| Mixed martial arts is challenging, and MMA fitness is | | | | 5. Discuss pricing with the trainer. At its' lowest this can |
| requisite to go the full stretch. If you are serious and | | | | be US$100/month. Assess the trainer's attitude. Is he |
| passionate about mixed martial arts, then start | | | | trying to pressure you to sign up? Then this is not a |
| right-look for the right MMA fitness and training gym in | | | | good gym. You want a trainer, not a salesman. |
| your area. This means you will have to do some | | | | 6. Ask about free training. If this gym is really confident |
| serious research and canvassing of your options. Here | | | | about what it has to offer, it will give free observation |
| are some tips on getting started in the right way: | | | | of classes, and a couple of free training days. You |
| 1. Go online. | | | | should definitely take them on if that is so, so that you |
| A) Google MMA fitness and training schools in your | | | | can get a feel of the gym. If a gym is not willing to let |
| area. For example if you live in San Francisco, type | | | | you try out its goods first, forget about it. |
| "List of mixed martial arts schools in San Francisco, | | | | 7.Your instructor should tell you what gear to bring. If |
| California" or "List of MMA training in San Francisco, | | | | he is really good he will make sure you bring a mouth |
| California". Several options should appear. | | | | guard and a groin protector. Also, a good gym will |
| B) If the lists will are not specific to mixed martial arts | | | | have boxing/MMA gloves and shin pads. However |
| go to the forums. You may find some names to start | | | | once you have enrolled, you should invest in all of your |
| off your search. Otherwise, start your own forum | | | | own gear. |
| question. Ask, "What is a good MMA fitness and | | | | 8. Talk to your classmates. On your first session, find |
| training gym in SF, California?" | | | | out how long they have been with the gym. If they |
| C) Check out MMA events. There should be a list of | | | | have been there longer than three months, that is a |
| gyms represented that you can add to your search. | | | | good sign. Also, see if they are already sparring. This |
| 2. Check the website of each option. There should be | | | | should take place once a week once the |
| information about their instructor's background. See if | | | | fundamentals are down, which should take about three |
| his training is up to par. Also, check their schedule of | | | | months. |
| classes, services and prices; and be sure it matches | | | | 9. Check out the instructors' credentials. The grappling |
| your schedule and budget. If they have a "fight team" | | | | instructor should be a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and |
| that's good. It shows the are active in events. If they | | | | must have trained under reputable instructors. The |
| have a "contact us" section, Send them a list of | | | | striking coaches should have competition experience. If |
| questions for them to answer. | | | | it's check on both counts, you are in a good place. |
| 3. Look for reviews or articles on the schools. There | | | | 10. See if some students compete. A good gym should |
| may even be blog entries about the school, which | | | | have a team, or some students who are professional |
| would be good. However, if it has one or two negative | | | | level fighters. |
| reports, don't let that Try to discourage you. If they | | | | 11. Too perfect is not good. If the equipment looks too |
| have mostly bad reports, then cross them out. Also do | | | | new, it could mean that it is not being used enough. |
| research on the coaches. Look up blogs, search | | | | You want a gym that is clean, but signs of equipment |
| engines, or ask about him in forums. Remember, you | | | | that has been used means that people are going there. |
| are in this for the long term but you are balancing a | | | | Basically, there should be a grappling mat, a boxing ring, |
| budget too, so you want real value for your money. | | | | and a cage. If you have taken the time to canvass |
| 4. Visit the gyms on your list. Talk to the head trainer | | | | your list of gyms knowing what to look for, you will be |
| and ask him about a typical weekly schedule. There | | | | able to concentrate on finding the perfect fit in terms |
| should be a class for striking, another for wrestling, and | | | | of value for money, schedule and quality MMA fitness |
| a separate class for grappling. Also, make sure there | | | | and training. |
| is a free day for conditioning. | | | | |