First steps to becoming an athlete

[Jamie0202]

Hi,

I have begun training in muay thai boxing with a personal trainer at my local dojo. I want become an athlete, I do not wish to fight, but i want to train to the same level as someone who fights. I understand there is a lot to research (it is virtually never ending).
What are the foundational things an athlete (or someone who wants to become a fighter) should start out with building that sets up their future. What things should i organize and get right early on so that i have strong foundation?

Jamie

 

[shunyata]

Just show up to the gym and train, and then keep doing it.

One on one with a trainer is fine to start or to work on specifics, hit mits, but you want to include group kickboxing classes and keep them going long term.

If you're attracted to mma and not just striking, you'll also want to include group grappling classes whether that is a nogi grappling, wrestling, or bjj depending on what gyms you have available.

A strong foundation is built by the time you put into training, including in a group setting with varying partners. Getting good sleep and nutrition is helpful for general health, but the lion's share of the foundation is training itself.

Get in the ring or on the mats, and train. Then do it again, and again, and again.

Organize your schedule so you can train regularly and consistently.

 

[Doctor Grudge]

If you just begun training then just going to your gym regularly will already massively boost your athletic ability. I wouldn't worry about doing too much at first, just focus on turning your gym training into a habit.

When you're comfy going to the gym, you can start to add more elements to your game. Can add in conditioning for better stamina (both explosive and long distance), or start lifting weights to increase strength. Controlling your diet as well for whatever particular goal you want. Perhaps flexibility or yoga training for more longevity (plus being flexible helps a lot).

But as I said, just focus on training for now. In a couple of months you can add that other stuff and you'll see massive gains.

 

[jmftutorial]

Hi,

I have begun training in muay thai boxing with a personal trainer at my local dojo. I want become an athlete, I do not wish to fight, but i want to train to the same level as someone who fights. I understand there is a lot to research (it is virtually never ending).
What are the foundational things an athlete (or someone who wants to become a fighter) should start out with building that sets up their future. What things should i organize and get right early on so that i have strong foundation?

Jamie









Becoming an athlete requires dedication, discipline, and the right fitness foundation. Whether you're starting your journey in sports or looking to improve your overall physical health,site i-Gym is the ideal place to begin. We offer personalized training programs that cater to beginners, helping you build strength, endurance, and flexibility. Our expert trainers will guide you through each step, ensuring that you’re progressing safely and effectively.

Thanks for the information!

 

[Boomb]

Just show up to the gym and train, and then keep doing it.

/thread.

 

[rollthedice]

being a fighter and a athlete are two very different things, I've seen athletes in amazing shape fold in simple sparring and competition because of their mindset. Fighting takes a special kind of mindset compared to lifting weights, running marathons or playing a sport without contact. If you have no urge to compete, I recommend you have some hard sparring occasionally to keep yourself grounded, but if that's not for you, then you won't be able to train at that level you're after.

The guys above said it best, get yo ass in the gym, train, train and train. Learn the fundamentals both offensively and defensively. It's like building a house, each day you add a lil something new but if you don't work that day then obviously nothing will improve on your house

 

[shunyata]

It's like building a house, each day you add a lil something new but if you don't work that day then obviously nothing will improve on your house

^

 

[trendnick]

being a fighter and a athlete are two very different things, I've seen athletes in amazing shape fold in simple sparring and competition because of their mindset. Fighting takes a special kind of mindset compared to lifting weights, running marathons or playing a sport without contact. If you have no urge to compete, I recommend you have some hard sparring occasionally to keep yourself grounded, but if that's not for you, then you won't be able to train at that level you're after.

The guys above said it best, get yo ass in the gym, train, train and train. Learn the fundamentals both offensively and defensively. It's like building a house, each day you add a lil something new but if you don't work that day then obviously nothing will improve on your house

Good post. I processed it (just in detail about Fighter VS Athlete)

Being a fighter and being an athlete are two very different things. While athleticism forms the foundation, the demands of fighting go far beyond physical fitness. Here are the key differences:

1. Mindset: Resilience and Grit​

• Fighters: They need a unique mental toughness to endure pain, pressure, and unpredictable situations. Fighting requires courage, determination, and the ability to keep going despite setbacks.
• Athletes: Many sports challenge the body and mind, but without the constant physical confrontation or the risk of immediate harm.

