THE MOST FRUSTRATING PART OF BEING AN MMA FIGHTER!!
Hello, fight enthusiasts and aspiring MMA fighters! Today, we're diving into the gritty, challenging world of mixed martial arts, focusing on one of its most frustrating aspects. Whether you're a seasoned fighter or just stepping into this competitive field, you've probably felt the struggle I'm about to describe.
Most MMA fighters begin their journey dabbling in various martial arts such as jiu-jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, and wrestling. Sound familiar? Then you know how tough it can be to master these disciplines, especially when you're up against pure specialists in each field.
The Multi-Discipline Challenge
Imagine this scenario: You're committed to becoming a well-rounded fighter, so you cross-train at multiple gyms. Each gym may focus on a different skill set — a little boxing here, some Muay Thai there, and maybe jiu-jitsu and wrestling mixed in. It's an uphill battle to compete with someone who's dedicated their life to mastering one of these individual disciplines.
The Boxing Dilemma
Let's say you decide to focus more on boxing. You start progressing, holding your own with the local boxers during sparring sessions. Everything feels like it's finally coming together. But then, you head back to your jiu-jitsu practice only to find that your ground game has slipped. It's a constant cycle: focus on one area, and another begins to suffer.
This rinse-and-repeat cycle is something that many fighters experience:
- Spend weeks improving your boxing, and you might find yourself lagging in wrestling.
- Sharpen your jiu-jitsu, and suddenly your kickboxing feels rusty.
Tough Competition and Accepting Defeat
Training like this can leave you feeling endlessly defeated. You'll walk into a boxing gym, get beaten up, then focus intensely on boxing, only to face the same situation in your next wrestling session. It's exasperating, especially for competitive souls who hate losing. But, in reality, being continually challenged is beneficial.
"If you're doing jiu-jitsu two days a week and everyone else is doing it five or six days a week and you're winning... these people probably aren't going far or they just don't have the desire to compete like you do."
The truth is, having training partners who can outmatch you in specific areas is a blessing. It means you're in the right environment to grow and improve. Living in a state of frustration is almost a rite of passage in this sport. The key is to harness that frustration as motivation to push yourself harder.
Balancing Act in Training
Balancing multiple martial arts is a delicate act and a continual challenge. As you immerse yourself deeper into MMA, you'll find each skill set demands equal attention. Here are some approaches to consider for managing this balance:
- Strategic Planning: Work with your coach to develop a balanced training schedule that doesn't neglect any area.
- Set Goals: Define what you want to achieve in each discipline over a certain period.
- Monitor Progress: Regularly assess your performance to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Of course, coaches play a crucial role in guiding you through this balancing act. However, they can't dictate your entire path. Personal decisions about where to commit your time and energy are essential. A coach might provide advice, but ultimately, you need to trust your instincts and experiences.
Hands and Takedowns: The Heart of MMA
From my perspective, if you're pursuing a career in MMA, focus heavily on honing your boxing and wrestling skills. Why? Well, almost every MMA fight comes down to these two skills:
- Boxing: Most knockouts in MMA occur through punches rather than kicks or flashy maneuvers. Solid boxing skills give you an edge in nearly every bout.
- Wrestling: As a wrestler, you hold the power to dictate where the fight happens. You control whether the fight stays standing or goes to the ground.
"Hands are always going to land before kicks... the wrestler decides where the fight goes."
These insights are not just theoretical. They're drawn from years of observation and practice. It's tempting to chase spectacular flying knees or head kicks, but remember that consistent, grounded skills tend to dominate in the long run.
Practical Takeaways for Combatants
As you progress in your martial arts journey, keep learning from those who excel in areas where you strive to improve. Instead of feeling disheartened by getting outclassed, see these moments as opportunities for learning.
- Every sparring session is a chance to identify areas to work on.
- View defeats not as failures but as data points outlining where you need to grow.
For those new to martial arts, finding the right gym and trainer is crucial. I've written a comprehensive guide on selecting the best martial arts instructor for your journey. Check it out here.
A Word of Encouragement
Managing the highs and lows of MMA training takes resilience. For competitive fighters with chips on their shoulders, remember this: Be grateful for training partners capable of challenging you. They are critical assets in your path towards mastery.
If you stick with it, eventually, you'll find that your diverse skills converge. It takes time, commitment, and a humble acceptance of defeats along the way. But when those puzzle pieces finally click, the satisfaction is unparalleled.
So keep pushing, keep sweating, and keep learning. Your journey in MMA will be frustrating at times — but also immensely rewarding.
Leave comments below on any topics you want me to tackle next, and subscribe for more insights into the fighting world. Until next time, train hard and stay hungry!