MMA guys... what to expect in the beginning?

[The_Grinder]

So for 2009 I am seriously considering starting this up. It seems like 22 is kind of old to starts nowadays, but still I really want to see if I can do it. (One of my buddies from work who is 25 is planning on starting up too, which should be good. Easier to keep eachother motivated)

I am definately going to go talk to the guy before I sign up or anything. I want to make sure I can even afford it. So basically, my question is, what can I expect at first? I never wrestled in school, never took any M.A. to speak of growing up. Granted I'd feel like a bit of a pussy put in a strictly beginner class being spoonfed elementary shit. On the other hand, I'd feel like a bit of a jackass being thrown in to spar the first day when I have no technique whatsoever. I know its going to be different school by school, but what are some basic things to expect?

[Shibby]

I can't give you the specifics on MMA, but with learning any discipline be prepared for things to go very slow at the beginning, lots of focus on conditioning.

[Mr I]

take things slow and learn, I've never done it but I know your into your training so wouldn't want to see you with ligament damage etc

[Bouncer]

you will not be thrown into spar with someone on the first day. any good school will teach you proper technique first.

you will get roughed up a bit but it nothing that you need to be worried about if the school is professional.

[Mr I]

you will not be thrown into spar with someone on the first day. any good school will teach you proper technique first.

you will get roughed up a bit but it nothing that you need to be worried about if the school is professional.

Very true, I had a session at Extreeme couture and they said exactly that and trust me you wouldn't wanna be in there straight away.

just stay away from cocky teenagers in there, especially when doint jits!

[Bouncer]

once again, "cocky teenagers" would be quickly put in their place if the school is professional. a good school is run like the military.

[bigbadexcursion]

I have some hot cousins....


Just Sayin'

[hitmansb]

Things you'll figure out:

gym cardio isn't martial arts cardio...you're going to be sucking wind BADLY for the first few weeks

jiu-jitsu is more like chess than it is rough-and-tumble wrestling when done properly...try not to use any size/strength advantage you may have to 'muscle' guys. You might get away with it at first with other beginners, but in the end, it'll retard your learning

if you are someone who's not easily discouraged, it can be a hell of a lot of fun once you get the hang of the basics

[NYCmitch25]

you dont know till ya try... some guys pick it up quick.

[ROCKETW19]

When I started I sighned up for the classses 120 bucks a month you can take as many classes as you want.
If you walk in with a attitude you will get checked quick. We have a guy that we sick on the people that walk in all tuff and say " Ya im here to be a UFC fighter" Our guy usally is called to the desk and gets to hear the story of how bad the other guy is. He then takes him in the ring and beats the shit outta him. 99% of tuff guys dont act tuff. just go in the gym join the regular class and learn. If you are good they will take it from there to get you on the right track.
Without wrestling IMO you wont go far unless you are a heavyweight. almost all beginer fights go to the ground in seconds the wrestler usally wins.
Sighn up have fun and get some cardio.

[Motorcycleguy]

Xtreme Couture Vegas is $165/month and that is a top notch gym, if any other gym is charging more than that then you either live in the middle of nowhere or they are hosing people. Google the gym, you will find all sorts of things. Most places will put you in very slowly, you don't spar until you are novice to advanced. What is the point of putting you in harms way it'll only discourage the newbs. I've done Hapkido, karate, tae kwan do, judo, kick boxing, boxing, wrestling and jiu jitsu and I've never been put in over my head. Ever thing in martial arts is a progressive process.
Whatever you do don't act tough. Just go in to learn or the trainer will boot you or make an example of you. Personally I love the "tough guys" because I'm big but look like a harmless pretty boy (so I've been told by those tough guys), it makes those first few classes really fun. Anyhow, I hope that helps. Oh and I started mma when I was 21, though had wrestled a bit (very minor) and had done a couple years of judo and such.

[The_Grinder]

So I called the place and asked about prices. $140 a month is what they said. Its on the top end of my price range so I'm going to find out a little bit more about this place, and maybe go watch a class before I commit that. (Just getting out of college so I gotta watch the finances.)

It was weird though, when I called up there I asked if there was any way I could sit down and speak with someone who runs the class or the facility. The lady that answered just told me that they were never there outside of class and I should just come up, watch a class, and jump in whenever. :wacko: I don't know about all that. It just seems to me I'd be a little confused if I was already in that class and some newb just jumped in an started workin... Is that how they all work?

[Bouncer]

So I called the place and asked about prices. $140 a month is what they said. Its on the top end of my price range so I'm going to find out a little bit more about this place, and maybe go watch a class before I commit that. (Just getting out of college so I gotta watch the finances.)

It was weird though, when I called up there I asked if there was any way I could sit down and speak with someone who runs the class or the facility. The lady that answered just told me that they were never there outside of class and I should just come up, watch a class, and jump in whenever. :wacko: I don't know about all that. It just seems to me I'd be a little confused if I was already in that class and some newb just jumped in an started workin... Is that how they all work?

not for nothing bro but just go and watch. you seem a bit intimidated by it all. it may not be for you, if its not, no big deal. i cant fight for shit either. :rofl:

[The_Grinder]

not for nothing bro but just go and watch. you seem a bit intimidated by it all. it may not be for you, if its not, no big deal. i cant fight for shit either. :rofl:

not intimidated because of the fighting thing, but maybe a bit about the looking like a jackass because i dont know what i am doing. i will readily admit that.

i dont think id be embarassed at all to take an ass whooping in a ring setting. that's what its for right?

[ROCKETW19]

So I called the place and asked about prices. $140 a month is what they said. Its on the top end of my price range so I'm going to find out a little bit more about this place, and maybe go watch a class before I commit that. (Just getting out of college so I gotta watch the finances.)

It was weird though, when I called up there I asked if there was any way I could sit down and speak with someone who runs the class or the facility. The lady that answered just told me that they were never there outside of class and I should just come up, watch a class, and jump in whenever. :wacko: I don't know about all that. It just seems to me I'd be a little confused if I was already in that class and some newb just jumped in an started workin... Is that how they all work?

All schools will let you train at least 1 time for free to check it out. Of coarse you will be lost but no one cares, They were lost also their first time.
The instructer will know your a noob and help you more than others if you even need it?
I watched 1 time and seen the intence cardio and didnt even take a class, I just sighned up on the spot.
Just go in there "be yourself" and you will fit in, in no time.