5 Important Steps You Should Take!

 

SET GOALS!
THEN BE WILLING TO MAKE THEM
YOUR LIFESTYLE!

Anyone can want or say they are going to do or be something (especially a professional fighter). If you remain true to your goals, they will and should become a major part of your everyday life. No one should have to motivate you to train! The most important thing is to stay focus on the final goal! There are many techniques and books out there, to assist you to stay focused on your goals. Few years ago, I came up with, the “Dewey’s D’s”. a daily practice that helped me remain focused on my training: Dedication, Discipline, Devotion, Desire, and last but not least, Drive. If you follow those simple but essential words, I can guarantee you, that you will achieve anything you set your mind to.

 

GET THE BEST POSSIBLE TRAINER
YOU CAN!

This may be difficult for a few different reasons. You may be a beginner and the top trainers may be too busy with professional fighters. They may be too expensive or you may reside in a town that has limited options, with no top level trainers or decent gyms. If this is the case, simply do the best you can do. Also check around for fight seminars that may be available near your surrounding areas. There are a lot of videos, you can purchase on line, at reasonable prices, that can assist you in your initial training. Watch the fights on television, or on the Internet. Become a student at the Fight
Game first!

 

Two Time Kickboxing World Champion
Professional Boxer, K-1, & MMA Fighter
Dewey “Black Kobra” Cooper

BE PATIENT AND DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS!

It takes time to master your techniques, especially with the demands of being a Mixed Martial Arts fighter. I always use this quote when I coach my new students “Rome wasn’t built in a day!” Try your best to learn and practice all aspects of fighting. Even the things you may not like to do like jumping rope, stretching, or even tedious things like bear crawls. Go through all the belt progressions if offered by your trainer. Don’t rush it! The more you learn the better off you’ll be!

 

WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR ESPECIALLY WHEN SPARRING!

(Mouthpiece, Hand Wraps, Head Gear, Shin Pads, Knee Pads)
This is essential especially when doing live contact sparring! You wouldn’t believe how many gyms with good fighters I’ve trained at who don’t practice this protocol. Please remember your physical body is your only vehicle. The more punishment administered to your vehicle, is added mileage on your vehicle. We all, as fighters, have a certain number of miles our particular vehicle can take. Once that point is reached serious breakdowns will occur, sometimes even worse. Career ending injuries could occur such as head trauma or detached retinas. Other problems associated with not wearing head gear in sparring are excessive risks of lacerations over and under the eyes. This causes more scar tissue and promotes the chance of being cut easier and more frequently. It can become a hindrance in your fighting career. Gear up please!

 

GET AS MUCH FIGHT EXPERIENCE AS POSSIBLE!

This is essential before turning professional! The premise of amateur fighting is to teach, develop, and prepare fighters to become more successful professionals. There are so many variables in a real fight that cannot be recreated in the gym. Only real fight experience can supplement this, so you should fight as much as you can on an amateur level. You are an aspiring Mixed Martial Artist, you should compete in many aspects of competition; amateur boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and jujitsu tournaments. These examples are the best way to get experience and develop your professional fighting style. If you are in grade or high school, you should definitely join the wrestling program if offered.

 

In closing, there are always a few special athletes that are successful without following my mentioned protocols or similar methods. They enter the professional fighting ranks with no experience or amateur background and do quite well. These athletes are few and far between. The above steps and suggestions offer an aspiring MMA Fighter a better chance for a successful MMA career!

 

Two Time Kickboxing World Champion
Professional Boxer, K-1, & MMA Fighter
Dewey “Black Kobra” Cooper