Another newbie to combat sports thread...

timeforsleeep · 07-09-2008, 10:27 PM

Hey all,

Just a couple of things; went to my first muay thai class since I dunno... 1998 (we can consider me a blank slate) and turns out i chose a place that ensured I would get thrown into the mix right away (sparring on the first day).

I've been hitting the heavy bag on and off for the past few years or so and I feel that my technique is pretty decent (though of course I will be asking instructors for tips).

however, as soon as getting hit was thrown into the mix, I found myself turtling up, panicking, and swinging wide. I know as a smaller guy it would be to my advantage to get on the inside, but I found I was getting shot in the face a LOT.

In addition to that, I guess being so used to doing nothing but hitting the bag; I could never really bring myself to get any contact on the guys I was sparring.

Anyway, I'm not complaining; i'm completely stoked about going back next week, and hopefully hitting up the monday class that emphasizes technique (no sparring)

Couple of things:

-$150/month for 2 classes a week (choice of mma/grappling/muaythai/boxing) (or $200 for unlimited classes, though I don't think I'll be going more than 2 or 3 times a week) seems a little pricey to me @ about $20 per hour of instruction... any thoughts?

-Any tips to rid myself of my fear of hitting/getting hit? (of course besides more sparring practice)

-Grappling is tomorrow... way excited

TheClips · 07-09-2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timeforsleeep

Hey all,

Just a couple of things; went to my first muay thai class since I dunno... 1998 (we can consider me a blank slate) and turns out i chose a place that ensured I would get thrown into the mix right away (sparring on the first day).

I've been hitting the heavy bag on and off for the past few years or so and I feel that my technique is pretty decent (though of course I will be asking instructors for tips).

however, as soon as getting hit was thrown into the mix, I found myself turtling up, panicking, and swinging wide. I know as a smaller guy it would be to my advantage to get on the inside, but I found I was getting shot in the face a LOT.

In addition to that, I guess being so used to doing nothing but hitting the bag; I could never really bring myself to get any contact on the guys I was sparring.

Anyway, I'm not complaining; i'm completely stoked about going back next week, and hopefully hitting up the monday class that emphasizes technique (no sparring)

Couple of things:

-$150/month for 2 classes a week (choice of mma/grappling/muaythai/boxing) (or $200 for unlimited classes, though I don't think I'll be going more than 2 or 3 times a week) seems a little pricey to me @ about $20 per hour of instruction... any thoughts?

-Any tips to rid myself of my fear of hitting/getting hit? (of course besides more sparring practice)

-Grappling is tomorrow... way excited

Of the handful of times I've sparred boxing or put on MMA gloves during grappling, I've always hit myself in the nose a couple of times just to get it out of the way and show myself it's not a big deal. It's kind of like when I used to paintball a lot. Sometimes I'd freeze up and be scared to leave a bunker or whatever, so I'd just shoot myself in the gut to get over the fear. Sounds dumb but it works.

Also, try very hard to keep your eyes open. This is also easier, I've found, if you are playing defense a lot. Make your main purpose to keep your eyes open and avoid punches while matching distance. If they step forward and swing, step backward and dodge.

Good luck to you man, striking ain't for poonies!

neonbengal · 07-09-2008, 10:36 PM

hit the double end bag, u need to learn to react and respond. just doin heavy bag alon isn't good. And you realized that after sparring.
Oh yea and dont close your eyes or cover up, because the punches wil keeep coming..

parkerbro1 · 07-09-2008, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timeforsleeep

Couple of things:

-$150/month for 2 classes a week (choice of mma/grappling/muaythai/boxing) (or $200 for unlimited classes, though I don't think I'll be going more than 2 or 3 times a week) seems a little pricey to me @ about $20 per hour of instruction... any thoughts?

-Any tips to rid myself of my fear of hitting/getting hit? (of course besides more sparring practice)

-Grappling is tomorrow... way excited

$150 for 2 a week is up there, but $20 an hour is way less than workin one on one. Guys pay about $20 for an hour of conditioning class with me. How many hours per class?
Being able to pick and choose is cool though.

I've never known any way other than just getting hit to get you over that fear, so my advice might not help, but... A lot of it is in your head, as in not the actual pain of it but the anticipation before you get caught. Over time it gets a little easier, it'll still hurt but it's like dealing with a death from someone you know, the pain and suffering becomes more managable. Try workin with someone that you know doesn't hit so hard to give yourself time to adjust, then start workin in the harder fellas. You could also work on conditioning yourself, just be careful not to cause too much damage.
For what it's worth.

ftwrestler · 07-09-2008, 10:44 PM

holy **** that is expensive

neonbengal · 07-09-2008, 10:49 PM

yea it is expensive i go $60 a month for unlimited.

