Finding an MMA gym can be a difficult decision. As mixed martial arts rises in popularity more and more traditional martial arts schools are now marketing themselves as legitimate sources for mixed martial arts. Also, schools that only specialize in one area of fighting are taking the approach of “fake it ’til you make it” and posturing as complete MMA gyms when in reality they only have training in one area of MMA. So how do you separate fact from fiction and differentiate the legit schools from the frauds and fakers?
Ask about the MMA Gym‘s schedule and curriculum
A true MMA Gym will have an even distribution of all areas of striking and grappling. The first sign that an MMA Gym is not legit is if they have grappling everyday, but only 1 or 2 striking classes (or vice versa). Another cause for concern is if the MMA Gym only offers one style of grappling and one style of striking. A well rounded MMA Gym will have grappling classes in Judo, Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or striking classes in Karate, Boxing and Muay Thai. Don’t forget, the most important aspect of MMA is the concept of MIXING the martial arts.
Ask for verified fight records and video
Unfortunately, many MMA Gym owners will simply lie about their instructor’s or student’s accomplishments. They will invent titles and fabricate stories to make themselves seem relevant. Resources such as mixedmartialarts.com have comprehensive databases that document pro and amateur MMA fights.
Check Affiliations and Lineage
Has the instructor gotten all his belts from the same person or have they been “belt shopping”. Find out where the instructor received their belts (if there is no black belt instructor that is a major red flag too) and email those people. If the person who gave the belt does not endorse them then you can bet there is a problem. Also, many legit MMA Gyms have “sold out” and are now selling teaching certificates to people who pay large sums of money, but have very little experience. Find out if the MMA Gym has a legitimate training history with their affiliations or if they just attended a weekend course. Testimonials from accomplished trainers, students and fighters help verify an MMA Gym legitimacy as well.
Free Trial
A real MMA gym will allow you to try before you buy. Legitimate MMA Gyms will often times offer private 1 on 1 into sessions to share with you the history and training philosophies of the gym. If an MMA Gym isn’t willing to give you a free trial, beware!
If you live in the Poughkeepsie, LaGrange or Hudson Valley region and are looking for an authentic MMA Gym then please visit Precision Mixed Martial Arts. Precision MMA is now offering a 30 Day Free trial visit www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com or call 845-392-8495 to get started.