lokojo

Thanks Akatora, I think that you are definitely right! Don't worry, your point came across fine

I hear ya on those bad angry moods ultrapower, they can get to ya. What I do to help these situations is pretty similar to your strategy - I smile and try to assume a "power" position. This is explained in this brilliant video! http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are.html i have found that this strategy is very effective. I kindof feel silly at first, but after about 30 seconds, without fail, I feel better! If other people are annoying me, I smile at them and think "Wow. This person can kick rocks!" (sometimes something a little more vulgar too... lol) The trick to this is to think in a positive way about the situation, and genuinely feel the smile... Example "Wow, this person has nothing better to do than to make fun of me. They seriously have some problems. I can laugh this off because I feel pity for this person trying to bring me down, because they are less happy than me. He can kick rocks." Hopefully this is helpful! Keep on keeping on

What up earthbear! Thanks for the well thought out post! I am beginning to see the usefulness of the katas - the body awareness and control are very useful! Not exciting ( ) but useful! I really appreciate the advice, and I am doing my best to soak it all in and find all the resources that I can. Currently the Karate program is on hiatus, so that means my first foray into body weight fitness wish me luck!

You speak the truth, Spider Dan! I completely agree that learning comes when you DO things, so I will try to maximize that as much as I can. Thanks for the support!!

Thanks Combat Boot! I forgot about plyometrics, those would be clutch! I remember doing those for football (I played in high school) and they certainly helped my speed. Ah yes, working the bag. One of my favorite workouts of all time. It is so exhilarating to hit that bag!

Chemical Engineer! about halfway through undergrad, but I loves me some maths and science. I basically love all my classes always though, so I definitely geek out to all things scholarly

Thanks EMB and Kline! Good tips, I definitely think that the only way to get better is to actually do, and not read, but these will definitely be a productive and fun way to spend free time.

Thanks for the replies Kline, SwoleTroll, and Mightstone 2k! I suppose I never really thought of the theory in that way... but I probably should! The more I think about it, although the training they do has a few different goals in mind, it definitely can't hurt. Unfortunately there is no boxing or wrestling, but I heard that there was a judo club... So I may try that as well! I definitely will try to go when I can, which should be more often as I get finished with finals. Last question: Do you guys know of any online resources or books that could help prepare me more? I am thinking a workout/training regimen that could help me get more explosive, or books discussing basic strategies and training in different areas (Muay Thai, Boxing, Wrestling, etc.) Again, I appreciate the replies!

I really enjoy MMA, and eventually want to fight in an amateur fight. I am doing the Insanity workout video series RELIGIOUSLY in order to reach the fitness level - at least for now (it is working really well! I would definitely recommend it.) I want to learn how to fight/grapple now. The only issue is the only place I can do so is at my school's Kyukushin Karate club (I am studying abroad in Africa currently and have no access to transportation). The issue is that while they do spar and work out for part of the practice, a good percent of the time they work on things I do not care about (forms, katas, unrealistic to fighting scenario moves), and it is tough for me to go to all of the practices (busy schedule). Should I go to this club or really push myself on my own? I mean if its the best option, I should just suck it up and go to the club practices, but are there resources for getting ready for an Amateur MMA fight on my own (whether they are online, in book form, etc.) Also, it should be noted that while I am quite fit right now, I think that a couple years of hard training will be necessary to move me to this goal. I am thinking very long term. I am new to NF and so I thought I'd ask this awesome community what you all think. Thanks for your time, and I appreciate anyone reading this

Loved the title of this article - I'm in the same boat! I have recently been getting into MMA and I would love to eventually fight in an amateur fight. Put in work and definitely make your decisions based on whether they get you closer to your goal - a motivational strategy that has helped me a ton. Good luck!