A concerned Questioner writes…
I have visited one of your classes and liked them very very much. The experience has now inspired me greatly to actually join classes rather than train from books and online videos. The only problem is that UTSC is quiet far from where i live… But I have few other MMA places near my place and I was wondering if they are the right choices for me … There are Salvosa BJJ and Ultimate Martial Arts-Muay Thai Kickboxing. I just wanted to have a professional view one these two training gyms. Also, could you advise me how to improve my stamia [in running]?
The MMAC’s Response:
Concerning the place you train:
I would suggest that you train at the place that most suitably satisfies your training goals. First you can break down MMA into 2 basic categories; striking and grappling. Next, decide which you like more or would prefer learning more. Although some gyms teach MMA, they are often specialized in one aspect of the sport. For example, if you are more interested in grappling then you may want to check out Toronto BJJ/Salvosa. If you see yourself as more of a striker you may want to check out Ultimate Martial Arts. However, the best way to see what gym is best for you is to take the free trial classes offered and judge for yourself. You may see yourself as a striker but when you go to Ultimate Martial Arts, the low intensity of training may turn you off or may be just right for you. If you are unsatisfied with the ‘way’ that gym offers striking you may just go to Salvosa to get higher quality training in Grappling. TASTE AND SEE FOR YOURSELF!
Finally, please remember that you have a free space to train on campus with the MMAC. Take advantage of this opportunity as we work hard to provide UTSC students with the greatest opportunity to learn MMA, especially the striking aspect of it.
Sherif, President, The MMAC
Concerning the improvement of your stamina (for running as asked):
In order to improve one’s stamina – get moving. If your goal is to get better at running then the answer is simple – get out there an run!!! However, given that your interest is more geared towards martial arts fitness, I suggest you diversify your cardio to reap the maximum reward. Running may still be an integral part of your training as it is excellent for weight management aswell as general conditioning. However, I would suggest you never limit yourself. Try jumping rope for agility and footwork, cycling for leg strength and stamina, swimming for total body conditioning, the eliptical machine at the gym on a rainy day. The sky is the limit! the more things you expose your body to, the more it will continue to adapt and grow and you will steadily get into great shape. Also, since you are interested in mixed martial arts, I would suggest some shadow boxing or light sparring with all protective equiptment of course, to be some of the corner stones of your fitness regime. These are very sport specific (remember S.A.I.D. – specific adaptation to imposed demand, i.e. your body gets good at doing what you continuously make it do) and will also get you into great shape. For an added challenge, one of my favourite things to do is do shadow boxing while holding small dumbells eg. 1 – 5 lbs. Here are some useful links for you to get some ideas for your cardio. Just remember, get out there and try new and fun things because staleness kills motivation. And most importantly just keep moving!!! Here’s a great skipping article from ROSSTRAINING.COM You may also be interested in checking out The 300 Workout as it will have you huffing and puffing in no time!! This workout was used by the actors for the movie 300 – and they were in phenomenal condition.
Off to training with ya!
Keep Your Hands up and Chin Down,
Durell Ramphal, Resource and Training Advisor, The MMAC
Thank you for your E-Mail. We sincerely hope you benefited from this response.
The MMAC Executive.
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