What dictates success in modern MMA—distance control or positional control? At every level, from novice to UFC champion, the highest percentage path to victory is control leading to the rear naked choke. With just 8 weeks to prepare, priorities are simple: - Understand the game. Every round, aim to be in control. Be on top, or be working to take the back. - From bottom: sweep, stand up, or submit—don’t accept being held down. - Stand-up basics: hands up, chin down! Mix all facets of MMA together: shootboxing, cage wrestling, and grappling. If you want to stand and trade without experience, do that in 16oz gloves with white collar boxing. Ultra MMA is about experiencing the full game—so embrace it. Resources to Support Your Journey into the Cage ✅ Membership at Combat Sports Centre (unlimited classes). ✅ Private lessons in boxing, kickboxing, or MMA with our coaches. ✅ Strength & Conditioning with IN SZN – elite programming for combat sports athletes. ➡️ Special Ultra MMA deal: 50% off your first 2 months of IN SZN. Use code ULTRAMMA25 when you sign up. 🔗 Join IN SZN here

If you’re a new coach, you’ve probably heard people talking about ecological training, constraints-led coaching, or alive training. It all sounds fancy, but here’s the truth: ecological training is just about making practice look and feel more like the real sport. Instead of drilling moves in isolation a hundred times, we put athletes—especially kids—into game-like problems where they have to figure things out. Think less “copy my steps” and more “let’s play a game where you learn by solving problems.” Why Ecological Training Works for Kids Kids learn by doing and exploring, not by sitting still and memorizing. If you make training fun, game-based, and realistic, they: - Stay more engaged (less bored drilling moves endlessly). - Develop problem-solving skills that transfer to real rolling. - Build adaptability, not just a list of techniques. The Core Idea Instead of teaching “Move A, then Move B, then Move C,” you: 1. Create a small game (constraint). Example: “You’re stuck under side control. Your job is to escape. Top person’s job is to hold.” 2. Let them figure it out (exploration). They’ll try frames, bridging, shrimping, or whatever comes naturally. 3. Guide, don’t script (coaching). You step in with nudges: “What if you use your arms instead of just legs?” Practical Examples for Kids’ Classes Here are simple ways to add ecological games: 1. Escaping Mount - Game: Bottom player starts mounted. Top tries to stay on. Bottom must escape to guard or turtle. - Constraint: Top can only use one arm. This makes success possible for beginners. 2. Guard Passing - Game: Bottom sits up guard. Top must pass in 30 seconds. - Constraint: Top can only grip with one hand. 3. Back Defense - Game: One kid has seatbelt on the back. The other must escape before being submitted. - Constraint: Attacker can only use strangles, no arm locks. How to Coach Without Over-Coaching Resist the urge to lecture. Instead: - Use questions instead of answers: “What worked best for you?” - Use nudges, not instructions: “Try keeping your elbows tighter and see if it helps.” - Keep games short and fun (30–90 seconds, lots of resets).

As a combat athlete, the thrill of victory can be intoxicating. Winning not only validates your hard work and dedication but also elevates your status in the competitive arena. However, it’s crucial to maintain humility and avoid falling into the trap of arrogance. Here are some psychological exercises and strategies that can help you stay grounded after a win. 1. Practice Gratitude After a victory, take a moment to reflect on the journey that led you there. Write down three people who supported you along the way—coaches, teammates, or even family members. Acknowledge their contributions and express your gratitude. This practice helps shift the focus from your individual achievement to the collective effort that made it possible. 2. Reflect on Your Performance Instead of solely basking in the glory of your win, analyze your performance critically. What went well? What could you improve? Create a journal entry detailing these reflections. This process keeps you mindful of your growth and areas for development, preventing overconfidence from clouding your judgment. 3.Visualise Future Challenges Take time to visualize upcoming challenges or competitions. Imagine the hard work and preparation required to succeed again. This exercise not only prepares you mentally for future contests but also reminds you that every win is just a step in your ongoing journey. 4. Engage in Humbling Activities Find opportunities to engage in activities that remind you of your roots and the hard work it takes to succeed. This could include volunteering, helping younger athletes, or participating in community events. These experiences can ground you and reinforce the importance of humility. 5. Mindfulness and Meditation Incorporate mindfulness practices into your routine. Spend a few minutes each day meditating on your experiences and feelings. Focus on the moment rather than the accolades. Mindfulness helps reduce the ego's influence, allowing you to appreciate your achievements without becoming arrogant.

There are two main approaches to MMA training, and both have produced champions. Take Ilia Topuria for example: - Huge focus on boxing as his striking base. - Strong background in Greco-Roman wrestling & BJJ. - Only really “trains MMA” during sparring or fight camp. - High emphasis on physical prep, recovery, and tape study.👉 This is very similar to the old GSP approach. On the other hand, gyms like ATT, Team Alpha Male, and others put a huge focus on: - The mixing of martial arts in training itself. - Developing MMA-specific techniques and strategies day to day. Both approaches clearly work—but which is right for you? Some key considerations: - Location (are high-level specialists accessible?) - Team culture & philosophy - Quality of training partners - Sparring partners in specific disciplines - Coaches you can trust & connect with - Your personal preference & learning style There’s no single formula. Some fighters thrive compartmentalising their training and sharpening each blade individually. Others need the integrated, all-in-one MMA training environment. Question for the group: 👉 Do you prefer to keep martial arts separate in training, or mix everything together?

As combat athletes, you know that physical prowess is only half the battle. The mind plays a pivotal role in your performance, influencing your ability to focus, adapt, and overcome challenges. In this blog, we'll explore essential mental strategies to enhance your mindset, boost your performance, and help you thrive in both training and competition. 1. Embrace a Growth Mindset A growth mindset is the belief that you can develop your abilities through dedication and hard work. Combat sports often involve setbacks, whether it's losing a match or struggling with a particular technique. Embrace these challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. Reflect on your experiences, identify areas for growth, and set actionable goals. This mindset not only builds resilience but also fosters a love for the process of improvement. 2. Visualization Techniques Visualization is a powerful tool used by many elite athletes. Spend time mentally rehearsing your techniques, strategies, and fight scenarios. Imagine yourself executing moves flawlessly, overcoming obstacles, and emerging victorious. This practice not only enhances your confidence but also prepares your brain and body to respond effectively during actual competition. Set aside a few minutes each day to visualize your ideal performance and the emotions that come with it. 3. Mindfulness and Focus Combat sports require intense focus and presence in the moment. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help you cultivate this focus. Before training or competition, take a few moments to center yourself. Focus on your breath, let go of distractions, and bring your attention to the present. This practice can reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and enhance your ability to stay calm under pressure. 4.Develop a Pre-Performance Routine A consistent pre-performance routine can help you transition into competition mode. This routine might include warm-up exercises, visualization, and specific breathing techniques. Establishing a ritual before you compete can signal to your mind and body that it’s time to perform. Find what works best for you and stick to it; this familiarity can enhance your confidence and reduce anxiety.