Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is a full-contact sport that combines techniques from different martial arts disciplines. If you’re interested in learning how to do MMA and want to be prepared for a real fight, there are some important things to consider. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the basics of MMA training and offer some tips on how to get started. So whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced fighter, read on for everything you need to know about MMA training!
1. What is MMA Training?
When you first start training for Mixed Martial Arts, the pace of your workouts will be determined by your experience. If you’re new to MMA or other martial arts, then don’t rush into high-intensity training until you’ve learned proper form and technique. That’s an easy way to get injured. Instead focus on learning how to throw punches, kicks, knees, elbows and do submissions holds safely before moving onto more advanced techniques. When you first start learning about MMA training everything may seem like a lot of information but it’s important not to ignore any part of the basics because every area has its purpose in preparing for a fight.
2. Weight Loss For Fighters
One common question that people ask when they’re interested in get into MMA is can you get fit just by practicing the sport? The answer to that question is yes, but it’ll depend on the amount of time you spend training. If you want to be lean and muscular while fighting then you should follow a well-balanced diet (i.e., one rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats), do cardio for 20-30 minutes four times a week, and resistance train using weights three times a week for 40-60 minutes each time.
You may also want to think about cutting weight to make sure that your weight class fits within the limits of your division; however, this should only be done after consulting your coach because it requires special training. Cutting weight not only means restricting your calorie intake, but it also means that you’ll need to do special exercises and workouts designed to help you lose weight safely.
3. What About Contests?
A standard MMA match is made up of three 5-minute rounds where the fighters compete for points rather than trying to knock each other out; however, if the bout reaches its time limit, then the fight will go to a decision by the judges based on efficiency, agility, resilience, strength and endurance. A win can occur by knockout (KO), technical knockout (TKO), disqualification or submission while a loss occurs via tap out or referee stoppage. The latter two often occur when one of the fighters gets choked unconscious, suffers joint dislocation or injury, becomes exhausted, or simply gives up.
During the fight, you’ll want to maintain a high level of cardiovascular fitness by doing interval training (alternating between periods of intense effort and rest) three times per week for 30-45 minutes on each day. You’ll also need to incorporate weight training into your routine, but again, it’s important that you don’t overdo it during your first few weeks learning about MMA training. Focus on getting stronger using basic compound exercises like squats, bench presses, deadlifts and snatches. Don’t forget though that proper breathing is essential when doing any weightlifting exercise so make sure you learn how to breathe properly before starting out!
Even if you’re not fighting in an official contest, MMA still requires a great deal of physical and mental training. So, make sure that you take your time and learn the basics before pushing yourself too hard; otherwise, you could wind up injuring yourself and putting an end to your MMA career.
4. Do I Need A Trainer?
When it comes to MMA training, having a trainer or coach is essential because they can teach you correct form, watch over you during workouts, motivate you when things get tough, and help keep you safe while competing.
So, if you really want to excel at MMA and eventually become a champion, look for a qualified coach in your area and consider taking some courses on fighting so that you gain as much information as possible. Remember, the more prepared you are for an MMA fight or contest, the better chance you have of emerging victorious!
5. Strength and Conditioning for Mixed Martial Arts
In order to maximize your potential when training for MMA competition it’s important that you focus on developing strength, power, endurance, speed and flexibility. Since every fighter is unique, their training will also depend on their specific goals; however, there are a few universal exercises that may come in handy when you’re training for a fight.
For example, since wrestling is an important part of MMA, you may want to consider incorporating Olympic lifts (such as the clean and jerk) into your workouts because they help strengthen your lower back, glutes, hamstrings and arms while improving conditioning and explosive power. You’ll also find that martial arts like muay Thai (a form of kickboxing and self-defense from Thailand) can offer some useful exercises: for example, repeated knee strikes will improve your kicking speed while front kicks work on developing explosiveness in your legs. Also, make sure that you switch up your workout routines every few months; otherwise, overtraining may occur which can lead to injuries such as muscle tears, joint sprains and bone fractures.
