MMA Training: How to Get Started

If you're already a huge fan of mixed martial arts and want to combine it with the calorie-burning activity of fighting, then you've come to the right place. Although MMA fighters truly train hard, you can at least try to keep up! Even if it feels like it's a tough endeavor, learning a few workout tips from MMA fighters truly can't hurt. As a matter of fact, one MMA fighting class can help you to burn up to five-hundred calories, so it's definitely a good choice for getting in shape. Show off some muscle with a nice short sleeved shirt and let everyone know who's a tough guy with a great understanding of self-defense. Here's our how-to guide on getting started with MMA training.

Step 1: Look Into Mixed Martial Arts Classes

For the first step, we highly suggest checking out mixed martial arts classes in your area. Always take a look at the company's Yelp or Google reviews to see what others have to say. If you've heard of a good review from a friend, family, or coworker, then definitely consider the class. Remember, you have to be at least eighteen years old to sign up for MMA classes, so don't forget this very critical detail.

Your MMA classes will be pretty intense, so make sure to keep a positive and open mind. With MMA you'll be learning some very exciting fighting forms, such as kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and grappling.

Step 2: Remember, it's MMA for a Reason

With MMA, you'll truly be learning a variety of different moves. However, it's called MMA for a reason. Because MMA prepares you with many forms of fighting, you'll be able to master the art of self-defense. You'll be well-versed with different fighting styles that will come in handy whenever you might need to throw a punch or break out of a headlock.

Step 3: Warm Up

Never underestimate the power of warming up. Before you go to your MMA classes, make sure that you're aware of how to properly warm up. Greg Jackson, one of the top MMA coaches out there, believes that warming up before a fight should include jumping jacks, lunges, and leg swings.

Of course, everybody's warm-up routine varies greatly. It's a good idea to ask your MMA instructor on their opinion of a good warm up, which they will most likely offer immediately at the beginning of class.

Step 4: Fuel Your Endurance

Since MMA is all about fighting, you need to have the endurance to tolerate anything that comes your way. To fight well, you'll need to be able to use your power in the best way possible. After all, fights are tough, and there's no denying this statement. This is where power endurance training comes into the picture.

There are power endurance training exercises for both your upper and lower body. You'll also find total body exercises for power endurance. When it comes to your upper body, popular exercises include push-ups, chest passes, and overhead passes. To work out your entire body, try the kettlebell swing, kettlebell clean, or the dumbbell thruster. You'll want to look into squat jumps, box jumps, and bounding exercises to develop your lower body for power endurance purposes.

Step 5: Focus on Nutrition

In case nutrition isn't one of your main focuses already, make sure that you're eating as healthy as you can. With that being said, don't eat too little or too much. Nutrition certainly plays a key role in your ability to fight, so make sure that you're eating well. Foods that are high in fat and sugar will leave you feeling more exhausted throughout the day, so try to avoid them as much as you can.

In the meantime, you'll want to incorporate the following foods into your diet in order to have more energy:

• Edamame
• Quinoa
• Eggs
• Almonds
• Avocadoes
• Spinach
• Chia seeds
• Beans

You can always work with a professional nutritionist to see what your caloric goals should be if you are truly serious about becoming an MMA champion. For the rest of us, a diet of two-thousand calories a day should suffice for the average male.

Step 6: Look into Plyometrics

Plyometrics are tough exercises for tough people who want to fight in the cage. They'll help you to train for your MMA fights! That's because plyometrics will help you to work out and strengthen multiple muscles at a time. This is essential for MMA training. Additionally, plyometrics will help you to achieve a higher level of endurance, which was our main focus in step four.

You might see plyometrics shortened to simply "plyos" if you decide to research this subject on your own. It's definitely worth your time to look into plyometrics because they can help improve your athletic performance. MMA fighting definitely has an element of athleticism, so bringing plyometrics into your workout is an excellent idea. However, make sure that you're pretty fit physically to begin with, because it wouldn't be difficult to twist an ankle or even sprain your knee with plyometrics.

If you're just starting out with plyometrics, then take things as slowly as possible. For beginners, this is the most important piece of advice to remember. Eventually, you'll be brought up to speed as far as traditional plyometrics exercises go, and you can start your journey fighting like an MMA champ.

No matter what your reason is to practice MMA fighting, you'll be thrilled with its many benefits. Of course, one of the most obvious benefits of MMA is learning how to fight. This will prepare you for any type of physical contact or confrontation that requires demonstrated fighting ability. Knowing how to fight will keep your mind at ease since you'll already be aware of your capabilities in case a situation gets out of hand. Additionally, you'll be burning off calories while looking incredibly fit. If you haven't already considered MMA fighting, it's in your best interest to do so. You'll be punching and kicking away like a true champion!