Submission Wrestling for Beginners

Submission Wrestling for Beginners

You probably enjoyed watching mixed martial arts on television which is why you want to get into the sport. It’s not going to be easy so there are a lot of things you have to learn about submission wrestling as a beginner.

When you enter the gym, ask questions and find out what are the rules that you have to follow. This may include coming on time and addressing your instructor as Sensei.

Since submission wrestling involves a lot of sparring instead of repetitive moves like in Karate, pay close attention to what the others are doing so you have an idea what to do when it is your turn to go into the mat.

Once you get into the mat, the most important thing you have to do is relax because it helps you think when you are fighting an opponent. This will also prevent your muscles from being tense which slows you down.

Since most submission wrestling matches last for 3 to 4 minutes, you have to pace yourself because you don’t have yet the endurance or the stamina to win a match like most professionals.

Being a newbie, you will be fighting other students who have been here longer than you so don’t feel bad if you submit to them most of time. In time, you will be able to return the favor which can only happen when your skills improve.

Speed is just one of the factors needed for proper execution. Mechanics and leverage are also important because in this sport, you don’t win by striking your opponent but rather by immobilizing them. If a certain move does not seem to have any effect, learn to let go and try something else. If it works, wait until the person submits.

When you are fighting in close quarters, one thing you have to do is breathe. You must try to keep breathing in a regular pattern which is hard to do when under pressure.

You also have to be consistent each time you go to practice. Time flies quickly and before you know it, you will soon enter your first competition. When that day comes, you can never say you are not ready because this just increases the chances that your opponent will win.

Being a newbie, don’t be afraid to ask questions if you do not understand a certain technique. Knowing this may help prevent injuries and make you master the art of submission wrestling.

Another important thing to remember during practice and competition is proper positioning. How you stand helps you move from one side to the other. By being able to keep balance, you already have one of the things that make a great wrestler.

Given that submission wrestling is physically challenging, don’t forget to take a break and eat a balanced diet. This will give you the energy to perform well during practice and competition as fatigue and poor nutrition hampers overall performance.

Everyone has to start somewhere and submission wrestling is no exception. Having a background in one or two martial arts is good but if you want to be a great fighter, you have to learn other styles and adapt these to your fighting technique. Gyms offer training for those as young as 4 so you are never too young or old to get into this sport.