10 General Tips for Combat Sports Training

1) Show up on time

Arriving early demonstrates professionalism and courtesy to your instructors. Willingness to do the “little” things right shows that you care and are serious about your development.

2) Have a good attitude and training mindset

Be respectful to everyone and contribute to making the gym a positive environment for all. Always be willing to help others and keep an open mind. Alone you can go faster, but together you can go further.

3) Check your ego

There’s always something that you can learn and an area that you can improve in. Don’t make excuses for your mistakes. Just acknowledge that you made them and work harder to not make them again.

4) Keep an open mind

You can learn something from everyone, regardless of experience level. Be willing to learn something new every chance you get, then work to apply it. There are multiple ways to do one thing and having options that you can choose from is much better than only having one method because it’s the only “right” way to do it. Be coachable.

5) Stay as consistent as possible

Progress takes time, focus, and consistent hard work. Show up and train as often as your schedule/health allow you to.

6) Focus on quality

Don’t just go through the motions in Jiu Jitsu or the combinations in Muay Thai. Understand what you are doing, why you are doing it, and focus on perfecting every little detail that you can.

“Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.” - Vince Lombardi

7) Take care of your training partners

Train as hard and as safe as you can, in order to reduce the risk of injury for all parties involved. Make sure to maintain control of your movements and power.

8) Don’t be afraid to ask for help

If you are confused, ask for help. Everyone in the gym will be more than willing to help you because everyone is at training for the same reason: to get better. By the same rules, don't be afraid to help others out if they are having difficulties. Ask questions, seek knowledge, and never stop learning.

9) Maintain good hygiene

Good personal hygiene helps to prevent the spread of illnesses and skin infections, which will help you to stay in the gym and not at home recovering from said setbacks. Shower everyday (especially after training, preferably within four hours) and keep your nails short. Clean your gear after using it and do not rewear training apparel unless you have washed it first.

10) Don’t be afraid to lose in training

We don’t grow in our comfort zones, so put yourself in uncomfortable situations every chance you get. Work on your weaknesses in training, until they become strengths.

Training is extremely important and we must treat it that way. You can still have fun, but remember that the purpose of training is to get better.

“We don't rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.” - Archilochus

Thank you for reading - we hope that these 10 training tips were helpful!