2. Stress Management Under Pressure​

• Fighters: In the ring or cage, the stakes feel like life or death (metaphorically). The stress is immense, as mistakes can lead to immediate consequences. Staying calm and thinking clearly is crucial.
• Athletes: There is also pressure in competition, but it’s often less immediate and less physical.

3. Physical Demands​

• Fighters: Beyond endurance and strength, they need speed, reflexes, and the ability to take hits. It’s about being physically and mentally tougher than the opponent.
• Athletes: Depending on the sport, the focus is more on technical precision or endurance without direct contact.

4. Contact and Risk​

• Fighters: The constant engagement with an opponent and the risk of injury make the sport uniquely challenging. It requires a specific kind of fearlessness and acceptance of risk.
• Athletes: Many sports don’t involve direct physical contact, which changes the dynamic significantly.

Being a fighter demands a rare combination of mental toughness, physical strength, and strategic thinking that goes far beyond what most purely athletic disciplines require.

 

[SandisLL]

Hi,

I have begun training in muay thai boxing with a personal trainer at my local dojo. I want become an athlete, I do not wish to fight, but i want to train to the same level as someone who fights. I understand there is a lot to research (it is virtually never ending).
What are the foundational things an athlete (or someone who wants to become a fighter) should start out with building that sets up their future. What things should i organize and get right early on so that i have strong foundation?

Jamie

Imho if you had stated that you don't want to fight ....then this maybe might mean that you don't want to taste it. So what reason to talk further....
While ofc I undarstand that to be high level am or pro is risky option as career choice for a living.... if you will not be ready to fight then most likely will not be able to use skills even for SD. Cos you need to fight at least a bit. You need to spar with uncooperative actively resisting opponent in order to develop some basics. At least this. As for basics IMHO. To be high level am or pro, there are damn a lot of variables in the game and you will need good luck too. A lot. Therefore in modern days it isn't preferable carrer choice.

 

[rollthedice]

Good post. I processed it (just in detail about Fighter VS Athlete)

Being a fighter and being an athlete are two very different things. While athleticism forms the foundation, the demands of fighting go far beyond physical fitness. Here are the key differences:

1. Mindset: Resilience and Grit​

• Fighters: They need a unique mental toughness to endure pain, pressure, and unpredictable situations. Fighting requires courage, determination, and the ability to keep going despite setbacks.
• Athletes: Many sports challenge the body and mind, but without the constant physical confrontation or the risk of immediate harm.

2. Stress Management Under Pressure​

• Fighters: In the ring or cage, the stakes feel like life or death (metaphorically). The stress is immense, as mistakes can lead to immediate consequences. Staying calm and thinking clearly is crucial.
• Athletes: There is also pressure in competition, but it’s often less immediate and less physical.

3. Physical Demands​

• Fighters: Beyond endurance and strength, they need speed, reflexes, and the ability to take hits. It’s about being physically and mentally tougher than the opponent.
• Athletes: Depending on the sport, the focus is more on technical precision or endurance without direct contact.

4. Contact and Risk​

• Fighters: The constant engagement with an opponent and the risk of injury make the sport uniquely challenging. It requires a specific kind of fearlessness and acceptance of risk.
• Athletes: Many sports don’t involve direct physical contact, which changes the dynamic significantly.

Being a fighter demands a rare combination of mental toughness, physical strength, and strategic thinking that goes far beyond what most purely athletic disciplines require.

Great post bro!

 

[trendnick]

Great post bro!

Thank you thank you ! I have a brilliant mind, i know. Did choose ChatGPT for it. Well done trendnick ;-)

 

[rollthedice]

Thank you thank you ! I have a brilliant mind, i know. Did choose ChatGPT for it. Well done trendnick ;-)

Haha chatGPT is good like that. I just tried putting my experience into words, I'm terrible with words but competed enough in BJJ and muay thai to fold plenty of athletes and know what it takes to compete at a national level

 

[trendnick]

Haha chatGPT is good like that. I just tried putting my experience into words, I'm terrible with words but competed enough in BJJ and muay thai to fold plenty of athletes and know what it takes to compete at a national level

Well ChatGPT fasten some things up. Good for that. I am at least same bad with words like you.... but for sure you would roast me on the mat the moment it goes down. ;-)
I hope yoiu will accomplish at least most of your dreams in life. All the best !

