Mixed martial arts is a sport that combines different forms of self-defense. Athletes compete in a bout using the self-defense style that best suits their athletic ability. Mixed martial arts has grown into a popular sport that has grown competitive with boxing in a very short time. One of the ways mixed martial artists prepare for a fight is to use different punching and kicking bags to hone their skills.
Speed Bag
The speed bag is a vital tool for a mixed martial artist from any of the disciplines. Even grapplers have to learn how to throw quick left jabs because they may face boxers, kick boxers and Muay Thai fighters who throw jabs with regularity. The speed bag allows you to work on your quickness and accuracy with both hands and a fighter can develop a sharp left jab. For a right-handed fighter, the left jab sets up all the other punches and kicks. Hit the speed bag with three left jabs for every other punch you throw to develop speed and consistency.
Heavy Bag
The heavy bag is used to develop your punching power, kicking power, accuracy and endurance. Use the heavy bag to throw the right cross, left hook, right uppercut and left uppercut. Use the heavy bag to throw your side kick, roundhouse kick, crescent kick and front kick. Your heavy bag can be marked to show where the most vulnerable legal scoring areas are on your opponent and you can hone those kicks to improve your fighting ability.
Floor-to-Ceiling Bag
The floor-to-ceiling bag is one of the most vital tools for teaching accuracy in any mixed martial arts discipline. The floor-to-ceiling bag has a bulbous protrusion that hangs on a long elastic band that stretches from the floor to the ceiling. When you strike this piece of equipment, it will usually rebound in an unpredictable way. That's why it is so valuable as a training tool. You will get used to trying to hit and kick an unpredictable bag, and if you can do this you have a better chance of being successful in the ring.
Ring Work
In addition to hitting the speed bag, heavy bag and floor-to-ceiling bag, you have to get into the ring and spar with a live opponent. To understand where you stand in mixed martial arts fighting, you have to put your abilities to the test against an opponent of similar size and experience. You will wear protective head gear and pads so this is not the same as a regular bout, but you can get hurt and you can also hurt your opponent. Sparring for 20 to 30 minutes in the gym will let you know what areas of your game are strong and what areas you will have to work on when you get back to hitting the bags.
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