Okay, here is my sharing about how to get in the MMA.
So, I’ve always been a huge fan of combat sports, you know? And MMA, man, it’s like the ultimate test of skill and guts. I finally decided to take the plunge and see if I could get into it myself. Here’s how it went down.
First Steps: Finding a Gym
First things first, I needed a place to train. I started by looking up MMA gyms in my area. I visited a few, talked to the coaches, watched some classes. The vibe was important, you know? I wanted a place that was serious but also welcoming to a newbie like me.
I found a spot that felt right. The head coach was a former pro fighter, which was awesome. They had classes for all levels, so I signed up for the intro stuff. No point jumping in the deep end, right?
Getting My Butt Kicked (Literally)
Man, those first few weeks were rough. I was sore in places I didn’t even know existed. We did a lot of conditioning, basic striking drills, and some grappling. I was getting my butt kicked, no doubt. But hey, that’s part of the process. Everyone starts somewhere.
Learning the Ropes
- Striking: We worked on jabs, crosses, hooks, uppercuts. Then kicks – leg kicks, body kicks, head kicks. It was a lot to take in, but I just kept practicing.
- Grappling: This was a whole new world. Takedowns, submissions, ground and pound. I learned some basic stuff like how to sprawl to defend a takedown and how to escape from bad positions.
I started sparring after a while. It was light at first, just to get used to the feeling of someone actually trying to hit you. It was a little scary, honestly, but also super exciting.
Consistency is Key
I kept at it, training consistently a few times a week. I started to see improvements in my technique and my fitness. It wasn’t easy, balancing training with my regular life, but I was determined. I started to see the results, I get better and better!
The Amateur Fight
After many time of training, I felt I could have a fight with others. The coach suggested I try an amateur fight. I wasn’t sure, but I figured, why not? It’s just like a test for me, no pressure.
I signed up for a local event. The whole process was a bit of a blur – weigh-ins, medical checks, the pre-fight jitters. Then, before I knew it, I was stepping into the cage. I was nervous as hell.
I won’t bore you with the details, but I ended up winning my first amateur fight. It was an amazing feeling. All that hard work paid off. It’s so cool!
The License Thing
Now, about the license. To fight professionally, you need a license from the athletic commission in your state. Each commission has its own rules, but generally, you need to have a certain number of amateur fights, pass a bunch of medical tests (blood work, physical, etc.), and pay some fees.
I’m not there yet, I just keep training and taking amateur fights. It’s a long road, but I’m enjoying the journey.
So, that’s my story so far. It’s been a wild ride, and I’m excited to see where it takes me. If you’re thinking about getting into MMA, I say go for it. Just be prepared to work your tail off and get used to feeling sore. It’s worth it, though. Trust me.
