Mixed martial arts, or MMA, is a combat sport that incorporates fighting techniques from various other combat sports. It includes moves from jujitsu, boxing, wrestling, and Muay Thai. First, you learn the different methods separately and then combine the moves.
MMA is gaining popularity by the day due to its exponentially increasing new-generation fanbase. Promotion and marketing are driving sports channels to broadcast MMA fights worldwide as they are not time-specific like other sports.
In this blog, you’ll have an idea if you should even learn MMA. We’ll have a look at the different factors to decide whether MMA is worth your time. We’ll discuss the benefits of learning MMA and beginners will have an idea of how to start their MMA journey.
What is MMA?
MMA includes fighting using different moves such as grappling, throwing, striking, and kicking the opponent within a boundary. Like other combat sports, the player has to dominate the opponent during takedowns on the ground position. Striking options are limited on the ground fighting. The training structure of MMA includes striking, grappling, and sparring.
MMA includes a variety of strategies during fighting as it is a mixture of different combat sports. Other combat sports might just have limited options for game strategies. According to different studies, MMA might be slightly less safe than other combat sports but in terms of head trauma, MMA is safer than boxing.
Why learn MMA?
Boosts self-confidence
Self-defense capability
Increases physical and mental health
Improves full-body coordination
Dynamic sport
Training for MMA means meeting like-minded people and improving the sense of community.
Taking the first steps in learning MMA
Research well when choosing the MMA gym. An MMA gym with a boxing facility might be a good approach, as it can help you discover your personal goals.
Test out the approach used by different MMA gyms to train. Regular training and consistency are important in getting a good grip on MMA fighting techniques. With persistent training, you can unlock endurance, stamina, and ultimately confidence for performing on professional levels.
How long does it take to learn MMA?
A beginner might need at least 2 years on average to become well-trained in the sport. But to reach heights in your career, a commitment of more than 2 years might be needed.
Factors impacting MMA learning rate
Emotional status of the learner
Physical health and stamina of the learner
Age of the learner
Frequency of training
Learning environment
Coach experience and quality of training
Self-defense training in MMA
It takes 6 months on average to learn MMA for self-defense. While not being a self-defense martial art, it still does teach various self-defense skills. Moves such as push kicks and takedowns are important techniques in self-defense that MMA teaches. MMA rules don’t apply in real-time danger situations when you need to defend yourself. If you’re ambitious for professional MMA fighting skills, self-defense is simply an achievable thing. Self-defense training alone is not a purpose of MMA.
Where can you learn MMA?
Home Training
Home training for MMA might be a convenient and cost-saving mode of learning. But, it doesn’t provide the opportunity to socialize and participate in sparring sessions as in a MMA gym environment. You might not need to buy all the specialized equipment for learning MMA at home. Doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and practicing grappling on dummies might be some of the MMA activities you can mimic at home.
Gym training
Training at an MMA gym allows you to interact with professional coaches and training partners. Sparring sessions increase confidence and improve skills. High-quality gear such as punching bags, mats, fingerless gloves, and all the protective equipment is available at a good MMA club. The facilities, learning environment, and commitment enhance your MMA training experience.
How to learn MMA?
Researching and choosing the MMA training club
Choosing the right MMA gym with appropriate facilities and qualified trainers is important. Experienced professionals who have competed on higher levels provide the best insights. Trainers with excellent fighting backgrounds might be able to motivate the fighter out of you too.
Define the goal you want to achieve
The level of training and the number of martial arts you need to practice depends on your goals. Decide whether you’re learning MMA for self-defense and personal growth or building a career as a fighter.
Building a strong foundation
Practice basic striking and grappling techniques before going into the complex training. Complement MMA technique training with regular gym exercises and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to obtain optimum results in your body responses to training.
Sparring
Sparring prepares you for real-life situations. You can practice your striking and grappling techniques and also learn how to react in pressure environments. Regular sparring boosts your confidence in the journey of fulfilling your life goals. Friendly matches with professional clubs and organizations might give you better exposure to the game.
What is the best MMA to learn first?
As MMA is a mixture of different combat sports, you might wonder which type of combat skill should I learn first.
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
It teaches grappling, arm locks, chokeholds, sweeping, joint manipulations, and different defensive movements. BJJ teaches technique over strength which prepares for high reflex movements in MMA. BJJ also enhances the submission skill level in MMA.
Wrestling
It teaches skills such as single-leg grabs, double-leg dives, front headlock, and many techniques that improve the takedown phase in MMA. Practicing wrestling increases the swift movements between striking and grappling. Players can easily transition between different defensive and striking positions in MMA.
Boxing
It teaches striking options like jabbing and helps in improving footwork. Practicing boxing can help in improving defensive skills like evading opponents with head movements.
Muay Thai
It improves clinch work and striking techniques. It includes the use of different body parts like elbows, knees, and shins. Muay Thai includes moves such as sweeping and punches which help in effective striking in MMA.
How much does it cost to learn MMA?
The average cost of learning MMA is around $100-300 per month. The costs vary depending on your budget, personal goals, and the programs your institute offers. Southbridge Fight Club offers memberships of $130/month with Boxing/MMA/ Muay Thai/ Kyokushin Karate/ BJJ all included.
Following the demand for MMA training, Southbridge Fight Club offers training with experienced professionals. This way fighters can showcase their skills on international platforms. Southbridge Fight Club provides the to be a member of a strong community that pushes to grow. For example, the training structure at Southbridge Fight Club includes striking, grappling, and sparring.
Conclusion
So deciding whether MMA is worth it depends on your goals. The mental and physical health benefits of learning mixed martial arts are numerous but with your commitment and persistence. Before deciding to learn MMA, do a well-round research on institutes and trainers, so your journey of learning MMA goes a long way.
By keeping all the factors in mind, you can continue learning as the timeframe to train is something not to neglect. Choosing the right mode to learn and assessing the finances before training can help you in great learning experience. You might experience the best community space if training in an MMA institute and with an experienced professional.
Assess your goals well, sit down, and think through, and if you think MMA can be the best decision you'll ever make in life, don’t waste any time. Start your MMA journey today!