Looking To Get into MMA

When looking to get into MMA, the options and the skill level may seem like high mountains to climb. With any new hobby, finding a good entry point is key; not trying to do too much too early but also finding something that is challenging and interesting. Thankfully, martial arts is full of different disciplines that allow anyone to get involved and learn basic forms of self-defence as well as learn principles and skills that are the building blocks of more advanced MMA.

Boxing

While boxing is quite a broad sport, the basic fundamentals are incredibly important. Being agile and able to strike on the move is something that is essential to most forms of martial arts. Boxing covers a lot of very common aspects such as stances, blocking and movement so it’s a good entry-level discipline. Combined with the fact that you can easily train by yourself as well as with a trainer, it is a good way to build up confidence and familiarise yourself with martial arts.

Muay Thai

If you’re looking for something a bit more intense and well-rounded, Muay Thai is a great place to start. One of the most highly recommended beginner disciplines, Muay Thai gives you a wide variety of skills and is also a good way to develop your cardio and overall fitness and strength. Like with boxing, there is little ground game so it’s ideal for beginners. Muay Thai is focused on speed, positioning and striking. While this can be a difficult and intense starting point, it provides you with a strong framework quickly and it shouldn’t be too bad for most people. As always, practice and experience are key.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the ultimate framework for MMA. There’s a reason BJJ has become so popular amongst the top fighters in Bellator and the UFC. If the other two disciplines mentioned are about brute force, then BJJ is about technical and tactical thinking. BJJ is rooted in groundwork and different holds, which is why it is particularly useful for smaller people. Nowhere is the phrase ‘the bigger they are, the harder they fall’ more relevant than in BJJ. It’s also just an effective self-defence tool and aims to give you the upper hand in most fights by focusing on positioning and keeping your opponent grounded. BJJ is an easy and fun way to get used to martial arts and is suitable for everyone.

There are 3 different types of martial arts that offer strong starting points for beginners looking to develop an interest in martial arts and MMA. If any of these sound like the thing for you, head down to our Mixed Martial Arts club in London and start training with courses designed to give you confidence and experience. We run a variety of classes throughout the week, so you will definitely find one that suits you. Whether you’re looking to defend yourself, gain a new skill or simply keep fit in a fun way, we’ve got you covered.