What is MMA?
For those of you who don’t know, MMA stands for mixed martial arts. It’s a mixture of many different martial arts, some of which include boxing, muay thai, wrestling, and brazilian jiu-jitsu to name a few. It’s a brutal sport, yes, but also beautiful and exciting to watch.
How I fell into MMA
For the past four years dating back to the start of 2013, I’ve been training extensively in MMA. It’s a sport I personally love and am passionate about. The first UFC competition I watched on TV was a bout between the bad body Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock, where Tito proceeded to lay what was one of the most brutal ground and pound beatings I had ever witnessed (there’s been worse since). I’ve always been fascinated with self-defense, and watching the UFC provided an avenue where I could watch these arts first hand. It was also at this time I realized that traditional martial arts struggled against other forms of arts such as BJJ and wrestling.
My Training
Since 2013, I’ve been training in MMA in a number of different arts including: boxing, muay thai, sanshou, BJJ, judo, and wrestling. I would train upwards of six days a week and twice a day (cardio and conditioning during work lunch). In addition to learning all the different arts, I keep myself healthy by taking vitamins such as a multi, fish oils, protein powder and glutamine. This helps to sustain my body during the intense and rigorous training sessions.
Even after four years, I still love every minute of my training sessions. Despite the few setbacks such as my broken hand and nose (both requiring surgeries), I don’t regret any of it. It was a dream of mine to take up this sport, and I’m glad I did.
I also accomplished my goal of stepping into the cage, something I dreamed of since I watched my first UFC fight. What an amazing moment that was. I did not know what to expect or how the bout would unfold. But one thing was sure – my coaches, training partners and loved ones all helped prepare me for this bout. I felt extremely confident stepping into the cage and knew I had completed the hard part (training camp). Thankfully, the fight lasted a mere 27 seconds with a one hit knockout to my opponent.
I’m still training to this day and cannot see myself stopping. I love every minute of it – the training, the camaraderie with coaches and friends, and the culture and atmosphere of the gym (Redline Fight Sports). I might not fight for the rest of my life, but I do anticipate achieving my black belt in BJJ one day.
Till next time
MMA is a wonderful, beautiful sport and cannot wait to see what’s in store in the coming years. I hope I can continue to live out my dreams and win an amateur title soon as well. I may not compete forever, but one way or another, I’ll be a part of this sport, whether through coaching or opening my own gym. Till next time!
One Man Party 