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<h3>Tap Early, Train Longer: Real Talk on Neck Safety for Fighters</h3>Hey everybody! Today, I want to talk to all you young fighters out there and everyone putting time in on the mats, whether that's jiu-jitsu, MMA, or wrestling. If you want to keep doing what you love for years and not wake up every morning with a wrecked neck (trust me, I've been there), listen up. I’m sharing some hard-learned advice that could save your training—and maybe your spine—down the line. Before we jump in, let me just say: I’ve been at this a long time. Years of jiu-jitsu, plenty of wrestling, the whole deal. And almost every serious grappler or MMA fighter I know has neck issues. Most of us could have avoided a lot of this pain if we’d just tapped a bit sooner, especially during practice. So let’s get into why tapping is so important, the risks around neck attacks, and how you can train hard and smart.<h3>Who Is This Advice For?</h3>If you’re new to martial arts, just started training jiu-jitsu, MMA, or wrestling, or even if you’re several years deep and still feel bulletproof, this post is for you. I wish someone had sat me down and really drilled this into my head early on. This is also for coaches, team leaders, or anyone who cares about their teammates’ well-being. Share this advice—could be a game changer for someone. And to the old heads: You’ll probably just nod along, remembering your own neck injuries. But hey, it’s never too late to pass the wisdom down.<h3>Why Do Fighters Have Neck Problems?</h3>Let’s keep it real. Grappling is tough on the body. You’re constantly fighting off chokes, cranks, and all sorts of wild positions. It doesn’t matter if you’re rolling gi or no-gi, or just wrestling—your neck is going to get worked.<blockquote>“Every person I know that's been doing jiu-jitsu or grappling for a long time, for the most part, has neck issues.”</blockquote>Why? Because most of us are stubborn as all get out. Maybe it’s pride. Maybe it's ego. Maybe you just don’t want to tap to your buddy. But every second you spend fighting out of a tight neck crank or ignoring that sharp pain is one more notch taken off the life of your spine.<h3>The Importance of Tapping in Practice</h3>Let’s clear something up: I’m not telling you to become a tap machine. Don’t tap every time someone so much as breathes on you. You want to be gritty; you want to fight. But there’s a world of difference between fighting out of a position in practice and risking long-term injury. Tapping early in practice saves you for competition.You know the drill in training—you end up stuck in a guillotine, or someone slaps on an anaconda, or you find yourself in a deep D’arce. You can fight it out, strain your neck, maybe escape—maybe not. But in a fight, maybe you’ll risk it. In practice, think long-term. There’s no gold medal for being stubborn on Tuesday night at the gym. Why is tapping smarter?<ul><li>You avoid chronic injuries that haunt you for years </li><li>You keep your training consistent (no time off due to avoidable injury) </li><li>You build up muscle memory for escapes when it matters </li><li>Your teammates will take better care of you and themselves </li><li>You earn respect for being smart, not just tough</li></ul><blockquote>“A lot of this can be avoided if you just tap faster during practice.”</blockquote><h3>Common Neck Attacks in Grappling and MMA</h3>Let’s name the culprits. If you’re rolling, these submissions are out to get your neck:<ul><li>Guillotine Choke A classic. High risk, high reward. Easy to jump on in both gi and no-gi. </li><li>Anaconda Choke Catch you with your arm-in, roll you up, squeeze. </li><li>Rear Naked Choke Bread-and-butter of BJJ and MMA—works every time. </li><li>D’Arce (Darce) Choke Arm triangle variant. Sneaky, fast, and dangerous to neck and shoulder.</li></ul>And beyond these are the neck cranks—moves that don’t choke you out but put a lot of pressure on your neck and spine. In MMA? People go for neck attacks a lot because finishing with a choke or crank is a high-percentage move. If you’re fighting MMA, you’re going to get caught in these.<blockquote>“Choking someone out is a very high percentage move for mixed martial arts or jiu-jitsu…. These are common attacks that people try in competition or practice all the time.”</blockquote><h3>Tap vs. Toughness: Finding the Balance</h3>Okay, let’s talk about pride. No matter how many times your coach says “leave your ego at the door”, it still sneaks in. You want to be the tough one. Maybe the coach’s eye is on you, or you’re rolling with your rival. You get cranky, stubborn, refuse to tap. I’ve been there. Most of us end up there at some point.But here’s the thing: Your coach already knows who the tough ones are. You don’t need to prove it every roll. And resisting the tap doesn’t mean you’re tough—it just means you’re risking being sidelined for months, or worse, for good.<blockquote>“You know, deep down in your heart, when you get in a fight, that you’re going to fight out of this. Your coach knows who the tough guys in the gym are. Everyone knows this.”</blockquote>Toughness is smart when you pick your battles. Save it for the fight.<h3>What Happens When You Ignore the Pain?</h3>This is where it gets real. You let that neck crank ride too long, thinking you can muscle out of it. Maybe you escape, but next morning you can’t look left without pain shooting down your back. Or worse, it becomes a constant ache, or burning arms, or tingling fingers—nerve issues. You’ve now got what we call The Jiu-Jitsu Neck. I’ve been through it. So have tons of older fighters.<blockquote>“You’re gonna do this for several years and you’re going to wake up one day and have the Jiu-Jitsu neck and it’s going to be really bad…. A lot of us have went through this.”</blockquote>And it adds up. Injuries might force you to take long breaks, miss competitions, or quit altogether. I’ve had to travel out of the country to try getting stem cells injected into my neck and back! <h3>Smarter Training: Saving Yourself for the Fight</h3>Let your competition be the place you dig deep and gamble with your body, not your regular training sessions.<ul><li>Your job in practice is to get better. </li><li>Your job in competition is to win.</li></ul>You do the hard gritty fights in the ring or on the mat—the real ones. In practice, your priority should always be to train tomorrow.<blockquote>“Practice is for getting better. Save your body for the real fights.”</blockquote>If you’re caught in a neck crank, here’s what to do:<ol><li>Try a controlled escape. Give it an honest effort. But if it’s not coming, don’t force it. </li><li>Feel pain? Tap! If there’s any sharp or shooting pain, or you feel that “bad twist,” tap and reset. </li><li>Talk to your partner. If their grip is way past the point of safe, ask them to lighten up.</li></ol><h3>Long-Term Health: Why It Should Matter to You</h3>No matter how fired up you are right now about tournaments or getting your blue belt, trust me—you don’t want to be hobbling around in your 30s or 40s (or younger!) with a ruined neck because you couldn’t let go of your pride for one roll. Long-term neck injuries can mean:<ul><li>Chronic pain (every single day) </li><li>Loss of grip or strength in your arms/hands </li><li>Nerve damage leading to tingling or numbness </li><li>Surgery or risky procedures </li><li>Being forced to quit training</li></ul>Most of this suffering is avoidable. Ask around. I guarantee every black belt or seasoned fighter in your gym will have at least one horror story and will agree—tapping is smarter.<blockquote>“A neck crank is going to do nothing but hurt you long term. It's not like a blood choke where you just go to sleep; this is long-term damage… almost like a car wreck where the damage is done.”</blockquote><h3>Getting Help: My Own Story</h3>This isn’t just theory—here’s my story. After years of stubborn rolling, I messed my neck and back up badly. It affected my training, messed with my sleep, made daily life annoying. I had to go all the way to Colombia for stem cell therapy, which is expensive and not guaranteed.<blockquote>“I was a real bad example of this. That's why my neck is messed up as bad as it is. I'm about to go to Columbia…getting stem cells in my neck and back... I’m optimistic that's going to work.”</blockquote>What I’d give to go back in time and just tap a little earlier on those cranks. If you want to avoid traveling for expensive procedures, or worse, being told the damage is permanent—tap early, train longer.<h3>Tips for Safer Training</h3>Here’s a quick checklist to help you keep your neck safe and healthy for years of rolling:1. Learn the Difference Between a Choke and a Crank<ul><li>Choke: Blood is cut off, you might go out, but usually no lasting damage if you tap. </li><li>Crank: Pressure on the neck/spine/jaw, can mess up discs, ligaments, or nerves.</li></ul>2. Communicate with Your Training Partners<ul><li>Let them know if a submission is bothering your neck more than usual. </li><li>Give feedback if their control needs work.