MMA Training - The 3 Levels of a Mixed Martial Arts Training Regimen

Every MMA fighter must follow a strict MMA training regimen or training program to develop an elite level of strength, power, conditioning, and technique to make sure they compete at the highest level of performance possible. MMA Fighters may train for periods of 8, 12, and 16 weeks before a fight to make sure they are physically and mentally prepared to take on their opponent. When the cage door shuts behind you, there is no turning back, so you have to be ready at all costs.

There are three levels to a complete MMA training program and they must be followed in the correct order to get the most out of your training before you fight. Building the right kind of MMA training program is a lot like building a house. Here are the three levels that will make your MMA training complete and make your opponent gain another loss on his record.

LEVEL 1: STRENGTH & CONDITIONING (Physical and Mental)

This is the most important level - Just like the foundation of a house... If the foundation of your house is weak then it's gonna fall, but if it's strong, then you can continue to build on it. Every fighters training has to start with a rock solid foundation. A solid MMA strength and conditioning program is a must if you plan on beating your opponent without gassing out in the first or 2nd round. Your physical and mental fitness level should be up to par with the best, and the only way be like the best is to train like the best.

Why is Strength and Conditioning so important?

A physically and mentally strong and conditioned fighter can dominate his opponent

-He can last 3-5 rounds in a fight without gassing out
-He can take his opponent down and keep him on the ground at will
-He can lift his opponent off the ground easily for devastating body slams
-He has devastating knock out power
-He has the ability to push, pull, and move in any direction for long periods of time without getting tired
-He will be 100% confident that he will win the fight
-He can intimidate his opponent with just a glare
-He will be focused and ready for any challenge that comes his way

Those are only a few of the possibilities that a well conditioned fighter can do more of when he trains hard through a well planned out physical and mental strength and conditioning program.

LEVEL 2: TECHNICAL

This is the next level. For MMA fighters this is where the emphasis of training rises from strength & conditioning to working on your skills and techniques and this is where training for specific disciplines is applied - like Muay Thai, Boxing, Brazilian Jujitsu, and Wrestling. You have to know you arts and be technically skilled at them in order to fight at your best.

What does being technically skilled mean?

A technically skilled fighter knows his art well

-He knows when and how to block, evade, or counter punches and kicks.
-He knows the precise timing of when to attack an opponent and at what distance
-He knows how to throw striking combinations correctly
-He knows how to get out of submission holds when needed
-He knows how to put his opponent into many submission holds from many different positions, whether it be standing or on the ground
-He knows when and how to go for a take down and also how to avoid being taken down

These are just a few examples of how important the technical level in MMA training is. Without this you can't fight. You have to train hard and learn to follow the right technical training program or follow the regimen that is taught to you by your trainers.

LEVEL 3: TACTICAL

As a mixed martial artist you have to design strategies to defeat your opponents. Every opponent is different so you always need to create new strategies and improve on your tactics and training. Training for MMA is not a destination it's a lifestyle. The Right Game Plan can win you the fight.

Why is a tactical game plan so important?

Having a good game plan in place will give you the advantage in a fight

-You will know your opponents weaknesses and strengths
-You will know how to attack your opponents weaknesses and how to steer clear of his strengths
-You will know your own weakness and strengths and make your opponent play your game
-You will be in control of setting the pace of the fight
-You will have high confidence because you know everything about your opponent

This last level is the master planning level that will allow you to strategize and dominate at will. Never step into the cage without a game plan.

Now you know the 3 main levels of a professional MMA training program. keep this list handy and share it with your friends so they too can learn to train the right way. Remember if you want to be a pro you have to train like a pro.

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