Improving your skills as an MMA fighter is essential to gaining the edge over opponents. There are a number of skills you should develop to become a better fighter. Here’s a list of five essential skills that are important to develop.
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Speed
Speed affects much of a fighter’s performance in martial arts and the techniques they use in many combat situations.
By improving their speed, combatants are ensuring their attacks get to their target faster and produce more damage. Developing speed also improves reaction time and makes dodging or counter-attacking easier. Greater speed improves overall combat effectiveness as well.
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Strength
Strength is imperative for almost any martial art and is one of the most important skills to develop. Developing strength should be a high priority for any Mixed Martial Arts fighter.
Strength is one of the most valuable assets in an MMA fighter’s arsenal, as it provides the power to make attacks far more devastating and increases how much punishment the fighter can take.
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Flexibility
Flexibility is very important when it comes to the range of motion in your techniques. It increases the speed of the technique, as well as your ability to dodge or counter attacks. With a more dynamic range of motion and the flexibility and control that come with it, it’s far easier for a fighter to shift their body into the position they want when they’re on the ground.
According to Impact MMA & Fitness, “Developing flexibility greatly decreases how much the fighter has to fight the resistance of their own body.” Having proper flexibility in the hips is extremely important when it comes to escaping grapples. Increasing their range of motion and overall flexibility can greatly improve the technique of the fighter.
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Striking
Striking is an important aspect of MMA and is prevalent in nearly every martial art. Developing striking skills allows a fighter to inflict maximum damage to an opponent.
Striking is one of the most versatile skills in Mixed Martial Arts and comes in countless forms. Striking includes punching, kicking, palm strikes, shoulder strikes, elbow strikes, and numerous other types of strikes.
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Grappling
Grappling is extremely useful in Mixed Martial Arts and is extremely prevalent in martial arts centered on Clinch fighting. Grappling is one of the most widely used methods of combat in MMA and is an important part of Wrestling, Muay Thai, Judo and many other martial arts.
Developing grappling skills is imperative to versatility in combat. Grappling skills are some of the most useful in Mixed Martial Arts combat and can serve to disable an opponent or improve your position.
Conclusion
Developing these five skills is essential to staying in peak condition as an MMA fighter. Regular training and exercise help many fighters to improve these skills.
