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<p>What's up, guys? Today, I want to dive into the importance of repetitions, or reps, and why every single one of them counts. No matter whether you're striking, lifting weights, or grappling, every rep matters. Let's break down why.<br></p><h3>Building Muscle Memory<br></h3><p><strong>Why Reps Are Essential</strong><br>Reps are what build muscle memory in your body. This muscle memory is what allows you to perform techniques flawlessly, especially when you're exhausted or under pressure. Whether it's in a fight where things are moving fast, or you're too tired to think, muscle memory keeps you going.</p><blockquote><p><em>The techniques you do, the repetitions you do matter. That's what counts.</em></p></blockquote><h3>The Impact of Perfect Reps</h3><p>I remember George St. Pierre, a legendary fighter, always stressing the importance of perfect reps. He made sure every rep was flawless:</p><ul><li><strong>Foot placement</strong>: Perfect</li><li><strong>Hand placement</strong>: On point</li></ul><p>The details in each move matter. Whether it's drilling technique or just working out in general, the quality of each rep is crucial.<br></p><h3>Pull-Ups: A Case Study</h3><p>Take pull-ups as an example. In our wrestling class, we do 30 pull-ups twice a week. That's:</p><ul><li><strong>30 pull-ups</strong>: Monday and Wednesday nights</li><li><strong>52 weeks</strong>: In a year</li></ul><p>Adding it all up, that's over 3,000 pull-ups annually!</p><blockquote><p><em>In one year, you've already done over 3000 reps.</em></p></blockquote><p>Now, imagine doing that consistently for three and a half years. That's 10,000 reps. This consistency builds incredible strength and skill.</p><figure id="figure-scu7vqmaogm061he3n"><img id="scu7vqmaogm061he3n" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1496669842/photo/up-for-the-challenge.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=-rb2_ZG5dXSNLNZoHryVw83FIzFMski13qCqSMvVsWs=" alt="Up For The Challenge" title="Up For The Challenge" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1496669842/photo/up-for-the-challenge.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=-rb2_ZG5dXSNLNZoHryVw83FIzFMski13qCqSMvVsWs=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Why 10,000 Reps Matter<br></h3><p><strong>The Magic Number</strong><br>There's a belief that 10,000 reps is the sweet spot for mastering a move. While the exact number might vary, the concept holds true: the more reps, the better.</p><p>I can personally attest to this with moves like:</p><ul><li><strong>Anaconda Choke</strong></li><li><strong>D'Arce Choke</strong></li><li><strong>Guillotine</strong></li></ul><p><br></p><blockquote><p><em>I have over 10,000 reps drilling these moves, and I'm really good at them.</em></p></blockquote><p>But here's the kicker: some people might achieve the same level of proficiency with fewer reps. It might seem unfair, but it's a reality we have to accept.<br></p><h3>The Reality of Talent and Hard Work<br></h3><p>In any gym, you'll encounter athletes who learn faster and adapt quicker due to their natural abilities. Some might need only 3,000 reps to be as good as someone who did 10,000.</p><blockquote><p><em>You're going to run into these athletes, these special people, that, honestly, they don't have to work as hard as you.</em></p></blockquote><p>However, this doesn't mean you should give up. Instead, it means you need to focus on doing more reps, and doing them perfectly.</p><figure id="figure-i8ynnynxkm061mset" class=""><img id="i8ynnynxkm061mset" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5hHD1upcroqGovWyvsMuZSBnwNeF8TjM3d3tqjwKAOLnBNxM9n6kFvI5OqjnANsk.png" alt="Martial arts athletes  in martial arts training exercising taekwondo" title="Martial arts athletes  in martial arts training exercising taekwondo" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5hHD1upcroqGovWyvsMuZSBnwNeF8TjM3d3tqjwKAOLnBNxM9n6kFvI5OqjnANsk.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Consistency over Quantity</h3><p><strong>Quality Over Quantity</strong><br>It's better to do fewer reps with perfect technique than more reps done poorly. This is true for any move, whether it's a basic round kick or something more complex.</p><blockquote><p><em>If the technique is bad, it's pointless.</em></p></blockquote><h3>The Role of Hard Work<br></h3><p>While some might be naturally gifted, hard work can often bridge the gap. I started my journey in martial arts later than most:</p><ul><li><strong>First Jiu-Jitsu class</strong>: At 22 years old</li><li><strong>Three submission wins in the UFC</strong></li></ul><p><br>Despite not being the most athletic, I caught up through sheer hard work and repetitions.</p><blockquote><p><em>You can do more reps in one year than someone else does in five.</em></p></blockquote><p>By consistently putting in the effort, you can surpass many who might have started before you.<br></p><figure id="figure-7toptfvtuim061qqhp"><img id="7toptfvtuim061qqhp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1aW1NbpvNWBBaN9D1max9yoZMl2RwVntzzc6yrFaKSKQCkTYliE66FHFZOG552Yt.png" alt="Shot of a young man and cute little girl practicing karate in a studio" title="Shot of a young man and cute little girl practicing karate in a studio" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1aW1NbpvNWBBaN9D1max9yoZMl2RwVntzzc6yrFaKSKQCkTYliE66FHFZOG552Yt.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Closing Thoughts<br></h3><p>In conclusion, every rep indeed counts. Whether you're new to martial arts or a seasoned fighter, the effort and technique you put into each rep matter. Remember, more reps with perfect technique will always outshine fewer reps with mediocre effort.