KOREA

Hey everyone, I'm 15 years old, about 5'11 and weight about 150 pounds. I am moderately built, and I stay in good shape. I have always been interested in Martial Arts ever since I was little and have taken Tae Kwon Do since I was three. Though I know that TKD is generally not a common/useful discipline in MMA, I have moved on to try new bases and cross train. I have joined a gym in the next town over that offers many courses and I am wondering which I should take.
1.) Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
2.) Muay Thai
3.) Kick Boxing
4.) Boxing
5.) Integrated Mixed Martial Arts
6.) Wrestling
7.) Strength Training
8.) Cardio. Training
I have just started training, and I am going to the gym 5 days a week and my schedule looks something like this.

MON: BJJ, MT.
TUES: Kick Boxing.
WED: [i]MMA, Wrestling, MT
THUR: MT, BJJ, [i]MMA
FRI: MT, BJJ, Wrestling
[SAT]: Strength Training
[SUN]: Cardio Training

Also, towards the ends of classes each day we have open sparring which I occasionally enter. I find myself losing balance in which art to use, and I find myself picking different pieces of each art as I fight. I have won 6 spars and lost 1, and I am wondering if there is something I am doing wrong, as I'd love to make MMA my life.
---------------------------------------------------------
I think that I have a pretty good regimen, that should lead me to getting better and possibly competing as I get older because I am starting at a high level at a fairly young age. I am wondering however, for any of you veteran, amateur fighters started and any tips and pointers that would help me on my way.

Thanks a million for any advice,
-An Aspiring Fighter

m00s30fst331

Hey man, always refreshing to see someone so young that has the drive to follow a dream and make this new sport their life- and it shows in the time spent getting into these different forms being offered to you! So kudos to that!

While I'm by no means a expert/trainer as I've been involved in MMA for a short time...however, I hope I'm not reading the schedule you posted as what you're ACTUALLY doing- just what's available at this gym...by no means am I trying to discourage staying active, etc. But that seems rather excessive for a 15 yr old....

At any rate, my personal opinion would be to pick a couple styles; especially BJJ, MT, and Wrestling. Simply because, obviously with BJJ you're getting your GnP, etc. So you'll be good on the ground..and your MT would eliminate the need for the Boxing and Kick Boxing, as well as make you an effective stand up fighter...finally I think having some wrestling skills would just benefit you in giving you an all around mix of styles. I'm doing Hapkido, BJJ, and Muay Thai--wanting to pick up Judo later on just for the hell of it--I also wrestled in High School...

So just focus more time in BJJ/MT/Wrestling and that should be a good starting point...and if you feel inclined to mix in cardio/weights throughout the week. Remember your body is going to need off days to recover!! Just train hard and keep your diet squared away...that's about all I can think of--you've definately got the drive, determination, and heart; and that'll take you far in itself!

Best of luck in following this dream! Welcome to the forums..and I'm sure more veteraned members will give you guidance as well--I'm sure it'll differ from mine as well.
-----------------------------------------------------------
EDIT: If you REALLY wanna try to learn all those styles at once feel free! Not trying to stop you or anything as you need to be well rounded to counter your opponents styles but it really seems like MT would cover you in boxing/kickboxing....sorry for the rambling...MT/BJJ/Wrestling just technically would make you pretty well rounded both offensively and defensively...

__________________
The Price Of Freedom--Is Eternal Vigilance.

KOREA

Yeah that actually was my schedule and I think you're right about my body needing recovery time. I'll take your advice and slim it down, thanks for the help. It means a lot. Any other opinions?

Dempsey Roll

I keep it simpler when I train. I classify each art into either striking or grappling and think of everything I learn in each individual art in terms of that broader category. You're not learning to box, you're learning how to strike effectively with your hands. You're not learning to wrestle, you're learning to take down and control your opponent when grappling. Try to get an idea of how each art can be useful and then apply it. Functionality is king in MMA - take what you can from each of your classes and integrate it into your overall game.

__________________
"Good friends are not those who pull you out of the fight, a good friend is one who comes in with a flying kick" - Renzo Gracie

KOREA

Alright, here's an update. I've been following the above regimen, for the past month but I wonder if it is bad to stray away from that now because I am now going to be in California training strictly BJJ with Mike Tomacelli, and Joe Moreira, after this month; in August I am heading back home to Boston and because I believe I have I got a solid foundation I am looking to join a more serious camp. I am split between Joe Lauzon's school, and my local Brazillian Top Team. I mean, I am only 15; so maybe I should stick to base-work and go for specialties later on? Another problem I'm noticing in my spars is most of my wins are from striking. I am winning the majority of them, but this guy is really getting to me saying that I need to win by submission. I don't think I have to win by submission, I am perfectly capable of sinking in a nice triangle; I even snuck in a nice peruvian necktie today; but I mean, if I am already harnessing knockout power shouldn't I take advantage of it, or are ground fighters that much superior to a standing specialist?

I could really use your help, as I can see myself doing this for life.

-Dan

CAGEFIGHTER

i wouldnt train more than 6 days a week at the most. your body needs time to heal and recover. leave one day to rest.