How we train MMA / Self-Defense at St. Louis Training Circle
We feel that for self-defense training to be effective the student must train in all three fighting ranges. That is, he must be a capable fighter in the stand-up striking range, in the clinch range, and in the groundfighting range. This makes MMA a very effective method for self-defense - as MMA fighters are typically well-rounded athletes who perform well in all three fighting ranges.
Our MMA training classes use progressive self-defense drills and are performed in a spirit of fun and friendship. We take great care with one another when we are training MMA techniques. Our progressive self-defense drills initially involve little real physical contact. As the MMA fighter grows more proficient with skills of offense and defense, he or she is slowly eased into harder, more realistic contact levels. But only when the fighter feels comfortable at that contact level, and requests it.
Our self-defense drills are devised to be as life-like as possible. In this way the progression to sparring in our MMA classes is far more natural. Our training methods will not force you to "learn to swim by being thrown into the river. A person can not learn new things in that sort of class environment. That kind of training creates a fear based mindset.
The only thing the fear based mind can do is recreate old patterns, that is: do what it already knows. In our MMA training classes you will need to learn new ways of reacting to old problems. That is best accomplished in a spirit of play and friendship. A play-based-mindset is characterized by the freedom to try new things and the ability to learn quite rapidly. This mindset is the fastest way to learn self-defense.
We hope you will join our club in a spirit of fun and friendship to train in the Mixed Martial Arts.