So you want to get into this new sport, “Ultimate Fighting”. Those who want to become cage fighters cannot learn MMA techniques from books and videos alone. Mixed Martial Arts Gyms are popping up everywhere; there are at least 3 within a 20 mile radius of where I live. Finding the gym for you can take some time and research. You wouldn’t buy anything without trying or researching the product right?
You cannot be taught “MMA” but you can be taught the most popular martial arts that are used in the sport today. So you will want to find a gym that teaches Muay Thai, Judo, Western Boxing, and Jiu Jitsu. Most of these gyms however will teach all these popular styles and then incorporate them into a MMA class.
So lets find a MMA gym that’s perfect for you with these tips I used before committing to my gym.
- Shop Around
- Find out when a class is being held, stop in and watch. Observe the instructors, the students, the training regiments, and so on and so forth.
- Most gyms will give free lessons or trial periods, use them.
- The Instructor
- Find out who the instructors are trained under. For instance an instructor who has been trained by the Gracie Family will certainly be a legitimate Jiu Jitsu teacher.
- Is the way he teach the way you’d like to be taught? Is he a drill sergeant or is he very laid back. This is your preference and should not be overlooked.
- Price and Scheduling
- There really isn’t a benchmark for expensive and cheap (not that I’m aware of) when it comes to MMA schools but make sure you can get the bang for your buck.
- I’ve seen gyms that cost 150 dollars that only teach 2 or 3 nights a week and other gyms for the same price who have classes almost every night.
- During the visit, check out what they have to offer in terms of equipment. Do they have plenty of heavy bags, mats, pads, and even a cage?
- GET WHAT YOU PAID FOR, NOTHING LESS.
- Ask about a student rate, my school has one.
- Frequency of sparring/rolling. You can do all the pad work in the world but sparring and rolling is where it comes together. Make sure there is enough sparring during your “shopping around” period.
- Some gyms just train those who want to fight, and there are gyms that welcome those who just want to learn any of the arts they offer. Join the gym that aligns with your goals.
So take them tips into consideration, see you in the cage.
October 6th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Very good tips. Getting on board with a trainer who is well versed in MMA or certain aspects of MMA will help you immensely.
February 6th, 2009 at 5:56 am
I think another thing you should mention is the type of fighting style, there are some MMA schools only dedicated to teaching BJJ and Muay Thai while others are more kick boxing oriented.
February 6th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Indeed a good point. My school is very balanced when it comes to BJJ and Muay Thai. Though I know of other schools, like you said focus primarily on one or the other. So yes, be aware of the gym’s focus.
Thanks for your input MMA News.
February 10th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Thanks for the input, I’ve been looking at gyms over the past two weeks and really haven’t found one that seems to stick out for me. I want one that focuses primarily on BJJ, while some Muay Thai. I’ve come across either one or the other, but none that seem to incorporate both. Is this unusual?
February 11th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Frank,
Not sure if it is unusual, but I would imagine it’s really tough to do. Getting instructors who are BJJ blackbelts and certified to teach Muay Thai is tough (guessing). I would keep looking. I would recommend joining the best out of the choices as long as there is no contract involved. Once something better comes up, join it.
April 29th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Enjoying reading your blog. Hard work always pays off.