</p><p><br><strong>Looking for More Guidance?</strong><br>If you're new to martial arts and looking for a guide to find a gym near you, check out my book, <a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/7D56IcN" href="https://a.co/d/7D56IcN" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Martial Arts Coach and Instructor</strong></a>.&nbsp;</p><p>Got any more questions or topics you'd like me to cover? Leave a comment below. Thank you guys!</p><blockquote><p><em>Every rep matters, guys. Every rep matters.</em></p></blockquote><figure id="figure-1cwma1frq8m061u3fj"><iframe id="1cwma1frq8m061u3fj" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0b1z8GVZJ3Q" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/0b1z8GVZJ3Q?si=NzlxY6Cu8J_RI2Aq" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0b1z8GVZJ3Q" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

EVERY REP COUNTS! 🥊🥋😎

<p>What's up, guys? Today's blog post focuses on an essential topic for wrestlers and grapplers interested in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Whether you're into jiu-jitsu or other forms of grappling, the insights here are indispensable. Buckle up as we delve into a critical mistake that many grapplers make and how you can avoid it.</p><h3>The Grappler's Dilemma</h3><p>Many wrestlers and grapplers aim to make the transition to MMA. While having a solid grappling base is advantageous, there's a prevalent issue that needs to be addressed: the fear of striking. Over the years, I've noticed a significant number of wrestlers who are genuinely afraid to get hit. This fear often leads them to avoid striking practice entirely.</p><blockquote><p><em>You need to stop doing this, guys.</em></p></blockquote><p>If your goal is to compete in MMA, it's crucial to face this fear head-on. Avoiding striking practice is a naive approach, leading to a false sense of security where one believes they can always take an opponent down and control the fight on the ground.</p><h3>Over-Reliance on Takedowns</h3><p>One major pitfall is relying solely on your ability to take down opponents. Many wrestlers only spar when takedowns are allowed, leading to an unrealistic assumption that they'll always be able to execute this strategy effectively. This complacency can be detrimental once you're in the cage or ring against a well-rounded opponent.</p><p><strong>Case in Point</strong>:<br>Even top wrestlers can face challenges. Take the example of Bo Nickal—a name many aspiring fighters reference. While he has exceptional skills and athleticism, not everyone has his level of experience and ability to compete against high-level strikers.</p><h3>Embrace Striking</h3><p>Transitioning to MMA involves stepping out of your comfort zone. Here’s a practical approach to achieve this:</p><p><strong>Boxing Fights</strong>: Engage in a few boxing matches to get comfortable with punches aimed at you.<br><strong>Kickboxing Fights</strong>: Participate in kickboxing matches to familiarize yourself with kicks and punches.<br><strong>Smokers</strong>: Take part in informal, low-stakes matches known as smokers to gain practical fighting experience without heavy consequences.</p><figure id="figure-27nndcmvt6m01c0i2t"><img id="27nndcmvt6m01c0i2t" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/18rQkQf7keTQW06xgKV3HBZyEYLRLlVPQjurER8q1VVp2ZjKN5vN6Ms22rmpGEW5.jpg" alt="Young sportswoman exercising hand punches during martial arts training at health club." title="Young sportswoman exercising hand punches during martial arts training at health club." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/18rQkQf7keTQW06xgKV3HBZyEYLRLlVPQjurER8q1VVp2ZjKN5vN6Ms22rmpGEW5.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><blockquote><p><em>The more you expose yourself to striking, the more comfortable and relaxed you'll become during actual MMA fights.</em></p></blockquote><p>This preparation ensures that you won't gas out or panic when strikes come your way. It's about becoming a well-rounded fighter.</p><h3>Real-Life Examples</h3><p>Many college wrestlers you see in the UFC, like Bo Nickal, have vast competition experience. They've competed in front of thousands and in world-class tournaments. However, this isn't the norm for everyone transitioning from grappling to MMA.</p><p><strong>Who Are We Talking About?</strong><br><strong>Purple Belts in Jiu-Jitsu</strong>: Individuals who've been training jiu-jitsu for years but have never taken a striking fight.<br><strong>High School Wrestlers</strong>: High-school-level wrestlers entering MMA without striking experience.</p><p>These fighters often make the mistake of assuming their grappling skills will always save them. However, the sport of MMA requires a holistic approach, blending various fighting techniques.</p><h3>What You Should Do</h3><p>To succeed in MMA and avoid significant pitfalls, consider integrating the following into your training routine:</p><p><strong>Striking-Only Sparring</strong>: Regularly train with just striking. It will develop your defensive and offensive striking capabilities.<br><strong>Competing in Striking Matches</strong>: Before rushing into MMA, consider competing in a few boxing or kickboxing matches to familiarize yourself with striking dynamics.<br><strong>Mental Readiness</strong>: Get used to the idea that you might not always be able to take your opponent down. Prepare mentally for this eventuality.</p><blockquote><p><em>A well-rounded fighter is a successful fighter.</em></p></blockquote><h3>Finding the Right Guidance</h3><p>If you're new to martial arts and looking for guidance on finding a suitable gym, consider checking out my book, "<strong><a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/2ZGNXxE" href="https://a.co/d/2ZGNXxE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School Instructor.