CHECKED IN. WORKED OUT. • CIWO
MMA Fundamentals
Start with the foundations that support every MMA technique: stance, guard, movement, distance, balance and controlled training habits.
What You'll Learn
• Athletic MMA stance
• Proper guard position
• Forward, backward and lateral movement
• Distance and range awareness
• Basic terminology and training etiquette
CIWO Technique Guide Format
Individual technique articles in this section will break movements down into starting position, step-by-step technique, coaching cues, common mistakes, beginner tips, safety notes and related techniques.
Train Safely
Combat-sport techniques should be practiced in a controlled training environment. Work with a qualified coach or instructor, use appropriate protective equipment, control contact during drills, and tap early during submission practice.
FITNESS NEVER TAKES A VACATION.
CHECKED IN. WORKED OUT. • MMA & COMBAT TRAINING
MMA Fundamentals
Published CIWO MMA guides assigned to this category will appear here automatically.
Technique Development and Drilling
MMA Fundamentals should first be practiced slowly enough to maintain stance, balance, guard and a controlled return to position. Speed and power are useful only when the mechanics remain repeatable.
Beginner progression
Start with shadowboxing or a cooperative technical drill. Build accuracy before adding a heavy bag, pads or live resistance. Increase speed gradually and reset after every repetition rather than allowing fatigue to turn the drill into uncontrolled movement.
Defense after the strike
Do not treat the strike as finished at contact. Recover the hand or leg, restore the guard, regain stance and be prepared to move, defend or continue the combination. That recovery is part of the technique.
Common training errors
Typical problems include overcommitting the body, dropping the opposite hand, losing the stance, telegraphing the attack and chasing power before accuracy. Record short practice rounds when possible so you can review posture and recovery.
Safety
Use appropriate gloves, wraps, pads and supervision for contact work. Technical practice should be controlled; hard sparring is not required to learn mechanics and carries substantially more injury risk.
Continue with the CIWO MMA & Combat Training hub and MMA Striking library.