How to Learn Proper Grappling Technique for a MMA Fight

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is an exciting, fast-paced contact sport with highly skilled fighters competing against each other. Organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Pride Fighting Championship sign contracts with fighters to participate in their events. Grappling is a large part of MMA. Properly learning the techniques that are involved in this dangerous sport can be a challenging experience.

Things You'll Need

• Instructional DVDs or videos
• Practice partner
• MMA gym membership

Instructions

1. Find a gym or training partner. You cannot fully learn grappling techniques by yourself. You have to practice them with a partner.

2. Begin by training in collegiate style or Greco-Roman wrestling. This will teach you to take your opponent to the ground and gain a dominant position.

3. Train in one of the many forms of jujitsu. Most jujitsu styles are very similar, but the most popular is Brazilian jujitsu.

4. Practice at least four times a week in 1 to 2 hour sessions. Grappling in an MMA fight takes experience. You cannot jump into a fight with a seasoned pro and expect to immediately win.

5. Get into good physical shape. The grappling practice will help, but you will soon discover that you must be in excellent shape to complete.

6. Watch MMA events on TV or in person. Watching other fighters perform techniques will allow you to see how certain moves are done.

7. Buy instructional DVDs and videos. These are often times fairly pricey, but the step-by-step demonstrations are well worth the cost.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a gym where the instructors teach respect and discipline. If you walk into a gym and they put you in the ring with an experienced fighter the first day, you may want to reconsider your membership. MMA is not something that you can learn in a short period of time, so you should not be thrown to the wolves immediately.

• MMA gym membership fees are generally higher than a normal weight or physical fitness gym. They can be very expensive, depending on whether you want individual instruction or a class setting.

• Be prepared for injuries. Grappling is all about inflicting pain and damage on your opponent. It is very difficult to practice for a long period of time without sustaining some type of injury.