</a></strong>" It can help you navigate the journey of selecting the right place to train and grow as a mixed martial artist.</p><figure id="figure-epies3afxlm01c29l0"><img id="epies3afxlm01c29l0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/20nWy7j0iUc5IVhC22Wc5ZScp1VnzvFDK37IbscFIL1xmWg5HiagYoSL4setuSP2.png" alt="Interior, Empty room and tatami mat floor room japanese style. 3D rendering" title="Interior, Empty room and tatami mat floor room japanese style. 3D rendering" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/20nWy7j0iUc5IVhC22Wc5ZScp1VnzvFDK37IbscFIL1xmWg5HiagYoSL4setuSP2.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Embracing the challenge of striking will undoubtedly make you a more versatile and effective fighter. Don't fall into the trap of relying solely on your grappling skills. It's a naive approach that could cost you dearly in the cage. Instead, expose yourself to striking, face your fears, and transform into a well-rounded MMA fighter.</p><p>If you have any questions or topics you'd like me to cover, feel free to let me know. Thank you for reading, and keep training hard!</p><figure id="figure-5of1ken54pm01bv9hq"><iframe id="5of1ken54pm01bv9hq" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Ff-b6XDCEw" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/0Ff-b6XDCEw?si=rouQZ8aFCZDXP4qZ" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Ff-b6XDCEw" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

GRAPPLERS IN MMA STOP DOING THIS!!

<p>What's up, guys? Today I want to talk to y'all about <strong>fight experience versus gym experience</strong> and why both are important, but why oftentimes fight experience can be <em>more important</em> than gym experience, especially at the high levels. And what I mean is this. There's plenty of people that you've trained with if you're. If you're a current fighter or current person that trains already.</p><figure id="figure-q010zwi0ilzvr2l4k"><img id="q010zwi0ilzvr2l4k" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/cZDOn4kmGN4XOl9k9JIZLvtOYC1EETmqtv2FtoS1wNXgDE7vzUHW6Bv8A33TAP2I.jpg" alt="Female boxer training inside a boxing ring" title="Female boxer training inside a boxing ring" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/cZDOn4kmGN4XOl9k9JIZLvtOYC1EETmqtv2FtoS1wNXgDE7vzUHW6Bv8A33TAP2I.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>If you're in the thick of training, you've probably encountered numerous individuals who excel in the gym. They might dominate sparring sessions, display flawless techniques, and exhibit incredible stamina. <strong>But when it comes to actual fights, things can be dramatically different</strong>. The dynamics of a real fight bring in factors like pressure, anxiety, and the unpredictability of an opponent's moves. These elements can't be truly replicated in the controlled environment of a gym.</p><p>Imagine fighting in front of an audacious crowd, under glaring lights, with the stakes towering high. These experiences carve a different kind of resilience and adaptability that gym sessions alone can't provide.</p><p><strong>Key Points</strong><br><strong>Gym Experience</strong>: Involves controlled training environments, structured drills, and sparring with familiar faces.<br><strong>Fight Experience</strong>: Introduces chaotic, high-pressure situations, making adaptability and psychological toughness crucial.</p><p><strong>Understanding the distinction between these two experiences can immensely impact your progression as a fighter.</strong> While gym training polishes your skills, <strong>real fights test your mettle </strong>and bring out the true essence of combat proficiency.</p><h3>Experience vs. Starting Age in Training</h3><p>There's plenty of people you may have trained with that have been in the gym since they were kids, that have been training since they were 5, 10, 15 years old. And there's guys that come in and start fighting at 19, 20 years old. <strong>Conceptually</strong>, you have way more experience than they do if you've been in the gym since you were ten and they come in at 20 years old and train for a couple of years. So you may have ten years of training experience, and they only have, let's say, two or three years of training experience.</p><figure id="figure-ydduxyow1blzvr3ra3"><img id="ydduxyow1blzvr3ra3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1jgCJbXDdq5pVzwc9X5xXl2fHznwpivQ4NY5lBVU9e7SsI4l6XUwve5dp5bUfZn6.jpg" alt="Female boxer training inside a boxing ring" title="Female boxer training inside a boxing ring" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1jgCJbXDdq5pVzwc9X5xXl2fHznwpivQ4NY5lBVU9e7SsI4l6XUwve5dp5bUfZn6.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Importance of Fight Experience</h3><p>The difference is they already have fights and you don't. And there's a good chance you could still win because of your experience in the gym, for sure. When you've trained that long, like, those reps matter, of course, but fighting matters. I have a student of mine, Desauan. He had 30 amateur fights in about a two and a half year period.</p><figure id="figure-ywdp88tnbblzvr4xeu"><img id="ywdp88tnbblzvr4xeu" src="https://durable.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/blocks/26oEd1tWp4F3baUaf4q7StY3pMiutFrriimsQBrG7hmBj5Witob5Ob0AleWiHwW3.jpg" alt="Martial Arts sport training in gym" title="Martial Arts sport training in gym" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 0% 35%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="0%" data-positiony="35%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://durable.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/blocks/26oEd1tWp4F3baUaf4q7StY3pMiutFrriimsQBrG7hmBj5Witob5Ob0AleWiHwW3.