Maximizing Your MMA Training with Limited Resources

Maximizing Your MMA Training: How to Excel with Limited Resources

What's up, guys? Today we're diving into a topic that's important for anyone looking to make the most of their martial arts training, especially if you're in a smaller gym with fewer resources. I recently got asked a question about how to get good in the shortest amount of time possible, even with a lack of experienced coaching or training partners. So, if you're someone who's hustling in a place with limited resources, this blog post is for you.

The Power of Drilling Techniques

First things first: the key to rapid improvement is becoming obsessed with drilling techniques. You might be stuck in a small town or a gym where the opportunities seem limited, but with a focused approach, you can still achieve great things.

Here's what I did during my own journey: despite having the chance to train with many accomplished coaches and eventually reaching the UFC, I focused on a game plan that can be followed by anyone, anywhere. This plan is especially effective for both grappling and striking.

Drill its 30 Techniques

So, what’s the secret sauce? Drill the same 30 techniques—15 for grappling and 15 for striking—for the next three to five years. Consistency and repetition are your best friends here. By sticking to a set number of techniques, you can master them and become proficient, even if you're not learning something new every day.

The answer is simple, honestly. You need to become obsessed with drilling techniques."

Choosing the Right Techniques

When selecting the techniques to drill, it's important to ensure they apply to MMA. For example, a "gi leg drag" technique from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu might not be relevant in MMA. Focus on those moves that will be effective in real fights.

Grappling Techniques to Focus On
A solid foundation in grappling is crucial. Here are some must-have moves you should drill:

• Basic double leg
  
• Basic single leg
  
• Basic body lock
  
• Front headlock
  
• A couple sweeps from the bottom
  
• Two or three submissions from the bottom

Cage work is essential too. You should know how to defend against a double leg, single leg, and body lock on the cage. Throw in a couple of judo throws to round out your skills. Remember, you don't need a vast array of moves—just a few performed exceptionally well.

The 80/20 Rule in Martial Arts

Martial arts aren't much different from other life skills; the 80/20 rule applies. About 20% of the moves you'll practice will become your bread and butter. Many fighters and coaches out there know hundreds of techniques but only consistently use about ten.

Take Conor McGregor, for example. He's known for his lethal left hand, and much of his strategy focused on setting up that one powerful move. Different fighters might have various strengths, but they often revolve around a select few techniques.

Everything he did was to hide the left hand."

Committing to Repetition

You’ve probably heard the saying, "10,000 reps to master a move." While it might seem daunting, it's not about mastering 500 different techniques—pick your 30, and put in the work through drilling. The same goes for striking: hone the basics like simple boxing combos.

Basic Striking Combos
For striking, drill these fundamental combinations:

• 1, 1-2, 3 (jab, cross, hook)
  
• Uppercut, hook, cross
  
• Cross, uppercut, cross-hook

In my coaching, I emphasize mastering just six punches. Once you've downed these and added a few leg kicks into the mix, your striking repertoire will be solid.

Making the Most of Limited Coaching

If you find yourself with a coach whose experience might be limited, turn it into an advantage. Ask them what they think are the best techniques and focus on those. Whatever they're best at teaching should become your priority. Whether it's Dutch kickboxing or cage work, dig deep into those areas.

Focus on a lot of reps of the same moves. That's the best way you can get good.

Why a Small Arsenal Wins Fights

Even with limited resources, having a few excellent techniques can make you unbeatable. Remember, you don't need to be a black belt in everything to defeat a black belt. You just need to be a black belt at one or two moves.

Reflecting on my UFC debut against Ramsey Nijim, I was facing a Division 1 wrestler with less than two years of grappling experience under my belt. My coach had me drill the same choke, over 3,000 times, in just a couple of months. It paid off when I won the fight in just 58 seconds.

Conclusion

In summary, no matter how small your gym or how limited your resources are, transforming yourself into a skilled martial artist is ultimately about drilling a focused set of techniques with passion and commitment. Stick to what works, commit to consistent practice, and always strive to be the best at what you do.

So, gear up, pick those techniques, and begin drilling. Your journey to mastery begins with the first rep.

Remember, repetition is the mother of all learning. Now, go out and start drilling!