When first learning a new mixed martial arts fighting technique whether at the fundamental level or the more advanced it is important that we chunk it down into smaller, easily learned units. Once easily assimilated chunks are obtained these must be practiced with repetition to learn them. However, just repeating them over and over again in a session has its limitations.

Studies on a simple nervous system have shown that any more than 10 repetitions of a task in a session does not result in any increase to retention, in addition, performing only one session of learning a new piece of material results in very little retention over a long period as those of you who have been involved in training for serious mixed martial arts fighting are well aware.

The most useful method of repetition drilling to gain the most effective retention is to spread the repetitions over a number of sessions.

A method that has shown a great deal of effect is to carry out 7 to 10 repetitions of a particular technique in a training session. And then carry out at least nine repeat review sessions over several days or weeks. The first repeat session can be within the same session. I would suggest near the end of the session. The following one a day after, then a week etc. The closer the review sessions are together the quicker the optimal retention is obtained.

Another common problem, that many of us experience in mixed martial arts fighting and Muay Thai Fighting, is that of boredom when training the number of repetitions required for drilling the techniques adequately. This is detrimental to retention as the learning process is seriously impaired when we are not concentrating.

Disguising the repetitions in drills, combinations and games that utilize the particular skill involved is a very practical way that will assist you to get around this problem and allow you to increase the versatility of game by drilling the techniques with different set ups, combinations or counters being used against them.

Another more fundamental strategy that I use, particularly in working through my Muay Thai Fighting, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Fighting techniques, is to repetition the techniques as many times as I can until boredom is noticed, recording the number of repetitions performed in my training diary and then repeating the process in another training session. When using this strategy just develop a determined discipline to complete a predetermined number of repetitions. I would suggest a minimum of 60 spread over a 2 year period for maximum retention.

Bear in mind that this is for the learning and retention of a new technique, not the optimal refinement of it for the highest level of effectiveness that may be required for the rigors of competition in both mixed martial arts fighting and Muay Thai Fighting. This requires the development and sharpening of the various attributes required for optimal performance of the technique, such as: speed, timing, flow, balance, connectivity to the next move, variation adjustment, corrections in balance, preparedness for reaction to the opponent’s movement, etc.

Taking your mixed martial arts fighting skill to this level requires many more repetitions and exposing the performance of the technique to increasing levels of risk through controlled and on to random sparring.

To ensure the best learning of the technique start by learning and drilling the technique under totally cooperative conditions to get it right, this is the

retention period discussed above.

Once a good level of efficacy is obtained, then try to use the technique in controlled sparring conditions or controlled performance drills in which your training partner presents moderate problems to deal with. As your efficacy increases start to utilize it in your sparring, at first against less experienced opponents working up to opponents of higher levels.

Using this strategy for developing and drilling your techniques will not only enhance your game but also make repetition drilling far more enjoyable when training for mixed martial arts fighting.

Both the Army and the Marine Corps are mixing time-honored combat skills with multiple mart…

Expert: Andrew Bridden
Contact: www.zeebjj.net/home.html
Bio: Andrew Bridden is a Muay Thai trained kickboxer and Mixed Mar…

Expert: Andrew Bridden
Contact: www.zeebjj.net/home.html
Bio: Andrew Bridden is a Muay Thai trained kickboxer and Mixed Mar…

Expert: Andrew Bridden
Contact: www.zeebjj.net/home.html
Bio: Andrew Bridden is a Muay Thai trained kickboxer and Mixed Mar…

December 17, 2006

Press Release – Toronto Ontario – Mixed Martial Arts clothing company Submit Gear Inc is proud to announce their sponsorship of Canadian mixed martial arts fighter Liz Posener.

Liz is a 31 year old mother of two, who studies Pankration and Muay Thai kickboxing at the Kel Lee’s Academy of Martial Arts in Vancouver, BC, owned by her husband Simon. She entered the mixed martial arts scene five years ago, but her love for the sport began at a young age.

Her first exposure to contact fighting was watching boxing with her father. From there, her interests expanded onto grappling and other contact sports.

In the Posener household, martial arts is truly a way of life. Liz is married to a former PNW Pro Pankration Champion, and North American Pro Muay Thai Champion. Their 10 year-old daughter Lydia is not only her biggest fan, but she also trains and competes in kick boxing herself.

Like other practitioners of the sport, Elizabeth had to deal with stereotypes and misconceptions from day one.

“When I talk to other parents they’re usually surprised that a mother of two does this kind of thing, but that comes from people not knowing enough about what mixed martial artists do”, Posener said. “ It’s not just two people beating each other in a cage.”

Today, Elizabeth is one of the few female MMA fighters in Canada and has achieved several sponsors in her support. “She is without a doubt making her mark in the MMA world” says urban fight apparel company (http://www.SubmitGear.com) owner Mark Chiappino.

She was the first female fighter to compete in both the “Elite Fighting Championships” and the “Real Fighting Championships”. Her current MMA record is 3-1-0, all wins by TKO.

Elizabeth will be fighting in Florida’s first women’s MMA title fight on December 22, 2006 for the UFC (Unified Cage Fights) bantamweight mma title. Following that event, will be another title fight in the “Gladiators Challenge” on January 26th, 2007.

Who says women can’t fight?

About Submit Gear

Submit Gear is a Toronto-based on-line company specializing in Urban Mixed Martial Arts fight apparel. Through our products and sponsorship programs, we are proud to support the best sport in the world, and more importantly, the martial artists who make it all happen.

Submit Gear Inc.

PO Box 80023

Toronto, Ontario

M8V 4A1

CANADA

http://www.SubmitGear.com

Expert: Andrew Bridden
Contact: www.zeebjj.net/home.html
Bio: Andrew Bridden is a Muay Thai trained kick…