I am 29 years old with some wrestling and boxing exp and want to begin competing locally in MMA -too late?

Question

I have always been very involved in athletics/strength training (former collegiate football player) but have yet to train in MMA. I have recently gotten back in the gym and have been a fan of MMA for about 7 years - I can't get enough of it. So I look at it as a way to scratch the competitive itch, get motivated to train more intensely, etc., but I'm worried it may be too late and I really don't know where to start. I live in the Phoenix area if you have specific knowledge to that region. Any input is welcome and appreciated.

Answer 1

Actually age does matter bro.  by age 36 most pros have already retired except for a few like Randy Couture, for example.  I watch the older dudes get their butts stomped all the time in the amateurs too man ..... the older dudes never last in the ammys.  Most older dudes go in and try it once and never come back even in amateur events man.  I'd say that at 29 you're getting close, but you still have a good 8 years left in you before you would want to call it quits since you say you're in decent shape.

It's a young man's sport for sure dude ..... that's no lie.

Answer 2

Is it too late?  h**l no-especially the fact that you have had previous boxing and wrestling background.  You have a lot of years of fight left. Train with CB Dolloway and Jamie Varner ( I forget the name of their camp).  Good luck!

Answer 3

If you were just getting started on all that stuff, yeah it would be too late.  But if you have been doing it for years now its the right time actually.  Randy Couture I know began his MMA career at 33 so, go for it.

Answer 4

To be completely honest, yes and no.  It actually all depends on you.  

If you're willing to take the time to train properly with qualified instructors/trainers, then you'll do great.  But even if you train hard with guys who have no idea what they're doing, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment.  First of all, please make sure competition is something you really want to do.  The last thing you want is to be someone's punching bag.  If you've decided MMA is for you, you've got to get in shape.  I suggest tons of cardio and proper strength training.  By proper strength training, I mean don't spend hours increasing your max bench.  Instead, get on a proper workout plan with a trainer or research exercises that will assist you in the task your training for--fighting, of course.  Next, you're going to have to find a good trainer/instructor.  I suggest going to www.inosanto.com and finding some of his instructors in your area.  If you can't find anyone there, word of mouth through your gym may land you somewhere worthwhile.  Worse comes to worse, flip through those yellow pages.  When you find some potential MMA studios/academies, scout them out.  Speak to the head instructor and find out his credentials.  A lot of times you'll find washed up fighters who tell you about their years of experience in the ring who have no idea how to teach.  There's a HUGE difference between trainers and fighters (former or current).  Also, be sure to let the instructor know you're in this to compete.  There's also a huge difference in martial arts as a hobby, self-defense, and sport.  When you've narrowed down the list of schools, see if you can try out their class for a week.  Talk to the students and make sure it's the right place for you.  After that's all said and done, talk to your instructor about local smokers (pre-amateur fights held frequently for fighters ranging from little to great experience).  Let him know this is what you're shooting for and train your butt off.  Please don't become another wahoo who trains for a month and decides he wants to be the next ultimate champion.  If you're going to do this, do it to win.  This means training, training, training, and more training.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Age doesnt matter, Skill does, u have previous experience so it not like ur starting to learn MA at the age of 29, plus ur still a tad bit young u can do it

Answer 6

Check the phonebook/internet for a MMA training hall that will be close to home/work. You should have no problem finding one in your area.  MMA is huge in the south west.    Start there.  Getting into a class will prepare your body and teach you the  technical side of grappling and striking as a combined art.  Since you have some past experience, you should get back into the flow quickly.

They would also be able to get you into competitions, when you are ready.