Is it an easy transition from bodybuilding to MMA?
March 16th, 2010 | by admin |I have been bodybuilding for about 4 years now, good strength and flexibility, cardio is ok because im in a bulking phase for the winter. How is the transition from bodybuilding to MMA? Can they do well? I have no fighting/wrestling/grappling background
By the way ive been natural BB, lifetime steroid free im not a monsterous 250 behemoth. You can see my profile picture to see what i look like.
It really depends on the person and the quality of the instruction I think. Martial arts, including MMA stresses and teaches some aspects that really run contrary to what a normal athlete might think or understand. I use the example of stretching and how many programs have gone to slow, static type stretching and partner type stretching but for many years athletics in this country were still doing things the old way while the martial arts community had adopted and embraced slow, static type stretching. Sometimes students like yourself have problems understanding and embracing these things because they are so programmed. My best advice and what I tell new students like yourself is that we are teaching you how to use your body, muscles, and mind differently than what you are used to and understand. Once a student realizes this and starts to let go of the old way or approach to things and embrace the new way then things more easily fall into place.
Another example of this is balance and foot-work and most people have what they think is good balance and can move reasonably well. Martial arts requires so much more in that and people soon begin to realize how woeful theirs is. That is not a bad thing as something like that can be further developed and enhanced. What is bad is if the student refuses to try and develop that or thinks that they can’t. So keep an open mind; be ready to accept a new approach to some things and aspects, listen and work hard, keep a positive attitude and you will learn and progress faster than what you would otherwise.
5 Responses to “Is it an easy transition from bodybuilding to MMA?”
By callsignfuzzy on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
About as easy as transitioning from bodybuilding to piano playing. MMA conditioning is a different sort of animal, and even though it’s important, the conditioning isn’t the same thing as learning the fighting skills. Let me put it this way: boxing is way more technical than outsiders tend to give it credit for, and it can take years to get to even a journeyman level of skill. And boxing is but one aspect of MMA. Kicking, clinch fighting, takedowns/wrestling, ground positioning, and submissions are all complex skills themselves. With no prior martial arts background, you’d be starting at the bottom. I’m not saying this to discourage you, just to give you a heads up. Don’t expect to be good at something brand new. If you really want to do it, be patient with yourself and really study the game.
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By peepeelongstockings on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
who you callin behemoth?
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By J on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
No easier than it would be for a marathon runner with great cardio. Strength is only one of the numerous building blocks you need to become an MMA fighter. It is like someone asking if since they have a 6 pack if it would be easy to become a bodybuilder. I do however encourage you to give it a try.
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By Gerald on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
No. Especially if you have no experience in any sports. MMA calls for a unique style of cardio as well as explosive sport specific movements.
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By John on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
It really depends on the person and the quality of the instruction I think. Martial arts, including MMA stresses and teaches some aspects that really run contrary to what a normal athlete might think or understand. I use the example of stretching and how many programs have gone to slow, static type stretching and partner type stretching but for many years athletics in this country were still doing things the old way while the martial arts community had adopted and embraced slow, static type stretching. Sometimes students like yourself have problems understanding and embracing these things because they are so programmed. My best advice and what I tell new students like yourself is that we are teaching you how to use your body, muscles, and mind differently than what you are used to and understand. Once a student realizes this and starts to let go of the old way or approach to things and embrace the new way then things more easily fall into place.
Another example of this is balance and foot-work and most people have what they think is good balance and can move reasonably well. Martial arts requires so much more in that and people soon begin to realize how woeful theirs is. That is not a bad thing as something like that can be further developed and enhanced. What is bad is if the student refuses to try and develop that or thinks that they can’t. So keep an open mind; be ready to accept a new approach to some things and aspects, listen and work hard, keep a positive attitude and you will learn and progress faster than what you would otherwise.
References :