WHY IS YOUR COACH NOT LETTING YOU FIGHT!!?? 🥊🥋😭

So, why is your coach not letting you fight yet? This is a question many martial arts trainees have after dedicating time to their training. In a recent inquiry, someone mentioned they've been training for over a year and wondered why their coach still isn't letting them step into the ring. It's a broad question with many possible answers.

Why Your MMA Coach Isn't Letting You Fight

If you're training in MMA, it's essential to be well-rounded. Achieving proficiency in both grappling and striking within a year is a tough challenge. You need more time to develop these skills effectively.

For Boxers and Kickboxers

In boxing or kickboxing, the scenario might be different. If you've been training for less than two years and still aren't cleared to fight, your coach is likely looking after you. They have your best interest at heart.

A Coach's Dilemma

As a coach, deciding who is ready to fight is a big responsibility. I've been there—wanting to jump into fights right off the bat. In retrospect, that approach wasn’t the best, even though I managed to make it work. I had my first boxing match just two weeks after starting training, and three months later, I clinched my first golden gloves championship. But not everyone has the same advantages or preparation levels.

Coaches and Their Responsibilities

If your coach hasn't greenlit your fight after a year or two, trust they're looking out for your well-being. Coaches aim to protect their fighters foremost. A lot of their decision-making hinges on sparring sessions and overall performance. If you're among the gym's better fighters yet aren't getting fight opportunities, then there might be other factors at play.

"The issue as a coach, your job is to protect the fighter, period." - Coach

Assessing Sparring and Technique

If you're struggling in sparring sessions, it's undeniably a sign that more training is needed. It’s not a matter of permanent inability; it’s about needing more time.

Exploring Sparring Performance

If your sparring rounds aren't going well and you're being overwhelmed by others, more time in training is essential. This isn't to discourage you but to ensure your development is on track.

Technique Matters

Even if you’re aggressive and can handle tough rounds due to sheer resilience, bad technique can be a deal-breaker for your coach. They might not want their reputation tied to subpar performance. Real and dedicated coaches value proper technique highly.

Building From the Ground Up

Development in martial arts is an accumulation of multiple factors, from winning sparring rounds to withstanding tough training conditions. If you’re being broken down during sparring, the adrenaline dump in your first few fights can be too overwhelming. Fitness also plays a key role—perhaps you need to put in more hours and work harder.

Physical and Mental Preparation

Your overall shape, both physical and mental, is essential. The anxiety and physical demands of fighting aren’t something to take lightly, and rushing into it can lead to serious injury.

The Risk of Switching Teams

Thinking about switching teams because your coach isn't letting you fight can be risky. I've seen many trainees leave a rigorous coach, looking for easier opportunities elsewhere. While some succeed initially, the long-term repercussions often include serious injuries and career setbacks.

Consequences of Rushing Into Fights

Switching to a team with lower standards may result in early fight wins but eventually leads to getting hurt. Proper development is crucial, and skipping it in search for quick wins is a dangerous path.

The Importance of Patience

In martial arts, as in life, patience is a virtue. You can follow all the right steps and still face challenges. But cutting corners and rushing your fight career often leads to worse outcomes.

Deeper Conversations

If you're feeling frustrated, consider talking to your coach directly. They can offer valuable insights into your current progress and what needs improvement. They're likely to affirm that their primary goal is your development and safety.

Look at them almost like an uncle to you or a father, a family member that doesn’t want you to get hurt.

When to Consider Leaving Your Coach

You should only consider leaving your coach if they’re teaching poor technique, not because they’re making you take your time. Proper technique is paramount for both performance and safety.

Conclusion

Trust your coach. They’re experienced and have your best interests at heart. Stick to your training, patiently develop your skills, and understand that the journey in martial arts is as important as the destination.

Engage With The Community

Do you have any questions or need further insights? Comment below! For new martial arts enthusiasts, check out my book on Amazon, "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Martial Arts School and Instructor."

Thank you, and keep training hard! 💪

If you have any other questions or topics you'd like to see covered, drop them in the comments. Let's keep the discussion going!