Thread: How long to get good at it?

Do people usually fight that soon though? We train 2-3 hours a day, 5-6 days a week, and I couldn't imagine our newbies in a fight. That's just mean, there are some tanks out there.

Though come to think of it, if a guy has a fight, or wants to fight, our instructer will train them with that in mind and get them as good as possible in the time they've got. It sacrafices the little things though, and it's mind-bendingly hard training. Otherwise he recomends 3 years before a fight.

Do people go into a fight just for experiance, like as a learning thing? You'd think they'd want to be ready.

Originally Posted by gregimotis

On the other hand; four months two or three days a week without roadwork and spotty sparring might be enough to make a person look good on the heavy bag but not give them any usable skill against a properly trained opponent.

I think that all depends on the instructor. If a student listens well, puts forth 110% effort, and has an outstanding work ethic, I can have him/her ready to bang in 3 or 4 months at 3 to 4 times per week. It does vary...some I won't let in the ring because they just don't get it...some get it quick...some want to so I give them a chance to gain that experience and some "think" they are ready so I let them do it so they can realize how much more work they need. At the amateur level, in my opinion, it is all a learning process and the experience is priceless. The student's first fight let's me know where his/her heart is, how their skill level has improved and what we need to focus on more. The heart is the big thing in my eyes for a new student/fighter...many say they want to be a fighter but they have no clue what they want when it comes down to it...it looks much easier sitting outside the ropes yelling at the athletes. Once you don the gloves and get in the ring for your first time...in begins to sink in. I don't mean sparring either.

Many get in there and don't do so well, or get banged up a bit, and decide it is not for them. But some just want it so bad they are so determined. I have a student who is off to college this year. She had her first fight at 16 and it was an exhibition with a girl who was very tough and was 6-1, also the IKF National Champ. My girl got beat up pretty good, sore jaw, black eyes, sore ribs, fat lip.....She was in class the following week ready to learn. I caught hell from other students for putting her in there knowing what could possible happen. Well, she was better and stronger for it and took training serious. She ended up going 2-2 before leaving this fall. I was very proud of her work ethic and how big her heart was. Very few have those qualities.

Anyway, sorry to ramble.......it all boils down to the instructor, the student, and the schedule. You can learn as fast as you want, time permitting.