</li></ul>3. Strengthen Your Neck (but don’t overdo it)<ul><li>Plenty of grapplers do neck bridges, resistance training, stability work. </li><li>Don’t overload—form is everything.</li></ul>4. Always Warm Up Properly<ul><li>Take time to loosen up your neck and upper back before hard rolls.</li></ul>5. Use Good Technique<ul><li>Learn the proper way to defend and escape—don’t rely just on muscling out or “toughing it out.”</li></ul>6. Listen to Your Body<ul><li>Sharp pain, numbness, or “weird” sensations are signs to stop.</li></ul>7. Rest When Needed<ul><li>If your neck is tweaked, take time off. Don’t rush back and make it worse.</li></ul>8. See a Professional if You Get Hurt<ul><li>Chiropractors, physical therapists, and qualified doctors can help prevent something minor from turning chronic.</li></ul><h3>Answering Common Questions</h3>Q: If I tap in practice, will people think I’m weak? A: Not at all. Most gyms respect people who can train smart and take care of themselves and others. And anyone clowning you isn’t someone worth impressing.Q: Does tapping in training mean I’ll tap easier in competition? A: No. True “gamers” know the difference between practice and the real deal. Training is where you prepare. The fight is where you test your heart. Q: I’m tough and want to fight pro—shouldn’t I resist cranks to get used to pressure? A: Getting “used to it” won’t make your neck invincible. Technical escapes and controlled resistance are better than just suffering through pain. Q: My coach tells everyone to work hard—should I ignore pain? A: Work hard, but not stupid. Talk to your coach if you’re getting caught in bad positions often and focus on technique.<blockquote>“Fight a little bit. If there’s any pain at all, start tapping, guys, so you can avoid it because a neck crank is going to do nothing but hurt you long term.”</blockquote><h3>Conclusion &amp; Next Steps</h3>Look, at the end of the day, martial arts is about bettering yourself, not wrecking your body. You want a lifetime on the mats, not a few years of being a practice hero before you’re forced out by preventable injury. Key takeaways:<ul><li>Tap early during practice, especially with neck attacks and cranks. </li><li>Know the difference between smart resistance and dumb ego. </li><li>Your coach already knows who the tough ones are—no need to prove it every roll. </li><li>Save your body for the real fights. </li><li>Respect your health—the mats will still be there tomorrow.</li></ul>If you like this advice or have any other topics you want me to cover, drop a comment below. Training smart is just as important as training hard. And if you’re new to martial arts and looking for the right gym, check out my book—<a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/1RHmbuy" href="https://a.co/d/1RHmbuy" title="The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ultimate Guide to Martial Arts School and </a><a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/1RHmbuy" href="https://a.co/d/1RHmbuy" title="The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instructor.</a><figure id="figure-nn5xyrif27mdqlmxex"><iframe id="nn5xyrif27mdqlmxex" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YdHHIFP4NyM" 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/YdHHIFP4NyM?si=0Pgn2WSSS7ubDVmZ" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YdHHIFP4NyM" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

FIGHTERS MAKE SURE YOU ARE TAPPING! 🥋

<h3>UFC 318 Recap &amp; Reactions: My Thoughts on an Action-Packed Night</h3>What’s up, fight fans! UFC 318 just went down last night, and man, what a card. I sat down, took some notes, and I’ve got a lot to talk about. The underdogs showed up, the main event delivered, and if you like betting, this was one to remember.&nbsp;<h3>Introduction: Setting the Scene</h3>Last night’s UFC 318 was wild. From start to finish, nearly every fight had something that made me jump out of my seat. I made sure to keep some notes because I knew I’d want to share my thoughts with you, and honestly, if you love seeing underdogs pull off upsets, this card was for you.<blockquote>“All the underdogs did. Underdogs did.”</blockquote>The energy in the arena was insane, the fighters came to throw down, and we got to see some real veteran craftiness as well as some breakout performances. If there’s one theme for the night, it’s that you never know what’s going to happen in the UFC!<h3>Michael Johnson’s Big Win</h3>Volume, Heart, and Veteran ExperienceFirst up, let’s talk about Michael Johnson. Now, I’ll be real—I totally forgot to write down his opponent’s name. But what stuck with me was how sharp Michael Johnson looked in the cage. Johnson came in looking like the real veteran he is:<ul><li>Phenomenal volume: He didn’t slow down, kept the hands flying, and made life really hard for his opponent. </li><li>Worked the guy all fight: He stuck to his plan and outworked him from the first bell to the last.</li></ul>His opponent tried to keep Johnson at range with kicks and long strikes, but Johnson just pushed through, landed his own combos, and by the second round, he hurt the guy bad. All that volume—hand combinations, pressure, and movement—it was just a ton for the other dude to handle. In the end, Michael Johnson got the decision, and it was well-deserved. If you enjoy seeing a crafty veteran still winning, this was one for you.<blockquote>“Congrats to Michael Johnson. Still winning.”</blockquote><h3>Patricky Pitbull vs. Dan Ige: Grappling Wins the Day</h3>Underdog Story ContinuesNext up on the card was the clash between Patricky Pitbull (another underdog) and Dan Ige. I was looking forward to this one. The first round? Super close. Dan Ige looked sharp and probably edged it out. But in the second round, things flipped. Pitbull turned up the pressure, mixed it up, and started using his grappling to really change the story of the fight. He hurt Dan a couple of times and controlled the fight in the grappling exchanges. After the dust settled, Pitbull was your winner. Hats off to him—getting your first UFC win is something special. The fact that yet another underdog came out on top really set the tone for the rest of the night.<blockquote>“Pitbull pulled it out and congrats to him. First UFC win—great job for him.”</blockquote><h3>Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez: Close Calls &amp; Mount Control</h3>Really Could’ve Gone Either WayAfter two big underdog wins, we got Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez. Going in, I thought Holland was going to take it. He always brings that swagger and creativity, and he plays to the crowd. But sometimes the fight game doesn’t go how you expect. The fight itself was razor close. What probably tipped the scales? The last two minutes of the fight. Rodriguez managed to mount Holland a couple of times, controlled him, and landed shots. Now, Holland did a great job avoiding the biggest, cleanest punches from the mount, but those last couple minutes matter big time in the judge’s eyes.<h3>“Rodriguez mounted him and the last two minutes… think that’s what ultimately gave him decision.”</h3>I was surprised Holland didn’t get the W, but honestly, this was a close one. Could’ve gone either way, so I can’t be mad at the result. If you love seeing two guys battle it out with a mix of skills, this was a fun scrap.<h3>Paulo Costa’s Power Performance</h3>All About That StrengthAnd then—Paulo Costa. The guy is a powerhouse, and he didn’t mess around against Roman (honestly, I won’t even try to pronounce the last name). From the opening bell, Costa looked like the bigger, stronger fighter. He hurt his opponent multiple times, showed off his power, and put on a clinic. What stood out:<ul><li>More power: Costa landed the heavier shots and made sure you could see who was boss. </li><li>Controlled the fight: He beat the kid up, mixed in different strikes, and never really let his opponent get going. </li><li>Another underdog win! If you’re the betting type, this was a card where picking underdogs paid off.</li></ul><blockquote> “That was four underdogs on the main card. Very impressive and very good if you were a person that was betting for sure.”</blockquote><h3> Main Event: Holloway Shines in His Hometown</h3>Max Holloway’s MasterclassLet’s talk about the main event. Max Holloway—what a legend. He looked absolutely amazing out there, fighting in his home city. Holloway was in rhythm all night. You could see the veteran moves, his ability to pick shots, and his crazy good defense. Some things that really stood out about Holloway’s performance:<ul><li>Reading range: He knew exactly where to stand to land his shots and avoid damage. </li><li>Great defense: Moving his head off the centerline, making the other guy miss. </li><li>Fluent combinations: Putting his punches and strikes together in ways that kept his opponent guessing. </li><li>Picking his opponent apart: Holloway made sure to land, move, and never take more punishment than he needed to.