UnderGround Forum >> I want to start training mma were to start?

sweatygooch - Where's abouts in the UK are you?

DMCN - Just show up. Be humble. Learn from the schooling. And don't forget to enjoy yourself.

fat referee -

Bigbrockfanuk -  What would use suggest doing if I can't find a mma gym? Muay thy, boxing or kickboxing. The gym that I have in mind is mainly bjj and does wrestling a couple of nites a week.

 

Depends on what you're interested in. It may be tough to find a gym that offers everything at a good price. Some people only like bjj...if you are one of those people maybe the gym you speak of is good for you. If you are more interested in boxing/kickboxing then look into striking gyms.

 

But the main thing is to look and don't be afraid to walk in the door. Sounds like you are a little nervous checking out a gym on your own which is understandable. A good gym will be very welcoming and will want to make you feel at home, given that you are respectful and want to learn. 

Do your research and don't be afraid to ask questions. If I were you I would check as many places that you would be willing to go as possible so you can compare how the classes are and the gym enviornment (friendly vs arrogant & everyone trying to take each other's head off)

General tip once you pick a place: If you ever feel that you are in a situation in the gym where you are uncomfortable i.e. a sparring partner is going HAM on you, don't be afraid and speak up and say to take it easy, and if he doesn't listen, respectfully stop and don't partner with him. Good sparring partners will only go as hard as you go against them.

Also accept that you will get schooled for the first 6 months to a year at least. The good people will probably school me until eternity :)

Hope this helps.

Devlin - ian freeman has a gym in stanley durham which is anout an hour from middlesbourgh, but you could be close and his training is high quality.

A_Butler - If you're training at a gym that's worth a shit you won't have to worrying getting schooled until you've shown that you can protect yourself during sparring and have expressed interest in doing so.

If you just want to train and get in shape and learn about the techniques with no competition that shouldn't be a problem. In most gyms the bills are payed by hobbyist that train for physical fitness purposes and just enjoy it. Professionals and competitors are usually in classes separate from the every day guy.

Don't think that all gyms are full of top level MMA competitors just waiting to take someone's head off..... Most are filled with hobbyists and a handful of amateurs and pros. You'll be fine. Just walk in and sign up.

There are obviously many things to look for in a new gym, one key one would be finding one that has a true "beginner" MMA class so you can create a solid foundation before being tossed to the wolves.