MMA; Finding The Right Gym

MMA; Finding the right gym.

The world of mixed martial arts is slowly starting to dominate as a popular sport to watch and participate in. TapouT shirts are nearly everywhere, cardio boxing classes take over yoga, and parents encourage their kids to start Jiu Jitsu instead of soccer, or baseball. Schools are blossoming all over, and I'm always seeing new one's pop up, but that leads to my topic; how do you find the right gym?

Not every gym is for everyone. People come into gyms for many different reasons. There are good gyms everywhere whether you are into just getting a good work out, learning something new, a good environment for kids, or becoming the next star of the UFC.

1. Finding a gym for fitness

These are among the easiest gyms to find. I can understand why more people are choosing to drop their regular fitness club memberships to come do great cardio workouts often in a class for boxing, kickboxing, or even the use of Thai pads. These classes are fun, and a great way to interact with people and make friends instead of running endlessly on a treadmill by your self. Not only are you pumping up your cardio, you are creating muscle strength, and even self-defense at the same time. The muscle strength comes from holding the boxing gloves up for long periods of time and punching the bags which can develop stronger arms and shoulders, and kicking the bag can help develop muscles in your calves, thighs, and even abs. The key to finding a good gym for fitness is to find a good environment, somewhere you feel comfortable in, and feel like you are getting the best workout for your money. When looking for a gym take the time to compare prices and take a tour of gyms you may be interested in, note to yourself what these gyms have to offer you; do you have access to the gym anytime when they are open? Does it have free weights? Clean Environment? Do people look happy and friendly? Are people taking the time to answer questions or help out with fitness? Do you have any benefit or discount by adding a friend, or family member? It is worth it to take the time to "study" gyms in your area, because majority of them require you to sign a contract, which is usually very costly and sticky to try to get out of. My best advice is to go with your gut, it doesn't have to be that brand new top of the line facility, figure out where you will feel most comfortable, and get the most out of your money.

2. Finding a good gym for Martial Arts in general

If you are looking to learn martial arts, or mixed martial arts in your area it also takes sometime to figure out where you will get the best training. I have spent many years in another sport where I was constantly switching instructors because I wouldn't be getting taught properly, and over time I have learned it is always wise to study the background of the instructors and the school itself. Often times, I have seen gyms that open up and are willing to just throw any instructor with some knowledge of the martial art in for the same price as someone who has greater knowledge and experience. Find out who the instructor is and what they have achieved in their martial art background, who they are under, or who their instructor is/was. Check out the school and look at pictures of trophies, medals, and achievements. Also, look for a school that takes their students to tournaments, or fights. You may not have to compete, but you will at least know they want to create the best students and help them learn. It is even wise to check out a certain tournament or fight, and watch how the instructor coaches, how the team interacts, and even how they do. I also recommend if you are looking into just one specific martial art, look for a school that does the same as well. For example, if you are interested in doing just specific Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, look for a school that focuses on just that discipline, like a Gracie School. If you are looking to do mixed martial arts, it is up to you whether you want to go to two different schools, or go to one mixed martial arts school. If you are interested in mixed martial arts, still go with the advice above in studying the background of the instructor(s). Most importantly, I strongly recommend a school that offers tests to advance. For example, in muay thai you receive armbands, and in Jiu Jitsu you receive belts. Majority of martial arts offer different types of rankings. This is important because it values what you have learned.

3. Finding a martial arts school for your child

I personally feel that this is the most important gym to find. Martial arts for kids should NEVER compare to martial arts as an adult! It is nearly two completely separate forms. When kids learn martial arts it should be about respect for others, self-discipline, and most importantly having fun. Children should never be pushed or forced, and I have seen in many cases to the point of tears. I strongly recommend watching a kid’s class before enrolling your child and keep in mind the following; is the instructor friendly? Do the kids seem happy? Are the kids respectful and friendly to each other as well? I have also witnessed kids enter pankration fights and was surprised not to see them coming into a walk-in song with a crowd of people following behind as if they were on the UFC. That's not what it should be about either. Tournaments and Fights should be COMPLETE learning experiences, it is good to win and represent your team but if your instructor has to push their kid that winning is the only option that isn't a good sign. When you become an adult, that is more understanding, but for a child that is still developing, learning should be the only option available, not winning and losing. Back to finding that gym for your child, martial arts is a great option for children to become involved in. As I said before it teaches self-discipline, respect for others, and is great for making friends, learning something new, keeping them healthy and active, and even getting all that energy out. This is the most important type of gym to find, and should take time to find a great gym for your child to develop and learn. It shouldn't be a day care center, and it shouldn't be a school that treats their kids that they have to be the best, and winning is the only option.

4. Finding a gym fit for a fighter

This is also a very difficult gym to find, and there are many aspects to it. First, you have to go with finding a good martial arts school (See, #2). Then, you need to prove to yourself that you really want to fight and are dedicated. Third, your coach will be willing to take you to the top. And finally, that you are a human being, not a paycheck. After you have found a good martial arts gym, then you need to show the trainers that you can be a fighter. It doesn't matter how long you have been training, how many tattoos you have, that your uncle is Tito Ortiz, or how many street fights you've been in. That is NOT what creates a fighter. Believe me, there are many people that join a gym and tell the coach, "Yeah, I want to be a top fighter, and go pro!" and never show up to train. Probably for every 99 people that say that, only 1 person will actually make it there. Also, keep in mind that a lot of gyms and coaches can spread the word on fighters. So, having a good reputation from the start can help find you that coach. However, back to finding that good martial arts gym; in my personal experience there will be times where I would come in a two in the afternoon, and wouldn't get any form of coaching until six at night. I would sit and wait for someone to train me or help me out. Now, in this case the gym I was at had many pro fighters that demanded their attention on their top fighters, which was understandable, but this wasn't the right gym for me. I wasn't a top fighter, but I wanted to be. And nobody at that gym could get me there. That is why I brought up the point that it doesn't matter how nice the facility may be, or how many top fighters they have there, it's about you, and finding a gym that can take you to the top. Also it is very important to find a gym you are comfortable at. I've been to gyms where I've had to spar and have gotten the crap beaten out of me; it felt like all the fighters had something to prove. Your fellow fighters should be just as willing to help you learn as your coaches, and training should be something you look forward to coming in each day. You can't go from point A to point Z, you need to get your way to the top by finding a gym that will guide you all the way. Now once you are a fighter, your coaches and manager need to remember that you are a human being, not a paycheck! Also every fighter is different, and has their strengths and weaknesses and should have their own customized forms of training. You are built to fight, and should at this point be ready to win. You should NEVER be thrown into fights you feel like you are not ready for. And that is where trusting a coach and manager come in, you should have a good form of trust with your coach and he should know your abilities as a fighter.

I feel that many people neglect or don't fully know how to find the right gym. I hope that this article will help you understand right from the start which gym is right for you, or make you realize that you could be training at the wrong gym. Always take the time to find a gym you feel comfortable at, and never have to drag yourself to.