ARE BOXING COACHES IN MMA FULL OF SH*T!?

What's up, guys? Today, we're diving deep into a heated topic in the MMA world: the relationship between wrestlers transitioning into MMA and their boxing coaches. Specifically, we'll be discussing why many boxing coaches in the MMA community might not be as effective as they think they are for wrestlers with extensive wrestling experience. Buckle up because this conversation is going to be straightforward and packed with insights.

The Wrestling Lead Foot Debate

One thing I've noticed over the years is how boxing coaches treat wrestlers when they make the switch to MMA. Wrestlers who have spent their entire lives in a right-leg lead position, typically get turned around by these coaches, which, in my opinion, is a huge mistake.

The Problem with Big Gloves in MMA

First off, a lot of techniques taught with big boxing gloves simply don't translate well into MMA, where fighters use smaller gloves. This discrepancy is often overlooked by coaches who primarily have a boxing background.

A lot of the stuff they teach with big gloves will never work with little gloves.

Southpaw vs. Orthodox Stance

So, let's break down the fundamental issue. A wrestler who's right-handed puts his right foot forward in a wrestling stance, which naturally converts to a Southpaw stance in boxing. If this wrestler transitions into striking while keeping his right leg in front, making him a Southpaw, it would significantly ease the transition.

However, many traditional boxing coaches still insist on retraining these wrestlers to adopt an orthodox stance, which can complicate their striking game.

Old School vs. Modern Coaching

Some outdated coaching methodologies haven't adopted new insights. This lack of flexibility can hinder a wrestler's natural progression into MMA striking.

All these old school boxing coaches, or even modern ones that haven't learned any better, put a kid with a right leg in front for wrestling their whole life, and then turn them orthodox.

The Struggle for Wrestlers

Wrestlers who have always shot from their right leg being in front now have to relearn striking techniques with their left leg forward. This isn't just a simple switch; it can disrupt their entire rhythm and muscle memory.

Having to adapt to an orthodox stance means introducing unnecessary complexity into their training.

Personal Experience

I started with boxing, so I learned to fight with my left leg in front because I’m right-handed. When I transitioned to MMA and learned wrestling, I kept my left leg in front because that was my boxing stance. I never switched my stance because it made sense to maintain consistency.

What did I do when I transitioned to MMA? I learned how to shoot with my left leg in front because that's the leg in my boxing stance. Why would I change that?

Athleticism vs. Technique

It's crucial to note that world-class athletes like Michael Chandler and Kamaru Usman can make these adjustments work because of their extraordinary abilities. But for the average fighter, this forced switch can be detrimental.

Only the special athletes ever make that work. Most people that wrestle with their right leg in front their entire life need to fight Southpaw.

The Misunderstanding of Striking and Wrestling Integration

Many wrestlers who spent years perfecting their shoots with a specific leg in front end up abandoning takedowns in MMA. Why? Because their best leg isn't in front anymore, leading to a significant drop in confidence and effectiveness in their wrestling game.

Practical Advice for Wrestlers

If you're new to MMA and come from a wrestling background where you always led with your right leg, I strongly advise you to insist on starting as a Southpaw. It aligns more naturally with your wrestling stance and can save you a lot of frustration down the line.

Pretend You're Left-Handed

A bold tip - if you walk into a boxing gym and tell them you’re left-handed, they might automatically train you as a Southpaw. This way, you'll be able to keep your right leg in front, preserving your wrestling stance.

Tell them you're left-handed. Because if you tell them you're right-handed, they're going to make you go orthodox.

Conclusion

This topic is something to seriously ponder if you're making the switch from wrestling to MMA. The transition will be smoother, and you can leverage your wrestling base more effectively if you align your striking stance with your wrestling stance.

Let me know in the comments what you guys think. If you enjoyed this detailed breakdown, don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights.

Also, check out my Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Martial Arts School Instructor available on Amazon.

Thank you for reading, and let me know any subjects or topics you’d like me to cover in future videos.