Mixed martial arts (MMA) is one of the fastest-growing sports today. MMA attracts a wide spectrum of athletes and viewers from all walks of life. From the likes of Mark Zuckerberg to your regular weekend warrior, MMA has become a sport that almost anyone and everyone can do.
MMA undoubtedly toughens the body, mind, and spirit. It is one of the most challenging sports to master as you must cater to every aspect of fighting, from stand-up to the ground. Even then, there are different stand-up-oriented or ground-based fighting approaches available. Before diving in, let’s take a look at a few important things to keep in mind ahead of your first MMA class.
1) Preferred Fighting Style
Before getting into MMA, many athletes already have a background in other martial arts, such as boxing, BJJ, Muay Thai, and wrestling. This is helpful, considering having a base style makes learning new techniques less confusing. If you’re a complete beginner with no experience in combat sports, we recommend finding a reputable MMA gym that will help you understand every aspect of fighting, from striking to grappling and wrestling.
Doing so will help you discover which fighting style works best for you, if you want to become a striking or grappling-based MMA practitioner. Of the two, the grappling department, specifically wrestling, takes more time to get used to. As you become more advanced, compartmentalizing your training goals will help you improve further and become more well-rounded faster.
Despite having your preferred fighting style, MMA is now more well-rounded today than it was decades ago. This is why if you want to train competitively, working on your striking and striking defense is critical if you are a grappler, and takedown and submission defense if you are a striker.
2) Current Physical Conditioning
Determining your current physical conditioning is important, as it is critical for your training longevity as well as preventing setbacks. Are you physically active and come from an athletic background? Or have you been living a sedentary lifestyle? Worry not, as having the initiative to participate in a physically demanding activity like MMA is already a feat, and sticking with it, in the long run, is only your next challenge.
Knowing these factors will help define the starting intensity you should face before gradually increasing it over time. Take it easy, and remember that everybody has to start somewhere.
3) Time Management
MMA is the ultimate combat sport as it combines all disciplines into one compelling package. As you get more serious with training, it may take some time from your other commitments. MMA, after all, is a broad and multi-faceted sport. For example, if you want to put more time into improving the other aspects of your game, you may have to attend additional training with other discipline-specific classes such as Boxing, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, and Wrestling to complement your current skill set.
Nevertheless, getting to the starting point is what’s important, and freeing an hour or two out of your schedule to train MMA is already a big win and a step in the right direction. In addition to the fighting skills that a practitioner gets from training in MMA, you’ll also improve your discipline, self-control, and consistency.
4) Finding The Nearest Reputable Gym
Large gyms like Evolve MMA offer flexible schedules, multiple locations, and full amenities, making them ideal for busy individuals compared to smaller gyms with limited class timings.
As mentioned above, committing to another activity may take up your time. Whether you want to pursue training as a hobby or for competition, training in a reputable gym is essential for longevity. To get the most out of MMA as your chosen form of exercise, consistency is key. Also, consider finding a reputable gym that will help you improve your preferred fighting style, as some gyms specialize in wrestling, grappling, or striking.
Logistics and travel time to the gym are essential things to consider, as training is already exhausting, and you don’t want to spend another hour or two traveling to get to the gym. Additionally, depending on your schedule, classes may vary at each gym, so consider your availability.
5) Motivation/ Goals For Training MMA
Lastly, understanding your purpose in training MMA is important. Do you want to train for self-defense, fitness, hobby, or competition? As mentioned before, this can help determine the intensity you need in your training.
MMA is the closest thing to a street altercation, and training in it for self-defense is beneficial. As the famous self-defense adage goes, it is better to have the skill and not need it than to need the skill and not have it.
Did you become interested in mixed martial arts because you were inspired by the stories and upbringing of MMA stars climbing from the bottom to the top? Do you want to take your fitness journey to the next level? Do you want to push yourself to the limits with the physical and mental challenge that MMA brings to see where your competitive nature gets you?
It is best to assess these considerations before getting into an MMA class. Remember that you can train MMA in different approaches and intensities, but most of all, enjoy each training session. It is a great way to release stress, and having a playful environment is where you’ll improve your skills the most.
Ready To Try MMA?
Mixed martial arts is one of the most dynamic and rewarding disciplines you can explore on your martial arts journey. As a relatively young and continuously evolving sport, MMA offers endless opportunities for growth, challenge, and personal transformation. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already in shape, training MMA can help you improve physically, build mental toughness, and work toward your fitness and personal development goals.
Don’t let your curiosity stay in the bag, come to any of our Evolve MMA outlets and try out a complimentary free trial right now!
Book your complimentary trial class with our World Champions below!
If you have any other questions regarding Evolve MMA and the programs we offer, you can get in touch with our membership executives at the following locations:
Evolve MMA (Far East Square)
26 China Street
Far East Square #01-01
Singapore 049568
Phone: (65) 6536 4525
Evolve MMA (Orchard Central)
181 Orchard Road
#06-01 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Phone: (65) 6536 4556
Evolve MMA (KINEX)
11 Tanjong Katong Road
#02-52 KINEX
Singapore 437157
Phone: (65) 6288 2293
Evolve MMA (Star Vista)
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-26A The Star Vista
Singapore 138617
