MMA is one of America’s fastest-growing sports, and can be found at local gyms and clubs in most cities and towns. [1] X Research source
Ninjutsu is a very complex, nuanced fighting form that takes decades to learn. That said, the basics of it will benefit any fighter. [4] X Research source
Long, wiry bodies have great reach, allowing them to pepper opponents from a distance. Short, muscular bodies have to get in close, and focus on landing hard, powerful hits. Is your natural inclination to use your feet and knees? Keep your blocks high and practice getting as much range out of kicks as possible. Can you run for days without getting tired? Then keep your feet moving and tire your opponent out, moving in for the KO when she/he starts to become tired.
Do you struggle to dictate a fight and be aggressive? Then work on your counterattacks and blocks, forcing aggressive fighters to over-extend and make a mistake. Are you big and bulky, but slow? Get in close with grapples and grabs, negating your opponent’s speed, or sit back and block small jabs while you aim for 1-2 big hits.
Warm up at half-speed. No one will get hurt, and you can start to feel what moves are fluid and easy to pull off. Fight a variety of people. Note how you need to change up your style or strategy slightly against other people’s styles. What can you learn from them? Have a trainer or third person watching to give advice and feedback – you can’t see everything. [8] X Research source
Watch fighters with similar builds and body types as you – you’ll be more likely to replicate their moves and strategy. [9] X Research source
A boxer can learn a lot from Muay Tai, and an MMA fighter can learn a lot from Judo. All of these disciplines are related and give you the competitive edge over your opponents. If you’re lost, peruse the list of popular fighting disciplines below to find potential new styles.
Don’t worry about “one style. " You’ll be easy to predict and beat. But if you can switch it up on your opponent with something unique you’ll be much more powerful. “Have no way as Way; have no limitation as limitation. ” – Bruce Lee[11] X Research source
A good trainer is one you feel comfortable with, but who still pushes you to improve and work harder. If you’re intimidated about working one-on-one, join a gym in your chosen discipline (boxing, MMA, karate, etc. ). The group setting is a great place to start working with less pressure.
Speed-bag drills Punching bag workouts Shadow-boxing (acting out a fight, in full speed, by yourself). Target practice (when a coach or friend holds up pads to hit).
3-4 days a week of cardio (running, biking, swimming, etc. ) Daily push-ups, pull-ups, and crunches. Daily stretching for flexibility (Yoga and aerobics are good options) Plyometrics and jump rope for agility Interval training for strength and explosiveness.
If you keep practicing, you’ll find ways to make things natural. Remember that, in a fight, you only have a split-second to react. You will, of course, react with what your body finds easiest. Train that instinct to be the best it can be.
