{"id":4505,"date":"2020-11-29T07:30:48","date_gmt":"2020-11-29T07:30:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.studymartialarts.org\/blog\/?p=4505"},"modified":"2020-11-29T07:30:48","modified_gmt":"2020-11-29T07:30:48","slug":"ultimate-mma-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.studymartialarts.org\/blog\/ultimate-mma-guide","title":{"rendered":"Ultimate MMA Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mixed martial arts, often referred to as MMA, is a combat sport in which two competitors are allowed to use various styles and different tactics to achieve dominance over one another. MMA fights have become increasingly popular over the years, and although they can be brutal, a mixed martial arts training session is much different than what you see on TV.<\/span><\/p>\n

Learning MMA is a great way to increase both your physical and mental strength. While some people have the fear of getting hurt badly during MMA training, this form of exercising involves precautions that keep participants safe at all times. If you were to fight in a ring, it would be a different story. But in that case, you would know what you\u2019re getting into.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, MMA being a violent sport is one of the<\/span> main misconceptions<\/span><\/a> about it. In reality, it\u2019s an exciting way for anyone to enjoy a full-body workout and engage in a fun activity with other people. In case you\u2019re interested in learning more about this sport, this guide will help you understand it better.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Core Components of Mixed Martial Arts<\/b><\/p>\n

There are three main components in MMA that you can use to gain an advantage over an opponent, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Striking<\/b> \u2013 When you practice MMA, you are allowed to use hands, feet, knees, and elbows to throw punches and kicks. How and when you use them is entirely up to you.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Grappling<\/b> \u2013 This refers to techniques used to hold your opponent or trying to take them down. Grappling doesn\u2019t have much to do with your strength, but rather the technique you use and the timing of your actions.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Submission<\/b> \u2013 Submission is all about using locks and chokes to get control over your opponent\u2019s body. As you learn these techniques, you also figure out how you can free yourself from different chokes and holds.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What\u2019s exciting about mixed martial arts is that practitioners have to figure out when to use these components to defeat their opponent. One of the main benefits of learning each of the three components is that you will know how to use them in the real world as well, should you ever find yourself in a situation where you\u2019re attacked.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The Most Popular Disciplines in MMA<\/b><\/p>\n

    MMA is all about finding different ways to incorporate moves from different disciplines, otherwise referred to as martial arts. The beautiful thing about this sport is that you can choose which martial arts you want to learn. Once you do that, it\u2019ll be up to you and your creativity to figure out what moves you\u2019ll use.<\/span><\/p>\n

    It\u2019s worth noting that unless you plan to be a professional fighter, you won\u2019t have to learn many different disciplines. For most people, two or three is the perfect amount. You may be wondering<\/span> which martial art to learn first<\/span><\/a>. In order to make an educated decision, you should study what each discipline has to offer. Learn what seems most interesting to you. After all, if you choose a martial art that you\u2019re not that fond of, you might quit training and get discouraged from reaching your fitness goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Wrestling<\/b><\/p>\n

    Wrestling represents one of the pillars of mixed martial arts. It\u2019s also widely considered to be<\/span> one of the oldest sports<\/span><\/a> still in practice today. The goal in wrestling is to pin down your opponent through grappling techniques. In MMA, wrestling is deemed an essential discipline. Nevertheless, if you don\u2019t plan to compete, you can focus solely on striking martial arts in case wrestling isn\u2019t something that interests you.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Boxing<\/b><\/p>\n

    Boxing is a very tactical combat sport that allows you to perfect the art of throwing punches, as well as master footwork and head movement. It\u2019s also a great way to boost your strength, speed, and endurance. Boxing will teach you how to throw and avoid punches and can also provide you with useful self-defense knowledge you can apply in the real world.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu<\/b><\/p>\n

    Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling martial art that revolves around getting your opponent on the ground and using chokes and holds to submit them. BJJ is an excellent way to get into shape both physically and mentally. It\u2019s also a very fun martial art that anyone can practice.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Muay Thai<\/b><\/p>\n

    Muay Thai is very similar to kickboxing. The main difference is that the former allows you to use elbows and knees when striking, which is something that\u2019s not permitted in kickboxing. Muay Thai is among the most popular MMA disciplines, but it\u2019s also incredibly difficult to learn and master. It\u2019s recommended for people who prefer high-intensity training.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Judo<\/b><\/p>\n

    Although it may not be as popular as any of the aforementioned disciplines, judo is a practical and effective martial art that involves grappling, throws, and takedowns.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The Gear You Need to Get Started in MMA<\/b><\/p>\n

    Seeing as MMA is a combat sport, you\u2019ll need some type of protective gear to avoid injuries. Some of the most common equipment used includes:<\/span><\/p>\n