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 0% 35%;"></figure><p>And they were, half of them were smokers. They were kickboxes, smokers, where you show up to a gym or a location, multiple gyms show up, and you basically spar each other in front of an audience, and it simulates a fight. It's not really a fight, though. It's not. You're wearing shin guards and big gear and big gloves and sometimes headgear. He did amateur boxing, fought the golden gloves. So between boxing, it fought Tuesday night fights, boxing fights that are amateur show, we have here locally.</p><p>So amateur, pro, amateur boxing, kickboxing combined, this guy had 30 fights. And because of that, now he's a sanctioned fighter, he's an MMA fighter. He's a kickboxer without shin guards and stuff. He's so much more relaxed than these guys. Like, I'm a big believer in fight experience because when I was coming up, I didn't start training, so I was 20 years old, so I was really late behind the game. But in my first, basically, year and a half of boxing, I had 20 amateur fights. I would go to tournaments.</p><figure id="figure-u368g7ib3plzvr77sy"><img id="u368g7ib3plzvr77sy" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1ajlXNu7RwWEGJmm6tSJONn8kSoFGQ0mIUj78eUjJjjS1I2wUIM4nZf8zWGNLI9x.jpg" alt="Concept karate, martial arts. Construction of students in the hall before training. Kimono, different belts, different levels of training" title="Concept karate, martial arts. Construction of students in the hall before training. Kimono, different belts, different levels of training" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 20%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="20%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1ajlXNu7RwWEGJmm6tSJONn8kSoFGQ0mIUj78eUjJjjS1I2wUIM4nZf8zWGNLI9x.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 20%;"></figure><p>I fight sometimes two or three times in one week. I fought at the Golden Gloves, and both times I got three fights. So I got six fights, one and two weekends. That experience matters because what happens is you'll take, like, let's say you're an MMA guy, and you'll take an mma guy that has 5-10 years of grappling experience. He's been striking for a year or two.</p><p>Slow and technical. You know, he's just been taking his time. He's very technical, he's very good, but he hasn't really fought. And then of, of course, this is very common, too. I see a lot, a lot of grapplers trying to go straight to mma without taking striking fights.</p><h3>The Role of Experience in MMA</h3><p>And they're not used to getting punched in the face as much when they get into MMA because they've been grappling all the years without punching, you know, and this is, I'm talking about becoming an amateur at first. What happens is the guys in there, like, when I had these 20 amateur boxing fights, I was so relaxed, I would go into the ring. I remember I had 20 amateur boxing fights, and some, these people thought that I had all this experience, but I'm a trainer a year and a half. So what happened is I go in there and I would fight guys that had five years of jiu-jitsu, and I'd only been training jiu-jitsu for six months, and I would beat them. I wouldn't beat them on the ground, but I would avoid the ground and I'd beat them.</p><figure id="figure-hmzk1hlgnlzvr8whj"><img id="hmzk1hlgnlzvr8whj" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/8RJmECGw36gS279SLSkSwaA2PG7rtb8iSvYuxCPTZoUjTSCI1Fds0cGpOoBAJfQE.png" alt="Team of motivated teenagers are engaged in karate in gym" title="Team of motivated teenagers are engaged in karate in gym" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/8RJmECGw36gS279SLSkSwaA2PG7rtb8iSvYuxCPTZoUjTSCI1Fds0cGpOoBAJfQE.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>I was so relaxed, and they would get nervous. They would have adrenaline dumps like that. Ring time matters. Ring time, if you can fight as much as possible as an amateur, but you have to stay healthy with it. That's the hard part.</p><p>And also, it’s depending on your defense or you've taken fights and taken no damage, or are you taking fights and you're getting hurt? Like my student Desauan had 30 fights in two and a half years because he wasn't getting hit a lot. He wasn't taking no damage, and he was winning the fights pretty handily, so I moved him accordingly. If he was having wars out there, then I would space him out, make him wait every three or four months to take a fight. But ring time matters, guys.</p><figure id="figure-musprf2cu5lzvragh3"><img id="musprf2cu5lzvragh3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1aO8mf235Gs11RYTjvtuzKv6Ldd96wzGFbdIJO63yBOxcK5lI7ycH8MrmJkQ6zee.jpg" alt="Woman in kimono practicing. Breaking board" title="Woman in kimono practicing. Breaking board" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 5%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="5%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1aO8mf235Gs11RYTjvtuzKv6Ldd96wzGFbdIJO63yBOxcK5lI7ycH8MrmJkQ6zee.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 5%;"></figure><p>Why do you think someone like Alex Pereira or Izzy, Israel Adesanya. They're so relaxed in there. They're so relaxed. They have 70, 80 amateur, I mean, professional kickboxing fights before they came to MMA.</p><h3>Importance of Ring Time</h3><p>They have a lot of ring time, guys. They have a lot of ring time, and they're used to the nerves, they're used to walking out. They're used to people trying to punch them. Grappling tournaments help, too. Going to a grappling tournament can help with the nerves as well.