Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Adding Elements To Your MMA Game Plan

By Rod Bourgoine


While many MMA fighters began their career in another related sport, such as boxing or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, quickly expanding their skills to include at least one more fighting style is what made them successful. Seasoned MMA veterans continuously learn new skills, picking up Judo or Muay Thai to make them more well-rounded fighters. If you have not taken classes in any of the following fighting styles, consider adding them in the near future.

One important skill to have as an MMA fighter is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and this training will make it easier for you to overwhelm an opponent that might be bigger or perhaps have a longer reach. The use of submissions, such as chokeholds and leg locks, are key skills you will gain as you improve your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills. Improving your BJJ skills can help you plan a strong offense in the cage.

To improve your defensive skills, consider adding Judo to your program. Judo is similar to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and BJJ, in fact, was derived from the ancient combat art of Kodokan Judo. Judo, unlike Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, focuses on fighting in a standing position rather than forcing your opponent on the ground. The main advantage of studying Judo is that it can act as a strong defense against an opponent who is trying to wrestle you to the ground and apply submission holds.

There are many mixed martial arts fighters with previous careers in the boxing ring. Fighters with strong boxing skills not only learn the best techniques for throwing a punch, they also learn how to block hits and take a punch when it makes contact. Boxing classes can be an important part of your training regime and will improve your overall conditioning.

Muay Thai is also a common training method for MMA fighters. This ancient sport emphasizes using punching, kicking and strikes from the elbow and knees. Taking Muay Thai classes can greatly improve your standing skills while fighting and increase your ability to knock out an opponent.

Your MMA gym should offer most, if not all, of these classes. Try to find a gym that not only offers a variety of classes, but also a gym that allows you to train and take many classes for one flat monthly fee. Experience counts, so it is also wise to select a gym with instructors that have actually competed in MMA fights.




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