Mixed Martial Arts has been around for decades, and the concept is certainly nothing new. Fights have been battling it out across different disciplines for generations, with boxers meeting kickboxers and wrestlers facing the best from judo. It’s an exciting set-up and one designed to find the best of the best, crowing the champion of combat sports. It may be many years old, but mixed martial arts is enjoying something of a spike in interest.
That can be credited to the great work done by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which is viewed as the pinnacle of MMA. The best shows attract thousands of spectators, with millions more following the cards live on television or through live streaming apps. Fans place UFC bets on their favourite fighters as they bid to make a profit from the action. A gamble on the UFC gives backers two reasons to cheer; one for the exciting bout and the other for the profits making their way to your betting balance if you make a smart prediction.
From the sofa to the octagon
Watching MMA is one thing as you sit on your sofa and cheer on the main event. But practising MMA is something quite different. The rise of UFC has coincided with an influx of new faces at the top MMA and BJJ gyms worldwide. Combat sports are enjoying a flood of new members as people aim to try the fight game for themselves. But is MMA training for you, and what can you expect when you do visit a gym?
Starting something new can be a surreal experience, but it can also be daunting, and many would-be MMA fighters have been scared off long before they ever reached the front door. Fighting MMA may be your goal but competing in the octagon isn’t the aim of everyone training in the sport. There are many who go along to MMA, BJJ and boxing gyms just to get fit, learn self-defence and build muscle. This could be you.
In this article, we list some of the reasons you should train in MMA, how the sport is set up at amateur level and what will be required of you when joining a gym.
Choose wisely
You will only ever be as good as the gym you train in, so it’s crucial that you choose the right MMA club for you. There’s no point jumping in at the deep end and trying to join a professional MMA gym, especially if you have little or no background in the game. Even experience in another combat sport like boxing or Thai boxing won’t be enough, although it will help you on your way when things get tough later down the line.
You may not feel ready for the trials of a professional gym, but you shouldn’t set your standards too low. Look for a club that has a fair share of newbies and inexperienced fighters. You want some experience in the gym to help guide your training, but you don’t want to be spending your evenings being bashed up with no chance of success. Find your level and progress at your own speed.
It’s a good idea to visit the gym as a spectator before joining. This will allow you to get to know the building and the coaches, the people you will be training with and the basic structure of a session. You’ll learn far more about a gym by getting down there and watching than you would by email or checking out the website.
What to expect
MMA covers many disciplines, so expect to be pushed hard. You could spend the first session working on your striking in a Thai boxing class; then you could spend the next class learning BJJ or wrestling. There’s a lot to get through, and it’s almost impossible to be an expert in all areas, although that shouldn’t stop you trying.
You may be asked to “roll” or “spar” in MMA, but this will only come when you feel comfortable, and the coach believes you are ready. The great thing about MMA is you don’t see too many injuries in sparring. It’s not like boxing, where you could end up with a broken nose. Simply roll and tap out when you’ve had enough.
