The UFC and other MMA promotions have brought new life to the martial arts world and how we look at fitness. MMA, once thought of as a barbaric sport, is now mainstream on Fox alongside football, baseball and soccer. When the UFC had it’s first show, we saw a skinny little Brazilian guy, submitting out men twice his size. Boom! The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu craze began in America.
It’s been years since that first UFC, and fighters now have skill sets far superior than the fighters of the past. Athletic trainers have taken on the role of preparing these athletes for their sport, and nutritionists keep the fighters’ weight in check with modern day nutritional philosophies.
What about the people who don’t want to fight pro? The people who just want to learn how to defend themselves and get in shape. Where do they fit in at these MMA gyms? Let me ask you a question, “Have you ever been to a weightlifting gym?” How many bodybuilders the size of Flex Wheeler, or Arnold Schwarzenegger did you see? More than likely, none, and if you did I’m sure they’d be training and not laughing at your 15-pound-curls. So if you’re nervous that every MMA gym is full of GSPs and Jose Aldos think again.
The local MMA gym is mostly full of people like you. People who saw a UFC at a buddy’s house, fell in love and started to train Mixed Martial Arts. Now that the beer belly is gone, the cholesterol is down, they’re now capable of playing with their children without feeling the need to dial an ambulance.
This doesn’t mean these local MMA gyms’ skill levels are anything shy of what it takes to compete in the UFC. Take Training Grounds in Westwood NJ, for instance. The owner and head instructor, Wil Horneff, may have never fought in the UFC, but has trained with, and trained top level fighters. A very accomplished competitor in the sport of Jiu Jitsu, Professor Wil has the ability to make a Champion out of anyone.
Whether it’s fitness, self-defense or the need to fill a competitive nature, mixed martial arts, has the abillity to do it all for you. The best part is you get to make great friends along the way. So stop in to Training Grounds to receive a free trial class, or call with any questions you may have about training.
See you on the mat!
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