Starting out in MMA

[TTMA]

Browser screwed up, let's try this again. Probably shorter post this time around ...

I'm just starting out in MMA. From what I've read, it seems establishing a solid base in grappling and then adding a striking art is the way to go. I have BJJ, Boxing/Kickboxing/Muay Thai, and Judo schools in my area that I will probably be attending. I can't find any sambo schools. CKD (or anyone else), if you end up reading this, some links for school locations for the russian arts (Sambo and one other) you recommended would be appreciated.

What do you think the best course of action for someone just starting out is?

Should I start with just the grappling or would I do well to study both types of arts at the same time?

People mainly study the arts individually and combine their skills as they see fit?

What is the best way to decide what to learn from arts that I'm not learning "full time"? Can I ask an instructor from art Q that I want to learn only x,y, and z to round out my martial arts education?

Any other advice?

More about me ...
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Other factors: ability to travel, money and time aren't big issues

*copies and pastes into notepad just incase *

[TTMA]

terrific, it actually posted this time

[Mr. Gordo]

BJJ with boxing or muay thai should suit you just fine.

[Bjjexpertise@be]

My opinion differs from Senor Gordo. I think that it would probably be better off if you pick one martial art to start off and then branch out later on.

What Martial Art or sport you pick doesn't really matter (IMO) in the beginning. I would say just to pick one as a trial to see if you really want to continue doing it first.

[TTMA]

We're 2 for 3! Browser screwed up again!

Hey BJJ. What part of flordia? I'm considering moving to miami. Our winter climate is for the birds ... penguins. Not what I want.

My first experience with martial arts was an at an ATA Tae Kwon Do school. I'll just say that wasn't for me.

Well, off to my first BJJ class.

[Bjjexpertise@be]

I live in St.Augustione about 2 hours away from miami. Oh and I hope you're have good conditioning, cuz from what I've heard a lot of the people throw up on their first day because of the intense training.

[greenfrog]

BJJ and MT will be a great combo. I dont see anything wrong with taking a ground fighting art and a striking art at the same time but I wouldn't ever consider taking multiple striking or groundfighting arts at the same time because you may be great in class, but in a real fight or competition your muscle memory will probably be horrible.

[EmptyneSs]

everyone does bjj now, it would be cool for people to go into mma with something diff than always bjj.

how bout sambo, judo or wrestling ? im sure if u are good at these arts and mix em with a nice standup art like boxing u will be awesome. randy couture doesnt do bjj, his ground art is wrestling and he is awesome.

but hey thats just me, if u want to do bjj go for bjj.

[TTMA]

BJJ and others, I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. The whole thing was like high school wrestling all over again, but a little more hardcore. I'm not in the shape I use to be but I'm still way better than average (not saying much here). I had a great time though. My instructor is obviously very knowledgable. I can already see too many positives to list, without many negatives.

Greenfrog, you make an excellent point with the muscle memory thing. I hadn't thought of that. I think it's more memorization of positioning though? Maybe I'm way off. I'll have to do some testing to see if I can manage it or not. Besides, I don't know that I'd call Judo a striking art or a grappling art primarily. I'd say it's a throwing and takedown art. But as I said, I could be wrong. I'm just starting here. I don't know that you were even referring to Judo with your statement, though.

Empty, I planned on doing Sambo originally, but I can't find a school. If you can find one in the milwaukee area please give me a link/phone/email/other! I plan on doing judo also, though.

[TTMA]

... delete ...

[EmptyneSs]

here are some schools in ur area

http://www.switchboard.com/bin/cgiad.dll?PR=118&BI=107969079&LNK=54:9&MEM=45&CID=242&T=Milwaukee&S=WI&QV=02A1FD6F1B7124415D313203O01A1FA6F1B7124415F313203O07A1FB6F1B71244158313203O03A22C3D44712441A5313203&QT=BCL

http://www.switchboard.com/bin/cgiad.dll?PR=118&BI=108132528&LNK=54:9&MEM=45&CID=242&T=Milwaukee&S=WI&QV=02A1FD6F1B7124415D313203O01A1FA6F1B7124415F313203O07A1FB6F1B71244158313203O03A22C3D44712441A5313203&QT=BCL

also, judo contains no striking, it is a sport that is about throws and takedowns and grappling with arm locks and chokes.

[CKD]

I think there are some systema school near you if you are into Russian arts. Go to www.russianmartialart.com Systema is a survival oriented art and not all schools let people under 16 in but gp check it out anyway. I have been looking for sambo schools in your area but I have not found anything yet

[TTMA]

Thanks for the link. I'm 21, not really sure where you got the idea I was younger? Another similar post perhaps? Is there a sambo hq webpage?

[CKD]

There are a lot of sambo associations. But they have links to schools and other associations here http://americansamboassociation.home...tml/links.html I am pretty sure I saw a school near you on the www.russianmartialart.com page. Don't forget to check put the school locations on that site. There is also www.rmax.tv There are some links to schools somewhere on that website.