How to Train for MMA on a Budget

Many up-and-coming fighters run into the same problem when making the move from UFC-couch warriors to actual skilled mixed martial artists: Training can be expensive. How can you afford to train to fight when you can't afford the gym fees? I hear this complaint all the time.

First of all, consider what you are paying for when you slap down your money each month for a gym membership. You are not just paying for the use of the facility. You are paying for the expertise of your trainers, the opportunity to train with others who have the same goals you do, the equipment and facility that you require to be successful. Consider the value of your expense and place a high priority on coming up with a way to afford the necessary training. Running an MMA gym is a very challenging, expensive endeavor and most independent gyms do NOT make a profit from their member fees. Keep that in mind when you pay your monthly fee - this is keeping your gym from going under and leaving you with no place to train. This is an investment in your future. Once you see it that way, finding ways to come up with the money seems more worth your time and I bet you can find a way to make this happen.

The first plan to consider when choosing an affordable gym is to train in a small town; in my area, gym memberships are less expensive than in larger cities like Charlotte or Atlanta. There are many fighters here with a great deal of potential who are running their own programs and will help you reach your goals for much less money than the more mainstream "chain" gyms that exist. Another advantage to training in a small independent gym? You will get more personalized attention. Training at a large, nationally known gym with shiny equipment is great, but do they know your name and will they be able to help you on an individual level to succeed? Yet another benefit is that once you are an established fighter, you may be able to work out an arrangement to receive training at a free or reduced rate in exchange for promoting the gym through your fight pursuits.

Some gyms may offer you the opportunity to work for your training fees. You could clean the mats, answer the phone for a few hours a week, participate in expos and promotional events, or any other type of work the gym may need. The more paying members a gym receives because of you, the more likely they will work with you on your costs. Refer people actively to the gym; bring people to visit and sign them up for classes. Hand out flyers at your office or to your friends and family.

Finally, sort out your budget. Are you spending $50-100 each month on UFC pay-per-views and beer? Add up the small, unnecessary expenses and see if it equals enough to pay your membership fee. It is often easy to find $100-150 in useless spending each month that could be funneled into your training. Giving up lattes, weekend 12 packs, fast food, and nights out at the bar not only will help you afford to reach your dreams, but is also necessary in preparing your body for battle in the cage.

As a manager, I want to see my fighters take this sport very seriously and grow each time they enter the gym or the cage. If you are serious about your career, you will find a way to afford your training and find a way to train as often as necessary to improve your skills. Of all the expenses involved in training, the right gym is the MOST important and should NOT be skimped on as a result of money. Be creative and treat this expense as you would your electric or water bill -absolutely necessary for your livelihood.

What are some ways you have found to help afford a training program in MMA? Your suggestions will help others!

Luckily right now I have the financial freedom to afford my memberships and competition fees.

One of the trainers at my gym back when I lived in Edmonton was/is a fighter and was nice enough to show me a few things on occasion... which in turn got me hooked.

I used this to my advantage, and as did he... win-win for everybody. What i mean by that is that I didnt pay fees for training with him, but i got to learn from him. In return to him, he had a fresh body to spar with and practise on.

Although this didn't last very long (I completed my contract with the forces and moved across country), it was a great way to get a start at it without dishing out big bucks.

I agree on facility choices 100%. Unfortunately I live in a small community, so the training style choices is pretty narrow.
What I learned from my friend got me interested in the specific style of BJJ. As I said before, I live in a smaller community, and unfortunately for me I have to travel an hour to my facility. That being said, I had a few to choose from, and ended up where I am now because of the tight-knit group of people and the attitude of everyone. The owner is great person very dedicated to helping those interested and not money-hungry.
His fees are fair, and he constantly brings in amazing people to help everyones development (Robert Drysdale, Joe Lauzon, Abmar Barbosa, to name a few).
Best of all, one of the teachers happens to be a top BJJ competitor within Canada - Andrew McInnes.

Although the other gyms have their pros, I personally found the smaller community a plus for me; more individual attention, more mat space, more roll time.