Issue 034
February 2008
You’ve seen it on TV and you’re itching to give it a try, but where do you begin?
Christmas has passed, it’s a new year and with every January that comes around the inevitable New Year’s resolutions come out. After the festive season of indulgence, the pounds tend to pile on and waistbands get tighter.
Declarations that weight will be lost and shape will be gotten into can be heard across the land. If you’re a fan of MMA and have always considered giving it a go, then this is the perfect time to start, but don’t even try until you’ve read this article.
Whatever your Motivation
The majority of people who train in mixed martial arts (MMA) do so purely for fun as as a hobby, although some will of course be looking to one day take it to the next level and compete in the ring or cage. Competition is available to those with enough experience, but before even thinking about getting stuck in you should consider what your main motivation is.
If you’re looking to simply lose weight or get the ‘disco’ muscles, then you should probably think about walking into one of the many corporate health and fitness gyms that pepper our towns and cities. MMA is great in that if you train you will not only benefit from the exercise aspect and improve your general physical fitness, but more importantly you will learn new skills.
For most people, training in MMA is about learning how to fight. Whether they want to learn how to defend themselves in a violent encounter or if they want to emulate their favourite fighters from the UFC, being able to punch, kick, knee, elbow, throw, wrestle, choke, lock and submit another human being has quite an appeal to it.
Getting Started
You’ve seen it on TV and you’re itching to give it a try, but where do you begin?
First off, spend some time looking for a gym. Try asking on the internet forums if anyone knows of a decent club in your location, and try to get an idea from them what to expect should you go. Some clubs are little more than holes-in-the-wall type places with maybe a handful of hardcore guys training, while some are large, well-equipped and on a par with some major fitness centres.
Take the time to speak with the people at the prospective gym. Ask those important questions now rather than later, such as what kind of training you will undergo and most importantly, how much you can expect to pay. There is no set amount on what is considered reasonable, as different gyms have different facilities so no two places will charge the same, although one thing to be wary of is a place that tries to sign you up to a long-term contract in advance. Licenses and membership fees are common, and will usually cover your personal insurance.
Getting kitted out
Before you join in a training session you should consider what you are going to wear. If you turn up to an MMA gym in your spandex cycling shorts, you’ll probably get a few strange looks, as you would should you decide to break out that old karate gi you wore twice back when you were 13.
For your first few sessions, wear something you won’t mind getting very sweaty and pulled around in. Don’t wear your favourite or best t-shirt, and forget the gap cargo pants – instead take along athletic clothing you can freely move around in. Also, lose the socks – your feet may be baby-soft to begin with, but wearing socks is a huge faux pas and is about as lame as you can get. Go barefoot and man up, you’ll soon get used to it.
Refrain from splashing out the cash on loads of bits of kit until you’ve had a fair few training sessions under your belt and you’re certain you’re going to stick around for a while. Even lamer than wearing socks is ‘catalogue guy’, the obligatory guy in the gym who always comes to training in brand new rash guards, shorts and so on. He may look the part, but that doesn’t mean he’s got game, only a massive credit card bill.
If you are going to start training regularly then invest in quality items of kit that will last – rashguards last longer than cotton t-shirts from the thrift store, while MMA fight shorts are designed for comfort and safety, unlike those cool board shorts you picked up that are covered with zips and pockets. Good training gear is a must, so choose carefully.
Getting on the mat
It can be quite a daunting experience the first time you step on the mat. If you’ve never done any kind of training in combat sports before. Fear not, as you won’t be expected to join in with the heavy sparring from the get-go. “That would never happen,” says Neil Hall, MMA trainer and gym manager of the Caged Steel gym. “First things first we would build them a chart and have a look where they’re at, what kind of training they’ve done before if any and what their goals are, then we’d assess from there the best place to start with them.
“They’d start off gradually and build up steadily as they go, they’d never be thrown straight into full contact sparring, as that’s just crazy,” he continues. “They’d have to learn how to box, how to kick-box, there’d be wrestling and takedowns, ground grappling, and putting it all together in a safe manner. We’d build them up gradually until a time when they can progress into a more advanced class.”
For those starting MMA, improving their physical fitness is often a major motivation factor. While some come from other combat sports such as kickboxing or jiu-jitsu, the majority of people getting into MMA have no training in any kind of combat sport, and many have barely exercised at all. Would this be a hindrance to training, or should a general level of physical preparedness be reached before getting stuck in? Fighters Only contributor and personal trainer Alex Gold thinks that some training is important but not essential. “I would suggest doing other stuff too,” says Alex. “Also, other conditioning work as outlined in my previous articles will speed up the process of getting to the stage where you can make it through a class.”
The general rule of thumb is that if you take your time, MMA training in itself is often an excellent way to get fit. Excuses such as ‘I need to get fit first’ just don’t wash – if you want to get fit at a certain endeavour, the best thing to do is have a go!
Getting to grips with it all
So you’ve made the decision to get involved – great. But don’t expect to be UFC-calibre in the space of a few weeks, and if you’re going into it with a low level of fitness, don’t be put off if it seems like you’re not making much progress in shifting weight or toning up. “The phrase ‘it’s a marathon, not a sprint’ certainly applies here,” says Alex. “The people that succeed make lifelong changes and commitments, those who fail expect it all to happen straight away and then give up when reality kicks in!”
Quick Tips for New Starters
By Nathan Leverton
Relax
Every newbie gets told to relax about a hundred times, it'll take time to come but is important for productive training. Don’t spaz out and take your time.
Patience
If you want to learn anything and get good it takes time. You aren't going to be tapping everyone out after a weeks training. Have patience and put in the work, it'll come.
Consistency
If you want to make progress then consistent training is key. A session here and there is no good, make the effort to get down to regular classes. Consistency in attitude is also important.
Focus
Simply turning up is not enough. No one else can make you good, a coach can only guide you, it's down to you. Pay attention and try to get as much out of the class as possible.
Ask Questions
If you don't understand something then ask, you are there to learn. If someone keeps catching you with something during training ask what you are doing wrong.
Tap
Don't get hurt. If you are caught tap. You're supposed to get tapped, it's part of the game.
Take injuries seriously
If you pick up an injury, stop and get it treated before you go back on the mat. Missing the end of a session to ice an injury and skipping the rest of the week is better than creating a problem which will blight your training for months or even years.
Don't Beat Yourself Up
You will get your ass kicked. At the start you will get tapped lots. Remember that everyone went through the same thing, even the best.
Hygiene
Wash your kit every session, wash yourself every session and keep your nails trimmed.
Respect
Show respect to the people you train with. On the mat keep your partners’ safety in mind and don't go bullying less experienced players.
"Leave Your Ego At The Door"
This is a motto at many clubs. Training can be competitive but you are there to learn, not fight. Training and drilling is about improving performance, not ‘winning’. Don't bring your insecurities on to the mat.
Nathan Leverton is a grappling and MMA coach at Leicester Shootfighters and has worked with fighters such as Paul Daley, Dan Hardy, Jim Wallhead and Andre Winner. Find out more at www.shootfighters.co.uk.
