Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Increase Your MMA Impact

By Nolan Barias


While many MMA fighters began their career in another related sport, such as boxing or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, quickly expanding their skills to include at least one more fighting style is what made them successful. Seasoned MMA veterans continuously learn new skills, picking up Judo or Muay Thai to make them more well-rounded fighters. If you have not taken classes in any of the following fighting styles, consider adding them in the near future.

One important skill to have as an MMA fighter is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and this training will make it easier for you to overwhelm an opponent that might be bigger or perhaps have a longer reach. The use of submissions, such as chokeholds and leg locks, are key skills you will gain as you improve your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills. Improving your BJJ skills can help you plan a strong offense in the cage.

Many practitioners of Judo have hit the MMA scene in recent years, and you now see many pros adding Judo as a skill. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was born out of Judo, so there are similarities, although the focus in Judo is more on fighting in a standing position rather than ground fighting. Learning Judo skills can prevent your opponent from being able to take you down in the first place, so this is an excellent defensive skill to hone.

Boxing is another important skill, because boxing training not only improves your ability to throw punches, it also emphasizes footwork and conditioning. Many pro MMA fighters were once pro or amateur boxers and simply incorporated this skill while adding grappling and other techniques to their skill set. Boxing not only teaches you to throw a punch, it also teaches you how to take punches from your opponent.

In additional to traditional western boxing, learning Muay Thai skills is also important for your MMA arsenal. In Muay Thai, you will learn dozens of strikes involving the knees, elbows and hands, as well as several different types of foot thrusts or jabs. In this way, Muay Thai serves as an excellent defensive weapon, but you will also find that many fights that end in TKO were due to Muay Thai-style kicks and strikes.

When you select a gym for MMA training, be sure to find one that offers a wide variety of classes. If possible, also find a gym that allows you to work out and take unlimited classes for one monthly fee. Finding instructors with actual professional MMA experience is another big plus, as their experience in the cage will be a great benefit.




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