In order to be ready to enter the ring for a mixed martial arts bout, a fighter must spend many hours training and learning a variety of techniques at good MMA gym. Eventually, you might feel ready to face an opponent, but it is always wise to get the opinion of a trusted trainer or instructor, as this person can help you decide whether you are ready and help you plan out a training schedule.
Obviously, an MMA fighter needs to have a wide skill set, but when it comes to training, it is important to work on your cardio and endurance, as well. This means running, sprinting, rope jumping and other cardio exercises should be a big part of your training. This increases your body's overall level of fitness which makes you better able to face an opponent as well as helping sharpen your mental focus.
While learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai skills and perhaps also Judo are extremely important, fighters should also take boxing classes. Through boxing, you learn some great footwork skills, punching skills and also how to avoid or take a punch. A good MMA gym will offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, Muay Thai classes and boxing classes, as all three are important. While you probably would not rely on these skills in the cage, it is always best to be as well-rounded as possible.
Of course, while learning multiple fighting skills is smart, you still need to spend a great deal of time working on your strengths. We all have a style of fighting that works best for us, so it is important to be as strong as possible in this key area. Fighting is all about control, so work on what you actually can control and stop worrying about everything else. Another reason to focus on your key strengths is that it builds confidence in those moves, and if you can gain control in a fight, you are better able to end the fight with your strongest maneuvers.
When you start training for your fight, keep the rest of your life as simple as possible. Your focus should be on preparing for the fight, and if you clutter up your day with too much, it's easy to lose your concentration. Obviously, you might be feeling some nerves, especially as the fight date nears. This is normal, but don't let doubt overwhelm you or keep you from meeting your goal. Remind yourself constantly that you are prepared and strong and just jump into the cage and get going.
Something else that fighters sometimes forget about is nutrition. There are several reasons to focus on your food when you are training. First of all, food is fuel, and bad fuel damages your body just as it would a vehicle. Be sure to avoid junk food and alcohol and stick with food that provides energy and strength. Also, because your weight matters, you need to monitor gains and losses and have enough calories to accommodate training and still stay within your weight class.
Obviously, an MMA fighter needs to have a wide skill set, but when it comes to training, it is important to work on your cardio and endurance, as well. This means running, sprinting, rope jumping and other cardio exercises should be a big part of your training. This increases your body's overall level of fitness which makes you better able to face an opponent as well as helping sharpen your mental focus.
While learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai skills and perhaps also Judo are extremely important, fighters should also take boxing classes. Through boxing, you learn some great footwork skills, punching skills and also how to avoid or take a punch. A good MMA gym will offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, Muay Thai classes and boxing classes, as all three are important. While you probably would not rely on these skills in the cage, it is always best to be as well-rounded as possible.
Of course, while learning multiple fighting skills is smart, you still need to spend a great deal of time working on your strengths. We all have a style of fighting that works best for us, so it is important to be as strong as possible in this key area. Fighting is all about control, so work on what you actually can control and stop worrying about everything else. Another reason to focus on your key strengths is that it builds confidence in those moves, and if you can gain control in a fight, you are better able to end the fight with your strongest maneuvers.
When you start training for your fight, keep the rest of your life as simple as possible. Your focus should be on preparing for the fight, and if you clutter up your day with too much, it's easy to lose your concentration. Obviously, you might be feeling some nerves, especially as the fight date nears. This is normal, but don't let doubt overwhelm you or keep you from meeting your goal. Remind yourself constantly that you are prepared and strong and just jump into the cage and get going.
Something else that fighters sometimes forget about is nutrition. There are several reasons to focus on your food when you are training. First of all, food is fuel, and bad fuel damages your body just as it would a vehicle. Be sure to avoid junk food and alcohol and stick with food that provides energy and strength. Also, because your weight matters, you need to monitor gains and losses and have enough calories to accommodate training and still stay within your weight class.
About the Author:
Rod Bourgoine enjoys blogging about mixed martial arts benefits. For further details about a San Diego mixed martial arts gym or to find boxing instruction in San Diego, please go to The Arena MMA website today.
