Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has grown immensely over the last 10 to 15 years, with many discovering the sport through the rise of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and wanting to get involved.
The UFC is the face of the sport, with Dana White’s promotion becoming a global brand since he took over as president in 2001, though there are many other promotions where fighters can compete. Even if you or someone you know isn’t likely to be the next Conor McGregor, it is possible to get into the world of MMA as you would any other sport.
Pick a Discipline
As the name suggests, MMA comprises several different disciplines within a combat setting. Whereas boxers train using the same discipline, MMA is different as it can (and regularly does) pit fighters with differing disciplines against one another – often creating eye-catching clashes of styles.
The main three disciplines that fighters learn when competing in MMA are:
- Jiu-Jitsu
- Kickboxing/Muay Thai
- Boxing
That is not an exhaustive list of disciplines seen in MMA, with fighters also utilising karate, taekwondo, judo, and wrestling manoeuvres in fights. If you have never tried your hand at any martial art, your first step is to pick one to learn to provide you with a solid foundation.
Most MMA coaches would recommend learning jiu-jitsu as a good place to begin, which will teach your grappling techniques. Learning to wrestle on the ground will also help in the early stages of your development in MMA. If you have ever watched MMA at any level, you will have seen that many fights see fighters grappling and wrestling on the ground, working to place their opponent in a hold to force a submission.
Striking, though, is hugely important in MMA. Whereas in boxing, fighters can only use their gloves to strike an opponent, feet, elbows, and knees are also fair game. Stand-up fighting disciplines such as muay thai and karate are great for this.
MMA Equipment
Before beginning MMA training, you will need to have the correct equipment. The basic equipment you will need includes:
- Mouth guard
- MMA gloves (not boxing gloves)
- Hand wraps
- Head guard
- Shin guards
- Cup
You will only need to wear all the above if/when you participate in contact sessions, otherwise, wraps and gloves will suffice. For equipment such as the gloves and head guard, it is recommended that you try them on to ensure a comfortable fit before buying – you don’t want to enter a sparring session wearing gear that doesn’t fit as it should.
Some gyms can provide equipment to borrow such as wraps, gloves, head guards and shin guards, though you will always be expected to provide your own mouth guard and cup for sanitary reasons.
Find a Gym
Finding a dedicated MMA gym (and trainer) is the best thing that anyone new to the sport can do. Not only will joining a reputable gym ensure that you learn the sport in a safe environment, but you will also benefit from the knowledge and experience of working with a qualified trainer.
An experienced coach will set you a personalised training plan, working on key areas of development and map out a progression plan working up to (if it is your desire) competition. Training in a gym means that your trainer will be able to pair you up with suitable opponents to spar with, where you can get a feel for actual physical combat without jumping in at the deep end and risking serious injury.
Even if you do not have the intention of competing and challenging for trophies, either as an amateur or professional, then it is still worthwhile joining a dedicated gym and working with a qualified trainer. MMA is the same as any sport in the way that, if you want to be the best you can be and get as much out of the experience as you can, then you should be learning from someone who knows what they are doing.
Training at an MMA gym will introduce you to like-minded people at varying points on their journey. Developing a support circle with others that share a passion for MMA will mean that you will be more likely to remain dedicated and enjoy the sport, making new friends along the way.
