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Anyone training in MMA?

I am considering it for self defence but not for competition. Is it worthwhile or is it too mixed and therefore result in a jack of all trades master of none phenomenon?
Reply 1
Original post by Mr Student
I am considering it for self defence but not for competition. Is it worthwhile or is it too mixed and therefore result in a jack of all trades master of none phenomenon?


I've never understood this theory, especially in regards to self defence. Is the guy a good boxer? use kicks, takedowns, plumb clinch etc.
Is the guy a good wrestler? keep the fight on the feet, work your striking or if he does take you down, have an active guard.
MMA outside of designated self defence courses/arts is probably the best combat sport for self defence.
Reply 2
At the basic self-defence level, there is only really one criterion when it comes to judging whether or not something is going to have any value or not : What makes you "competent" at fighting is whether or not what you are practising gets you used to live physical confrontation. This could be MMA, BJJ, karate, judo - it could be rugby.

If you spar live with someone as part of your training - it will almost certainly do you some good. If you don't, and the training is form/kata based or deals only in two-steps - then chances are it will be of far less value.
Reply 3
Original post by MJ1012
I've never understood this theory, especially in regards to self defence. Is the guy a good boxer? use kicks, takedowns, plumb clinch etc.
Is the guy a good wrestler? keep the fight on the feet, work your striking or if he does take you down, have an active guard.
MMA outside of designated self defence courses/arts is probably the best combat sport for self defence.


Do you partake?
Reply 4
Original post by Mr Student
Do you partake?


I do, yes.
Reply 5
Original post by MJ1012
I do, yes.


for self defence or to compete?

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Reply 6
Original post by Mr Student
for self defence or to compete?

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Doesn't have to be either of those options. I do it partly for self defence, partly for exercise, partly because I find it interesting, partly to "compete" in sparring and rolling.
Reply 7
Original post by MJ1012
Doesn't have to be either of those options. I do it partly for self defence, partly for exercise, partly because I find it interesting, partly to "compete" in sparring and rolling.


Do you think you'll ever compete in the true sense of the definition within the sport? By compete I mean engage in a full contact arranged fight overseen by an approved judge.

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Reply 8
Original post by Mr Student
Do you think you'll ever compete in the true sense of the definition within the sport? By compete I mean engage in a full contact arranged fight overseen by an approved judge.

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I got offered to fight in the interclub but it didn't appeal to me. But maybe one day, I'll be tempted for the test and learning experience a real fight will offer but it seems way off as of now.
Reply 9
Original post by MJ1012
I got offered to fight in the interclub but it didn't appeal to me. But maybe one day, I'll be tempted for the test and learning experience a real fight will offer but it seems way off as of now.


My local gym or fight factory as it better known seems a little intimidating. I know some bad people go there and they host fights around 4 times a year. Is this the wrong sort of place to learn MMA for self defense? To be honest I have no desire to fight other people I just want to hold my own.

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Reply 10
Original post by Mr Student
My local gym or fight factory as it better known seems a little intimidating. I know some bad people go there and they host fights around 4 times a year. Is this the wrong sort of place to learn MMA for self defense? To be honest I have no desire to fight other people I just want to hold my own.

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I can't speak for your gym, only the sport itself. Each gym will vary in quality, douchebags, learning style etc. However in MMA as a whole, yes, over time obviously, you should be able to hold your own. It's up to you if you feel comfortable at your local gym.
Original post by Mr Student
My local gym or fight factory as it better known seems a little intimidating. I know some bad people go there and they host fights around 4 times a year. Is this the wrong sort of place to learn MMA for self defense? To be honest I have no desire to fight other people I just want to hold my own.

Posted from TSR Mobile


I don't partake in the sport myself, but that's not to say I might not explore it at some point in the future. I am a fan of MMA and it's possible that I might one day look at training in wrestling and/or brazilian jiu jitsu. Although I don't partake, I have friends that do and my advice would be to go to a respected trainer locally who specialises in a particular martial art. Most places near me will hold a beginner's class as well as an advanced class each week. Personally, I know that I'd rather go to a class with a trainer who has mastered their art as opposed to a 'jack of all trades' as you put it.
You don't really have jack of all trades cause you'll shine in one area such as grappling or your standup or maybe something even more specific such as your kicks/knees/punches.
Every gym seems intimidating but the instructors won't let anyone get disrespected or bullied in the gym trust me

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