</p><p>You still get nervous going to grappling tournaments. You're still competing against someone you don't know in an environment you're not comfortable with. But at the same time, <em>striking </em>is better, in my opinion. I think every fighter who wants to turn pro in MMA should have a minimum of ten amateur boxing and kickboxing fights combined. Smokers—they don't all have to be sanctioned fights—but like a lot of these coaches here locally, they let these people fight two smokers and then they're so eager to turn them into a sanctioned fighter so they can go to these big shows.</p><p>It's really more about the coach than it is the fighter. But <strong>ring time matters</strong>, guys. So think about this as you're coming up or if you're coaching someone, or you know someone coming up, they need to get quite a bit of experience in the ring. So they're used to walking out, they're used to the crowd being there.</p><p>They're used to being nervous. They get over the adrenaline dumps because you're gonna have them at first regardless. Most people have adrenaline dumps at first. When they fight, they'll fight three 1-minute or two-minute rounds and they're completely exhausted and gassed out. They think they're out of shape, but really, they're just nervous. This is part of the process.</p><p>But the more times you do it, the less nervous you are, right? So ring time matters, guys. Take as many fights as you can. Obviously, make sure that you're working on defense and you're not taking a bunch of damage.</p><figure id="figure-r0y53uhtvhlzvreggz"><img id="r0y53uhtvhlzvreggz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29qDbsQCxuskL0kkzpCH92o7M9oSx7Flal5ElyEQOs7jAJ8ZIYZtjTx0TKWpgSEP.png" alt="Woman in white sport karate uniform with black belt training in action against white studio background." title="Woman in white sport karate uniform with black belt training in action against white studio background." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>Building Experience and Managing Nerves</h3><p>Take as many fights as you can when you first start, once your coach approves that, obviously, because later on, that will pay off big time. When you come to a fight and you have 15-20 amateur boxing and kickboxing fights, and the grappler only has a few jiu-jitsu tournaments, it matters. They may be a higher belt than you, but they have no ring time. That matters a lot, they're going to be more nervous, and they're going to get tired faster.</p><p><strong>Adrenaline dumps </strong>do that to you. You basically are all amped up in the back. You’ll see it a lot at local shows in your area—you'll see guys warming up for two hours straight. They’re walking around, pacing, nervous, and they don’t know how to relax because they're inexperienced.</p><p><em>I did this—we all do this—but it causes adrenaline dumps</em>, so all of that gets washed out. In the amateurs, if you have enough fights and then as you turn pro, every fight makes you nervous, no matter if you’ve been fighting for 20 years or two years, but it gets less and less. You’re able to deal with it and the pace is not as bad.</p><p>Definitely, I suggest taking quite a few boxing and kickboxing fights, smokers, Golden Gloves, USA Boxing, whatever's in your area. <strong>Local fights at the bar</strong> where they box each other, whatever. All you’re getting is experience walking to a ring or cage, people watching you, playing your music—the whole feel of a fight without taking the damage of a fight because you're wearing big gear.</p><p>So, something to think about, guys. <strong>Get as many fights as you can</strong>, take as little damage as you possibly can, and work on defense. If you have any questions or subjects you’d like me to go over, just let me know in the comments.</p><p>If you’re looking for a new gym or guidance on finding a gym near you, get my book, <em><strong><a href="https://a.co/d/4LrDHA2" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/4LrDHA2">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor</a></strong></em>. Thank you, guys.</p><figure id="figure-box31llszilzvr0e1a"><iframe id="box31llszilzvr0e1a" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oLvaZRAdYCI" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/oLvaZRAdYCI?si=c_Bnq8ETvgUXFds3" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oLvaZRAdYCI" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

Fight Experience vs. Gym Experience

<p>What's up, guys? I got a good question asked the other day about how to be more aggressive in jiu jitsu. And the way the question was asked, I'm not sure if it was meaning just pure jiu-jitsu or for MMA. So, I'm gonna do a little bit of both, I guess. But first, I am an MMA channel, so I'll start with it.</p><figure id="figure-9dafz3ccrklzknyiv5"><img id="9dafz3ccrklzknyiv5" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1cfVtCuLFBT8VcPgOT5DW59EPKx6TkfDwwsXsbo9v9QL30DRe3PlQxhlg5YkkzKT.png" alt="Karate learning, training and workout of a sport student and coach getting ready for a fight class. Defense expert hands tie a belt in a dojo, workout studio or wellness club about to work on fitness" title="Karate learning, training and workout of a sport student and coach getting ready for a fight class. Defense expert hands tie a belt in a dojo, workout studio or wellness club about to work on fitness" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1cfVtCuLFBT8VcPgOT5DW59EPKx6TkfDwwsXsbo9v9QL30DRe3PlQxhlg5YkkzKT.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Aggressiveness in Jiu Jitsu for MMA</h3><p>I mostly talk about MMA, so let's dive into how to be more aggressive in jiu jitsu specifically for MMA.</p><p><strong>Scrambling and Wrestling</strong></p><p>First off, you have to know how to scramble. You have to know how to wrestle. I know wrestling and jiu jitsu are two different sports, but there's a lot of similarities in certain positions in both of them. And you have to be able to scramble if you're gonna be aggressive.