MMA in the Hudson Valley has been exploding over the past few years. Unfortunately, many of the Hudson Valley MMA Gyms are simply single style martial art schools re-branding themselves in order to profit from the UFC boom.
Here’s a few things to look out for when selecting an MMA gym in the Hudson Valley.
#1 – The school only competes in 1 discipline
A true mixed martial arts gym will have golden gloves boxers, muay thai kickboxers, grapplers and mixed martial artists all stepping onto the mat, ring or cage to compete. If you are at a school which only produces kickboxing competitors or grapplers then that is a big red flag.
#2 – All the same coaches for each discipline
MMA encompasses so many unique styles that its nearly impossible for one coach to be a true expert in each discipline. A well rounded Hudson Valley MMA gym will have a variety of instructors for wrestling, Judo, boxing, muay thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If there is only a single instructor then they are likely severely lacking in one or more areas.
#3 – An uneven schedule
If 75% of the classes are devoted to one style then you probably are NOT at a true Hudson Valley MMA gym. Many Jiu-jitsu gyms will have a “boxing night”. While that may be a nice change of pace, it certainly does not do enough to qualify the school as a Mixed Martial Arts Gym. Authentic MMA gyms teach in depth in all ranges of combat, not topical highlights.
#4 – Limited Facility
An MMA gym will have a striking area as well as a grappling space. If your gym only has a boxing ring and heavy bags with no grappling mats or crash pads then you can bet they aren’t devoting enough time to ground fighting. Conversely many BJJ gyms posing as MMA schools have nice mats and wall padding but no striking bags or boxing ring. The facility is a reflection of the training. If you want mixed martial arts then you need variety in the facility.
