips on how to begin your dream career in Mixed Martial Arts, including the dos and don’ts of the sport plus the top three fighting disciplines.
Let’s begin.
Attend Classes on the Fighting Style You Want to Learn
Determining which fighting style would best suit your physique is the first step in your journey into MMA. But before you choose and sign up for classes, you’ll need first to consider the different fighting disciplines that the sport permits.
These disciplines include “Stand Up” (Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo), “Clinch” (Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Wrestling, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu), and “Ground” (Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Judo).
However, If you aim for a more well-rounded fighting style, you’ll need to develop some solid skills in both kicking and punching (Standup), which you can learn by attending classes in either kickboxing, karate, boxing, or Tae Kwon Do.
I recommend you watch fighters like Royce Gracie and other UFC champions that practice the fighting discipline you wish to learn, thus helping you make a better decision.
Fortunately, I came across a list of apps that can help keep you in touch with all things MMA, including match schedules, simulator apps, and training. I’ll include the link below for you to check them out yourself.
Apps to Follow MMA & Learn About Fighting
I found “MMA underground” and “Fighting Trainer” to help you learn more about MMA and martial arts.
Train at a Healthy Pace
Now that you’ve used the apps to determine which combat style would best suit you, it’s crucial that you train diligently but at a pace that doesn’t overstretch your limit. After all, you can’t continue your journey in MMA if you’re heavily injured and no longer able to train.
So while training, leave your ego behind and strive to be proficient in the basic techniques such as hook, jab, uppercut, straights, roundhouse kicks, triangle choke, armbar, and more. Master these techniques before proceeding to more advanced and elaborate ones.
Also, when sparring with other trainees at the gym, remember to “only hit your opponent as hard as you want them to hit back.” If your goal is to spar lightly, you must relate this to your partner before you begin the match. By doing so, you’re not only building good relationships in the gym but also developing good sportsmanship.
Get Real Combat Experience
Ensure you keep in touch with the local governing body for combat sports in your state so you can have a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations before signing up for a competition.
However, keeping in mind that you should never register for any match until you have received approval from your coach/instructor that you are ready. Because like any fighting sport, mixed martial arts can have dangerous health consequences when a combatant fights a match without sufficient battle experience.
Therefore, I recommend you have a one on one conversation with your coach, and have him frequently check your abilities and progress to see if you’re ready for the field or not. Once you reach the level to participate in an external competition, your coach will have you competing with other armatures to build your experience.
So take the time to develop your skills while gradually climbing the ranks, because you’ll need as much experience as you can to become a professional MMA fighter and also protect both your professional record and safety.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a brief guide on how to begin your journey into the world of Mixed Martial Arts. Keep in mind that the path to becoming a professional MMA fighter will require a lifetime of hard work and dedication. I recommend you think deeply about your decision before going through with it.
Also, don’t forget to check out the list of apps above to keep in touch with MMA updates and get useful Fighting tips.