</p><p><strong>Fun Fact: In no gi, the scrambler is the king, just like in wrestling.</strong></p><p>In an MMA fight, it's all about nogi. A scrambler is hard to lock into positions like leg locks or half guard, especially when you're sweating a lot, can get punched in the face, and deal with other variables. So, you need to be able to scramble effectively.</p><p><strong>Focus on Neck Attacks</strong></p><p>For MMA jiu jitsu, you need to go for neck attacks. These are high percentage moves in MMA. I'm not saying arm bars and leg locks don't work, but neck attacks are very effective.</p><blockquote><p><em>Neck attacks are very high percentage in MMA.</em></p></blockquote><p>Aim to be on top. When you're on bottom, work on your sweeps. You need to have thousands of reps of these moves. Pick a few submissions, maybe three, from the bottom and drill them rigorously. But much more importantly, work on a lot of sweeps.</p><p><strong>Importance of Being on Top</strong></p><p>Being on top in an MMA fight gives you more options. You can land punches easier and control the fight better.</p><p>To sum it up, work on your scrambling ability and try to be the one on top. You can be as aggressive as you want in neck attacks and passing guard from the top. It's harder to be this aggressive from the bottom unless your opponent stays in your closed guard without punching you.</p><h3>Aggressiveness in Pure Jiu Jitsu</h3><p>If you're doing pure jiu jitsu, especially nogi, the principles are somewhat similar.</p><p><strong>Nogi and Scrambling</strong></p><p>In nogi, the scrambler wins most of the time. If you're into leg locks and other entanglements, make sure your technique is perfect. With enough practice and drilling, you’ll be able to hold people in these positions, even in nogi, because many nogi tournaments have competitors wearing shirts, reducing the sweat factor.</p><figure id="figure-pebdhcfrjqlzko0cju"><img id="pebdhcfrjqlzko0cju" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31r3XSrPSuK0lyC7WFKUPl4U7y2I915NChcmpm7qNS0Lt0p5bHEzi5YXJofZpHBQ.png" alt="Portrait of a little girl showing biceps. Muscle and endurance training in children." title="Portrait of a little girl showing biceps. Muscle and endurance training in children." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p><strong>Techniques and Drilling</strong></p><p>You need to work on sweeps, get on top, secure overhooks, and master body wizers and wrestling switches.</p><blockquote><p><em>The little rule in jiu jitsu is position before submission.</em></p></blockquote><p>Make sure you're in good positions first. If you miss submissions, you don't want to be stuck in a bad position.</p><p>Sometimes, submissions don’t work, and some people fight harder than others. So, always have an exit strategy. Drill these techniques ensuring you’re giving yourself a way out if a submission doesn’t work.</p><h3>Final Thoughts</h3><p>So, to wrap things up:</p><p>Scramble effectively in both MMA and jiu jitsu<br>Focus on neck attacks, but don’t disregard other submissions<br>Work to be on top for more control and options<br>Always prioritize position over submission<br>Drill sweeps and submissions rigorously</p><p>If you have any other subjects or questions you'd like me to talk about, leave a comment below. Also, if you're looking for a guide to finding a gym near you, check out my book: "<strong><a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/c0arIP4" href="https://a.co/d/c0arIP4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School</a></strong>." The link is in the description below. Thank you, guys!</p><figure id="figure-j2x9xuyunnlzknw5mt" class=""><iframe id="j2x9xuyunnlzknw5mt" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P4vYVfRgWxE" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/P4vYVfRgWxE?si=7emTEJcG-uNd2CQH" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P4vYVfRgWxE" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

How to Be More Aggressive in Jiu Jitsu and MMA

<p>Hey, what's up, guys! Today, I want to share my experience from this past weekend when I had the unique opportunity to corner people at the Redneck Brawl fights. It was an incredible event held in Oklahoma City, and I was thrilled to be asked to corner all the guys from the Texas team.</p><h3>The Venue and the Crowd</h3><p>The event took place at the Pecon Center in Oklahoma City. The venue itself was amazing and very professional. Everything went according to plan, and the organizers did a fantastic job coordinating the event. The crowd was massive, probably between 4,000 to 5,000 people, which added to the electric atmosphere.</p><figure id="figure-g6k2wcu0d5lzh8eq52"><img id="g6k2wcu0d5lzh8eq52" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/16udbclpjvf70uu6V8UMMmJO5CjvLydlMmkmaMamD1DLgm1ECaNZ7MhMmgs5c4SQ.jpg" alt="Sports background. Red-blue colors of traditional soft floor covering for karate, taekwono practice." title="Sports background. Red-blue colors of traditional soft floor covering for karate, taekwono practice." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/16udbclpjvf70uu6V8UMMmJO5CjvLydlMmkmaMamD1DLgm1ECaNZ7MhMmgs5c4SQ.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Impressions of Professionalism</h3><p>I was super impressed by the professionalism of everyone involved. From the event organizers to the fighters, everyone showed up with a clear plan and executed it well. The matchmaker, in particular, did an outstanding job putting together evenly matched fights, making the competition fair but also thrilling to watch.