timeforsleeep · 07-09-2008, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ftwrestler

holy **** that is expensive

i was thinking it's slightly on the pricier side; but the only other places that are cheaper seem a lot like mc-dojos; (but guess i shouldn't knock it til' i try it).

the only thing i really have to compare in the area is Legends MMA (the couture/bas rutten gym); they charge $275 per month (unlimited classes) with a $250 initiation fee.

timeforsleeep · 07-09-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neonbengal

yea it is expensive i go $60 a month for unlimited.

that'd be completely fantastic; but anything i've googled has come up as zilch =/.

ftwrestler · 07-09-2008, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timeforsleeep

i was thinking it's slightly on the pricier side; but the only other places that are cheaper seem a lot like mc-dojos; (but guess i shouldn't knock it til' i try it).

the only thing i really have to compare in the area is Legends MMA (the couture/bas rutten gym); they charge $275 per month (unlimited classes) with a $250 initiation fee.

where you at?

TheClips · 07-09-2008, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ftwrestler

where you at?

Sounds like West Hollywood to me....OP, what is the name of the gym you're going back to?

Govithoy · 07-09-2008, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neonbengal

yea it is expensive i go $60 a month for unlimited.

Very low price, gjdm.

I pay $100 for unlimited classes. There's basically 1 class a day 7 days a week, either MT or "MMA" (no-gi BJJ + clinch work.)

timeforsleeep · 07-10-2008, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheClips

Sounds like West Hollywood to me....OP, what is the name of the gym you're going back to?

Oops, should ahve mentioned

R1 training in El Segundo

edit: another noobish question:

i know it's normal to want to close ur eyes/recoil when getting hit is in the equation.

is it normal that I can't follow through w/ my shots? (for some reason i always stop short as i guess i've only done LIGHT contact sparring)

weetbix · 07-10-2008, 12:37 AM

Build yourself up. From having good technique - Light sparring - Harder sparring - etc

Also, when you start to turtle up, or back away, just try and take a small moment to remind yourself that getting hit isn't so bad. All you need to do is think it, that usually gets me back into my rythem

jssurf333 · 07-10-2008, 01:58 AM

There are so many gyms in the hollywood area and i've never heard of one being that high for 2 classes/week. just sayin

timeforsleeep · 07-10-2008, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jssurf333

There are so many gyms in the hollywood area and i've never heard of one being that high for 2 classes/week. just sayin

names would be helpful

parkerbro1 · 07-10-2008, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timeforsleeep

Oops, should ahve mentioned

R1 training in El Segundo

edit: another noobish question:

i know it's normal to want to close ur eyes/recoil when getting hit is in the equation.

is it normal that I can't follow through w/ my shots? (for some reason i always stop short as i guess i've only done LIGHT contact sparring)

Ah, you in my necka da woods. R1 is Trigg's place, of course it'll be a wee expensive (not as bad as Legends though). Legends was sold by Bas and Randy a while back, it's a good place though.

Following through and not shyin or blinkin comes with time and practice as well. Wait'll some dude pisses you off during sparring and you really swing...

Quote:

Originally Posted by timeforsleeep

names would be helpful

K: MMA:
Bas' school in Woodland Hills http://www.elitemmagym.com/
Gokor's school in No Ho http://gokor.com/index.php?option=co...d=20&Itemid=96
Matyushenko's school in El Segundo (VMAT-El Segundo, 321 Richmond St. 310-612-0471)
Marcus Vinicius' school http://www.bhjjc.com/
Muay Thai:
Kathy Long's school in S. Pasadena (does muay Thai and San Soo, but also knows gyms that train mma) (323) 276-1254
Sityodtong LA in Pasadena http://www.sityodtongla.com/
Boxing Works Hermosa Bch http://www.hermosaboxingworks.com/
Dobler's mt Fontana http://www.doubledose.net/

I've got more, but that's a good list to start with trainers comprable to who you're lookin at and they might be cheaper. I personally vouch for everybody but Vinicius and Matyushenko (never trained at either place, just know they're good). I never trained at Boxing Works or Dobler's either, but they do real well in the competitions I've seen them in, both pro and amatuer and Dobler is one of the coolest and nicest mt trainers I've ever experienced outside of my own (reminds me of a smaller Randy Coutre).
Hope that helps some.

bAby norAA · 07-11-2008, 08:42 AM

i am against any school that promotes sparring on the first day of training. IMO all you will accomplish is, bad habits that will stick with you for a long time. its much harder to break a habit than to work on not getting one in the first place.

timeforsleeep · 07-11-2008, 10:46 AM

i'm definitely taking the time to check out some other schools; the grappling/jj instructor at R1 i'm told is very good and my experience in his class yesterday was awesome. Despite the fact that I came in with ZERO knowledge besides what i've seen as a fan (lol), i wasn't uncomfortable at all.

but with that, gonna check out a few more schools in the area.