A reader of the site had the following question:"I wonder if MMA is being taught as one discipline rather than a mixture of all fighting disciplines. Yes, I know the title is Mixed Martial Arts but isn’t it because a lot of fighting techniques are used instead of just one? Where can a guy go to learn all the parts to become an MMA fighter?”
Mixed Martial Arts, otherwise known as MMA, can be packaged many ways for consumers.
the short answer to the question raised is, “Yes”. MMA is being taught as 1 discipline nowadays. You can find MMA gyms in almost any town.
There are various flavors of MMA gyms that you can find.
One type takes all the disciplines and allows you to train them under one roof. So a juijitsu coach might come in one day, then a boxing coach another day, then a Muy Thai coach, and finally a wrestling coach. You then spar with the specific style the days that you are training that style, with one day set apart to spar and put them all put together. This way gives you depth in each discipline but can lack in the execution of all of them put together.
Another type of MMA gym is where the person teaching knows all the styles and fully integrates all his teaching using Muy Thai, Jui-Jitsu, wrestling, and boxing. Break-out sessions and sparring are full MMA with some emphasis on one discipline or another based upon your own personal skill set and the teachers. If the teacher is lacking in a certain skill set then he brings in outside help but the focus is always into integration. This way doesn’t give you depth in each of the disciplines but it does help you integrate all the skillsets more tightly.
Take both of these types into account when looking for a gym and orient them against your own goals. If you like 1 style over another yet still want some training in all then the first is for you. If you want proficiency in them all but not necessarily mastery then maybe the second way is for you.
More importantly, go and observe the coach and the students that are at the establishment. Do you like how he teaches? Do you like the students that you will be spending a majority of your time with? Do you see people both working on the ground and standing up when you visit?
Another thing to look for is the type of equipment that is out. Do they have an octagon or at least a cage wall that you can work against? Are there wrestling mats out? Is there a boxing ring or a modified 5 rope ring? Are hand, feet pads, headgear, and other protective equipment prevalent and used?
Go search on the Internet, call the BBB (Better Business Bureau), and do your research on the establishment. Sometimes people can pass themselves off as “experts” in an area but aren’t quite honest in their own proficiencies. A lot of the gyms like to hit on the keywords, such as MMA, because they want to make a buck and know that Mixed Martial Arts is a buzz word that people are willing to pay for nowadays.
The last thing to ask yourself is, “why Mixed Martial Arts?” Maybe you just prefer ground game or just prefer stand-up after doing a couple MMA sessions. It can be frustrating having to learn all aspects at once and you won’t be as proficient as the specialists out there at first. Don’t be afraid to go and specialize. Just because MMA is the buzz word, doesn’t mean you have to start there. Sometimes its good to get a great base in one discipline before jumping into MMA.
More importantly, make sure you define your goals and set your expectations in reality so that you come away satisfied. Not all of us can be professional fighters so don’t go into a gym expecting them to transform you into Chuck Liddell or Randy Couture. Bringing an attitude into an establishment can sour everybody’s experience but especially yours. Also, respect the teacher and his wishes. Most of these guys come from traditional Martial Arts backgrounds and are used to their word as law. Mouth closed and ears open, and a humble, teachable attitude are the best policies to get the most out of your MMA experience.
Martial Arts in general are a great way to get healthy, improve personal discipline, and gain a good self confidence. MMA should be included in the mix and can be taught at any age as long as you find the right circumstances and location.