Martial arts have always been popular owing to world-renowned fighting styles like karate, taekwondo, kung fu, wrestling and boxing. But during the 19th century, a new style of one-on-one combat emerged that combined various martial arts. It was the answer to the age-old question, ‘How would two fighters trained in different martial arts disciplines fight?’ And thus, MMA or mixed martial arts was born.
Nowadays, MMA has seen a tremendous surge in popularity due to global MMA tournaments that are telecast around the world. Passionate fans and dedicated followers of the sport have emerged. Many MMA enthusiasts train in MMA to promote fitness rather than participating in tournaments, and hence gyms and fitness centres started offering MMA training along with their regular fitness workouts.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a deep dive into what MMA consists of, its benefits on your fitness and what awaits you if you’re looking to start MMA training. Read on.
What is MMA?
Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is a one-on-one full-contact combat sport that involves arm strikes, punches, kicks, wrestling, and grappling with the goal of knocking out an opponent, making them submit, or scoring points over them. MMA developed as a combination of different fighting styles. It is considered a very intense and aggressive sport because combat is not limited to just punches like in boxing.
Rather than participating in fights, MMA enthusiasts prefer practising MMA recreationally or as a means to achieve fitness. MMA training has proven to be an excellent fitness discipline that can really help you achieve your fitness goals.
Benefits of MMA Training
Here’s how MMA training can be beneficial to your overall fitness.
It is one of the best ways to improve strength
MMA training is a full-body workout, and hence multiple muscle groups are in play when you’re training. It improves functional strength significantly and helps your body become fitter and stronger.
Helps you lose weight
One session of full-fledged MMA MMA training can be very intense, helping you lose plenty of calories. If you want to cut down the excess fat in your body, practising MMA can be one of the best ways to do it. But keep in mind, MMA training is hard work, so you’ll have to be fully committed in order to see excellent results.
Improves Agility and Balance
As is evident by now, MMA is a sport that requires mobility. Your feet are constantly moving, and so are your arms and head. Regular MMA training can vastly improve your balance and agility. Your muscles and joints will be stretched, improving flexibility as well.
Better Endurance
MMA training gives your cardiovascular system a workout, improving your heart and lung efficiency. Your muscles will also become stronger and be able to withstand higher loads. Overall, as you keep training for MMA, your body will be willing t o go on for longer and show better endurance and energy levels.
Improved Mental Strength
MMA can be a gruelling sport, especially as you move on to advanced training levels. Your mind has to be prepared and fully committed to carrying on with MMA training. This can tremendously boost your mental strength and confidence not just in MMA, but in all walks of life.
Helps in Self-defence
Like any martial art, MMA too can be very helpful for self-defence in potentially dangerous situations, when you’re under attack. Although fighting must not be the end goal of MMA training, knowing some defensive movies can help you protect yourself and your loved ones in certain situations.
If you have a passion for sports and want to join sports classes near you, then download the FITPASS app and get started on your sports journey. You can easily get access to the best sports clubs in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore and other metro cities and start practising your favourite sports. With the ability to book a time slot of your preference, you can get complete control over when you want to enjoy a sports session.
FAQ
Do I need prior martial arts experience to learn MMA?
No, you do not need prior martial arts experience to learn MMA. MMA training centres have different MMA classes based on experience and prior training. You can join a beginner MMA training class if you’re just starting your MMA journey.
What kind of equipment do I need for MMA training?
You will need protective gear like boxing/MMA gloves, mouth guards, groin guards, and shin guards. MMA is practised wearing shorts, you will need a pair of shorts as well.
How often should I train for MMA?
How often you train for MMA depends on your workout schedule and prior MMA training, if any. Beginners can start by training for three days a week. Follow your MMA trainer’s advice, as they will be in a better position to evaluate your goals and chart out a workout plan.