 

[rollthedice]

Well ChatGPT fasten some things up. Good for that. I am at least same bad with words like you.... but for sure you would roast me on the mat the moment it goes down. ;-)
I hope yoiu will accomplish at least most of your dreams in life. All the best !

cheers boss and I'm at a crossroads now, 29 and awaiting surgery on my hip, my serious days of competing are probably over but I'll stay involved any way I can

 

[trendnick]

cheers boss and I'm at a crossroads now, 29 and awaiting surgery on my hip, my serious days of competing are probably over but I'll stay involved any way I can

Never give up ! I started with 42 (boxing, 3-4x week.)..... turned last 2-3 years to MT too (adding kicks, blocks elbows to boxing).... now its 11 years later and i wish to fight at least once --no health issue, never-. Will see what can i do soon in thailand. Whatever, 29 is not too old. PS: How long do you train sersiously and continously?

selfieshot from 31 dec 2024

 

[rollthedice]

Never give up ! I started with 42 (boxing, 3-4x week.)..... turned last 2-3 years to MT too (adding kicks, blocks elbows to boxing).... now its 11 years later and i wish to fight at least once --no health issue, never-. Will see what can i do soon in thailand. Whatever, 29 is not too old. PS: How long do you train sersiously and continously?

View attachment 1078418

You're a machine sherbother, Much respect! I've trained in various arts such as muay thai, bjj. Boxing, tae kwon do, freestyle wrestling, sambo and a little judo, my main background is muay thai, I've competed close to 20 times here in NZ and competed in over 60 grappling matches in various competitions with various medals. I'm nothing special, been in martial arts majority of my life but started training seriously around 22-23 and was training 6 days a week. I competed between 63kg - 68kg

 

[shunyata]

It's been four months.

I don't think Jamie went to the gym.

 

[rollthedice]

Never give up ! I started with 42 (boxing, 3-4x week.)..... turned last 2-3 years to MT too (adding kicks, blocks elbows to boxing).... now its 11 years later and i wish to fight at least once --no health issue, never-. Will see what can i do soon in thailand. Whatever, 29 is not too old. PS: How long do you train sersiously and continously?

View attachment 1078518

That edit well played haha

 

[trendnick]

You're a machine sherbother, Much respect! I've trained in various arts such as muay thai, bjj. Boxing, tae kwon do, freestyle wrestling, sambo and a little judo, my main background is muay thai, I've competed close to 20 times here in NZ and competed in over 60 grappling matches in various competitions with various medals. I'm nothing special, been in martial arts majority of my life but started training seriously around 22-23 and was training 6 days a week. I competed between 63kg - 68kgView attachment 1078472

You look ripped and overall very stable. Keep on and never fall in the trap eating too much sh.t for a longer time. And keep training on. 2x-6x a week doesnt matter.... just dont stop ;-) Regards !

During Covid our gym buld immedialety an exterior training mat.... so we continued training 99% of the time, Winter/summer doesnt matter. Our ex-soviet box trainer (see pic): It doesnt exist bad weather, just bad clothing he told us. He is 100% fully commited to boxing.

 

[rollthedice]

You look ripped and overall very stable. Keep on and never fall in the trap eating too much sh.t for a longer time. And keep training on. 2x-6x a week doesnt matter.... just dont stop ;-) Regards !

During Covid our gym buld immedialety an exterior training mat.... so we continued training 99% of the time, Winter/summer doesnt matter. Our ex-soviet box trainer (see pic): It doesnt exist bad weather, just bad clothing he told us. He is 100% fully commited to boxing.

View attachment 1078686

It's a lifestyle at this point, I don't think I'll ever stop. And your ex-soviet boxing trainer sounds very wise, my dad is also from USSR but moved to NZ in the early 90s.

We don't stop moving tho