Noob question

Jon · 11-02-2005, 12:33 PM

Here is my dilemma. I’ve found a school here in the St. Petersburg/Tampa area that was supposed to offer MMA training (Chinese Kickboxing/Thai Kickboxing/Grappling/Jiu-Jitsu/Grappling), thankfully, I was able to attend 2 weeks free of charge to get an idea of what the school had to offer. Unfortunately, they primarily focus on cardio and conditioning. That is all great as I could use to get in better shape, however, that is not what I am looking for. I’ve weight trained for the last 12 years of my life. I know what kind of discipline it takes to diet and do cardio, and because of that, the emphasis this school is putting on cardio/conditioning is discouraging for me. I am wanting to put more focus and attention on the striking (knees, elbows, kicks, punches) and grappling/submissions side of the sport.
I’ve looked around and cannot seem to find another school that offers exactly what I am looking for.
So my question is; Do I settle for a school that is a one discipline school, i.e. Kickboxing or Jiu-Jitsu? Or do I train in one style now and start another style later? BTW, I have trained before in Taekwondo and some boxing.

RubberBandMan · 11-02-2005, 12:42 PM

If you have the money I would attend a grappling school and then a kickboxing or boxing school at the same time. You could then maybe pay for some private classes from the MMA cardio guys to help you put the two together. The transition form striking to the ground and a little of grappling while striking. If you had the money that would be a good way to go.

Also are you sure that the MMA class is like that all the time? I know the one that I attend we drill a couple moves and then cardio until we can tell what guys actually want to be there. Nothing is more frustrating than wasting your time trying to teach someone something and then have them not listen to you, or at least try what your saying. Once we weed out the wastes of time we move on to lots of moves and live grappling. The same goes for out stand up.

b0b · 11-02-2005, 12:59 PM

Most BJJ classes also have some type of striking system on the days they don't do BJJ. Call some of the jiu jitsu schools and ask.

VampireMonk · 11-02-2005, 02:33 PM

your not giving the whole information.

what is preventing you from searching and checking out other schools?
or are you just too comfortable here now?

sanuces · 11-02-2005, 03:57 PM

go here. you might not get the MT training but i guarantee you'll be getting quality BJJ instruction.

http://gracietampa.com/home/index.htm

b0b · 11-02-2005, 04:59 PM

http://www.tampabaymartialartsacademy.com/

Looks like a McDojo, but may be worth checking out.

http://www.tampabjj.com

Call and ask if they do MMA.

http://www.corejkdconcepts.com/

Maybe another McDojo. Check out a class and see.

Gsoares2 · 11-02-2005, 06:16 PM

i know a good vale tudo guy... i train bjj with him.

Evolution Martial arts. Its on Dale mabry in tampa.
He is about to be a brown in bjj
i think He has a black belt in TKD, Joe lewis karate, and trained muay thai for years...
Also

Tampabjj.com At their cleawater location there is a guy who offers vale tudo training as well.
A muay thai guy at their tampa location.

Jon · 11-03-2005, 10:05 PM

thank you all for the insight. I talked to one of the guys that teaches there and he broke it down for me saying its around 60% cardio/conditioning and 40% technique. Thanks also to those giving me the links. BTW, what the hell is a McDojo? Is that the kind of school that would cater to soccer moms and their kids?