Mixed Martial Arts, what class to join

When thinking about joining a Mixed Martial Arts class to join what should you look for?

1. How many women are in the class? If it's predominantly men, it may not be what you want.
2. Is it family friendly? Watching how an instructor treats the children in the class is the best way to find out if the class is right for your family.
3. How strict are they? Some schools are very strict with a set standard (think Cobra Kai in Karate Kid, 1980s version) , while more modern classes are based on individual competency. Some people will feel inspired and excited by a class where everyone is doing perfect kicks way into the air, others will feel more comfortable in a class where everyone is working to their own ability.
4. Does it look safe? MMA can be dangerous in the wrong hands, but a very effective self defense tool in the right hands. Is everyone listening to the instructor rather than doing their own thing? Is the training area clean, free of obstacles and does it have proper rubber mats so that you're less likely to injure yourself in a fall?
5. Is it registered? To find out, go online and search for your State body for the martial art you've chosen.
6. Should I sign up for a group of classes? Find out first how easy it is to pull out, if you decide it's not right for you.

WHAT TO WEAR TO CLASS

Each martial art has its own uniform — usually white or black pyjama / kimono like cotton garments (called a Gi in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) with a belt that indicates your proficiency. The belt colors vary with each martial art, but usually a black belt is the best. For your first few classes, however, it is fine to wear shorts or tracksuit pants and a T-shirt. Most martial arts are performed in bare feet, some require gloves.

For more information on martial arts classes, we suggest you call or visit your local dojo, gym or fight centre, most of them will give you a free lesson.

Knockout is Haywire

Apparently the new Gina Carano movie Knockout has been renamed, or at least is also named Haywire.
Seems like a bad choice if you ask me. However, any movie with Gina in it will be worth watching. It also stars Michael Douglas, Ewan McGregor, Antonio Banderas and Bill Paxton. What a star studded cast.

With a Hollywood A-List like that, and the charm of America's new sweetheart (sweat hard?) Gina Carano, this sounds like a summer blockbuster for release in 2011.

Sure to have many explosions, car chases, and no doubt at least one fight scene.

Steven Soderbergh has a pretty good reputation when it comes to action films. Time will tell if this one will live up to the hype, or just be another brainless action flick....not that there is anything wrong with that.

Upcoming fights

Right, if you havn't seen the EliteXC: Heat Gina Carano VS Kelly Kobold fight, you really should watch it I'm guessing many of you are like me, and spend countless hours watching ultimate fighting championship fights.UFC fights of indivudual fighters seem so far apart. They don't get to fight as often as they should. Sometimes it's only once a year or less. We want many more fights. Weekly TV screenings would be great. Even as "Crush" on American gladiators we got to see a lot more of Gina Joy most weeks.

Apart from starring in movies, the next Gina Carano fight should be in the next few months. After shooting for the Steven Soderbergh movie Knockout. It may take some time to get her fitness and body back into peak condition, but I doubt she got too out of shape, or lost much muscle, as it is an action film.