With the rising popularity of MMA, different opinions have formed about the sport. While some are positive, others consider it violent, dangerous, and potentially fatal.
Despite there being many MMA training programs in Brampton, these myths have likely deterred many of the curious from joining them. Instead of looking at the benefits of mixed martial arts, they blindly believe the myths and fear they would do more harm than good.
If that’s you, let’s look at some of the biggest myths about MMA training and why they are false.
Myths about MMA Training and Why They Are False
1. It Is Extremely Dangerous
There is a common myth that MMA training is dangerous and can lead to serious injuries and also that MMA combatants fight to the death. Not surprisingly, these are not true. Of course, sprains and minor cuts and bruises are to be expected, as in basketball or football. However, you will learn to prevent such injuries during your training.
Major injuries do occur, but, as with other sports, they are rare. Experienced trainers are there to prevent such injuries during your training. Moreover, during a competitive fight, if things start getting too aggressive, the referee will put a stop to it immediately.
2. It Requires Prior Martial Arts Training
It is true that prior fighting experience in martial arts is important. For instance, many students join boxing or kickboxing classes in Brampton before joining MMA training. This helps them to progress in the sport.
However, even if you lack experience, you can still learn MMA. Hard work, discipline, and complete dedication are important; the rest will be taken care of by your MMA instructor. They will make sure you learn the fundamentals of MMA as a beginner. With time and effort, a novice can master the various techniques to become a pro-MMA fighter.
3. It Is Necessary to Start at a Young Age
It is advisable to start training at an early age if you are starting from scratch and wish to compete professionally. However, there is no hard and fast rule to say you must start training young for MMA as there are no age restrictions.
Whether you are a teenager or nearly 30, you can start your training. Many successful MMA athletes competed in their 30s or 40s for the first time, including Yoel Romero, Randy Couture, and Daniel Cormier.
Stepping into the octagon in your mid to late 30s is fine if you have had prior experience in martial arts or any other physically-demanding sport that complements MMA training. Also, if you are looking to train in MMA for self-defence, it is okay to start late.
4. It Makes You Ready for Street Fighting
MMA training programs in Brampton incorporate various fighting styles like boxing, Brazilian jujitsu, Muay Thai, judo, and wrestling. Some of these include fighting while standing up, getting your opponent into a clinch, and submitting them on the ground. So, we can say that MMA fighters are well-versed in multiple stand-up and ground fighting martial arts.
Though these fighting styles are sometimes effective in street fighting, one needs to understand that the latter is very different from MMA. Indeed, there is no guarantee that an MMA fighter will win a street fight. This is because street fighters are mainly untrained and may use guns or other weapons.
On the other hand, MMA is hand-to-hand combat between trained athletes and does not involve weapons. Also, although MMA is good for self-defence, it does not teach you to disarm your attacker. This requires training to learn what the perfect distance and speed should be and how to distract the opponent.
Hence, the training for both fights is different.
5. It Has No Rules
As we know, MMA is much different from street fighting, which is violent and implies no rules. MMA is also ‘violent’ but is performed in a controlled environment. There are rules and strict guidelines that athletes need to follow to ensure their safety. For example, weapons are strictly prohibited and some attacks, like bites and groin strikes, are off limits.
6. It Is Strictly For Competitions
People join MMA training programs for different reasons. It could be for professional competitions, to learn self-defence, or just for pleasure.
Though the best way to test your fighting skills is by competing professionally, you do not need to compete always.
7. It Will Turn You into a Bully
Some parents find it difficult to send their children to MMA training programs in Brampton. This is because they fear that doing so will turn them into bullies. However, this is not true. MMA training programs help children and adults become more disciplined and better individuals.
Now that you know the myths, consider enrolling in an MMA training program in Brampton. Legends MMA offers various training programs to meet your needs. Their expert trainers will talk to you to understand your needs before suggesting the right program.