If you don’t have experience with any type of martial arts training but still have your heart set on training in the world of MMA, it’s natural to be nervous about joining an MMA gym. You might think it’s better to simply go to facility and learn a specific martial art instead, but if you really want to learn MMA, then there is not better facility that a good MMA gym. This option provides you with ample opportunities to learn a wide variety of skills and how to integrate these skills into a solid fight plan.
Be prepared to take a mix of classes in order to become a good MMA fighter. You will need to take strength and conditioning classes, as well as different types of martial arts. A good mix for a beginner might include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and boxing classes. Both of these are essential skills for an MMA fighter, and after you have learned some solid moves from these classes, you can add some Muay Thai classes and a Judo class or an MMA class that teaches you how to integrate skills in the ring. Because you will need to take a variety of classes, look for a San Diego MMA gym that offers you unlimited classes for one low rate.
You don’t need a ton of gear when you are just starting out, but a jock strap and cup are certainly essential and it wouldn’t hurt to invest in a mouth piece. You don’t necessarily need any special clothing, although a rash guard is generally a good idea as it prevents chafing and mat burns. Generally, you can borrow gear from the gym, but eventually, as your skills progress, you will want to buy some more gear, such as boxing gloves, MMA gloves and possibly some shin guards.
It takes some time to find the right MMA gym for you, so do some footwork and visit several different facilities. The gyms need to have top instructors that truly know what it’s like to get into the ring and fight. Some gyms allow you to enjoy a free session at the gym and you should take advantage of this offer. Train for a day and take stock of the facility as well as the interaction between the students and instructors. MMA is a tough sport and the instructors aren’t going to be soft, but at the same time, they should exhibit patience and a genuine interest in improving skills and keeping your morale high.
On that note, it is important to remember that MMA gyms aren’t fitness clubs. If you just want to improve your general health, run on a treadmill and do some basic weight training, go someplace else. The people who choose MMA are serious about learning martial arts and serious about getting into top performance shape. This is more than exercise, it’s a lifestyle and learning any form of marital art is a serious business that requires dedication and focus.
Beginners are welcome to sign up at The Arena MMA, and the instructors are specialists in helping beginning athletes move from the early stages and prepare them for actual sparring and fighting. Whether your goal is to simply get into the best physical condition possible or you want to consider taking part in amateur or pro fights, The Arena MMA can prepare you. The instructors only ask that all of the members work at a high level and keep up with the training. This means not only are you expected to improve your physical condition, you also need to hone fight skills, and the instructors at this San Diego MMA gym can help.
Rod Bourgoine enjoys blogging about mixed martial arts benefits. For more details about San Diego MMA classes or to discover a San Diego martial arts gym, click here today.