</p><h3>The Fighters and Their Stories</h3><p>This event had quite the cast of characters. There were fighters with colorful names like "Macho Man," "Little Smokey," and of course, "Catfish Cooley," one of the more famous redneck personalities on social media. Catfish Cooley even fought in the main event, drawing a lot of attention and excitement.</p><h3>The Skill Levels and Techniques</h3><p>One interesting aspect of the Redneck Brawl fights was the diverse skill levels of the participants. Most of the fighters, both men and women, didn't have formal training. They were primarily street fighters who wanted to see how they would fare in a more structured setting. Despite their lack of experience, they brought their A-game and fought hard.</p><blockquote><p><em>There were 29 fights in total, and only two fighters quit. That shows the grit and determination of these participants.</em></p></blockquote><h3>My Role as a Corner Man</h3><p>As a corner man, my main goal was to support and guide the fighters from the Texas team. Given that many of them didn't have a lot of technical training, my advice was straightforward. I focused on helping them manage their heart rates and stay calm between rounds, which is crucial when it comes to cardio.</p><h3>Basic Tips and Motivation</h3><p>I kept my instructions simple:</p><p><strong>Straighten Your Punches</strong>: Focus on delivering clean, straight punches.<br><strong>Stay Calm</strong>: Breathe and lower your heart rate between rounds.<br><strong>Fight Smart</strong>: Use basic strategies rather than complex techniques.</p><blockquote><p><em>You don't want to overwhelm someone who's never trained or doesn't know a lot of techniques.</em></p></blockquote><figure id="figure-7xvt78rdtlzh8gveb"><img id="7xvt78rdtlzh8gveb" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29Q3flhg2Id5gKybk0SJkuggWsh2PnMDt0z6BWfXY5zLfVDEL8vDIuOgPuGYoZiJ.png" alt="Woman in white sport karate uniform with black belt training in action against white studio background." title="Woman in white sport karate uniform with black belt training in action against white studio background." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>Entertainment and Fun</h3><p>Overall, the event was super entertaining. If you are ever bored and need some good laughs or thrilling fights, definitely check out the Redneck Brawl. They have an Instagram page and a website, and they also post replays of the fights.</p><figure id="figure-5osbz01x5flzh8bcba"><iframe id="5osbz01x5flzh8bcba" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yKO82mofzf4" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/yKO82mofzf4?si=rDf4odzb_UiLeP9j" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yKO82mofzf4" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><p><br></p>

MY EXPERIENCE CORNERING REDNECK BRAWL FIGHTS! 🥊

<p>What's up, guys? Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s close to my heart: why I absolutely love Taekwondo. Now, I know that traditional martial arts, including Taekwondo, often get a mixed reputation, especially when it comes to UFC and MMA. But I'm here to tell you, there are a lot of misconceptions out there.</p><h3>The Stigma Around Traditional Martial Arts</h3><p><strong>A Misunderstood Art&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Traditional martial arts, like Taekwondo and Karate, often receive unfair criticism. These arts are packed with phenomenal techniques, and I emphasize, phenomenal. Yet, many people involved in these martial arts don't necessarily grow up wanting to be fighters. Oftentimes, they're perceived as rich kids who are in it for the sport rather than the fight.</p><figure id="figure-my866l4snslza03far"><img id="my866l4snslza03far" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2al5hAnMUYF1Bft5Qn256rXjlEF52eGaeYTWoHhAfwOuEd2oV2Nlb4vViNiLn0Mp.png" alt="Concept karate, martial arts. Construction of students in the hall before training. Kimono, different belts, different levels of training" title="Concept karate, martial arts. Construction of students in the hall before training. Kimono, different belts, different levels of training" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2al5hAnMUYF1Bft5Qn256rXjlEF52eGaeYTWoHhAfwOuEd2oV2Nlb4vViNiLn0Mp.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The "Rich Kid" Stereotype</h3><p>It’s a common observation that many Taekwondo practitioners are financially well-off. They've not experienced the hardships that could turn them into tougher fighters. Many don't aim to transition into MMA, which contributes to the art's mixed reputation.</p><h3>Comparing Taekwondo to Other Martial Arts</h3><p><strong>Similarities and Differences</strong></p><p>In many ways, Taekwondo is similar to other martial arts like Jiujitsu. Many Jiujitsu practitioners also have no interest in actual fighting, and the turnover rate is quite low. In contrast, MMA attracts individuals generally around 18-20 years old, who are seriously interested in fighting.</p><h3>Early Starters</h3><figure id="figure-ysibh4ntflza04io5"><img id="ysibh4ntflza04io5" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9i6qBZ81wxQxVW8CapSfKPzMLPfxMb2IiDIEaudCWILTZvo6jNG2Csedk6KtTLx8.png" alt="Martial arts boy" title="Martial arts boy" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9i6qBZ81wxQxVW8CapSfKPzMLPfxMb2IiDIEaudCWILTZvo6jNG2Csedk6KtTLx8.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><p>Most people who practice Taekwondo start at a very young age. And what these young practitioners can achieve with their feet—often comparable to what others can do with their hands—is truly impressive. This high level of skill comes from thousands of repetitions and starting young, but it’s never too late to learn!