</li></ul>His opponent, though—props to him. He had some moments, and honestly, he’s had a phenomenal career. Super cool to see him get the moment he wanted in front of his home crowd.<blockquote>“Congrats to him and to close things out the way he wanted to in his home city for sure. Very much deserved for a guy that put this much into sports.”</blockquote>But, real talk—this night belonged to Max Holloway. I’m hyped to see if he gets a rematch with “Tooyia” (I’m pretty sure that’s a typo in my notes, but you know who I mean). Either way, Holloway’s still at the top, and I’m here for his next fight.<h3>Why the Underdogs Dominated</h3>This was the night for the underdogs—no question. Four underdogs walked away with wins on the main card alone. If you like rooting for the folks no one expects to win, or you’re the type who likes a chance to win big on a bet, then UFC 318 was your kind of card. Here’s how it played out:<ul><li>Michael Johnson: Outworked a tough opponent and showed the value of experience. </li><li>Patricky Pitbull: Used grit and grappling to pull off his first UFC win. Paulo Costa: Brought the power and backed up his underdog status with a dominant win. </li><li>Who else? Throughout the night, being counted out seemed to fire these guys up.</li></ul><blockquote> “All the underdogs did. If you're a better, maybe you parlayed a couple of the underdogs and got paid good.”</blockquote>It’s what makes MMA so great—you never really know who’s going to win, and sometimes the guy with the longer odds has the bigger heart.<h3>What Made UFC 318 Special?</h3>Alright, let’s take a second to talk about the card as a whole. I’ve seen a lot of UFC events over the years, and honestly, this one was different in a good way.<ul><li>Action-packed all night: There wasn’t a single boring fight on the main card. Everyone came to fight. </li><li>Upsets and surprises: You can’t script stuff like this—underdogs showing out in every big match is wild. </li><li>Veteran fighters shining: Guys like Michael Johnson and Max Holloway put on clinics and showed they still have what it takes. </li><li>The energy: The crowd, the finishes, and the competitive fights all added to the magic.</li></ul><blockquote>“Great card guys. One of the best cards I’ve seen in a while. All the fights were good and very exciting.”</blockquote>If you’re a longtime fan or even just someone tuning in for the first time, this was a reminder of why we all love MMA. It keeps you on your toes and delivers moments you don’t see in any other sport.<h3>Looking Ahead: Holloway’s Next Step</h3>After a huge win like that, everyone’s asking: What’s next for Max Holloway? Does he get another crack at the champ? Is there a big-money showdown waiting?<blockquote>“I’m excited to see if Holloway gets a rematch with Topuria or not. We’ll see how it goes…”</blockquote>Here’s what I think:<ol><li>Rematch Potential: After a performance like that, Holloway has a strong argument for eating another title shot. </li><li>Staying Active: Holloway always likes to fight, so if the champ isn’t ready, expect him in another banger soon. </li><li>Fan Favorite: No matter who he fights next, you know it’s going to be fun.</li></ol>If you’re like me, you’re pumped to see what’s next for “Blessed.” Let me know in the comments who you want to see him fight next!<h3>New to Martial Arts? How to Get Started</h3>Maybe some of the action last night has you fired up to jump into training yourself. If you’re new to martial arts or looking to find the right gym in your area, I’ve got a resource that can help.<blockquote>“If you’re new to martial arts and you’re looking for a gym in your area, get my book ‘<a title="The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor" href="https://a.co/d/7uR2x02" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/7uR2x02">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor</a>.”</blockquote>Why Start Training?<ul><li>Fitness: MMA and martial arts will get you in the best shape of your life. </li><li>Discipline: You’ll learn focus, discipline, and how to keep pushing through challenges. </li><li>Community: Martial arts gyms are a great place to make friends and be part of something positive.</li></ul>How to Find a GymHere's a quick cheat sheet to get started:<ol><li>Google gyms in your area and check for reviews. </li><li>Visit a few gyms: Most places will let you try a class for free. </li><li>Talk to instructors: Make sure they’re experienced and the vibe fits what you’re looking for. </li><li>Ask about schedules, memberships, and what types of classes they offer.</li></ol>Want more info? Check out my book—the link’s in the description (or just reach out in the comments).<h3>Final Thoughts: Let’s Talk in the Comments!</h3>All in all, UFC 318 brought us one of the best cards in a while. Underdogs making waves, veterans reminding us why they’re legends, and action from start to finish. If you backed the underdogs, congrats on the big payday! <figure id="figure-dbsgvhuy89mdc15hxr" class=""><iframe id="dbsgvhuy89mdc15hxr" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1nPqFwWWTeQ" 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/1nPqFwWWTeQ?si=6qGEoVVWMD99XZRr" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1nPqFwWWTeQ" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

UFC 318 HOLLOWAY VS POIRIER 3

<h3>The Fighter’s Switch: Why “Getting Mean” Matters in the Gym (And In The Cage)</h3>What's up guys? If you’ve ever walked into an MMA gym and wondered why some people just seem to “have it” while others struggle even though they work just as hard, you’re not alone. This post is for anyone who’s started training with dreams of stepping inside that cage, but who might feel like they’re just not the meanest, the most savage, or the toughest fighter in the room. Let’s break down why your mentality might be holding you back — and what you can do about it.<h3>Why Mentality Beats Raw Talent</h3>Look, you can have all the technique in the world, be a beast at cardio, maybe even hit harder than everyone in your class. But, at the end of the day, the mentality you bring into sparring, drills, and eventually real fights, is what’s going to set you apart.<blockquote>"A lot of this boils down to mentality, guys...I tell people, get mean, get mean."</blockquote>A lot of new fighters believe they need to become some sort of physical tank — the toughest, baddest dude (or woman!) in the gym. But truth is, it’s often less about “toughness” and more about being willing to turn up the intensity. That’s about mental grit, not just genetics or background. Imagine a group of fresh beginners at your gym, all different backgrounds. Some have rough upbringings, some have had it pretty good. Who stands out in sparring? Nine times out of ten, it’s the one who gets a little mean — the one willing to push intensity when things get real.<h3>Toughness Isn’t Just About Taking Hits</h3>Getting punched in the face isn’t fun. Neither is wearing a big overhand right in sparring, or getting rag-dolled for three rounds. But “toughness” in fighting goes way beyond just “not quitting.” It’s about how you respond under fire. LLet’s break it down:<ul><li>Some fighters, when they get beat up, come back for more and refuse to quit. </li><li>They may not start with crazy grit but they keep coming back, session after session. </li><li>Others, even if they’re less naturally mean, survive under pressure, don’t make excuses, don’t give up.</li></ul><blockquote> "Like when they're getting beat up, they're not quitting. You know, they're handling it. They may not be handling it as good as someone else or someone who's already experienced, but they're surviving and they're not quitting. Right. They're still coming back."</blockquote>Grit is half the battle. But if you want to step it up, you’ve got to be willing to add a little mean streak on top of that raw resilience.<h3>Different Backgrounds, Different Mindsets</h3>Every gym is a collection of stories. Some fighters walk in carrying the weight of difficult upbringings — street kids who naturally bring attitude and aggression. Others? Raised with support, no chaos, loving parents, healthy boundaries. Here’s what I see:<ul><li>Fighters from rough backgrounds often come in mean — you hardly need to teach them to “go hard.” </li><li>Fighters from solid, supportive homes bring grit and hard work, but sometimes lack the urge to really “hurt someone” in the cage.</li></ul>That doesn’t mean they’re soft. Quite the opposite. Many last through the hardest drills, take their licks, and come back for more. But they may be missing the “switch.” That ability to go from nice guy (or girl) to ruthless inside the cage.<h3>Understanding the “Mean Streak”</h3><blockquote>"They don't have that 'I want to hurt a person' mentality."</blockquote>Let’s get something straight: being “mean” in a fight doesn’t mean being an asshole in life.<ul><li>It’s about intensity. </li><li>It’s about matching the level your opponent brings. </li><li>It’s about flipping a mental switch — “If you go hard, I go hard.”