The Power of Questions: A Young Fighter’s Guide to Rapid Improvement

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into something crucial for all the young fighters out there aiming to climb the ranks, whether it’s the UFC or turning pro. It’s a game-changer—asking questions, and lots of them.

Why Asking Questions is Essential

The Drive to Improve

Young fighters often train hard with dreams of making it big, but to fast-track your progress, you need the right mindset. Asking questions in the gym is essential. Why? Because the more questions you ask, the faster you learn and improve. It’s simple math!

The more questions you ask and the more you learn, the faster you're gonna get better.

Understanding the Pro Level

Anyone can fill out paperwork and sign up to be a professional fighter, but competing at a pro level demands dedication and intense training. Your opponent is serious and well-trained, so you need to be too.

Starting Late? No Problem!

Age is Just a Number
Nowadays, starting at 18 or 19 can feel late because some fighters have been training since childhood. By age 25, some can have more experience than a 37-year-old, thanks to thousands of reps in wrestling, boxing, or taekwondo.

Catching Up Quickly

What if you’re starting late? Ask a lot of questions. I was always that guy in the gym, and yes, it annoyed some coaches. But, those who get annoyed often aren’t the best at correcting techniques either.

Timing is Everything

When to Ask
There’s a right time to ask questions. Don’t interrupt a session with irrelevant questions. Instead, pull your coach or experienced teammates aside after class or during downtime.

Daily Curiosity

Every day you come to the gym, you should have a new question.This should be your mantra. It’s how you get good, fast.

Learning from the Best

A Master’s Approach

I trained with Master Cena, a world-class coach, who structured classes around questions. Walking in, he’d ask, “Do you have any questions?” And I was usually ready with five.

I loved how he structured his classes. And this is kind of how I try to structure mine.

Private Lessons Through Inquiry

By asking specific questions, you effectively get a private lesson. The class becomes tailored to your needs, answering your questions and allowing you to drill those techniques.

Embrace Technology

Video Your Techniques

Capture techniques on your phone. It’s vital to ensure you're practicing correctly. Incorrect reps are worse than none because you have to unlearn bad habits.

The worst thing you can do is learn a technique and practice it the wrong way.

Precise Practice

Before drilling, review your videos. Detail matters—where the hand is, how the knee bends, these small adjustments make a big difference.

Journey to the UFC

My Path

Starting at 20 and making it to the UFC by 24.5 shows the power of questions. Even when I got there, I didn’t stop asking. Surrounded by world-class coaches, I continued absorbing knowledge like a sponge.

The Takeaway

Never Stop Asking
In martial arts, knowledge is power. The fastest way to improve isn’t just drilling but understanding through relentless inquiry. Keep questioning, keep learning, and watch your skills grow.

It's important to ask questions and there's nothing gonna get you faster. I'm gonna get you better in a faster time period than asking a lot of questions.

If you're starting in martial arts and looking for guidance, check out my book, "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor." 

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