How we train

Each class starts with a 15 min. warm up that allows you to see how good your cardio is and gets your muscles warm for the class. Then we go over a particular technique either in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We partner up and drill the technique for about 15 min. Then we usually do situational sparring, like working on passing the guard, boxing combinations, etc. The last 15 or 20 minutes of class are for sparring. Students find a partner and spar for 3 to 6 minutes, then change partners and continue to spar until the end of class. At the end of class students line up, face the front of the class and the instructor goes over and reiterates what was covered in class. Students form a single line, shake hands with each other and class is dismissed.

We build fighters from the ground up. First, a good foundation, second good strong technique on all of the high percentage moves, finally fine tune each fighters game to be the best that it can be. No belt ranks. Our training centers around the same techniques and strategies employed in the UFC, WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting, the IFL, King of the Cage and all other MMA competitions. Everyone who trains with us does not have to compete, everyone can train at whatever level they like. We have worked with beginners who have never taken any kind of martial arts to professional fighters.

Our approach to training is a little different than a typical martial arts studio. I went to a Royce Gracie Academy and they were showing studetns a Gi choke while standing, that seems odd to me. They also would not let white belts spar at all, again, I think to prolong the progression of the student for financial gain. I heard of a kickboxing school that doesn't allow students to spar at all unless they have been there at least 6 months, crazy.

The safety of our students is our main concern. Second is doing everything we can do to make them as good as they can be at Mixed Martial Arts. Every student is different and progresses at their own pace. We are not in any hurry, but we promise not to waste your time.

Cardio

Your cardio is one of the main foundations to becoming proficient at MMA. There is not enough time in each class to devote to the proper amount of conditioning for each student. We recommend that each student works on their basic cardio outside of class. We instruct students to run 3 miles every day. Preferable running with hills, or working in wind sprints, or using a weight vest to maximize the cardio benefit of the runnning. We also recommend that students strength train every other day. Body weight exercises are ok along with weights. We train with low weight and high reps.

Sparring

We spend as much time as possible sparring. We try to spar in every class. Sparring doesn't mean trying to knock out the other person, each training session is very closely supervised. Each student is instructed individually and in the class. Sparring is real and where you learn the most. Students are encouraged to spar at whatever level they are comfortable, if a student is too tense or anxious, they are not learning at an efficient level.

Proper technique is taught before class, during sparring and after class. Anyone can do a technique perfect by themselves or on a video, sparring keeps the training real and is what gives it it's value to the student. It's how you get better.

Discouragement

You may feel discouraged during your first few months of training. Don't let it get to you, just keep showing up. If you simply keep coming to class as much as you can, you will see your body, your mind and your self-confidence change for the better. You will lose weight, become more flexible and really start to enjoy the sport. "Just keep showing up" is a great strategy.

-Martin Walker

The Training Ground MMA Academy