Finding your fighting style for MMA can take many years to develop. Even experienced fighters are constantly adding new facets to their style to stay ahead of the competition. Your individual fight style should suit your physical and mental strengths, and is different for everyone! Today, Evolve Daily is pleased to share a guide on how to find and develop your individual fighting style for MMA.
1) Boxing Basics
Every MMA fighter needs to have a basic understanding of boxing. The hands are an essential weapon for any MMA fighter and are responsible for many of the knockouts in the sport.
The centerline is one of the first concepts that is critical to learn and implement. The centerline refers to an imaginary line that runs down our body vertically, in the same pathway as the spine. This is important because this line also corresponds with our vital organs, which are key targets when facing an opponent.
Likewise, we’ll aim our punches at our opponent’s centerline. The chin, solar plexus, liver, spleen, and bladder are all weak spots in humans that are on the centerline.
The first type of punch is called a straight punch. This includes your jab and rear cross.
Your jab is an essential punch in MMA. Although there are many nuances to the jab, the basic technique is to extend your front arm, while keeping your elbow tucked until right before full extension. At full extension turn your thumb down, like you are pouring a glass of water out. This will place the knuckles of your lead hand in line to make contact with your opponent. After full extension, retract your arm quickly and smoothly, whether or not you make contact with your opponent.
The rear cross is similar to the jab in terms of upper body techniques. The power comes from your legs; the forward drive and hip rotation transfer energy up your posterior chain and out of your fist. The endpoint of your cross should be fully extended but balanced enough to retract your arm back into your fighting stance quickly and smoothly.
The third punch is the lead hook. The lead hook can be a devastating punch, however it is also the most difficult to learn and master.
The basic technique for the lead hook is to keep your lead arm bent at ninety degrees while using your hip rotation to launch your punch.
The last basic punch is the rear overhand. The lower body mechanics of the rear overhand match the rear cross. The difference is in the upper body and angle of your rear arm. For the rear overhand, keep your arm bent at ninety degrees like a hook, but rotate it inwards so your thumb points down. This creates an almost vertical trajectory, hence the name overhand.
2) Grappling Basics
Grappling basics in MMA are essential for every fighter. You don’t have to be a grappling wizard; you just need to know enough to keep yourself out of dangerous situations in case you face a serial grappler.
The sprawl is the first and most basic technique to learn. Although simple, mastering sprawling can stop just about any takedown.
To sprawl, place your hands on the ground as you drop your hips to the floor. You want to move slightly backward as you do this to increase its effectiveness. Immediately spring back up or circle around once your hips touch the floor.
The clinch is also an area of MMA that requires dedicated training. You do need a partner to effectively drill the clinch, but shadow wrestling can also help you learn the techniques!
The basic techniques needed for clinching in MMA include collar ties, Russian ties, bicep control, under and over hooks, arm drags, and whizzers! Learning and drilling these with a partner will give you a solid foundation for standup grappling. Watch the above video demonstrated by Coach Ramsey Dewey on some grappling basics.
The last foundation of MMA grappling is the takedown. Having one or two takedowns in your arsenal not only enhances your overall game but will help you determine if you are more of a grappler or a striker.
One of the most common takedowns used in MMA is the single leg to double leg, a signature technique of the legend Georges St. Pierre. To set up this takedown, you must first establish inside control of your opponent. Grip behind their tricep and pull their weight onto one leg. Their other leg will then be lighter and easier to secure for the single leg. Once you have the single leg, clear it to the outside of your body and step forward to collect the other leg. Watch GSP demonstrate this technique in the clip above
3) Unique And Individual Attributes
Once you have some foundational skills in MMA, you can begin to craft and hone your style. To start, you must assess yourself objectively. What are your physical strengths and weaknesses? What is your temperament?
For example, if you are shorter for your weight class, but possess exceptional strength, your physical attributes complement a style that focuses on closing the distance, power punching, and striking from the clinch.
However, this is where temperament comes into play. If you dislike striking from the pocket, you may want to adopt a style that focuses on hitting and moving.
The unique combination of your physical attributes and temperament will help you craft your individual style for MMA over time.
4) Touch Sparring
There are many schools of thought on sparring regarding intensity and frequency. One school of thought, used by Muay Thai fighters in Thailand, is to treat sparring playfully but engage in it frequently. This helps to develop a fighter’s skill set in the closest environment to an actual fight while being light enough to spar daily.
Frequent touch sparring allows you to implement the techniques you have drilled in a low-pressure, safe environment. This type of sparring is part of why Thai fighters are so fluid in the ring.
This makes finding good sparring partners very important! If you have a regular training partner already, be sure to treat them well!
Finding and developing your individual fighting style for MMA can take many years; we hope the tips provided above help you in your own journey. Happy Training!
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