</li></ul>If you come from a background where kindness and respect were the rule, it can be tough to find that edge. But when you’re in there, it’s not about disrespect; it’s about survival, pride, and staying competitive.<h3>Flipping the Switch: Why and When</h3><blockquote>"If you're one of these people that are coming in and you're doing everything right, you're training hard, you're doing all the classes, you're focusing on the technique, you learning stuff, but it's not working for you in sparring, you're getting beat up more, you're timid, you can't land shots, you're getting beat grappling. Sometimes you just got to get mean. Guys. I say that time all the time to my students."</blockquote>Are you:<ul><li>Showing up for every class, but getting outworked in sparring? </li><li>Losing most exchanges, even though you know what to do? </li><li>Feeling timid or holding back, especially against aggressive opponents?</li></ul>If so, it might be time to learn how to “get mean.” This isn’t about street fighting skills or bullying — it’s about fighting back and matching energy in a sport where everyone expects that level of intensity. When Should You Flip the Switch?<ul><li>Sparring sessions where your partner is going harder than agreed. </li><li>Amateur fights, smokers, or even hard drills where there’s real adversity. </li><li>Any time pride, safety, and performance are on the line.</li></ul><h3>The Consequences of Staying Too Nice</h3>What happens if you never develop that mean streak? Imagine two fighters with equal skills and cardio. One flips the switch, the other doesn’t.<blockquote>"You have to flip that switch and be able to flip that switch. If not, what happens is if you run into somebody who is naturally like that and you're not naturally like that, you're going to get, it's probably not going to turn out good for you if both, if everything else is equal, if everything else is, you train hard and they train hard."</blockquote>When things get real — in a heated sparring session or a live amateur fight — the one who has that killer instinct will usually come out on top.<ul><li>You might be outclassed in power, energy, and aggression. </li><li>You may find yourself overwhelmed, even though your skills are sharp in a non-intense environment. </li><li>You risk coming up short when it matters most.</li></ul>Staying too nice in a combat sport can literally mean losing. It’s not about being a bad person, but being able to unleash that side of yourself when the situation calls for it.<h3>Learning to Turn Up: How to Build That Killer Instinct</h3>Step 1: Accept that it’s a skill, not just a trait You can learn aggression and intensity, just like technique or conditioning. Step 2: Recognize safe opportunities to go hard Don’t go wild with someone way more experienced — that’s reckless. Match intensity with peers at your level. Step 3: Practice the mental shift Tell yourself, “If they want to go hard, I’m ready. Let’s see what happens.”<blockquote>"You got to have 'I want to hurt a motherfucker' mentality...If someone’s going harder on you in sparring, now, obviously you can't be reckless to do this on someone that's way more experienced than you, that could knock you out. But if you have someone on your same skill level, same training time, you've both been training six months or a year or close to it, and they want to go hard. Well, let's go hard, motherfucker, come on, let's go. That's the mindset you have to switch to if you ever want to fight."</blockquote>Step 4: Reflect after intense exchanges How did you feel? Did you lose respect for yourself? No, chances are, both of you respected each other even more after going hard. Step 5: Don’t conflate being “mean” in the fight with being a jerk outside it It’s about business between bells. Leave the drama in the cage.<h3>How to “Get Mean” Without Becoming a Jerk</h3>This is a big one. Nobody wants a reputation for being unsafe in the gym or having a bad attitude at events. Here’s how to keep it real:<ul><li>Be intense, not unsafe: Only crank it up with people at your level who can handle it. </li><li>Communicate: If you want to go hard, say so. Make it clear you’re matching their level, not being a bully. </li><li>Always shake hands afterwards: Respect is key. Hug your sparring partner, shake their hand — you both got better today. </li><li>Never hold grudges: Save the aggression for inside the session. Let it go when it’s done.</li></ul><blockquote>"You don't have to be mean, you don't have to be disrespectful, you don't have to hold grudge after the fight and be disrespectful or mean after the fight. Give them a hug, shake their hand and everything like that. But you have to develop the mentality of...you want to go hard, let's go hard. Turn up, let's go. You have to flip that switch and be able to flip that switch."</blockquote>This is martial arts, after all — it’s about mutual respect, but also about honesty and competition.<h3>Handling Losses and Bouncing Back</h3>Every fighter gets beat up at some point. The difference between those who stick around and those who don’t is in how they handle it. If your mentality isn’t dialed in, losses can break you. But when you see getting beat as part of the process, and you know when to get mean, you bounce back stronger. Tips for Handling Losses:<ul><li>View losses as lessons, not punishments. </li><li>Ask yourself, was I aggressive enough? Did I leave it all in there? </li><li>Reframe failure: It’s just feedback.</li></ul><h3>Building Mental Toughness for Fights (Even If You're Not a Natural)</h3>Don’t have a rough background? That’s fine. Here’s how to prep the mind anyway:1. Visualize hard fights: Before every session, ask, “Can I match anyone else’s intensity if needed?” 2. Control your nerves: Recognize that nerves don’t mean weakness — they’re a signal you care. 3. Toughen your inner voice:<ul><li>When things get rough in sparring: Don’t let the voice say “it’s okay to quit.” </li><li>Practice telling yourself: “Turn up. It’s my turn.”</li></ul>4. Focus drills on getting “comfortable in chaos”: Simulate fight pace, fight pressure, and the chance to respond with real aggression.<blockquote> "Because if not, and you run into someone in a fight that does have that mentality, naturally you have to be able to deal with that, with that brutality. So something to think about. Guys get a little mean. You got to get mean sometimes if you want to try to fight even at a lower level because there's people who are naturally. You don't have to tell them to do this, they're naturally like that."</blockquote><h3>Training Tips to Build Your “Switch”</h3>Want to actually work on this skill? Try these ideas:1. Controlled Hard SparringPick a partner with similar experience. Set the mutual goal of turning things up for a round. Debrief after, shake hands, and reflect.2. Intensity DrillsShark tanks, high-pressure sparring, or “winner stays in” drills force you to compete.3. Extreme ConditioningPush past your comfort zone during sprints or long circuits. Fatigue is when your fighting mentality is exposed.4. Role ModelingAsk higher-level teammates (who balance respect with aggression) for tips. Watch how they bring intensity without malice.5. Visual CuesBefore a round, set a keyword. “Go mode” or “switch.” Train your brain to associate it with turning up the intensity.<h3>Supporting the Next Generation: Advice for Coaches and Fighters</h3>If you’re a coach, this mentality stuff is as key as teaching arm bars or double-legs. Here’s how you can help:<ul><li>Spot your “timid” fighters early. Encourage but don’t coddle them. </li><li>Explain the difference between gym aggression and gym safety. Make your environment safe so fighters can experiment with intensity without getting hurt. </li><li>Debrief sparring sessions. Did you see someone hold back? Ask them about it. Help guide them toward when it’s okay to dial it up.</li></ul>If you’re a fighter:<ul><li>Don’t get discouraged if you’re on the losing end for a while. </li><li>Ask for feedback on your aggression levels. </li><li>Remember, the switch is as much mental as physical.</li></ul><h3>Book Recommendation and Final Words</h3>Are you new to martial arts? Thinking about finding a new gym? My book—<a href="https://a.co/d/hP85BMY" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/hP85BMY">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor</a>—is designed just for you.&nbsp;If you have other topics you want to see broken down, let me know in the comments below. I’m here to help, and maybe the next question I answer on video (or right here in a post) will be yours.<blockquote> “For that, that time when you’re in there, you have to flip the switch and get that mentality, in my opinion.”</blockquote>Remember: You only need to be mean for a handful of minutes a fight. The rest of your life, you can be as chill, respectful, and friendly as you want. But in there, in that moment, it’s you or them — so turn up. Get a little mean. Your future self will thank you.<figure id="figure-pw9ugro8usmd4yhz8f"><iframe id="pw9ugro8usmd4yhz8f" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NwE1GM1NoY4" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/NwE1GM1NoY4?si=Q5ms-4O3Mb-_lYTs" data-corners="default" data-fullWidth="false"></iframe></figure>

