38 Yr old brand new to MMA

[Cr3do]

Very inspirational man!

Im in the same boat as you at the moment. I'm currently weigh 300lbs at 28, and 6'1.

I have been back in training 3 x per week for 7 weeks, and just upped it to 4 x a week for the first time this week. I have a background in boxing, and done a little Thai boxing and BJJ in the past. I plan on doing some nogi competitions this year, then get in a cage next year.

But first I need to get some fat off, ideally I would like to fight at LH, but well see how the fat loss goes.

I'm just happy to be training right now, and trying to recovery between sessions, although this is hard. I ice my sore joints after training, and use a foam roller and mobility exercises on my days of from training.

I just hope I can stay injury free, and continue improving as a fighter, and loose weight, which is coming of slowly. I have last around 7lbs.

[roadrunner570]

Originally Posted by Cr3do

Very inspirational man!

Im in the same boat as you at the moment. I'm currently weigh 300lbs at 28, and 6'1.

I have been back in training 3 x per week for 7 weeks, and just upped it to 4 x a week for the first time this week. I have a background in boxing, and done a little Thai boxing and BJJ in the past. I plan on doing some nogi competitions this year, then get in a cage next year.

But first I need to get some fat off, ideally I would like to fight at LH, but well see how the fat loss goes.

I'm just happy to be training right now, and trying to recovery between sessions, although this is hard. I ice my sore joints after training, and use a foam roller and mobility exercises on my days of from training.

I just hope I can stay injury free, and continue improving as a fighter, and loose weight, which is coming of slowly. I have last around 7lbs.

That's cool. The weight will come off for sure, it will fly off at first, then slow down after a few months. I've been watching my diet more closely since I been hurt.

[roadrunner570]

I hate being hurt. It's hard to stay motivated. All I can do is ride stationary bikes which isnt' near the workout I'm used to, plus it's boring. I feel like I'm slacking. 2 more weeks before I go back for x-rays.

[roadrunner570]

Had a good week this week doing cardio. Monday night, Big John held mitts for me after my 45 minutes of cardio. We did a couple of two minute speed rounds. That’s where he would rapid fire call out combos and I’d throw the punches he said. He’d occasionally swipe at me and I had to duck and weave to keep from getting tagged in the side of the head.

Once I got in the groove, it felt really good. I was in a good rhythm and my timing felt good as well. I was pretty spent after two rounds and my arms and shoulders were tired. But it was nice to get back at it. Best thing was, there was no pain in my rib at all. Only pain I’ve felt this past week has been when I lie on that side.

Last night I went and did cardio again for 45 minutes. After that the Muay Thai instructor let me join the class, but I did some different things. I can’t strain my upper body too much just yet. So he had me doing knee drills on the heavy bag for almost thirty minutes. That was basically just slamming each of my knees into the bag over and over.

From there, I held mitts for one of the new guys for three rounds while he did some different combinations. After that he held for me. This was the good part. I was doing right jabs and left cross combinations. After a couple times, he started shaking his hand and said

“Man, your left is powerful! That shit hurts!”

I’m telling you, I tried to keep my head from swelling up huge, but it was hard. After that I just punched harder and harder. I could see him cringe each time I hit too. The key to having power in your punches isn’t in the upper body. It’s in your legs and your core. It’s all in how you pivot. For a long time I had a hard time getting power in my punches or pivoting. The problem was I was too heavy and too fat. My upper body had too much flab on it and I was like a big tree trunk swatting at people with my arms.

I’m not “there” yet, but I’m starting to see the progress. I’ve lost enough weight, I can now pivot my hips and turn more and finally get some of the weight of my big ass behind those punches. One of my instructors said, once I get that down, no one will want to spar with me. LOL

[roadrunner570]

just stopping by to check in. Didn't make it to the gym as much as I'd hoped last week. Was cleared by the Dr. so rib is all good.

Had a few good BJJ sessions though, got a few tapouts even. Not sure what everyone's opinion of the Ezekiel choke is, but it seems to be one of the few submissions I can do with some proficiency. The other is the Americana.

If I can get into side control, I've learned to not go right for a submission, but to just hold it and stay heavy on him until he gets tired and starts wiggling around. That's when I crank on the Ezekiel and they tap pretty quick.

I'm working on learning other submissions too, they will just take me a bit longer.
Felt good being back though. They changed around some of the class times, so I have to figure out what will work with my schedule.

[Noblet10]

How much do you weigh now? Really good to hear you are taking up MMA to promote a healthy lifestyle. Best of luck to you on getting better and more fit.

[roadrunner570]

thanks! haven't weighed myself in a couple weeks, I feel like I've lost more though. I should be around 295 or so now.

Had an interview today with Fight! Magazine. They are doing a story about middle aged guys training MMA and wanted to hear my story.

[Noblet10]

That's great man! Best of luck to you.

[KennisTheMenace]

Originally Posted by roadrunner570

My mom thinks I've lost my mind. Said why can't I just be a referee or something. I told her I might eventually, but this is something I want to do for myself.

If you're 38 and talkin about what your mom thinks, then this fighting journey is gonna be a hell of experience for you. And one you need. Good luck!

[roadrunner570]

hey guys, checking in here. Things going ok. I haven't trained in a couple weeks. Been sick and it's really kicked my ass. I hope to be back at it next week at least.

Upside is, I'm down a few more pounds. Now less than 300 finally.