As of this writing, I’ve been training in Martial Arts for 25 years, more than half my life. Over the years I’ve been really fortunate to have been coached by some of the best in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) business.
Some of the coaches I’ve been trained by our:
Renzo Gracie
Pat Miletich
Greg Nelson
Ricardo Almeida
Robert “The Wiz” Hill
Jon Trenge
I could list many more, too many for this blog but I’m sure you get the idea. No great fighter or student of MMA makes it far with having at least one good coach to guide them along.
The key lies in choosing the right coach for you. I say the word coach but that could also be an instructor, professor, or whatever name you use for the one who teaches you.
Just because someone is a good coach with good results doesn’t mean they’ll be a good coach for you. It’s not about who the best coach in the world is it’s about who’s the best coach for you.
I’ve worked with world renowned coaches who’ve done wonders with others but not for me. We just didn’t connect for one reason or another.
When checking out different MMA schools to train at, be sure to meet as many of the coaches and staff as possible. Talk with them and see what kind of vide they give off.
I know this isn’t the most solid advice but I think it counts for something, and that’s to go with what your gut tells you. You’ll know what I mean when the time comes.
Aside from your gut instinct, I find that finding a coach with a similar personality as yourself is helpful. This isn’t always the case but often times it is.
I know for me I don’t like being screamed at our belittled during a training session. Some guys love that kind of stuff and that’s fine, I don’t.
Knowing this, I don’t work with coaches who do that kind of stuff. Nothing against the coach or myself. It’s just a matter of individual taste.
I do my research and find out what the coaching style is at the gym i go to. I like a more laid back approach when being coached.
I guess I’m set in my ways from training with the most laid back coach in the world, Renzo Gracie.
So remember, be selective when choosing a coach or new school to take classes at. A little homework beforehand goes a long way in preventing a bad decision from being mad.
Below I’ve included some video I dug up on youtube. Definitely worth a look.
