Mixed martial arts can be such a riveting sport to introduce your body to, whether you want to earn some self-defense skills or just push yourself to the limit. However, as popular as MMA is, it can be jarring to engage in it instead of just watching videos and fight scenes on YouTube.
It isn’t recommended to throw yourself into it right away, as it can require a lot of preparation like other specific styles of martial arts. However, once you’re in the thick of things, the adrenaline MMA provides is extremely gratifying and cathartic.
Here are some tips on what every beginner in MMA will need to start training.
Proper Research
Even if you’ve been an MMA fan, it can still help to check out different resources to learn more about its history and how it works. There are analysis videos about different MMA fighters that help break down their preparation and fighting style. Get a gist about what MMA will be demanding from you in terms of form and movement.
Take the time to search up workouts, physical fitness tips, and combat styles that you can adopt. Having that knowledge beforehand can make you a little lighter on your feet when you’re finally at the gym to train.
Physical and Mental Preparation
Trying out MMA training can take on your physical and mental well-being, so having a layer of actual preparation before hitting the gym can also help. Try out those warmups that you’ve looked up on the internet and try to get in better shape.
This might also be a good time to adjust your diet to cope with your initial weight. You don’t have to cut off a lot of weight in an instant or eat five meals right off the bad, but find the right portions that will help out your physique when training begins.
A Knowledgeable Community
Even if MMA means that you’re going to be alone with an opponent, you still need people around you while you’re training. Be sure to find a good gym that will provide you with an expert trainer, sparring partner, and community that you can look to for help.
Help in this case means proper guidance and supervision. MMA training can go out of hand, and you should let your safety get compromised because of it. Get a good environment that will push you to become better while being secure in your MMA journey.
A Well-Paced Schedule
Enthusiasm is handy when training starts, especially on the first day when there are so many forms to learn and energy to release. However, it is essential not to burn yourself out right away. MMA takes time to learn, just like every other craft or sport.
Create a schedule for your training that has the appropriate training for a novice. Even two days a week can knock the wind out of you, so it’ll take some getting used to. You can scale up your training days as time goes on, but let your body recover from the initial shock MMA has.
Resilience
Day one of training might be everything you’d think it will be and more. Some people may find a part of them wanting to give up despite the fun that MMA can provide to its fighters. It can be frustrating if you aren’t as good as you thought you’d be or losing battles early to a partner.
However, one principle and mentality MMA enthusiasts have is the need to constantly improve. Those tough learning curves and physical tiredness are why resilience is a crucial characteristic every novice should have in their attitude when going to the gym to start training.
Conclusion
Equipping yourself with everything mentioned above can help when beginning your training, but you have to choose to have the mindset of perseverance every day to keep yourself going. It’s an uphill battle diving into MMA training, but it’s essential to take it day by day.
Looking for MMA classes in Clarence? Pride Martial Arts Academy aims to coach, motivate and inspire people who want to transform their lives through mixed martial arts. Try a class today!
