Are you with the right coaches?

How to Choose the Right Coach for Your MMA Journey

What's up, guys? Today, we’re diving into an important topic that a lot of fighters can relate to. The other day, I received a DM from a fighter dealing with a pretty common dilemma: how to evaluate and choose the right coach. This is something I’ve seen time and again, and it matters—big time. So, let’s break it down.

Introduction

When it comes to MMA, or really any martial arts training, having the right coach can make or break your career. Imagine you're starting out, training hard, aiming to step into the octagon one day. You've got a grappling coach who seems pretty solid. He wrestled in college, has a black belt in jiu-jitsu—legit skills, right? But then you've got a striking coach who doesn't seem to be cutting it. How do you handle that?

The Importance of Technique

First things first: **technique is king.** If your goal is to be a top-tier fighter—whether that's in the UFC, having a strong pro career, or becoming an undefeated amateur—technique trumps all other aspects. In the high-stakes world of fighting, everyone's strong, fast, and tough. What separates the winners from the losers is often a deep understanding and application of solid technique.

"Technique is more important than anything from a coaching perspective."

Coach Experience Matters

From my years of experience in the ring and on the mats, there's an undeniable truth: The best striking coaches I've ever had weren't just guys who liked watching fights. They were seasoned fighters themselves, with truckloads of experience.

Why Experience Makes a Difference

Consider this—I've worked with kickboxers who've had over 100 fights. Their knowledge isn't just theoretical; they've lived it, they've felt it, and they know what it takes to succeed. One of my top boxing coaches had about 40 professional fights and another 30 amateur bouts. These numbers aren't just stats; they represent a deep well of experience and, crucially, a focus on defensive skills—something many lesser coaches tend to overlook.

Building from Ground Up

Starting from scratch with a fighter can be both a blessing and a curse for a coach. As a coach, you want the freedom to mold a fighter without correcting bad habits picked up elsewhere. But if the foundation laid by previous coaches is weak—particularly in something as pivotal as defense—then you're fighting an uphill battle.

"Striking coaches that don’t teach defense aren’t preparing their fighters for the realities of the ring."

Effective Training Strategies

Training is about more than just hitting the gym and working up a sweat. Effective training involves strategically selecting who you learn from and how you incorporate varied elements into your routine.

Diversify Your Learning

You’ve got to be open-minded. Maybe your current striking coach isn’t doing it for you. That doesn’t mean your journey stops there. Visiting a boxing gym, even if it's a bit of a trek, can expose you to different styles and techniques that complement your grappling background. It might mean long drives and balance between multiple training setups, but it’s worth it.

"You may have to drive to multiple gyms even in the same day if you're trying to pursue this at a high level."

Finding the Right Coach

Assessing a coach is no small task. If they don’t have a long track record of competition, they might not be providing the level of training you need. That doesn’t mean they can’t coach; it means you need to gauge their effectiveness by what they offer in practice, especially on defense.

Conclusion

Selecting the right coach isn’t just about their accolades—it's about the value they bring to your development as a fighter. As you train, remain cognizant of your goals, observe how you're progressing, and be willing to make changes if you aren't learning what you need to succeed. Remember, this journey is yours to craft, and finding those right pieces along the way is part of what can make you into the fighter you're aiming to be.

Stay dedicated, stay smart, and keep striving towards greatness. Let me know if you’ve had similar experiences or how you tackle choosing the right coach. Share your journey below!