Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Training Etiquette

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a physically intense combat sport that requires a combination of stamina, strength, agility and strategy. Without any of these key elements, your chances of winning a match against a skilled opponent are slim to none. Participating in an MMA training class will give you the opportunity to naturally develop these key skills. In this post, we’re going to cover proper etiquette to follow during MMA training sessions.

Respect

Arguably, the single most important etiquette to follow during MMA training is respect. Some people enter their training sessions and classes with an arrogant attitude, leading them down the wrong path. Maintaining an arrogant or overly confident disposition will limit your growth as a MMA competitor. If you want to truly improve your abilities, you must be willing to listen to others, especially your instructor.

Before a match begins, both competitors should face and bow to the instructor before shaking hands with one another. This is a sign of respect to both your opponent and the instructor, so make sure you abide by this rule. Simply jumping into a match without first shaking hands with your opponent is disrespectful and could potentially get you kicked out of class.

The 3-Tap Rule

When an MMA competitor is forced into submission with no way of getting out, they should tap 3 times as a sign of defeat. If your opponent taps 3 times, release them immediately. Maintaining a submission hold on your opponent after they’ve tapped out is both disrespectful and downright dangerous. If tapping isn’t possible, competitors can also yell “QUIT” or “STOP” as a sign of defeat. Just remember to release your opponent as soon as they tap out or give you the verbal signal to stop.

Hygiene

Proper hygiene is an important part of MMA training etiquette. Along with showering and wearing deodorant, you should also keep your nails trimmed down. Practicing MMA with long nails increases the risk of accidentally cutting your opponent. Even if it’s not your intention, you may accidentally hit them with your nails, leaving behind a cut. To prevent this from happening, keep your nails trimmed down.

Another part of proper hygiene is keeping your wounds covered. If you’ve been practicing MMA for any serious length of time, chances are you’ll develop some cuts, scrapes and other minor injuries. Your opponent probably doesn’t want to touch your open wounds, so keep them properly wrapped up. This doesn’t mean tossing a bandaid on it and calling it a day, but rather wrapping it with gauze so it’s completely secure.

Follow The Instructor’s Advice

Above all else, you must listen and heed the advice of your MMA instructor. They are essentially the only voice that matters, so carefully pay attention to what they say. An experienced MMA instructor will show you exactly what you are doing wrong and how to fix it. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask your instructor.