DEVELOP A KILLER FIGHTER MENTALITY

<h3>The Truth About Hard Sparring vs. Light Sparring in MMA: My Real Take</h3>What's up guys? Today we're diving deep into a topic that's been heating up the MMA world for a while now—should you spar hard or stick to light sparring? I’ve talked about this before, but after seeing GSP's take that "you don’t need to spar hard," I felt like we needed to break it all down again, real and raw, for anyone chasing that next level. So let’s talk decades of local MMA, UFC gates, freak athletes, and what it’s really like trying to make it—not with highlight reels, but with what actually happens on the mats.<h3>Introduction: The Sparring Debate</h3>Let’s start with this: sparring is the most hotly debated subject in every gym. Some big names say, “You don’t need to spar hard.” Others say, “Just lighten up or spar less.” But here’s the thing—almost all the new guys watch a video from a legend like GSP and think they're getting a shortcut.<blockquote>"For all the years, like obviously I'm nowhere near as credentialed as GSP... But I've never seen anyone make it to the UFC that didn't spar hard."</blockquote>So is hard sparring out, or is it just not for everyone? Let’s get into who should be going hard, how often, and why this advice might not fit us all the same.<h3>What Did GSP Say?</h3>Recently, a clip went semi-viral in the MMA community: GSP, one of the greatest fighters to ever step foot in the Octagon, was saying you don’t need to spar hard. He wasn’t the only one, either—other top-level guys have put out the same vibe. They push a message of longevity and reducing injuries. "Don’t risk brain damage if you don’t have to. Save your head for the fights. You can learn all you need with light sparring.” Sounds smart, right? But wait—before we all start shadowboxing our way to the UFC, there’s a crucial detail missing here.<h3>Who Actually Makes It to the UFC?</h3>Now, I’m not claiming to be GSP. The man is a legend for a reason! I’m not as athletic as him, and honestly—neither are 99% of people reading this right now. But here’s the cold hard truth, from my years in the gym and at every level of fighting:"I've never seen anyone make it to the UFC unless they sparred hard at least half the time, unless they were freak athletes.”Not everyone is GSP. And not everyone has the speed, strength, or natural talent of the UFC’s elite. Freak athletes can bend the rules. The rest of us? Different story.<h3>Freak Athletes vs. Regular Fighters</h3>What is a "freak athlete," anyway? Put simply: it's someone with crazy physical gifts. Maybe they’re super explosive, insanely quick, genetically built for fighting. GSP, Pereira, Ngannou—these guys are outliers not just in fighting skills, but in raw attributes. Freak athletes get away with things that most people can’t.<ul><li>Lighting reflexes </li><li>Giant size or reach </li><li>Unusual strength</li></ul>If you’re not one of these genetic lottery winners, relying on the advice meant for them is like hoping to get rich by winning the lottery.<blockquote>“The only people that can take this approach of hardly sparring is the freak athletes. GSP is a freak athlete.”</blockquote><h3>Sparring Habits in Boxing</h3>A lot of old school MMA coaches and boxing trainers believe in lots of hard sparring. In fact, if you head over to a boxing gym when someone’s getting ready for a big fight, 30 or more hard rounds a week isn’t even shocking. Let’s break down a typical boxing camp:<ul><li>3 sessions of sparring per week </li><li>Each session = 10 hard rounds </li><li>For a 10-round pro fight, that's up to 30 rounds a week of hard contact!</li></ul>That’s a level most MMA fighters aren’t doing these days (and probably shouldn’t). But the mindset is the same: you need to actually fight to prepare for a fight.<h3> My Formula: How Much Hard Sparring Is Enough?</h3>Let’s get specific. It’s not about grinding your body down with 100 rounds a week. Here’s how I recommend it: Example: 2-Month Training Camp<ul><li>Total duration: 2 months (typical time between fights) </li><li>Sparring sessions: 2 per week </li><li>Weeks per month: ~4 </li><li>Number of sessions per fight camp: 2 x 4 x 2 = 16 sessions</li></ul>Half of those need to be hard. That’s 8 hard sparring sessions out of 16 in a camp.<blockquote>"Half of them need to be hard. There's no way you're gonna convince me that the average athlete can pull this off (without it).”</blockquote>The reason? All the average athletes that have made it to the UFC, or stayed there, put in the grind with hard rounds. <h3>The Warning Signs: Sparring Myths</h3>So why do people want to avoid hard sparring? Let’s list out the most common (and flawed) arguments:<ul><li>"You can get hurt." </li><li>"It's bad for your brain." </li><li>"You can just do drills to get better." </li><li>"All the top fighters don’t spar hard—see that YouTube video?"</li></ul>Look, I’m not saying to go out and tee off on your partners every single time. You should not spar hard every session. But if you only ever go light, you’re training for a different kind of fight—a fight that doesn’t exist in the UFC.<blockquote>"If you think you're going to go to a high level without doing some serious hard sparring sessions, I think that's very naive and very unrealistic for most people."</blockquote><h3>Real Examples from Top Fighters</h3>Some people think it’s just old-school strikers who believe in hard sparring. But take a look around the UFC—there’s a reason the top-level strikers still grind through tough sessions.Alex Pereira and Israel AdesanyaGuys like Pereira and Izzy came from striking-first backgrounds (kickboxing, Muay Thai) and still believe in hard rounds—even now at the championship level.<blockquote>"The strikers believe in it still. The pure strikers that come from striking to MMA."</blockquote>Rashad Evans, Chael Sonnen, and GSPThere’s tons of footage and interviews out there about GSP’s athleticism and training style.<ul><li>Rashad Evans: Talks about GSP’s wild athleticism and smart training. </li><li>Chael Sonnen: Impressed by how hard (and smart) GSP trains, crediting him for being able to spar differently thanks to his freak status.</li></ul>But again, are you GSP? <h3>Why Hard Sparring Really Matters</h3>There’s one argument for hard sparring that almost never gets mentioned in those clickbait videos: Nothing gets you ready for the INTENSITY of a real fight, like actually having a hard spar.You can run. You can swim. You can be the strongest grinder in the weight room. But when the real bell rings, nothing compares to the pressure, the speed, and the chaos of live sparring.<h3>"There's no swimming, there's no running. There's no strength and conditioning program that can match that. There's, there's nothing."</h3>The feeling when you’re getting tired, you’re behind on the scorecards in sparring, and your training partner is pressing—the only way to know how you’ll react...is to feel it. And then learn to handle it.<h3>Should You Stop Hard Sparring As You Get More Experienced?</h3>This is where it gets tricky. You don’t want to burn yourself out, and the more you fight, the less you might need to take big shots in the gym. But here’s the real-world progression:<ul><li>Early Amateur/Pro: You NEED hard sparring. You just haven’t developed enough real fight experience yet. </li><li>Experienced Pros (world champs): You can tap the brakes.</li></ul>Look at Max Holloway, who recently said he doesn’t spar hard anymore. He’s earned that. If you’re a multi-time world champion with a lifetime of fights, you know what it takes at every moment in a fight. You have almost nothing new to learn from hard rounds—except extra brain trauma.<blockquote>"The more experience you get, the less you need to spar hard."</blockquote><h3>The Experience Factor: Holloway, Strickland, and Beyond</h3>Max HollowayMax has said he stopped taking heavy shots in sparring. Why? Because his experience is through the roof. He knows exactly how to deep-dive and dig down during fights. He doesn’t need to “find out” if he can handle a hard round—he already knows.Sean StricklandWatch Strickland’s day-to-day sparring. He spars almost every day, but news flash: it’s not 100% intensity every time.<ul><li>When he’s on YouTube, he’ll tee off a bit for laughs </li><li>With his training partners, it’s way more measured</li></ul><blockquote> "He's not going 100%. He could knock out people way worse than he does now... But on a day-to-day training basis, he's not going full speed because he doesn't need to."</blockquote>But if you’re not Max Holloway or Strickland? Don’t skip the grind.<h3>Advice for New Fighters and Amateurs</h3>If you’re still an amateur, or just got your start in the pro ranks, this is the honest section you need to read:<ul><li>You absolutely need hard sparring rounds. Even if it sucks sometimes. </li><li>Don’t go 100% every time. You need balance—hard sessions, technical sessions, and focused drills. </li><li>If you’ve never had a pro fight? You have to put in hard work. There’s just no other way to find your real pace, to feel the nerves, to deal with pressure.