Tough Training
One thing I’ve recently realized is that all the best places I’ve trained at over the years have one thing in common: a strong emphasis on tough training.
I’ve trained at some of the best mma, bjj, Muay Thai & kickboxing gyms all over the world including the USA, Brazil, Thailand & Japan.
There’s a temptation in martial arts to look for secrets or shortcuts to success. In reality, that just doesn’t work. While you're searching for an easier way, someone else is in the gym putting in the hard work.
When I say “tough training,” I don’t mean reckless or dangerous training where people are getting injured or knocked out. I also don’t mean endless, mindless cardio sessions that leave you exhausted but don’t actually improve your fighting ability.
My definition of hard, effective training is how you would train if you had an MMA fight or BJJ competition exactly one week from today.
Would you show up late, skip the warm-up, chat with your mates during drills and sparring? Would you waste time trying out flashy moves you saw on Instagram, or would you focus on high-percentage techniques that could actually help you win?
At the best gyms, that’s how most people train. Sure, there are plenty of gyms with a more relaxed vibe where people just come to have fun. And that’s fine—but those gyms will never get the same results as the ones where people train seriously and consistently.
As a coach, I feel it’s my responsibility to highlight this difference. If you’re not training hard and consistently, you won’t reach your full potential.
There are no secrets. The only “secret” is consistent, focused hard work in a room full of like-minded people doing the same.
