Mixed Martial Arts, abbreviated to MMA, has a reputation as an anything-goes fighting sport where the best of the best thrive. Instead of being restricted to old-fashioned forms, MMA priortizes moves that incapacitate the opponent and get the job done. According to CNN, television spots have popularized this once-fringe activity, making it more exciting than ever. If you are someone who is interested in MMA, whether you are interested in the thrill of competition or the physical challenge, it is important for you to understand that it is never too late to get started! When you are invested in learning whether you fit into this intense activity, consider the following points.
Talk to Your Doctor
It doesn’t matter how old or young you are or how healthy you are. Before you decide to take part in a sport as intense as MMA, be willing to talk with your doctor and to tell them what you are doing. You may have tender spots to watch out for, you may have damage that you didn’t know you had. You will also find that your doctor will be able to provide you with a better quality of care if you are willing to check in early and often. Do not underestimate the risk of this sport or any high-contact activity!
Conditioning
Mixed Martial Arts is a pinnacle activity, meaning that it is where your goals are. However, to get there, you need to make sure that you are in top shape. Even learning this sport will take a lot out of you, and that is why you need to get in shape as you go. Some activities that condition you well for this sport include running, weights, and surprisingly enough, dance and yoga. Flexibility and dexterity are as much a part of success in MMA as anything else!
Establish Your Goals
Why do you want to get into MMA? People have many different reasons for wanting to get into this sport, and it is important that you are honest about finding yours. Some are drawn to the practicality of it, while others simply enjoy the drama and the competitions. Others want to use it to get healthy, and others want to do it because they are simply bored of the restrictions on the fighting arts that they already know. The goals to watch out for include ones that involve fear or anger. If you are apt to lash out, this is not the sport for you.
Find the Right Gym/Trainer
When you are getting invested in Mixed Martial Arts, remember that you cannot simply dive in and expect to be effective. The reputation that this fighting style has for choosing the best out of all of the styles is real, but there are systems that you need to learn, rules you need to internalize and regulations that you need to be aware of. Part of learning everything that you need to know includes getting the right gym and trainer.
When you start looking, make a few visits before you decide on the gym that suits you. Get a feel for the place, for the attitude and for the atmosphere. As popular as MMA is at the moment, there will be plenty to choose from. If something about a particular gym does not suit you, move on until you find one that fits. The City of Champions San Diego, one of the top MMA training centers in the country, also explain that sometimes even the gyms with the best reputation will not be a fit for everyone. You have to shop around and find your niche.
Don’t Take Anything for Granted
One of the greatest things about MMA fighting is that anyone can do it. For example, the Huffington Post reports on a grandmother who embraced the sport late in life. Do not assume that just because someone is smaller than you or looks weaker than you that you are assured an easy victory. Treat all of your opponents with respect, and demand respect in return.
Mixed Martial Arts are a great way to get fit, so consider what they can do for you today!