</li></ul>That’s why you don’t see anyone crack into the UFC unless they’ve done the hard stuff. At least half of the sessions in your fight camp should be real, hard, ugly, hands-up work.<blockquote>"There's no way someone that hadn't had pro fights shouldn't be sparring hard at least half of the sessions. Because I've yet to see someone make it to a high level that didn't."</blockquote><h3>Your Thoughts and Next Steps</h3>Got thoughts? Disagree? Drop a comment below. I love hearing your perspectives, whether you’re just starting out or have spent years in the game. There are always stories of guys who made it with unorthodox approaches, but real talk: almost everyone who gets to the highest level, especially if they’re not a wild athlete, does the hard work. Also, if you’re new to martial arts and looking for a gym, or stressed about picking the right place, check out my book: The Ultimate Guide to Choose Your Martial Arts School and Instructor Link in the description!<h3>Conclusion: Be Realistic About Your Journey</h3>Let’s wrap it all up: not everyone is GSP. Not every gym story is a legend. If you're average—just a regular guy or gal chasing the big stage—you need to spar hard. Maybe not every session, but definitely a lot through your camp, especially early in your career. Quick Recap:<ul><li>Freak athletes: Sometimes don’t need hard sparring, but you’re probably not one. </li><li>Average fighters: Need a heavy dose of hard rounds to build real fight instincts. </li><li>Most UFC fighters: Built from hard sparring through their rise. </li><li>Experience changes the game: The more you have, the less hard sparring you need. </li><li>Start smart, train smarter: Mix hard rounds with technical work, and stay honest with yourself about your needs and limits.</li></ul><blockquote> "I've never seen anyone that wasn't a freak athlete make it to a high level, make it to the UFC, or have a career in the UFC and even stay there for more than a year or two if they weren't sparring hard at least half of the time."</blockquote>Spots for imagery — behind the scenes at a real fight camp, GSP in training, comparisons with Holloway, breakdowns of typical week schedules, etc.: Whether you’re a coach, fighter, or just a fan, think about how much honest grind—hard sparring included—it really takes to make it in MMA. Stay dedicated, respect your training partners, and keep grinding.If you have any topics you want me to dig into, just leave a comment below. Whether you agree or not, I appreciate you all dropping by and reading! Train hard, train smart, and remember—there are no shortcuts to the top.<figure id="figure-s7sq8hf78mcwgu0y4"><iframe id="s7sq8hf78mcwgu0y4" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AbxNW72lrj0" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/AbxNW72lrj0?si=zyMpCaqSE-rtG7Be" data-corners="default" data-fullWidth="false"></iframe></figure>

The Truth About Hard Sparring

<h3>The POWER of the Chip on Your Shoulder: Starting Martial Arts Late in Life</h3>Have you ever thought about getting started with martial arts, but felt like you missed the boat? Maybe you compare yourself to those guys who started when they were six, or you feel like there’s some mountain you just can’t climb because you got into MMA, jiu jitsu, wrestling, or boxing a little later. Well, what if I told you there’s one real edge that’s just for people like us? Something that you can’t really train, buy, or fake—something that can take you a long way if you know how to use it. Yeah, I’m talking about that chip on your shoulder. That stubborn, fiery determination that says, “Watch me.” It’s the sneaky superpower of every late starter in martial arts I’ve seen—myself included. If you relate, keep reading. This blog post breaks down why having that chip can matter more than you think, how to turn it into real progress, and why you shouldn’t count yourself out even if you got started a bit late.<h3>The Truth: It’s Harder When You Start Late</h3>Let’s be totally real for a second. If you walk into a gym at 20, 25, even 30, and you look around at those kids who have been doing BJJ or wrestling since they could walk, you’re at a disadvantage—at least, at the start.<blockquote>“If you start martial arts later in life, it’s harder. It’s harder to go against somebody, to deal with somebody that’s been training their whole life…”</blockquote>The “reps” matter. Ten years rolling on the mats or drilling in a boxing gym burn pathways in your brain and body that take time. The level of muscle memory and instinct the early starters build just stacks up year after year. At first, there’s no way around it: you’ll feel behind. But here’s the catch—while you’re busy counting reps and looking at years lost, you might be missing the one thing you have that those lifers might not: HUNGER. Let’s talk about that.<h3>Experience is Everything… Or Is It?</h3>We all know experience is king. Those who trained for years typically have the instincts, the timing, the competition history, and usually a better grasp of subtle details that separate amateurs from pros. Why Early Starters Seem Untouchable<ul><li>Mat Time: Endless rounds, thousands of scrambles, learning from both wins and losses. </li><li>Competition Experience: Early exposure to the adrenaline, nerves, and learning to win or lose with grace. </li><li>Technique Reps: Skills from every belt level drilled a million times. </li><li>Coaching Relationships: Long-time coaches often know their athlete’s strengths and weaknesses inside out.</li></ul>But, here’s the thing: experience alone isn’t everything. It’s possible to bridge that gap with the right mindset.<h3>Chip on the Shoulder: What Is It, Really?</h3>Let’s break this down. What does it actually mean to have a chip on your shoulder? It’s that little voice that says, “I’ll prove you wrong.” The drive that makes you obsess over catching up. It turns every training session into a mission.<blockquote>“People who start martial arts later in life oftentimes have a chip on their shoulder.”</blockquote>That chip is fuel. It’s not about hating on those with more experience, but about always looking for that edge, that reason to push just a little harder. And, trust me—I know exactly what that’s like.<h3>Personal Story: How the Chip Drove Me</h3>I didn’t get into martial arts until I was 20. I didn’t start grappling until 22. When I started, I knew I was years behind—everyone around me had more reps, more matches, more hours.But every time I stepped onto those mats, that chip was burning hot. If someone tapped me out, or took me down at will, all I could think was:<blockquote>“Once I learn some more shit, I’m gonna F you up. Once I learn some more technique, you’re in trouble.”</blockquote>That mentality kept me coming back, kept me drilling. When I started catching up—beating guys with five to ten years more experience—it wasn’t because I was some super athlete. I was tall for my weight class, pretty strong, but nothing crazy. That edge came from all the extra hours I put in, all because I couldn’t stand being behind forever.<h3>The Role of Athleticism vs. The Chip</h3>Now, let’s be honest. There are always freak athletes—those rare exceptions who can start late and just roll through people because they’re built different. Look at Alex Pereira, for example. He’s built like a superhero. Most of us aren’t. For us average athletes, that chip matters even more. If you’re not the next phenom, if you’re not the guy who always wins the gym’s athletic competitions, your path is more about grit.<ul><li>Athleticism helps, but drive helps more </li><li>Consistency adds up, especially with the late-starter chip </li><li>Strength is nice, but stubbornness keeps you coming back</li></ul>Believe me, being strong and tall helped me, but being obsessed with making up ground mattered way, way more.<h3>Turning Bitterness into Motivation</h3>A lot of late starters feel kind of bitter at first. Like—why didn’t I get to start when I was young? Maybe your family couldn’t afford it. Maybe there wasn’t a gym. Sometimes life just gets in the way. But you can turn that bitterness into jet fuel.<blockquote>“They feel almost bitter that they weren’t allowed to start martial arts earlier. Whether they were poor, didn’t have access, or lived where there was no gym.”</blockquote>If you’re sitting there thinking, “Man, if only I had a time machine,” swap that thought for, “Alright, I’ve got all this fire—what can I do with it now?” Here’s How:<ul><li>Be Obsessive: Get almost single-minded about closing the gap with experienced students. </li><li>Target Progress: Pin-point the people you want to learn from and eventually surpass. </li><li>Use Every Training Session: Treat it like your shot to prove you belong.