| One of the most important skills not taught to any | | | | change in rhythm usually signifies an impending attack. |
| mixed martial arts fighters during training sessions is the | | | | A fighter is strongest on the inhale, and weakest on |
| ability to read your opponent before you strike. When | | | | the exhale. Most attacks are launched on the inhale, |
| facing other fighters, the ability to tell if they will stand | | | | and you should time your attacks to coincide with your |
| their ground and fight you, retreat, or attack first is very | | | | opponent's exhale when they are at their weakest. |
| important. If you are able to read your opponent's next | | | | It is often said that "the eyes are the windows on the |
| move, then you will be bale to get your arm up to | | | | soul", and mixed martial arts fighters should not neglect |
| block his attack while you strike first, and defeat him | | | | this area of the body. Your opponent will usually move |
| before he has the chance to hit you properly. While it | | | | their eyes back and forth before they strike in an |
| is common courtesy to look people in the eye when | | | | attempt to deceive you. This is known as misdirection. |
| talking to them, this same rule does not apply in a fight. | | | | By watching both the "triangle" and eyes of your |
| It is important in mixed martial arts fighting to | | | | opponent, you will be able to read their next move, and |
| understand how a person's "triangle" works. This | | | | defend yourself against it. Keep your opponent's |
| imaginary "triangle" is formed from the points joining the | | | | attitude in your mind as well, as this can alert you to |
| shoulders and the chin. This area of a person's body | | | | what they will do next. If they are moving their eyes |
| will betray his next move before he makes it, so you | | | | about nervously, then there is a good chance that they |
| should be aware of whatever happens there. You | | | | will cut and run instead of confronting you. If your |
| should not focus entirely on this area, however. Instead, | | | | opponent is looking straight at you, however, then you |
| glance at it occasionally and check to see if your | | | | must be careful. If your opponent is staring right |
| opponent's body has tensed in a manner that signifies | | | | through you, ignoring you, or their expression suddenly |
| impending attack. Rotation of the shoulders and chest | | | | goes blank, then they are about to attack. |
| usually means your opponent will throw a punch or | | | | If your opponent attacks and you are ready for them, |
| kick next, while a sudden lift of the torso warns of a | | | | then you need not worry about where you hit. Simply |
| possible tackle or push. | | | | block their attack then strike as you have been taught |
| Besides watching their opponents' triangle, mixed | | | | during your mixed martial arts fighting classes. The |
| martial arts fighters should also monitor their opponents' | | | | most important thing to remember is to protect |
| breathing carefully. There is a regular rhythm to the rise | | | | yourself to the best of your ability, and not allow your |
| and fall of the shoulders during normal breathing. A | | | | opponent to land any hits on you. |