MMA Gym Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts for Beginners
Stepping into an MMA gym as a beginner can be both exciting and intimidating. Understanding the do’s and don’ts of gym etiquette not only ensures a good experience for yourself but also earns you respect among your fellow practitioners and coaches.
So in this article, we will explore all the MMA gym etiquette for beginners for every situation.
Respect the gym and its members
Be sure to always arrive on time for classes. Arriving on time or 15 minutes before the class shows respect for your trainers and fellow students. It helps the class run smoothly without interruptions.
If you come in late, then the instructor needs to pause the session which will almost certainly distract the student’s attention.
The same stands for the gym rules. Every gym has its own set of rules to keep everyone safe and happy. Pay attention to these rules and follow them carefully. They’re there for a reason, like wearing the right gear or not using your phone during class.
Practice good hygiene
Before you come to the gym, it’s important to take a shower. This helps to wash away any dirt or sweat from your body. When you’re clean, it makes training more enjoyable for everyone, including yourself and your training partners.
Next, make sure your nails are short and neat before you start training. Long nails can accidentally scratch or hurt your training partners during sparring or grappling. Thus, trimming your nails keeps everyone safe and comfortable during practice.
Lastly, wash your gear regularly. Your training gear, like your gloves, shorts, and rash guards, can get sweaty and smelly after a tough session. It’s essential to wash your gear regularly to keep it clean and fresh.
Not only does this prevent any funky smells, but it also helps to prevent bacteria from building up, which can cause skin infections. Plus, clean gear shows respect for yourself and your fellow athletes, creating a more pleasant training environment for everyone.
Show respect to coaches and communicate
Address instructors with proper titles. When you talk to your coaches, it’s polite to use their proper titles, like “Coach” or “Sensei.” This shows that you respect their knowledge and authority. It’s like saying “please” and “thank you” in everyday life — it’s just the right thing to do.
Even if the coach is young, treat them with authority during the class because, as far as training and expertise is concerned, they are far above you.
Listen carefully during instruction. When your coach is teaching, give them your full attention. Listen to what they’re saying and watch how they demonstrate the techniques. This helps you learn better and shows respect for their expertise. Plus, it’s a sign of good manners.
Of course, always communicate. If you have any questions related to training or want to point up some issues, do not hesitate to talk with them.
But remember to ask politely and wait for the right time. Don’t interrupt when your coach is speaking or demonstrating. Instead, wait for a break or until after class to ask your question. This way, you show respect for their time and for the other students who are also trying to learn.
Don’t show up to the gym sick
Exercising while sick increases the risk of spreading germs to others, potentially causing a chain reaction of illness among gym members. By staying home when you’re sick, you help contain the spread of illness and protect your fellow gym-goers from getting sick themselves.
Also, Training while sick can prolong your illness and delay your recovery. Your body needs rest and proper care to fight off infection and regain its strength. Exercising puts additional strain on your body and compromises your immune system, making it harder for you to get better.
Show respect to experienced members
Experienced students have spent more time training and have likely encountered a variety of techniques and situations.
By showing respect to them, you open yourself up to learning from their experiences. They can offer valuable insights, tips, and corrections that can help you improve your skills more quickly.
In combat sports like MMA, safety is paramount. Respecting more experienced students means recognizing their skill level and understanding that they can provide a safer training environment.
They are often better equipped to control their movements and actions during sparring or drilling, reducing the risk of injury for themselves and others.
Communicate with training partners
Before you start practising with a partner, it’s important to ask if they’re ready and willing to train with you. This shows respect for their preferences and helps ensure that both of you are on the same page.
Just like asking someone if they want to play a game, asking for consent before training together is the right thing to do.
Everyone has different comfort levels and limits when it comes to training. It’s essential to be mindful of your partner’s boundaries and not push them beyond what they’re comfortable with.
If your partner says they need a break or asks you to go easier, listen to them and adjust your intensity accordingly. Respecting your partner’s boundaries creates a safer and more enjoyable training experience for both of you.
Share feedback
During training, it’s helpful to offer feedback to your partner to help them improve. However, it’s essential to do so positively and constructively. Instead of criticizing or being overly critical, focus on providing helpful suggestions and encouragement.
It’s natural to feel excited when you execute a technique or win a round during training. However, it’s essential to be mindful of how you celebrate, especially if your partner didn’t have the same success.
Excessive celebrations, like showing off, can come across as disrespectful and make your training partner feel bad. Instead, celebrate your successes modestly and show appreciation for your partner’s efforts, whether they win or lose.
For example, you could say, “I noticed you’re dropping your guard when you throw punches. Try keeping your hands up to protect yourself better.”
The same stands if you accidentally hurt someone. Showing remorse and acknowledging your mistake helps repair any hurt feelings and maintains a positive relationship with your training partner. Also, check if they’re okay and offer assistance if needed.
Keep an open mind
In a dynamic and ever-changing environment like a sparring session or competition, having an open mind enables you to adapt to different situations and opponents. Being flexible in your approach allows you to adjust your strategies and techniques based on what works best in the moment, increasing your effectiveness as a martial artist.
Some of the most significant advancements in martial arts come from individuals who are willing to think outside the box and try new things. By keeping an open mind, you open yourself up to innovative approaches and creative solutions that can enhance your training and push the boundaries of what is possible.
Distinguish Training From Competition
In other words, keep your ego in check each time you come to the gym. Training is primarily focused on skill development, technique refinement, and physical conditioning. It’s a controlled environment where you can experiment, learn, and grow without the pressure of winning or losing.
You have to make mistakes and “lose” in order to grow. You must get overwhelmed by a more experienced student or even get beat up. That’s a part of the learning process. We have all been there. Do not put unnecessary pressure on yourself.
Celebrate small wins as a part of the progress, and embrace all the losses and mistakes as an insight into what areas you need to improve to become a better fighter.
Make Friends
Martial arts gyms often become like second families, where members support and encourage each other both inside and outside of training. By keeping an open mind and being friendly and approachable, you can quickly make new friends.
No matter how big of an introvert you are, you will eventually open yourself to other people. When you have friends cheering you on and holding you accountable, you’re more likely to stay committed to your practice and push yourself to improve. Plus, training with friends can make workouts more enjoyable and fun.
