Mixed martial arts, often referred to as MMA, is a combat sport in which two competitors are allowed to use various styles and different tactics to achieve dominance over one another. MMA fights have become increasingly popular over the years, and although they can be brutal, a mixed martial arts training session is much different than what you see on TV.
Learning MMA is a great way to increase both your physical and mental strength. While some people have the fear of getting hurt badly during MMA training, this form of exercising involves precautions that keep participants safe at all times. If you were to fight in a ring, it would be a different story. But in that case, you would know what you’re getting into.
Unfortunately, MMA being a violent sport is one of the main misconceptions about it. In reality, it’s an exciting way for anyone to enjoy a full-body workout and engage in a fun activity with other people. In case you’re interested in learning more about this sport, this guide will help you understand it better.
The Core Components of Mixed Martial Arts
There are three main components in MMA that you can use to gain an advantage over an opponent, such as:
- Striking – When you practice MMA, you are allowed to use hands, feet, knees, and elbows to throw punches and kicks. How and when you use them is entirely up to you.
- Grappling – This refers to techniques used to hold your opponent or trying to take them down. Grappling doesn’t have much to do with your strength, but rather the technique you use and the timing of your actions.
- Submission – Submission is all about using locks and chokes to get control over your opponent’s body. As you learn these techniques, you also figure out how you can free yourself from different chokes and holds.
What’s exciting about mixed martial arts is that practitioners have to figure out when to use these components to defeat their opponent. One of the main benefits of learning each of the three components is that you will know how to use them in the real world as well, should you ever find yourself in a situation where you’re attacked.
The Most Popular Disciplines in MMA
MMA is all about finding different ways to incorporate moves from different disciplines, otherwise referred to as martial arts. The beautiful thing about this sport is that you can choose which martial arts you want to learn. Once you do that, it’ll be up to you and your creativity to figure out what moves you’ll use.
It’s worth noting that unless you plan to be a professional fighter, you won’t have to learn many different disciplines. For most people, two or three is the perfect amount. You may be wondering which martial art to learn first. In order to make an educated decision, you should study what each discipline has to offer. Learn what seems most interesting to you. After all, if you choose a martial art that you’re not that fond of, you might quit training and get discouraged from reaching your fitness goals.
Wrestling
Wrestling represents one of the pillars of mixed martial arts. It’s also widely considered to be one of the oldest sports still in practice today. The goal in wrestling is to pin down your opponent through grappling techniques. In MMA, wrestling is deemed an essential discipline. Nevertheless, if you don’t plan to compete, you can focus solely on striking martial arts in case wrestling isn’t something that interests you.
Boxing
Boxing is a very tactical combat sport that allows you to perfect the art of throwing punches, as well as master footwork and head movement. It’s also a great way to boost your strength, speed, and endurance. Boxing will teach you how to throw and avoid punches and can also provide you with useful self-defense knowledge you can apply in the real world.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling martial art that revolves around getting your opponent on the ground and using chokes and holds to submit them. BJJ is an excellent way to get into shape both physically and mentally. It’s also a very fun martial art that anyone can practice.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is very similar to kickboxing. The main difference is that the former allows you to use elbows and knees when striking, which is something that’s not permitted in kickboxing. Muay Thai is among the most popular MMA disciplines, but it’s also incredibly difficult to learn and master. It’s recommended for people who prefer high-intensity training.
Judo
Although it may not be as popular as any of the aforementioned disciplines, judo is a practical and effective martial art that involves grappling, throws, and takedowns.
The Gear You Need to Get Started in MMA
Seeing as MMA is a combat sport, you’ll need some type of protective gear to avoid injuries. Some of the most common equipment used includes:
- Hand wraps
- Boxing gloves
- Head guards
- Shin guards
- Rash guards
- Mouth guards
- Groin guards
- MMA shorts
- MMA gloves
The type of gear used in MMA varies depending on which disciplines you choose to learn. It’s always a good idea to talk with someone at the gym you wish to start training in and ask what type of gear they use.
The Main Benefits of Learning MMA
There are too many benefits of MMA training to count. The great thing about any combat sport is that it strengthens both your body and mind. Aside from making your stronger and boosting your endurance, mixed martial arts will increase your focus and memory. It will also help you improve your hand and eye coordination.
As you learn a discipline, you’ll become humble and develop more respect for other people. Your confidence will also increase. Regardless of which martial arts you choose to learn, they’ll improve your self-discipline. This will help you achieve more success in other areas of your life, such as work or school. But above all, MMA is a fun and social sport that’ll help you bond with other people.
