Thinking about entering the MMA world. need some advice.

[dmc_tim]

Ever since i started watching MMA back in 2006 when Matt hughes beat Royce Gracie , ive been hooked on mma and havent really missed a UFC PPV since then. for the past few months ive been contemplating getting into Mixed Martial Arts.


Im 21 , 5 ft 11in and 220lbs. if i want to compete i want to drop down to 170 lbs, thats where i think i would feel most comfortable @.

i know one thing i want to learn right of the bat if Kick boxing as im not too far away from a gym thats ran by boxing/kickboxing legend sam jones sr. thats one thing i want to excell @. my question to you guys that actually compete is these:

1. aside from boxing/kick boxing, what other martial arts should i excell @ to become a more competitive fighter.

2. whats a safe way to drop weight without hurting yourself too bad.

3. what would be a good base to start with, like BJJ, wrestling,?

any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Quintessential Studmuffin]

BJJ is the best place to start,in my opinion.

Safe way to drop weight: Safe and healthy diet and plenty of exercise daily,simple as that. Plenty of running,cardio type exercises,and clean food. Fruits,vegies,chicken breast,etc.

Also,just dont rush things,you're only 21 so you've got plenty of time to do whatever you want.

[Ubermensch]

Wrestling is a great foundation for American MMA. You need to work on Cardio more than anything though believe it or not that is the thing that gets most fighters. Kickboxing and a great Ground game either wrestling or BJJ is great if by chance you have a Sambo Dojo around you I would go there first because they incorporate many of the techniques you would need to go straight into mma with out having to cross train right away. And as for weight I would say in general you should never lose more than 10-15lbs in a sauna suit. If you go beyond that you may hurt yourself for your fight IMO. Just have fun and know if you really want to do this professionally that there is way more drive needed than most people would ever think and the shit hurts! No joke make fun all you want but it can take its toll on your body.

[Harlem]

BJJ as a base if you don't know anything. San Shou and wrestling to back it up.

[The Sundance Kid]

Start now and worry about losing the weight later.

You should probably train about 3 years before you fight, so you defiantly have time to lose the weight.

But yea, I'd start off with BJJ and maybe some Thia boxing.

[Tenacious_Thunder]

I you are really sure you can feel comfortable a kickboxing, train REALLY hard on your wrestling. aside, but really good wrestling guys can help you drop the weight safely, but focus on the actual training for now.

Then bjj to really stick on getting out and avoiding subs and getting back up to bang

[RNCkid]

where do you live, I could probably recommend some places to train at

[Clint]

For weight, just clean up your diet and combined with training you will lose most of the weight no problem. I reccoment John berardi's 7 habits personally:
John Berardi - 7 Habits

[pa99fighter]

Wrestling is the best backround to have going into mma. Once you know that transitioning into BJJ and Muay Thai comes.

[ninjastix]

Originally Posted by pa99fighter

Wrestling is the best backround to have going into mma. Once you know that transitioning into BJJ and Muay Thai comes.

I don't know about the best but wrestling is certainly a good base. Get some roots in some solid Martial Art discipline. Make this decision over time as you explore 1 Art or 2.

MMA is a fantastic sport and in my very humble opinion it's because the people doing it are on another level of athleticism. Some of the best fighters are Olympic quality, to be at that kind of level requires the physical gifts and traits, it also involves an assload of hard work and personal sacrifice.

Respect yourself by knowing how far you're willing to go. Best way to do so would be by committing to an art and doing the absolute best you can. Maybe try competing in an all striking or all grappling tourny before you pursue MMA.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!