</li></ul><h3>How to Harness That Chip</h3>So, how do you turn stubbornness and that chip into real results? It’s more than just showing up mad. Here’s what actually works: 1. Pick Specific TargetsYou know those guys in the gym who have been training forever? Size them up. Learn from them, train with them, and make it your mission to chase their skill level—one step at a time.2. Embrace ObsessionDon’t just train—immerse yourself. Watch tape, review technique videos, stay after class for rounds, even drill at home. Obsession bridges the experience gap.3. Don’t Get Discouraged After LossesLosses can hit different when you’re a late starter. But each time you get beat, remember—it’s just one step closer. You can close the gap.4. Build on Your Physical StrengthsEven if you’re not a freak athlete, everyone has something. Maybe you’re strong. Maybe you’re longer than your classmates. Maybe you pick up certain moves fast. Lean into it.5. Stay ConsistentThis is huge—and kind of boring. Most improvement comes from hundreds of hours, not one breakthrough moment.<h3>Late Starters Who Made It</h3>Before you think I’m just talking, let’s highlight some late bloomers who proved this works. Some names from the UFC or pro grappling can inspire you when you wonder if it’s even possible:<ul><li>Stipe Miocic: Didn’t start MMA until age 24. </li><li>Francis Ngannou: Started boxing at 22, MMA at 26. </li><li>Randy Couture: Started wrestling young, but started MMA at 34! UFC legend. </li><li>Alex Pereira: Took his first MMA fight in his 30s. </li><li>Rich Franklin: Didn’t take his first pro fight until grad school, became UFC champ.</li></ul>And there are countless amateurs and hobbyists who picked up jiu jitsu in their 30s or 40s and became world-class black belts over time.<h3>The Downside and Managing the Chip</h3>Here’s the real talk—the chip on your shoulder isn’t always a good thing. It can make you competitive to the point of being annoying. It might make you less chill with teammates, even a little grumpy in the gym.<blockquote>“It can make you a little argument[ative] towards your teammates, it can make you not be… necessarily have a pleasing personality, but it'll take you far.”</blockquote>But remember—martial arts is about improvement and respect. Keep that fire for training hard, but don’t burn bridges. Learn to be humble enough to learn, but stubborn enough to never quit. How To Keep The Balance:<ul><li>Use Rivalry, Not Resentment: Compete with your friends, but keep it friendly. </li><li>Check Your Ego: Lose with grace—even if it stings. </li><li>Help Others: As you improve, help newer members. It will keep you grounded.</li></ul><h3>The Path Forward: What to Do Next</h3>You might be reading this because you’re just starting, or you’ve been stuck in the “not good enough, too new” rut for a while. Here’s what I wish someone told me:1. Commit to Obsession: For at least a year, train like it’s your job. 2. Find the Right Gym: Not all gyms respect late starters. Find a place (and coach) that “gets” your hunger. 3. Document Your Progress: Keep a journal, film your rounds, track your improvements. 4. Compete—Eventually: When you’re ready, throw yourself into a tournament or smokers. Results aren’t everything, but the experience is worth it. 5. Connect with Others: Ask questions, form mini-rivalries, get coaching.<h3>Resources &amp; Next Steps</h3>If you’re brand new to martial arts and looking for advice:<ul><li>Find a Gym Guide: How to pick the right martial arts school near you. </li><li>Recommended Book: <a href="https://a.co/d/24dkGF6" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/24dkGF6">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>If you’re committed to closing the gap, make obsession your method. You might even want to check out online forums, social media groups, or apps to track your progress, connect with other late starters, and get advice.<h3>FAQs About Starting Martial Arts Late</h3>Is it really possible to catch up to the “lifers”? You can definitely close the gap—maybe even pass some people. Will you beat everyone who’s trained since age six? Probably not every time, but you’ll shock a lot of people with the right mindset and obsession. Do I have to be super athletic to make it far? Nope. Athleticism helps, but obsession, mindset, and showing up for years matter more. The biggest progress in martial arts happens for people who refuse to quit. Am I too old to start competing in martial arts? No. There are tournaments for every age group. People start in their 30s, 40s, even 50s and go on to compete—and sometimes win. Won’t I always be behind in technique? At first, yes. But the longer you train, the smaller the gap gets. Your chip will push you to close it.<blockquote>“When fighters out there come into the gym and have a mindset, when they go against these guys that have been training their whole life or half their life, they just think, if I had more training time, I would [mess] you up. And that mindset carries them very far.”</blockquote><h3>Conclusion: Don’t Let Age or Start Time Define You</h3>Look, starting late in martial arts is tough. That’s the truth. You’ll always notice those guys with more reps, more mat time, more experience. But the chip on your shoulder is your game changer. Let it drive you, not drag you down. Obsess, compete, and don’t let bitterness hold you back—turn it into motivation. I started at 20 with nothing but stubbornness and the will to catch up. It took me to the UFC for eight years. You don’t have to be a freak athlete—just stay hungry and focused. If this blog hit home for you and you want me to talk about a specific subject, drop a comment below. And, if you’re looking for a gym, check the guide in the description or grab my book. Remember, it’s never too late to get started—just bring your chip.<figure id="figure-8hx0rmx06mc9s0i8o"><iframe id="8hx0rmx06mc9s0i8o" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bim6dUCgG0c" 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/Bim6dUCgG0c?si=jwpj9NPoY63m4nXD" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bim6dUCgG0c" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

THE ONLY ADVANTAGE YOU NEED TO GO FAR IN MMA WHEN STARTING LATE!

<h3>Fighters: Here’s Why You Need Hot Yoga in Your Training Routine</h3>What's up, fighters? Today, let’s talk about a game changer that most martial artists overlook: hot yoga. If you’ve been pounding away at your training camp, grappling, kicking, or boxing hours on end, you might have already heard that yoga can help you stay in the game longer by preventing injuries. But I’m here to show why hot yoga specifically isn’t just another fitness trend—it can become your secret weapon for performance, flexibility, and longevity in martial arts. Trust me, after eight years in the UFC and hundreds of classes, I know what I’m talking about.<blockquote>“I was in the UFC for about eight years, and I did yoga every training camp, and then most of the time outside of training camp as well. I would go one day a week to hot yoga.”</blockquote>Let’s break down everything you fighters need to know about hot yoga, how I made it an unskippable part of my fight prep, and how you can use it to level up both your mind and your body in the gym.<h3>Why Fighters Need Hot Yoga</h3>Let’s get real: Combat sports are brutal on the body. Every week, you’re hitting pads, drilling takedowns, trying to stay a step ahead in sparring. So why should a serious fighter take time to sweat it out in a silent, heated yoga studio? Here’s why:<ul><li>Injury Prevention: Hot yoga’s dynamic stretches and heat allow you to work on mobility and muscle health in a way that traditional gym stretching just can’t match.</li><li>Faster Recovery: After grappling hard or a striking-heavy session, hot yoga flushes your system, keeps your back and hips loose, and helps you recover faster.</li><li>Mental Focus: It’s not just the body—you get the headspace to focus and reset mentally. It’s like sharpening your blade so you’re ready to go again.</li></ul><blockquote> “You’re just going in there to stretch and relieve your muscles and help prevent injuries. But pick out the ones you think are best.”</blockquote><h3>My Hot Yoga Journey in the UFC</h3>Let me pull back the curtain. When I was fighting at the highest level—eight years in the UFC—I was putting in serious training hours. But I wasn’t just smashing mitts and clinch drilling. I made time for hot yoga, even during the toughest camps. How did I fit it in?<ul><li>One day per week, every single camp. </li><li>Switched up studios, but always went where I could find consistent routines. </li><li>Stayed with what worked: for me, that was often Bikram Yoga (which runs 90-minute sessions and repeats each pose twice).</li></ul>Why Bikram? Because the studio was close, the classes were long, and I needed that deep work after back-to-back sessions in the gym.<blockquote>“When I was intensely training and putting in five, six, seven hours a day, like hard work… I would go to Bikram yoga because it was close by and also an hour and a half long.”