Source
r/martialarts•
vtITguy

Can you guys help me decide if this gym looks ok for a beginner? Also, any tips/advice?

http://www.truefightclub.com/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/true-fight-club-hayward

I read a few of their Google reviews which are biased due to the fact they received some sort of payment for their reviews and I'm scared the Yelp ones are the same.

The obvious thing to do is go there and try a class or two but I'm worried that since I'm such a novice, I won't have any ideas what to look for and just assume everything I see is correct.

My background: Powerlifter (1300 total, 475 squat/330 bench) with 0 MMA training. I'm hoping some of my strength will come in handy and that I can find a MMA that I'm good at because of the power. I've also been working on my flexibility and stamina in preparation for the training so hopefully that helps.

Also, will I need my own gear? Pads/gloves/etc?

Thanks all!

Posted Aug 18, 2016, 8:33 PM UTC

26
grapplerXcrossMMA, Pro-Wrestling•

Place looks pretty good tbh. There is no real way to know for sure unless you go there and try it out. Strength is very good and all, but try to go in with a beginners mindset. It is easy to cut corners because you have an edge somewhere else, do not let that happen. Best of luck and listen to your gut feel if something feels right or wrong!

You will not need gear for trial classes. Your instructors will tell you if you need to buy gear!

4
TonyDismukesBJJ/Muay Thai/Bujinkan//Kali/etc•

It might be good, although the pricing is a bit steep.

My biggest concern is that there is no mention I can find on the site regarding the qualifications of the instructors.

2
WeirdNakedChoke•

I'd recommend trying it versus judging them by their online presence. If people judged our place by our website, no one would ever show up. The only way to tell if a gym is right for you, in my opinion, is to show up and try it out.

1
justsomeguy75•

If you get your ass kicked on day one, it's not okay for a beginner.

If someone asks or suggests that you spar within the first few months, it's not okay for a beginner.

If someone insults you or things seem overly aggressive, it's not okay for a beginner.

You should be going over very basic, fundamental drills for the first little while. They should supply you with everything you need which at first is going to be little more than handwraps and maybe some cheap Everlast gloves. You should feel welcome and safe. That's really the key thing.

1
Carlos13th•

If someone asks or suggests that you spar within the first few months, it's not okay for a beginner.

Not sure I agree with this. You can spar lightly in your week session. Long as you are looking to make contact and not hurt. Or if you are doing something like BJJJ. That said you should not be made to.

1
justsomeguy75•

The whole point of sparring is to take what you've learned and try it out in a "live fire" exercise, so to speak. You're attempting to put it to use against an opponent that is legitimately resisting. At least in striking arts, you haven't learned enough in the first few months to bother sparring and you run the real risk of getting hurt. Those aren't quite as true in grappling.

1