MMA Fitness: Become A Fighter Without Fighting

Wanting to get in the best shape of your life is not as easy as it seems.

Disciplined, smart and progressive training protocols are necessary for success. Wrestlers, boxers and gymnasts are some of the world’s best athletes. Athletes in these fields must obtain and maintain the following:

1. Conditioning
2. Strength
3. Speed
4. Power
5. Flexibility
6. Stamina
7. Coordination
8. Agility
9. Balance
10. Accuracy

MMA fighters are responsible for achieving high levels of the above attributes. During a fight, a fighter will encounter pace changes that will require any, if not all, of those attributes to be called upon at any time. Depending on the efficiency of the adaptation to these changes, a fighter can make or break the competition at any point. This is why it is essential for proper training.

Now, no one says that the “average person” can’t get into “fighting shape” without actually fighting; it’s totally possible.  It is becoming more common than ever that white-collar workers and nerds alike want to become fit in a fun way.

Enter MMA training. Starting an MMA program is simple.
Here’s some help:

1. Know what you want to get from a program. Are you overweight or are you in shape?  Wherever you stand on the fitness scale, you have to ask yourself if an MMA program is for you.  Do you find boxing, weightlifting, wrestling and gymnastic-style exercises fun?  Do you like using bodyweight exercises over machines?  Do you like pushing yourself to your own limits?  If you answer no to most of these questions, maybe an MMA program is not for you.

2 . Know how many days a week you can commit.  You must commit two days minimum, five days maximum, with sessions lasting 40 to 60 minutes in total for best results.  This is considering you are a healthy individual with limited to no medical issues.

3 . Know your limitations. Are you held back medically? Do you have injuries that will only increase your odds for future injury? You need to consult with your doctor and get medical clearance before embarking on any fitness project. If you are not cleared, get the help or rehabilitation you need in order to start a successful MMA program.
4 . Dedicate 12 weeks for a program. Three months is ample amount of time to take an average person and turn them into a modest contender.  It is important to not abuse your body. Training hard is good, but you should rest just as hard.  Cycling MMA-style training with other training modalities will ensure that you do not experience overtraining and injury alike.

5. Will you be working out with a private trainer/coach or at a martial arts school? This is actually a very important part of your journey. A local martial arts school may or may not have an MMA program, so be sure you look into this before signing up blindly at any neighborhood martial arts school. If you choose to hire a private trainer/coach, expect to pay $89 to $150 per session (each session can be from 45 to 90 minutes in length). If money is an issue, a martial arts school with a good MMA program with an average of $150 monthly tuition may be more reasonable. 

Peter Liciaga is an education activist in the martial arts industry. He is also a 4th degree black instructor at Dinoto Karate Center. He resides in Mount Laurel, NJ.

This blog is part of Peter Liciaga's effort to promote the Ultimate Black Belt Test Program ( http://www.ultimateblackbelttest.com/ ), which is an undertaking of The 100. ( http://www.the100.us/ ), and a part of Peter Liciaga's Dream 100 Project.

For Martial Arts in Mount Laurel NJ, visit http://www.dinotokarate.com/