MMA (aka mixed martial arts) is a hands-on, down and dirty, rough and tumble kind of sport. We wanted in on the action so we sat down with professional kickboxer and MMA trainer Ramsey Dewey to talk strategy.

What, exactly, is mixed martial arts (MMA) a mix of?
MMA can be considered the pentathlon of combat sports because it combines the skills of all five Olympic combat sports (boxing, taekwondo, judo, freestyle wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling) with the best techniques and strategies from every other martial art on earth. Mixed martial arts incorporates striking, grappling, throws and takedowns, clinch fighting, trapping and submission fighting.

What’s the best way to win a fight?
While I won my first fight using well placed strikes, after two subsequent losses to experienced wrestlers I quickly learned that it is essential to cross train in all other aspects of combat to ensure success in this sport. That transition wasn’t easy for me. It took a lot of patience, a lot of time and a lot of hard work to retrain many of the instincts I had spent years developing for kickboxing.

Can anyone try MMA?
Above all else, I am a firm believer that by following the principles of consistency, intensity and a well thought-out plan, anyone can learn any skill regardless of their initial talent, aptitude or experience. My approach to teaching the sport of MMA is to focus on the fundamentals and principles of mixed martial arts—something which equally benefits complete beginners and experienced fighters alike. Basics win fights. The techniques are simple, the gameplans are straightforward. Anyone can benefit from MMA training in some way. However, excelling at the sport takes hard work and dedication.

Fancy yourself a fighter? Check out the Tiger Muay Thai Kung Fu Club.