</blockquote>My training plan—hot yoga on the rest day, right in the middle of the fight camp<h3>How Hot Yoga Fits Into Combat Sports Training</h3>A lot of fighters think stretching is something you handle at the END, when you’re tired or as an afterthought. Here’s the real deal: integrating hot yoga into all phases of your camp pays off whether you’re a striker, a grappler, or both. After Striking Sessions<ul><li>Boxing Days: After class, we would do ab work—gotta keep that core snappy.</li><li>Kickboxing Days: Stretching takes over at the end, and most of those stretches? Hot yoga gave them to me.</li></ul>Grappling and RollingIf you’ve rolled after a hard session, you already know how much your hips, back, and knees need TLC. If your hips are tight or you land in weird guard positions, injury risk goes up.Hot yoga stretches made all the difference:<ul><li>When you’re caught in half guard and your back seizes, you need more than a basic quad stretch… </li><li>When your hips are twisted defending an armbar or exploding for a sweep, you need flexibility that only real stretching provides.</li></ul><h3>The Stretches Every Fighter Should Steal from Hot Yoga</h3>After years in hot yoga studios, I built my personal stretching protocol. Let me walk you through what works for martial arts: 1. Pigeon PoseWhy it’s a fighter’s friend:<ul><li>Loosens hips for guard work, kicks, or knees. </li><li>Super important for avoiding those tweaks and strains you get moving around on the mat.</li></ul>2. Child’s PoseWhy it’s clutch:<ul><li>Eases lower back tightness (all that kicking and grappling adds up). </li><li>Gives your mind a reset too, so you hit the next drill fresh.</li></ul>3. Other PosesI could rattle off a bunch of stretch names, but honestly? I use what works—you don’t gotta memorize Sanskrit. If a stretch helps your kicks get higher or keeps your back loose after grappling, it’s worth learning. Other go-to stretches:<ul><li>Hamstring stretches from hot yoga routines </li><li>Various twisted poses for spine health </li><li>Shoulder opening movements for clinch and boxing mobility</li></ul><blockquote> “Majority of the stretches that I show my students and have them do at the end of a kickboxing class, I all learned from hot yoga… it’s just really good for injury prevention.”</blockquote><h3>Injury Prevention: What the Science Says</h3>You don’t have to take my word for it. Here’s why hot yoga is legit, not just for fighters, but for anyone wanting to keep their body working at its best. Why Heat Helps<ul><li>Warms Muscles: Warmer muscles stretch easier—less chance to pull a muscle if you’re loose and warm.</li><li>Increases Blood Flow: The sweat and heat keep your joints and tendons nourished while you work on flexibility.</li><li>Deeper Stretch: Heat allows you to push a little further (safely), building range of motion you’ll actually use in martial arts.</li></ul>Injury Patterns in FightersCommon injuries I’ve seen (and felt myself) on the mat or in the ring:<ul><li>Hamstring pulls</li><li>Tweaked lower backs</li><li>Neck strains</li><li>Hip issues</li><li>Shoulder stiffness</li></ul> Hot yoga attacks all of these by building habits and flexibility into your game. Instead of waiting to rehab an injury, prevent it by keeping your body ready.<h3>Getting Started: How to Make Hot Yoga Work for You</h3>Alright, you’re ready to try. How do you actually get started without wasting time or embarrassing yourself in a studio full of yoga pros? 1. Commit to Consistency<ul><li>Don’t just go once. Give it at least a year or two—go once a week and treat it like you do striking or wrestling drills.</li></ul>2. Pick the Right Moves<ul><li>Don’t worry about mastering every pose. Steal what works and skip what doesn’t. I built my own routine by figuring out what actually made me a better fighter.</li></ul>3. Customize for Fighting<ul><li>You don’t have to do every pose “perfectly.” Focus on stretches that open your hips, protect your back, and keep your legs loose.</li></ul>4. Don’t Overthink the Studio<ul><li>It doesn’t matter if you’re not as “yoga” as that guy in the front row. You’re not there for a handstand contest; you’re there to stay healthy and in the fight.</li></ul><h3>Hot Yoga vs. Regular Yoga for Fighters</h3>You might be wondering, “Why can’t I just do normal yoga?” Here’s the difference: Hot Yoga<ul><li>Classes are in heated rooms (90-110 degrees)</li><li>Increased flexibility from warmth </li><li>More sweat = extra detox (feels great after a hard week of sparring) </li><li>You avoid stretching cold muscles, which is a big deal</li></ul>Regular Yoga<ul><li>Still good, especially if the room is warm or after a thorough warm-up </li><li>Not as intense on the sweat, but it works if you need a lighter session</li></ul><blockquote> “I like hot yoga because it heats you up. I mean, regular yoga is good as well if you’re… especially if it’s a decent area where it’s hot.”</blockquote><h3>Tips for Fighters New to Hot Yoga</h3>Jumping into a new type of class can be intimidating. Here are my field-tested tips:1. Drink More Water Than UsualYou sweat out a lot in a hot yoga class—bring a big water bottle.2. Don’t Push to the Breaking PointListen to your body. It’s tempting to try to “win” yoga, but nobody cares how deep your stretch is. Focus on getting better slowly. 3. Gear Up<ul><li>Use a mat with good grip (you’ll be dripping sweat) </li><li>Wear light, moisture-wicking clothes </li><li>Bring a towel</li></ul>4. Respect the RestThe best part for a lot of fighters is the chill time at the end. This is where injuries can heal and you get some mental clarity.5. Focus on the Stretches That Translate to Martial Arts Not every pose is made for fighting, but some—like pigeon pose or child’s pose—should be in your game plan.<h3>Common Questions Fighters Have About Hot Yoga</h3>Let’s hit some FAQs I get from students and other fighters all the time.Q1: Do I Have to Be Flexible to Start?No! That’s the point: hot yoga makes you flexible. No one expects you to be a pretzel on day one.Q2: Won’t Yoga Make Me Weaker?Another myth. If anything, holding poses in heat builds stabilizer muscle strength and gets rid of imbalances that set you up for injury. Q3: Will I Be the Only Fighter in Class?Maybe, but that’s not a bad thing. You learn more by watching people who are good at flexibility, even if they aren’t fighters. Q4: What If I Sweat Too Much? Don’t worry—everyone is sweating buckets. The heat and sweat are what help you get loose.Q5: How Does It Help Recovery?The heat and stretching increase blood flow, flush out inflammation, and give your body a break from all-out sparring or strength training.<h3>Conclusion: Take Your Training to the Next Level</h3>If you’re looking to stay healthy, fight longer, and keep leveling up in martial arts, don’t sleep on hot yoga. It’s easy to push stretching and flexibility to the side when you’re focused on fighting, but those are the things that make sure you can keep coming back strong every camp. It kept me in the cage for eight years. The majority of stretches I teach my own students today started on a hot yoga mat. You don’t have to go all-in like a full-time yogi. Just add one class a week, focus on what works, and watch how much better your body feels.<blockquote>“Go in there, do it for a while, do it for a year or two, and take it serious… you’re just going in there to stretch and relieve your muscles and help prevent injuries.”</blockquote><h3>Bonus: Finding the Right Gym and Resources</h3>So you want to try hot yoga. Where do you start?1. Check Local StudiosSearch “hot yoga near me” or look for studios that run Bikram or similar heated classes. Ask them if beginners are welcome—they usually are.2. Bring a Friend from Your GymIf you’re nervous, get a fellow fighter to try class with you. Having someone else sweating makes it more fun.3. Use Online Resources or BooksIf you’re between camps or nowhere near a studio, check out videos or grab a guide. My own book, “The Ultimate Guide: Who Your Martial Arts School Instructor Is,” can help you pick a good school or program—link in description. 4. Talk to Your CoachA lot of gyms are getting wise to the importance of flexibility and injury prevention. See if your coach will bring in a yoga instructor for a team session.<h3>Final Words</h3>Fighting is about more than just technique or power—it’s about staying healthy, taking care of your body, and finding ways to recover so you can keep pushing. Hot yoga was a game changer for me, and it can be for you too. If you want me to cover any other topics, just let me know in the comments and I’ll make a video. If you’re new to martial arts or looking for a gym, check out my book <a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/1P9VLqL" href="https://a.co/d/1P9VLqL" title="The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor</a>. <figure id="figure-kg5qex2wffmc443l1c"><iframe id="kg5qex2wffmc443l1c" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nfQ-sENc96c" 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/nfQ-sENc96c?si=dxg_liOA1cCl4ict" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nfQ-sENc96c" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

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