So what’s the one skill set you need to tear it up in the MMA world?

Many martial artists will tell you a different story about what the best base for mixed martial arts competition. Hell, being a shotokan karate practioner I’d tell you there’s nothing better than karate. But the truth of the matter is that sometimes you have to bite the bullet and realizes your strengths and weaknesses. In truth, I’ve gotta say that wrestling is the number one skill to have in mixed martial arts. Why would an accomplish and avid karateka tell you that? Well, when I first conducted some MMA sparring with an accomplished wrestler I thought I was hot stuff. I had the movement, I had the athleticism. What I didn’t have was the wrestling to keep a good freestyle wrestler off my legs. Time after time I was taken down and fed a few healthy doses of ground and pound, not very fun. But I’ve always managed to keep my ego in check and better yet get back up to my feet. So why is wrestling MMA’s number one skill? After taking a few classes, learning how to wrestle and maintaining my striking discipline, facing off against accomplished wrestler begins to become less of a chore and more of a welcome challenge. You can control the range all you like, but if you can’t stop someone from dumping you on your head then what hell’s the point? He who holds the wrestling advantage is the one who determines where a fight will take place. Once you get ego out of the way and accept that fact you’ll find yourself not only staying upright, but making the choice whether or not you want to take a fight to ground or keep it on the feet. So take my advice, if you want to make waves on the mma scene then get your ass into wrestling practice ASAP. But what do you think? Is there a better base for MMA than wrestling? Let us know in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron MMA on Facebook and Twitter for more updates.