Common misconceptions and Fears about Combat Sports Training

It’s quite normal for people to feel intimidated or nervous to start a combat sport. It could be that you feel you aren’t fit enough, strong enough or tough enough. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s important to be stronger than your strongest excuse, so let’s take the time to address some of the misconceptions and fears you have about starting combat sports training.

What is a fighting/combat sport?

A combat sport, or fighting sport, is a sport or practise where the aim is to either score more points than the opponent or to put him/her in a position where he/she is unable to continue. Combat sports include Fencing, Boxing, Wrestling, Mixed Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and so on.

At Fight Sports Centre, we offer Mixed Martial Arts, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Judo & Boxing. We love fighting & fighting sports because of the way they strengthen the body, engage the mind & develop character.

5 Common Misconceptions

1. Misconception: I have to be fit or experienced to start

The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is right now. If you haven’t been training and aren’t fit, don’t look for reasons not to start training!

Our coaches are experts at moderating sessions for beginners. We’ve had countless members tell us how well our coaches can read them, and push them when they need a push or throttle them back when they need a break.

Imagine you came in for one training session this week. Then imagine you did that 10 times over the next month. How would your life change? What would improve? What if you did that for 10 months? How different would your life be?

What happens if you don’t? What if you put it off for the next 10 days, or 10 weeks, or 10 years? Where do you end up?

Don’t let those excuses stop you from moving forward from today.

Reality: The best time to start is 10 years ago. The second best time is right now.

2. Misconception: Injuries are common in fighting sports.

Fighting is a very natural thing. People have been fighting since people have been people. Because of that, our bodies have adapted very well to hand to hand fighting. We’re literally born for it.

This is backed up by studies (done by Physio Works and Reidar P Lystad) that show injury rates are half than soccer, squash, rugby, hockey etc. Only 5 – 7 injuries happen per 1000 exposure hours. And even then, most of the injuries turn out to be superficial.

Reality: Fighting sports are actually much safer than many other sports.

3. Misconception: MMA & Combat Sports are for meatheads who like fighting.

It’s a cliche to say, real martial arts (aka. Fighting sports) really do teach discipline, hone focus and develop self-confidence. We coach a fast-paced, high-intensity style that’ll require you to engage the mind of your opponent and create & take precise timing opportunities. If you lose focus or get carried away by emotion (whether anger or fear) you’ll miss opportunities and make mistakes. You’ll learn discipline and focus the hard way. Angry meatheads especially hard. If the angry meatheads do stick, it’s because they’ve started the “de-meat heading” process. Just one of the many small things we do for society as a whole.

That said, fighting isn’t for everyone. Just like running isn’t, nor is soccer or gymnastics. But if you’ve got an interest in it, you may turn out to really like it, so you can choose to pursue it to see what you’re really capable of.

Reality: Fighting sports (at least at Fight Sports Centre) are for everyone except meatheads and morons.

4. Misconception: I’m going to get beaten up from my first day

This is true. But not in the way you’re worried about. Our coaches make very sure that contact is moderated based on toughness and skill level. You are going to get punched in the face from your first day but it probably isn’t going to hurt or leave a bruise. That said, if you’re coming in to learn a fighting sport, and you’re working with people who are more experienced than you, and they didn’t kick your ass, wouldn’t that mean you’re in the wrong place? Our training delivers results, and sooner or later you stop being the nail and start being the hammer.

Reality: You’re going to get (gently) punched in the face from your first day.

5. Misconception: I’m going to look like a fool.

You will look like a fool. No one will look down on you for that. We’ve all been there. Every single one of our coaches and members started at the bottom of the mountain, and they’ve all been guided through the learning process. Everyone remembers their own journey and is more than happy to pay it forward to help you with yours. Fight Sports Centre is a very warm, welcoming environment. Nearly every one of our 200+ members tells us that. There’s no attitudes or egos, and you’ll be made to feel welcome and encouraged from the first time you step in the door.

Reality: No one has forgotten they started at the bottom of the mountain. You’ll be welcomed and encouraged.

How to prepare yourself for such a sport

Sack up and commit. Email us right now, tell me what sort of training you want to do, what you hope to get out of your training, and when you want to start. You don’t need to see the whole staircase, just take the first step!