Mixed Martial Arts or MMA is on trend due to the high streaming coverage of the sport. It is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world with high revenue margins. MMA and the equipment used in the sport are being sold a lot more than in the past. It is also being taught and learned in many places in the world including the United States. The need to feel safe and also advance in the MMA career is attracting many people. It is a sport that incorporates the combat techniques of different combat sports such as jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, and boxing.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the different factors to consider when choosing a martial arts gym for learning MMA. Whether you’re someone who’s just stepping into MMA as a beginner or wants to refine your skills, it is necessary to evaluate the conditions you’ll be training in. Your finances should be spent at the right place and should be worth your time. Let’s dive right into it!
Do your goals align with the MMA fight club?
It is crucial to understand the reason behind your motivation for learning MMA. If it is some personal reason or an aim to become a professional fighter, might alter your choices of a fight club. If the goal for training is just unarmed fighting or self-defense, then a light-mode fight club should be chosen. But, mastering MMA requires mental, physical, and emotional strength. The type of MMA fight clubs for this purpose provides rigorous training.Â
If you aim to become a professional fighter, you need to undergo training for different kinds of combat sports step by step. It requires time and commitment. So, try to evaluate your ultimate goal before you begin your MMA journey.Â
Factors to consider before choosing an MMA fight club
Coaching StaffÂ
The coaches should be passionate and have track records in professional fights and championships. Coaches should also have direct interaction with the learners for confidence building. They should encourage sparring regularly at the fight club. Look for reviews online on different fight clubs, and try to assess which club offers technical instruction, strategic planning, and physical and mental training.Â
It is necessary to choose coaches who are dedicated to preparing you with their expertise for your first fights and support you.Â
Considering local MMA fight clubs
Generally, local-level fight clubs might not meet your expectations of intensive training. But, choices can vary according to your work schedule and the vicinity you live in.
If you’re fine with learning from trainers and even the support staff, who are also trained to teach, then a local gym might be a good choice.Â
Visit your nearest MMA fight clubs to assess if they have the necessary amenities and the community feel you’re looking for.
Checking for reviews online and meeting the people who train at the MMA fight club might give you a better idea.Â
Local fight clubs might have the advantage of having lower fees than established ones.
The amount of focus you get from the trainer might vary too, so it’s good to evaluate all the factors before joining the local fight club.Â
MMA training programs available
Having a diverse training structure including different martial arts disciplines helps in skill progression. Applying the different sets of skills you learn in the martial arts disciplines prepares you for professional fights. The number of programs available and what you choose decides whether you want to train as a beginner, intermediate, or at a championship level.Â
The crucial MMA programs that must be available at a MMA fight club include:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Boxing
Wrestling
Muay Thai
Karate
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
When learning MMA in an all-inclusive program, gives you more control over the skills you learn.
Features to consider in MMA ClassesÂ
Class frequency and schedule flexibility: The number of times and hours of classes per day per week matter. It is because selecting a fight club with multiple sessions per day ensures consistency in your training so that you don’t miss classes.Â
Group size: The more the group size under one trainer, the fewer chances of getting personalized training.
Cost and memberships: Compare the packages and choose the ones that suit your budget. Do confirm the membership details before joining.Â
Facilities and equipment: Ensure that the club provides the necessary MMA gear, HIIT machinery, and various kinds of protective equipment, such as headgear, protective pads, and mouthguards. Also, confirm if the club uses vinyl or rubber mats in classes.
Sanitary conditions: Choose the gym wisely where all equipment is sanitized or the fighters wear gloves or use hand wraps. Ensure that when someone uses the exercise mat they sanitize the floor mats. Fighters must maintain personal cleanliness including being free from wounds and rashes.Â
Mode of training and fight club atmosphere
Generally, people prefer an MMA gym where the training is normal and moderate and training is not hard. It is because, in the early stages of developing the body, they only focus on building technical skills, improving fitness, and enhancing consistency without doing extreme work with the body and reducing the risk of injuries. People prefer opponents with an equally fit body so that both people have equal training and have a stiff growing body. In professional MMA or boxing fight clubs, there are more chances of getting injured and the opponents in training are ten times more powerful than the new fighters who joined recently. When the new fighters have passed through the normal training phase they are pushed to the hard training and face professional MMA fighters and boxers.Â
Training styles at different MMA fight clubs
Different MMA fight clubs might specialize in various martial arts. One club might focus on Jiu-Jitsu, and the other might focus on Muay Thai.
Beginners should stick to one MMA fight club at the beginning, to build foundation skills.
Advanced learners might need to ‘hop’ different MMA fight clubs to be professional fighters, as various fight clubs provide diverse experiences.
Choose a fight club that meets your financial situation and training needs.
The Southbridge Fight Club has firsthand experience in MMA fighting. The head coach and his students are winners of national-level tournaments for striking, and it is one of the top MMA fight clubs in Massachusetts. With proven fight records and a diverse training program, SBFC is committed to helping you achieve your goals!
Conclusion
We’ve discussed different factors such as coaching staff, training programs, gym atmosphere, which you need to take into note when joining an MMA fight club. You must know your goal before joining the type of MMA club and the combination of the training programs; fitness, self-defense, or professional training.Â
To wrap up, conducting personal research on local gyms, reading reviews online, and visiting the facilities might help you choose a suitable gym. The costs of memberships and the tenure you want to train for are important factors when choosing an MMA fight club.Â
A supportive gym culture with all-round facilities can enhance your training experience and help you become a professional fighter. You need to think about your long-term commitment to training, and the right MMA fight club can support in your MMA journey. Choose wisely!