johnrossisalive

hello my name is John and im hoping this forum will become a second home.
A new MMA gym has opened up in town and i have always been interested in professional fighting.
Ive been told that I should try fighting (by people that dont really know what they are talking about though)
ive pumped iron since middle school (and im sure it has stunted my height)
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I am 19 years old, 5'5" and 143 pounds.
with no martial arts experience.
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what I am basically wondering is
1. can i consider MMA fighting without a martial arts background? nothing amazing or professional, but smaller events.
2. are there any fighters fighting without the background, or close to?
3. if i show up at the gym are they going to wonder why i showed up without a background?
4. will i completely get worked over by someone with many years of ninjitsu over what would be my "brawler" style.
5. how many years of a martial art(s) would i need to be even with others competing on average?

I have read a few similar posts and people ask about the persons drive. this is the reason i still consider fighting viable. my drive. you could put me under your hood of your pickup truck. I dont stop, I dont quit.

thanks.
no smart, one word replies please.

davidm724

You have plenty of time to become a competitive fighter. If you have an unfulfilled passion for martial arts, you'd better get into it now. Even if you don't fight competitively for a while, get the training. There are a lot of 'natural' fighters out there, but if you want to compete, you better acquire some more tools for your arsenal.
Do you have any grappling background? Grappling is a huge part of MMA, and if you're getting into jiu-jitsu (highly recommended), you will have a head start with some wrestling experience. I began martial arts with karate when I was 13. When I got into MMA, my coach laughed at my robotic form, and asked, "you were in karate, weren't you?" Karate is great for discipline and some basic technique, but it's very impractical for MMA. I no longer have a coach because I live in rural Alaska, and our one club in town is run by junkies. Where are you from and what kind of gym is this opening up? Scope out the talent and see what caliber the fighters are in the local events. The good thing is, when you're fresh, you absorb all the basics like a sponge. At least, I did when I got into MMA. Some people don't catch on quickly, but if you have a passion and determination for it, you'll get it.
The beauty of MMA is that there are infinite combinations of expertise in every fighter. Every fight will be a whole new experience with each new opponent, because there are so many factors and so many styles out there.
This is a new gym right? So there will be plenty of new blood. You should be welcomed as a newcomer to MMA. If it's a new business, they wont be picky. If people question you and doubt your ability, prove your determination in the gym. You'll probably be the 'little' guy, but don't let that get you down. Use the heavier guys as extra workout intensity. Keep your drive. Never give up. Don't worry about timelines or catching up to people. If you're serious about it, it will become a lifestyle.

davidm724

Oh, and yes, you will get worked over by experienced fighters, but that is how you learn, and that is how you become an MMA fighter. You may consider yourself a brawler now, but with training you'll find your niche, whether it's in jits, muay thai, or whatever.

johnrossisalive

thanks David. i think thats all i needed. I dont have a grappling background per say, but i did excel in wrestling in high school all around. I took judo for a few weeks but it was too slow for me and it didnt feel right for my size.
I can show you the gyms website
Zuma.tv - Zugec Ultimate Martial Arts Victoria, BC

davidm724

Every little bit helps. Judo is great for technique, and if you were in wrestling through high school, that is big. Good luck John.