</p><h3>Training Relentlessly: The Tale of DeShawn</h3><p><strong>The Making of a Fighter</strong></p><figure id="figure-ahvd2gu8imlza05mvw"><img id="ahvd2gu8imlza05mvw" src="https://durable.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/blocks/6Hex0fBHUzGg6XmN29shGKx1r8DN8k70PIUWn0Yce01FeSKuOqsY7UdQbzB8WDeN.jpg" alt="Shot of a young man and cute little girl practicing karate in a studio" title="Shot of a young man and cute little girl practicing karate in a studio" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 100% 40%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="100%" data-positiony="40%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://durable.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/blocks/6Hex0fBHUzGg6XmN29shGKx1r8DN8k70PIUWn0Yce01FeSKuOqsY7UdQbzB8WDeN.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 100% 40%;"></figure><p>One of my students, DeShawn, epitomizes why Taekwondo is so effective. Known as "The Dog" for his tenacity, DeShawn is incredibly fast and athletic. Over the last two years, he has mastered 8-10 basic kicks, practicing them consistently every week on Taekwondo paddles.</p><figure id="figure-nnw9wqwqnlza0eo2o"><img id="nnw9wqwqnlza0eo2o" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1ajlXNu7RwWEGJmm6tSJONn8kSoFGQ0mIUj78eUjJjjS1I2wUIM4nZf8zWGNLI9x.jpg" alt="Woman in kimono practicing karate" title="Woman in kimono practicing karate" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 15%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="15%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1ajlXNu7RwWEGJmm6tSJONn8kSoFGQ0mIUj78eUjJjjS1I2wUIM4nZf8zWGNLI9x.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 15%;"></figure><h3>The Power of Repetition</h3><p>Taekwondo training is like shadow boxing. Even when you're kicking at a pad, you have to quickly return to your stance, akin to throwing a punch in the air. This fluidity and constant movement make the techniques highly effective.</p><h3>The Case for Simplicity</h3><p>DeShawn's strength isn’t in a large repertoire of moves. Instead, it's in his mastery of a few key techniques—front kicks, side kicks, spinning hook kicks, and back kicks. By focusing on these over and over, he's developed precision and power. His achievements, including multiple viral head-kick knockouts, speak for themselves.</p><blockquote><p><em>Learn ten, eight to ten moves and do these over and over and over. Do them for three to five years and see how good you get at these moves, and you're gonna be like, holy shit. These actually do work.</em></p></blockquote><h3>Addressing Criticisms</h3><p><strong>Muay Thai vs. Taekwondo</strong></p><p>Many argue that Muay Thai is superior to traditional martial arts, mainly because of its low kicks. While I agree that Muay Thai is fantastic—I’ve trained in Thailand five times myself—the notion that it's vastly superior is misleading. Remove low kicks from the equation, and you'd see a much different comparison.</p><h3>Injuries and Adaptability</h3><figure id="figure-jgmac0kl3lza0i067"><img id="jgmac0kl3lza0i067" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/b93vJ1xp5kHiXpmTJw5ZJehoWwTuhumiEWRB0K4049ll3MwGlFCovLegwsNigCgY.png" alt="Elbow punch in karate. Children's training. Black and white photo with film grain effect." title="Elbow punch in karate. Children's training. Black and white photo with film grain effect." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p>One advantage of Taekwondo is its adaptability, especially when dealing with injuries. For instance, a shoulder injury might limit punching, but you can still work on your kicks. One of my students has done this post-surgery and experienced significant improvements in his kicking techniques.</p><h3>The Real Secret: It's the Individual</h3><p><strong>The Right Mindset</strong></p><p>Ultimately, the effectiveness of any martial art depends more on the individual than the art itself. Wrestling and boxing are essential, but if you teach an athletic and determined individual Taekwondo, they'll shine just as brightly.</p><h3>Control and Fluidity</h3><p>Taekwondo enhances body control in ways other martial arts often don't. The ability to kick, miss, and immediately return to stance requires fluidity and precision that's unique to the art. It can be tough on the lower back, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>So, don’t let anyone convince you that Taekwondo isn't effective. It's often the people who practice it, rather than the art itself, that get it a bad reputation. Train hard, stay focused, and remember, it's always more about the person than the discipline.</p><h3>Further Reading and Resources</h3><p>Looking for a gym or instructor? Check out my book, <a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/0nRFO23" href="https://a.co/d/0nRFO23" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Ultimate Guide to Martial Arts Schools and Instructor</strong></a>.<br>Watch a video of DeShawn executing some of his incredible kicks <a data-mce-href="https://youtube.com/shorts/K77j14a0mUg?si=NsoDsAJFrWcfjpk6" href="https://youtube.com/shorts/K77j14a0mUg?si=NsoDsAJFrWcfjpk6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p><p><br>Leave any questions or topics you want to see covered in the comments below. Thanks for reading and keep kicking!</p><figure id="figure-ox86gjib8lza013qw"><iframe id="ox86gjib8lza013qw" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FdfRjlfJwzk" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/FdfRjlfJwzk?si=L1bUud6Z1Px5CSeP" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FdfRjlfJwzk" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

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GRAPPLERS IN MMA STOP DOING THIS!!

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