Why It's Much Harder to Correct Bad Striking More Than Bad Grappling Techniques! 🥊🥋

What's up, guys? Today, I want to dive into a topic that doesn't get much attention but is crucial for fighters—whether you're a newbie or looking to go pro. We're talking about breaking bad habits. Specifically, why it's so much easier to break bad grappling habits than it is to break bad striking habits. Trust me, as a coach who's been in the game for a while, this is something you need to hear.

The Simple Reason: Repetition

The core reason striking habits are harder to fix is the number of reps you get. Think about it—if I tell you to throw jabs for three minutes straight, you could easily get in at least 100 jabs even with good technique.

But what if I asked you to shoot as many double legs as you could in that same time frame? We're definitely not hitting 100 reps unless you're some elite-level wrestler. Let's face it, most of us aren't. This is particularly true for young fighters who are cutting their teeth, aiming for UFC glory or just trying to be solid at whatever level they're at.

Striking vs. Grappling: Reps Make a Difference

Here's another way to look at it. You could probably throw 100 leg kicks in a three-minute round, but how many body lock takedowns could you manage? The disparity in reps makes a world of difference in forming habits.

When you have a bad habit in striking, the repetition ingrains it deeply into your muscle memory. Whether it's dropping your hand while jabbing or not moving your head off the centerline, these things stick. Bad habits in grappling, on the other hand, don’t get as many reps and hence are easier to correct.

Imagine throwing a jab and every time you throw a jab, you drop your right hand. Over thousands of reps, this becomes second nature.

Real-World Example: My Struggles With Striking

I can vouch for this from personal experience. My original boxing coach, despite showing great offensive setups, taught no defense. His style was all about coming forward and swinging, taking hits as they came. Naturally, this was a recipe for disaster for me in the long run.

Imagine doing thousands of reps where every time you jab, you drop your right hand. This was me. To this day, that's a bad habit I'm still working on. In one of my fights, against Dan Hooker, it cost me dearly. You can go back and watch; I got knocked out in the first round because I didn't "hold the phone"—meaning I didn't keep my defense up while throwing punches.

Breaking Bad Habits: Why It Takes So Long

For an average striker coming up, doing 10 rounds a day on various drills, bad habits are hard to shake off. They might do pad work, bag work, and sparring all in one session. But if these habits are incorrect, it sets them back.

It's not uncommon for someone to practice a wrong technique for three years, only to need five or more years to fix it. And that's with serious repetition of specific drills that aim to correct those flaws.

Grappling: Easier to Correct

In grappling, the risk of ingraining bad habits comes from fewer reps. You simply don’t get as many shots at performing a double leg or a body lock takedown in a three-minute round as you do with striking techniques like jabs and leg kicks. This inherently makes it easier to correct.

The Importance of Good Coaching

Throughout my career, I've had excellent grappling coaches but some terrible boxing coaches who taught virtually no defense. This made me realize how crucial it is to have someone who corrects your technique, especially in striking.

Be careful when choosing a gym. Your first few years are crucial. If you're learning the wrong way, it will take double the time to fix those mistakes. Make sure your coach is diligent about correcting you.

Imagine training the wrong way for two or three years—it could take you five to six years to fix it. So, take the time to find a good coach. It's crucial for your growth as a fighter.

Avoiding McDojos

If you're new to martial arts and on the lookout for a good gym, I recommend my book, "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor." It's only $4.99 on Amazon and offers great advice on what to avoid.

There's a lot of talk about "McDojos," not just in karate but also in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms. If you have dreams of competing, ensure your gym focuses on correcting technique. The right technique is paramount.

Conclusion

So, to all the aspiring fighters out there, always focus on technique. Whether it's striking or grappling, bad habits can set you back significantly. The first few years of your training are essential, and having a good coach to guide you can make all the difference.

Let me know in the comments if there's any other topic you'd like me to cover. Have a great day, and keep training smart!

If you're interested in finding the right gym, check out my book on Amazon:

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor

Have any questions or want me to cover a specific topic? Drop a comment below!

Hope this helps, guys! Until next time, stay sharp, and keep those hands up!