mmazbest

basicaly im looking for you experienced fighters opinions on the situation i found myself in today, ok here goes from the begining my mauy thai training started about 3 months ago first time i have done any real contact sport in my life, however i found out i have alot of natural strength and could hit alot harder than most my size , anyway so basicaly my training has consisted of pad work , conditioning ,hiting the heavy bag and people telling me how hard i can hit.
i was entered into this sort of fight club thing today between my club and another,it was prity full on (black eye and leg is done). all i got from today is that i can take a punch and a kick, i have no defence and have never been taught any.so my question is should i move clubs to progress??
any help very much appreciated

mattcarroll

I think you should stay training and clubs if that's possible. go to clubs once a month or so. and u can ask ur training coach to work on defense

The Horticulturist

NEVER BEEN TAUGHT DEFENCE? Switch clubs man. It's all about YOU, not them taking your money and showing you how to be flashy. You need to be able to properly defend yourself.

If you are friends with folks from your current club, then simply return after you have progressed a little bit and show them what you've learned.

G_Land

Yeah man we have spent entire work-outs working on defense, With both striking and take-downs

HitOrGetHit

I agree, they should have NEVER let you do something like that before first making sure that you knew how to properly defend yourself. It is like driving a car without a seat belt, and hoping that you don't crash.

I would either insist that they teach you how to defend yourself, or find a new club for sure. SJ is right. This is about you training, not them making money. Make sure that you are getting everything you want out of your training, or find somewhere else that will provide you with everything you are looking for.

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Thanks M.C for the sig!

UFC 161 vBookie Competition

No_Mercy

In order for you to get a black eye you guys were probably going at the level that the amateur fighters/pro go at. Hope you had your mouthpiece and head gear.

With that being said you just started three months so majority of the lessons they're going to teach you is offensive then of course eventually defensive moves; parries, guard, leg blocks, catching kicks, and then counters. I'm surprised they allowed you to spar already. At our gym they wait about a year. First time I saw our guys sparring one guy had his head split open, of course by accidental head butt. With blood gushing out he just said fawk it and continued sparring like it was no big deal...lolz!

I'll tell you this though...you'll learn really quick what works and what doesn't if you're sparring at that level already...haha.

BTW: You guys sparring in a ring or cage...

BeyondBasic

this. good defense wins fights. as im sure you have seen ONE hit can end a fight so you being able to NOT GET HIT needs to be main priority ''protect yourself at all times''.. id speak to you coach if that doesnt work switch clubs asap.

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Live2Train

I know you were looking for experienced guys to respong, but I have to say these guys are right. Your club should be teaching proper defense. Also, your club sounds a bit like mind, with the exception that my club does teach defense. They will let you step in and spar from day one and that I have to say I don't agree with at all. I have only been there for one month and they want me to step in and spar already. They guys in my fight club think it's funny to beat on me on the mat, and I'm sure they can't wait to get the chance to do the same at stand up. I guess because I have been a weightlifter for 15 years and am big and strong. They are teaching me that my strenght and size doesn't mean much without any technical skill. I understand that now and just want to learn and actually had to go to the instructor and fill him in on this. I am a paying member like the rest and deserve to be taught as well and not play sparring dummy to the other fighters.

My point is you need to speak to the instructor and let him know how you feel. I'm sure unless he is a total jerk that he will listen to what you have to say and help you with your weaknesses. After all, if you enter into some MMA events and lose it will reflect upon his skills as an instructor. These guys want the best fighters to give their gyms a good name to attract more students. Good luck, and if he doesn't listen simply change clubs until you find oen that is right for you.