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Writer's pictureScott Johnson

Not Learning at Your Martial Arts School? Here's What to Do

Updated: Jan 17

Have you ever walked out of a martial arts class feeling like you haven't really learned anything? You're not alone. It's a common frustration among many practitioners, especially those who are new to the world of martial arts or have switched schools.


At Fight Flow Academy in Raleigh, we understand the importance of not just attending class, but truly learning, growing, and developing your skills with each session.


The key to effective martial arts training is not just in the movements or the techniques themselves, but in the way they are taught, practiced, and internalized. Our unique approach at Fight Flow is designed to ensure that from your very first class, you're gaining not just knowledge of a technique, but a deep understanding of how and why it works, and where it fits into the larger system of martial arts.



Effective Muay Thai instruction in Raleigh


The Fight Flow Approach to MMA Training in Raleigh


At Fight Flow MMA, our approach to martial arts education is fundamentally different. We believe that true learning in martial arts is about understanding the 'why' and 'how,' not just the 'what.' This philosophy guides every class, every technique, and every drill we teach.


Structured, Progressive Learning

At Fight Flow, our classes follow a structured format:


  • Warm up: including fighter conditioning, movement, and flexibility drills

  • Technique drills, usually starting with fundamentals and moving through a related set of techniques including more advanced techniques. Repetition helps you build muscle memory.

  • Position and situation-based sparring: this is gamified sparring, with specific rules that focus on certain scenarios, blending the repetitive reinforcement of techniques with the practical application in a more realistic setting.

  • Free sparring


Bear in mind that sparring for beginners is strictly light sparring with a big focus on safety.


Our classes structure ensures that students build a strong foundation with respect to positioning and stances, as well as basic defenses and attacks.


For instance, during your first Muay Thai class, we spend time with you to ensure you understand the fundamental stances and strikes: the basic Muay Thai stance, the jab, the cross, the hook, the uppercut, and the basic kicks such as the teep (front kick) and roundhouse kick. We also introduce key defensive techniques like blocking and parrying.


All of these fundamental techniques will be important throughout your martial arts journey. Fundamentals are practiced repeatedly over a long period, enabling long-term skill retention.


Contextual Training for Real-World Application

In martial arts, context is everything. No technique or strategy is universally effective.For instance, a certain strike or block may be highly effective in a sports or tournament scenario, but less so for self-defense.


This dichotomy between training, sport, and real life presents a challenge in all martial arts. At Fight Flow, we teach people with a variety of goals, from recreation and fitness to competition training to self-defense and combative skills for first responders and members of the military.


That means that as we train in martial arts, it's important to make our learning contextual through situation-based exercises, and also by structuring training to emphasize the inter-relationships of techniques, positions, and strategies.


Through this approach, the student quickly sees martial arts training as a systematic process, as opposed to a random assortment of independent techniques.


Continuous Feedback and Personalized Instruction

At Fight Flow Academy, we place a strong emphasis on individual attention and feedback from our instructors during class sessions. We understand that every student has unique needs and goals, and personalized guidance is key to their progress and development in martial arts.


Our approach is rooted in the belief that learning martial arts is not just about following a set of instructions or mimicking movements. It's a journey that involves continuous refinement and adaptation, and this process is greatly enhanced by direct, personalized feedback from experienced instructors.


In our classes, instructors closely monitor each student's technique, providing specific advice on how to improve and adjust their movements. This level of attention ensures that students are not just going through the motions, but are truly understanding and internalizing the techniques.


Moreover, the benefits of this approach extend beyond technical skill development. Personalized feedback fosters a deeper connection between the instructor and student, creating an environment of trust and respect. This relationship is crucial for students to feel comfortable in exploring and pushing their boundaries, leading to more significant personal growth and confidence in their abilities.


Every Student is Unique

At Fight Flow Academy, we recognize and celebrate the uniqueness of each martial arts student. We understand that every individual brings a distinct set of strengths, weaknesses, and physical capabilities to the table. This diversity is particularly evident in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), where students often develop their own distinctive styles and approaches to the discipline.


Some students may naturally gravitate towards striking, honing their skills in punches, kicks, and knee strikes, while others might find their strength in Jiu Jitsu and grappling techniques. This variety is what makes MMA so dynamic and inclusive. Our training programs are designed to acknowledge and nurture these individual preferences, ensuring that each student can develop a style that suits their abilities and interests.


We believe that the learning process is a collaborative journey. We encourage our students to take an active role in directing their training. Our instructors are here to guide, mentor, and support, but it is the student who is in the driver’s seat. This approach empowers our students, giving them the agency to shape their own martial arts journey according to their personal goals and interests.


By fostering this environment of individuality and active participation, Fight Flow Academy ensures that each student can carve out their own path in the world of MMA. We are committed to helping every student explore, develop, and excel in their unique martial arts journey.


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