Getting into MMA?

[andrew51]

I just have some questions about getting into MMA. After talking to some people who do it and love it, I think I would like to give it a try, both as an augmentation of the training I already do as well as to try a new sport . After doing alittle research I found a gym near me that has an MMA team and courses ranging from kickboxing to MMA. On the site they recommend starting in the Brazilian Jiujitsu courses if you are a beginner which is what I am. I just have a few questions about this though. First, I know for most of you, martial arts training, etc. is a life style. I would in the future like to pursue it, but at the moment, I really only would have 3 months of participating in the sport before I leave for cadet basic training. Is it worth getting into the sport now or should I wait until later on? I figured three months would be enough time to see if I liked it, get some knowledge and experience, as well as participate in a fun and competetive sport/ practical training aid on top of the pt/ running/ lifting that I already do. Second, and i know this will sound like stupid question, but as I said before, I leave for cadet basic training for USMA, in alittle over three months, and the last thing I need is a real injury which would keep me from leaving. I know everything is dangerous including the running, climbing, lifting etc. I already do, but in your experience, is injury very common amongst beginners? Im really excited to try this sport, it looks awsome, and is something I will definately want to do in the future but Im not sure if now is the right time for it. Any advise would be appreciated.

[jgraves]

Coming from another novice, I would definately give it a shot. I started training (brazilizn jiu-jitsu) with Chokeu2 about 9 months ago. I have picked up quite a bit since then, granted it has been basically 1-to-1 teacher to student ratio, but if you are motivated to learn it comes very quickly. I just recently joined a Kickboxing/MMA gym in the area to pick up more of the striking aspects of the sport (mainly Muay Thai), but to also get some extra mat time with others that may have a slightly different approach.
As far as the injuries are concerned, a complete stretch and warm-up will alleviate most anything you can encounter. At least it has for me so far. Just don't try to hold out from tapping to long to try and be a badass, especially knowing what you've got ahead of you. I have found that between warm-ups, drills, and calistenics at the end of each class, it is one hell of a work out crammed into about an hour.

[socket]

I've only been to a few pure BJJ classes - enough to know that I can't stand the gi and want nothing to do with it aside from a few years spent at a Judo club when I was in high school. I can tell you from a no-gi perspective however that injuries for beginners can be common, but it's usually their own fault. Going too hard 100% of the time is usually the cause for injury with beginners. Take it easy, pay attention and watch what the more experienced guys are doing and you'll be fine.

Also, most BJJ places have a tendency to start on the knees, so you don't have to worry as much about being slammed or thrown and injuring yourself that way.

[belder]

andrew51,

I would definitely recommend training for the 3 months you have before basic training, you're right that it would be a good way to determine if you would have any long term interest in it. However, you have to realize that to compete in MMA at a high level (and even to win at a low level) a lot of dedication to training is required.

Also, I would be extremely careful when training to avoid injury before basic training. Like the other guys said, you have to realize that going 110% all the time (especially when in a submission hold) is only going to get you or your training partner injured. For these first three months you should really just focus on learning technique and practicing what you learn while sparring... don't worry about getting tapped and/or tapping people other out and what not, just LEARN. You will hear it a thousand times, but you really do have to leave your ego at the door when you train in BJJ.

I've been training BJJ for about 4 years now and have quit a bit of experience training with new guys. Since I am 145 lbs. they usually come in and try to use all their strength to rip my head off practicing none of the techniques the instructor showed during class. DON'T be that guy and you should be alright injury-wise.

[Daredevil]

You can learn plenty in three months. Besides that, you might encounter other cadets at West Point who have a training background in BJJ or MMA and they could be looking for training partners also, so it wouldn't be a waste of time since you would be building a foundation where you could continue training with them.

Socket alluded to injuries being more common in a no-gi setting, and this is true. I think that's mainly because no-gi tends to be faster and more explosive where gi training is slower and more technique oriented.

[andrew51]

Thanks alot guys, i am definately going to start training. Just one more question, the gym offers both Brazilian JiuJitsu and kickboxing classes. Would it be a good idea to take both classes or should I just concentrate on one at first. I realize that to even start fighting MMA, you need to be proficient in both, and since the gym offers a deal where you pay a lump sum for an unlimited amount any classes for a month I figured it would be a good idea.

[socket]

I don't think it would be a bad idea, but in my experience injuries are more common when training stand up. Just be careful not to overdo it and you'll be fine.

[martialboxer]

Most decent MMA schools don't let beginners do full-contact sparring, especially with seasoned competitors. Even in training for advanced students, the exchanging of blows is not like it is during competition (like when you're mounted up on somebody, you don't pound on your training partner).

I'd personally suggest both kickboxing and BJJ. All my "injuries" were very minor and centered around my wrist and shins.

All in all, learn to tap and to tap quickly. You will feel pain in a lot of the arm and a few ankle locks so you'll know when to tap. However, be EXTREMELY careful with knee locks. You won't feel a lot of pain until it's too late. When you're knee is extended, tap, even when it doesn't hurt.

[RagNar2/75]

I've done BJJ quite a bit, and I will say that rolling with the gi improves your technique, to include your no gi submission grappling. You'll also be much, much more comfortable on the ground, so it's a great foundation for your fight game.

For the three months, I'd just focus on the ground game and grappling. When you get out and establish yourself in whatever you're doing, pick it up as a refresher of sorts, and consider taking some boxing or thai boxing classes. BJJ takedowns, without the gi, can be kinda weak, I have to admit. If you can, find a wrestling club or something to fix that up. Good takedowns and sprawls are a huge part of the fight game.

[rnix]

My only advice is to check your ego at the door. I've never been so humbled as with my first taste of Muay Thai and BJJ. Nothing quite like getting tapped by a guy you could bench press 25 times.

[Silent_Monkey]

Definately give it a shot, like everyone has said before, dont go too hard. Also if you like it, you should try a striking art like kickboxing or muaythai, to counter the lack of it in bjj.