whitecc

This is my first post here. I recently became interested in getting into MMA. Not so much as a career, but to get into shape and to eventually one day compete. I read around and a lot of guys have been training in martial arts for years since they were young. I have no martial arts background whatsoever.I am 22 years old, is it too late for me to start?

I'm 5'11" and 235 lbs. I got some working out to do before I begin any training. Not in the best of shape as far as endurance goes.

I apologize in advance if this is something that may have been posted and discussed before.

GMW

If your goal isn't to compete, especially at the elite level, I'm not sure why you are curious. It is, of course, not to late to get into it for fun/fitness. It is also not to too late to get fairly good at what ever you decide, to compete in the small time shows if you have any interest.

whitecc

I do want to compete. I don't want to get into it to just know it I suppose. Guess I should have clarified that. Sorry. I would love to compete one day I just would hate to start something that by the time I was any good I was considered an old dude in the game.

GMW

Competing at the UFC level? Unless you are an absolutely amazing natural learner, it won't happen.
There's no reason at this point though you couldn't compete in small shows if you are serious about it. I don't mean training 8 hours a day, but an hour or two a day most of the week with a lot of focus.

whitecc

Ok. Thats good to know. I know enough to know that my chances of making it to the UFC level are very slim. But small shows like you talk about is definitely something that I am interested in. Do you know, can you still make a decent living by fighting in smaller shows?

GMW

Um. No, not really, you can't. It's just bonus money or for paying off your training bills.

whitecc

Ok. Good to know also. I appreciate you answering my questions.

GMW

Anytime, maybe some others can give you more detailed input.

Walker

First off it's never too old to start something especially when the end result is going to get you into better shape. If you want to use MMA to fuel you getting into better shape then by all means do it. If thinking about competing in MMA inspires you then use it as motivation.

It sounds like you need to start working out and getting into better overall shape- correct? If so you should get a gym membership and take any free training sessions the gym might give out to help you get started. Have you lifted/trained with weights before? If you have hopefully you can start with what you already know if not see if you can get a session with a personal trainer to teach you basic and proper form for weightlifting. Also they can help you with setting up a good cardio workout to get you started.

If you have access to a gym great- if not start by walking/jogging around a track or your neighborhood, you can do push-ups/ abs at home and use things like a chair or couch to do dips and other exercises. If you need any help just PM me and I'll help get you started if you want. Either way good luck with getting in better shape and you never know what might happen once you get in shape and start possibly MMA training. Good luck Buddy.

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whitecc

I just got a gym membership today and I have a trainer setting up a routine with me starting tommorow so I can get into better shape. I started riding my bike today, I was told that jump roping would help so I'm going to pick up a jump rope tommorow and I will be running. I appreciate your post Walker. Very helpful, and I am sure that I will PM you here soon to see what else I can do for myself. Thank you!