Mixed Martial Arts Zone

Question: Looking to start doing mixed martial arts.?

(Posted by: Trump on 2009-06-06 01:29:51)

Okay im looking to start doing mma. I want to learn BJJ for my ground game and for my striking game and Karate or Tae Kwon Do. Just wondering would this work??? Cause i know Karate and TKD are not too popular of fighting styles in MMA. Would i be better off just learning boxing?

Posted by: lazlo_dei on 2009-06-07, 15:24:54

Find a program that offers a variety of styles so you can learn which ones 'fit' your physique, temperment, etc. best. Obvously, these 'total' programs will teach you all-around skills so you can defend yourself striking and grappling, but usually these programs also provide weapons training and, best of all, they will rarely bore you since you are switching subjects quite a bit. I found a great 'total' program that taught me a substantial amount of Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, Wing Chun, Eskrima (Filipiano stick fighting), knife fighting, self defense against guns, and some other stuff. The down side to a total program is that you are a jack of all trades, master of none. However, it is a great place to start to learn the strengths and weaknesses of several arts.

Posted by: kixX on 2009-06-06, 02:26:36

What kind of karate ? I would leave TKD behind and train in boxing or muay thai.

Posted by: Top Contender on 2009-06-06, 05:19:20

I agree with Kix, I was watching HDnet last night,and the Gracie family was being interviewed. They said that it isn't always necessary to do all these styles,just stick to one,and be really good at it. I would say just take BJJ. but if you want to go with other styles for striking ok. I suggest not TKD or Karate because of the Mcdojo chances are very high. Instead do Judo (which compliments BJJ more than anything) MuayThai Kickboxing,or Boxing.

Posted by: Ray H on 2009-06-06, 08:05:32

Its not so much the style you learn, but how you apply it that matters.

Posted by: BenADHD804 on 2009-06-06, 09:09:51

Depends on what kind of fighter you are. If you're of a fast/ evasive fighter, than karate is great. I mean, hell, look at Lyoto Machida. But it's all about style and how you pull things off. Try whatever's most comfortable.

Posted by: northcarrlight on 2009-06-06, 15:22:06

You think as they are not popular that they are not effective - fitness first, the right type of fitness i.e. fast muscle twitch for speed, tactics next - wrestling or direct striking? I try to stick to the things (moves) I like as they are more instinctive to me, just my thoughts some good answers already here

Posted by: Monkey Balls on 2009-06-06, 21:03:56

There is so much to learn and practice with grappling, that I wouldn't waste too much time learning to strike until you are proficient on the ground. Every minute you spend hitting a bag is a minute you could be on the ground learning something. Striking will definitely be an important thing to know, I've never really heard of Karate or TKD being used effectively. Stick to boxing, if you really want to overachieve I would recommend Muy Thai.

Posted by: CameronQ on 2009-06-07, 05:13:01

GSP has a background in Kyokushin Karate. A lot of the other UFC pros and MMA fighters have also trained in Kyokushin Karate. Muay Thai is also outstanding. I would suggest wrestling first. A LOT of the top BJJ guys find they need to go to wrestling to get better. Wrestlers have the best takedown game. BJJ seems to be the best for groundwork finishes, although good judo players are also awesome. Judo has a much better standup/ throwing game than BJJ too. Boxing has the best hand skills for the ring, although Muay Thai can teach you just the same skills but with awareness of the legs too. TKD has little application in MMA without serious reworking. It's still good of course, but your time would be better spent elsewhere. Flexibility and stamina are important no matter what you decide to do, so start working your flexibility today. At the end of the day, you have to find a good teacher above all else. So spend a month or two taking introductory classes at the different schools in your city and check the net for others you may not be aware of. Where do you live? Good luck.

Posted by: adam on 2009-06-09, 15:31:02

First you need to get a few tattoos, buy some tapout and affliction shirts, start saying words like war and extreme, and just be an overall douchebag. good luck.