There are a few things you need to know before starting MMA training, so that you can make an informed decision and decide if this is really something you can or should do.
1. Can your body take it?
Before starting any form of physical activity, you should consult your doctor; especially when it comes to an intense form of activity, such as mixed martial arts training. Even if you feel completely healthy and don’t tire easily, you still have to. There are many serious health problems that cannot be felt until it is too late, and that rigorous training can be exacerbated.
2. MMA is all about cross training
To be a successful MMA fighter, you have to cross train. You can’t just be one-dimensional nowadays, as MMA fighting techniques have evolved over the years. If in the 90s, during the first televised mixed martial arts events, a pure submission fighter like Royce Gracie was able to dominate other fighters, today you can’t do it if you only know Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Everyone has access to diverse training and if your game is based on only one dimension, your chances of winning a fight are slim or nil. A combination between wrestling (Greco-Roman or even wrestling), Brazilian jiu-jitsu (or another submission grappling art such as wrestling or sambo), and muay thai skills is considered an ideal combination in MMA and If you have an In one of these backgrounds, you already have a good foundation to build on.
On the other hand, if you are already a good fighter, a good submission fighter, and a good striker, you won’t necessarily become a good MMA fighter. You still need a specialized MMA coach to teach you how to combine all of those skills, along with everything else specific to the sport.
3. Stay humble
If you have a big ego, think again before joining an MMA gym. You can still do it, but if you can’t be humble in the gym, you will learn how to do it the hard way or you will be forced to leave. Remember that you join a gym to learn something, not to show others that you are better than them. That’s not the attitude of a fighter, and not many people tolerate it.
The willingness to learn is probably one of the most important attributes of a fighter. You have to learn from your own mistakes and remember that sometimes you learn much more from a defeat than from a victory. Don’t be angry or discouraged if you always lose during combat, but try to learn from those experiences until you improve and it is your turn to win.
4. Eat healthy and sleep
Without proper nutrition, training is almost useless. If you decide to start MMA training, you should know that there are some lifestyle adjustments that need to be made first. Eating well and drinking plenty of water is one of the most important. This will not only allow you to better adapt to training, it will also make you healthier and give you the appearance of an athlete.
And you’ll have to say goodbye to those wild party nights every week. You will need to get at least eight hours of sleep each night, as proper recovery is the key to staying safe.
5. Take it easy
Don’t train too much. You have a lot to learn and that will take a long time. There is the fight, the punch, the grip, the submission, the conditioning and many other aspects that need to be developed. Even if you think you can do it, don’t try to cut corners and train like crazy from week one. You will only get injured and even get sick. Three times a week is a treat, until you get used to it and can increase your training time.