GRAPPLERS IN MMA STOP DOING THIS!!

What's up, guys? Today's blog post focuses on an essential topic for wrestlers and grapplers interested in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Whether you're into jiu-jitsu or other forms of grappling, the insights here are indispensable. Buckle up as we delve into a critical mistake that many grapplers make and how you can avoid it.

The Grappler's Dilemma

Many wrestlers and grapplers aim to make the transition to MMA. While having a solid grappling base is advantageous, there's a prevalent issue that needs to be addressed: the fear of striking. Over the years, I've noticed a significant number of wrestlers who are genuinely afraid to get hit. This fear often leads them to avoid striking practice entirely.

You need to stop doing this, guys.

If your goal is to compete in MMA, it's crucial to face this fear head-on. Avoiding striking practice is a naive approach, leading to a false sense of security where one believes they can always take an opponent down and control the fight on the ground.

Over-Reliance on Takedowns

One major pitfall is relying solely on your ability to take down opponents. Many wrestlers only spar when takedowns are allowed, leading to an unrealistic assumption that they'll always be able to execute this strategy effectively. This complacency can be detrimental once you're in the cage or ring against a well-rounded opponent.

Case in Point:
Even top wrestlers can face challenges. Take the example of Bo Nickal—a name many aspiring fighters reference. While he has exceptional skills and athleticism, not everyone has his level of experience and ability to compete against high-level strikers.

Embrace Striking

Transitioning to MMA involves stepping out of your comfort zone. Here’s a practical approach to achieve this:

Boxing Fights: Engage in a few boxing matches to get comfortable with punches aimed at you.
Kickboxing Fights: Participate in kickboxing matches to familiarize yourself with kicks and punches.
Smokers: Take part in informal, low-stakes matches known as smokers to gain practical fighting experience without heavy consequences.

The more you expose yourself to striking, the more comfortable and relaxed you'll become during actual MMA fights.

This preparation ensures that you won't gas out or panic when strikes come your way. It's about becoming a well-rounded fighter.

Real-Life Examples

Many college wrestlers you see in the UFC, like Bo Nickal, have vast competition experience. They've competed in front of thousands and in world-class tournaments. However, this isn't the norm for everyone transitioning from grappling to MMA.

Who Are We Talking About?
Purple Belts in Jiu-Jitsu: Individuals who've been training jiu-jitsu for years but have never taken a striking fight.
High School Wrestlers: High-school-level wrestlers entering MMA without striking experience.

These fighters often make the mistake of assuming their grappling skills will always save them. However, the sport of MMA requires a holistic approach, blending various fighting techniques.

What You Should Do

To succeed in MMA and avoid significant pitfalls, consider integrating the following into your training routine:

Striking-Only Sparring: Regularly train with just striking. It will develop your defensive and offensive striking capabilities.
Competing in Striking Matches: Before rushing into MMA, consider competing in a few boxing or kickboxing matches to familiarize yourself with striking dynamics.
Mental Readiness: Get used to the idea that you might not always be able to take your opponent down. Prepare mentally for this eventuality.

A well-rounded fighter is a successful fighter.

Finding the Right Guidance

If you're new to martial arts and looking for guidance on finding a suitable gym, consider checking out my book, "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School Instructor." It can help you navigate the journey of selecting the right place to train and grow as a mixed martial artist.

Conclusion

Embracing the challenge of striking will undoubtedly make you a more versatile and effective fighter. Don't fall into the trap of relying solely on your grappling skills. It's a naive approach that could cost you dearly in the cage. Instead, expose yourself to striking, face your fears, and transform into a well-rounded MMA fighter.

If you have any questions or topics you'd like me to cover, feel free to let me know. Thank you for reading, and keep training hard!