MMA mixed martial arts competition
Training MMA (mixed martial arts) in Redondo Beach is not just about learning techniques and doing drills. It is about taking those techniques and putting them into action on the mat or in a competition setting. Live sparring and eventually competing is where you will best find the strengths and weaknesses in your MMA game.
It is not easy to take that huge first step from learning positions and doing drills to putting your skills up against another person in competition, which is true for all combat sports from kickboxing to weapons’ practice to MMA (mixed martial arts). The most difficult part is the “live” or unstructured aspect. No longer is it “one for one” or “this side goes” it is just “GO!” It feels awkward and overwhelming at first but soon you will notice a significant improvement to not only your proficiency but also to your ability to understand and learn new techniques. Once you have become comfortable with live sparring at your gym with your fellow students and teammates, the next step is to compete.
Let me be clear, when I speak of competition I am referring to a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) or submission grappling tournament, not an actual mixed martial arts fight. Many people train MMA but few will ever have the experience of stepping into the ring or cage for an actual MIXED MARTIAL ARTS fight. This is due, mostly, to the high chance of great bodily harm as well as the months of preparation needed prior to a fight. A Jiu-jitsu tournament is a much better option for most people. I recommend that anyone who is physically capable of competing should do it at least once. Competing allows you to test your skills live versus a person you have never trained with. The skills and experience you gain in a live competition setting, where fighting at 100 percent is what you have to do, are far different than those you get from sparring with your teammates. Facing many opponents from different gyms will provide new tests and different styles from what you are used to. This will compel you to consistently change and develop your technique. Win or lose, the greatest payoff of competing is that you get a straightforward assessment on how your skills are developing and what you need to work on before the next tournament.
This weekend Elite has 27 of its students (kids and adults) and instructors competing in the NABJJF tournament at Cal State Dominguez Hills. No doubt each competitor will learn something valuable for his or her ground game. If you are able to go and support the team, please do so!
Bobby Rich
Elite Training Center
1628 South Pacific Coast Highway,
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 543-1600
www.elitetrainingcenter.net
MMA mixed martial arts competition
MMA mixed martial arts competition
