Article by: Finn Coleman

—

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a sport that demands versatility and skill across various disciplines. To excel in MMA, you will need to be well-rounded as an athlete – this means having a proficient base in boxing, Muay Thai, BJJ and wrestling. Succeeding in Mixed Martial Arts requires discipline, dedication, and smart thinking. Let’s take a look at some of the key aspects involved in MMA, helping you to excel in the sport.

Training in Multiple Disciplines

To be an MMA athlete, you have to be able to perform across all areas of the discipline. At Ironfist, the basic skills learnt in MMA cover boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wrestling. Learning the fundamentals of these different styles enables you to adapt your approach as the fight progresses, playing to your opponent’s weaknesses. At The Ironfist Gym Brisbane, the more of our Muay Thai, boxing and wrestling classes you attend in addition to our MMA sessions, the better you will ultimately become at the sport.

Mastering Fundamentals

You may have heard this classic quote from Bruce Lee before: “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” In MMA, as with any martial art, there is little point in knowing a thousand different strikes, if you have not mastered the basics. Because the ruleset in Mixed Martial Arts allows for so many different movements both standing up and on the ground, mastering your fundamentals is key. Spend ample time drilling basic strikes, defensive movements and takedowns until they become second nature.

Conditioning is Key

MMA fights can be gruelling, lasting three to five rounds. Being in top physical condition is non-negotiable if you want to compete or perform in training most effectively. Conditioning includes cardiovascular fitness, strength training, and endurance. A well-conditioned athlete can maintain a high pace over a long period of time, and recover quickly between rounds. Ironfist’s MMA conditioning-specific classes are there to get you fighting fit.

Strategic Sparring

Sparring is the perfect safe environment to put your skills to the test. Remember, always spar with a purpose. Work on specific aspects of your game during sparring sessions – if you need to focus on striking, spar with skilled strikers, and if you’re working on your grappling, spar with skilled grapplers. Sometimes, the best thing you can do in sparring is to focus on your weaknesses until they become your strengths. If you avoid grappling in sparring, you cannot expect to grapple effectively come fight night – even if you don’t plan on fighting, a complete MMA athlete should feel comfortable in all areas that the fight or sparring may be taken.

Becoming a well-rounded Mixed Martial Arts athlete is a consistent process that requires time, effort, dedication and persistence. Remember, the path to mastery is a marathon, not a sprint – stay committed to your goals to continue evolving as an athlete.

Why wait? If you are ready to dive into the world of MMA at The Gym Ironfist Brisbane, know that you are backed by some of Australia’s most accomplished coaches. Our MMA classes cater to everyone, from day-one beginners through to experienced athletes.

Get in touch.

Address: 2/4 Devlan St, Mansfield QLD 4122

Phone: (+07) 0431 685 085

Check out our timetable for more details.