Most people who start training MMA hit the same walls in their first 6 months. Here's what I see over and over:

1. Throwing punches with your arms, not your hips.

Power doesn't come from your shoulders. It starts at the floor, travels through your hips, and your fist is just the delivery system. If you're tired after 30 seconds of hitting pads, your mechanics are off.

2. Ignoring defense because offense is more fun.

Everyone wants to throw. Nobody wants to drill head movement, framing, or guard retention. But fights are won by the person who takes the least damage, not the one who throws the most.

3. Skipping grappling because "I'm a striker."

You're not a striker. You're a beginner. In MMA, the fight goes where your opponent is weakest. If you can't defend a takedown or escape mount, your striking doesn't matter.

The fix for all three? Slow down, drill fundamentals, and be honest about where you're weak.

I break all of this down in detail inside MMA Fundamentals — weekly technique posts, video breakdowns, and a community of fighters who actually train. $29/mo to get started.