Structure of MMA Class

For information purposes only. Exercise and diet at your own risk


I have often been asked what a mixed martial arts class entails, and what sort of training to expect. I think the need to ask this question stems from the early horror stories that surrounded these classes. Tales of badly supervised coaching, all out fighting, broken limbs, torn ligaments, cranked necks and general blood and guts. Thank God the format has greatly changed! When I started training in MMA some nine years ago (although it was yet to be coined MMA) the training was a bit hit or miss. There was no real framework to work in and we were just following what we thought was right. A bit of boxing, some kicking, wrestling and submission. Yes it was tough blood and snot training. Now some 10 years on MMA has become an acceptable sport and combat art. Most classes will follow near enough the same format and it does have a framework and structure to work on. The cowboys and wannabe’s are far and few between and now we have a good group of knowledgeable coaches and trainers, many having stepped into the arena themselves. The image of human cockfighting and bloodfest are hopefully gone. All that love this sport/art have worked tirelessly for a better image. Yes MMA is a tough, extreme and exciting sport, but it is a sport not just a couple of thugs having a tear-up. There are some first class fight shows, promoters, fighters and trainers in the UK and things are getting better and better all the time. There are grassroots amateur events where first time fighters can test themselves and progress if they wish onto semi-pro and professional cage fighting.

In the Southwest we have major events regularly like Ultimate Combat, a top pro-show, where my fighters and myself have fought. We also have ML Sports amateur events, the Welsh grapple and strike. Stuart Davis’ Fight Club shows in Weston Super Mare and Pete Millers new ‘cage’ event also in WSM. Things are really taking off big time in the Southwest of England as well as right across the UK.

The standard training in my classes follow this approach, but it will vary depending on level of participants or whether certain individuals are training for a fight. Anyway this is the format:

Shadow sparring in mirrors - Working foot movement. Punches, kicks, knees, elbows
Shadow sparring in mirrors - Bring in shoots, sprawls and ground movement
Conditioning - i.e. sprawls, tucks, starjumps, burpees, mountain climbers, squat thrusts, Hindu squats, Hindu pushups, abs work, neck briding etc
Padwork on boxing Focus mitts
Thai pad work
Large kick shield work
Padwork on floor
MMA Focus pad work
Wrestling drills
Floorwork - pins, positions, submissions, reversals
Sparring - boxing, Kickboxing, wrestling, submission, all in MMA
Cooldown/stretchout, Q and A time

*As mentioned this is just a sample which can be mixed and matched
*I hold a novice/intermediate class and an advanced class. I also have a structured MMA syllabus as a guide and framework to work in

Equipment/Fightwear
I have my own pads, gloves etc which students can borrow but in the long run it is better to purchase your own.
Clothing is casual. Vest, T-shirt and shorts/tracksuit bottoms. Proper fightwear which can be purchased would be: - Fighters vest or T-shirt, sweatguard shirt, Vale Tudo tight shorts or sprawl board type shorts, 4/6 oz fight gloves e.g. Viper, Harbringer, anklets or wrestling boots.
Other safety wear: gumshield, groinguard, shin/instep protectors.

Insurance
There is a fighters insurance available from BNMMA which can be purchased. Price will vary depending on what you wish to participate in. MMA is a great proving ground for finding out how good your technique is and for pressure testing but my club has no place for would be Macho Men. You leave your ego at the door and come to learn and be part of a team. The people you train with are your sparring and drilling partners not your enemy. You will not spar if you get emotional, lose control or see the ‘old red mist’. If you are excessive you will be warned, if this is not heeded it will lead to leaving the class. I have a bunch of tough and seasoned fighters that do not suffer fools lightly. They are great lads and can be brilliant people to train with if approached in the right manner. So no ‘would be warriors’ need come along, only genuine people wanting to learn or compete in one of the worlds most exciting sports.
I am usually at most classes myself and like to participate and lead the sessions. If I am not present one of my top coaches will be there.

http://www.bristolgoshinjutsu.com/
Disclaimer: Consult your GP before changing diet. Follow any Training regime or diet on this site at your own risk