Mixed Martial Arts may be considered a sport, but ask any professional fighter, and they will tell you that it is more of a lifestyle than just a sport. Whether you are starting your journey to have fun or become a pro – the basic tips remain the same.

MMA is not a sport to be taken lightly. It is an intense workout, both physically and mentally. These five tips below will help you to start your journey on the right foot…pun intended.

• Be Prepared

Do your research beforehand; MMA can be a grueling experience if you are unprepared. Find a gym in your area that has specialized classes for this particular form of fighting.

Be prepared to train at least three or four times a week – physical fitness is an integral part of becoming a good fighter.

• Don’t Rush Yourself

When you’re first starting in the world of MMA, you are likely to run into times where you will feel like giving up. The sheer exhaustion you will face will seem insurmountable, and you’ll be tempted to throw in the towel. Hire the right fitness instructor to help keep you motivated to succeed.

This often happens when a beginner pushes themselves too hard, too fast. Slow it down and build a comfortable pace. This by no means suggests that you should take it easy – becoming a good fighter is anything but easy.

• Aim High

Set achievable, yet optimistic, goals for yourself right from the start. Most of the well-known fighters started MMA in their early twenties. Justin Gaethje age is no exception – this World Series fighter is in his early thirties now, but he started his MMA career at the age of 20.

When you set goals, your mind will automatically have a reason to push harder to achieve them. The sense of drive and determination that this will afford you is invaluable in the world of fighting.

• Stay Hydrated

MMA fighters are extreme athletes, and staying hydrated can make all the difference in the world. Water hydration needs to be at the top of your list of priorities as a fighter. The right amount of water, before and after training, will help your body to stay energized.

Water helps your body regulate its temperature, and it helps lubricate your joints.

• Train Consistently

As mentioned in one of the above points, you will find training hard in the beginning. MMA training takes a toll on your body and your mind, particularly at the start of your journey into the fighting world.

Once you set achievable training and fighting goals for yourself, it is vital that you consistently stick to the schedule that you create to achieve them. Be sure to add off-days into your schedule to allow your body to rest and recover.

To End

These training tips will help you start MMA fighting with the correct attitude. Your world is about to change vastly, but for the better. Don’t stress; after a few weeks, things will start to get easier as your body and mind adjust to the new demands that are placed on them.