Modern mixed martial arts training evolved from the ancient Asian cultures of Japan, China, and Korea. They are systematic traditions of combat developed for several reasons. The early systems primarily served self-defense purposes, especially for the military and law enforcement. However, over the centuries, they evolved, and now they are tools for physical fitness, mental and spiritual wellness. They also provide a means for entertainment via competitions, tournaments, etc.
But, what is MMA? And, why is mixed martial arts training important?
Mixed martial arts as the name suggests is a hybrid combat sport that combines the techniques of several martial arts such as Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Judo, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, kickboxing, etc. In recent times, mixed martial arts training has amassed a lot of interest. This is especially from people who are looking for a type of workout that not only keeps the body fit but also keeps the mind agile. If you are looking for an intense full-body workout that burns calories, sheds the extra kilos, tones your muscles, and gets you back in shape, you must give MMA a shot.
Here’s how mixed martial arts training can benefit you in your fitness journey
Regular mixed martial arts training tones and strengthens muscles
In a typical training session of mixed martial arts, you kick, punch, and train to be able to pick a person that weighs as much as you do. All of these activities require the muscles in your hands, legs, and core to work exceptionally hard, harder than you’ve ever worked them before. By practicing mixed martial arts, you will be able to gain muscle mass and, in the process, also make it more toned.
High-intensity workouts help with weight loss
When it comes to losing all the extra flab, regular gym exercises just cannot compare to a mixed martial arts workout session. An hour-long MMA session will burn around 700-900 calories. To burn that many calories, you’d have to run a treadmill at least at a medium pace for more than an hour. All the kicking, boxing, grappling, and striking demand a lot more work from your muscles than regular running or cycling do. As a result, if you follow a well-balanced and healthy diet along with regular mixed martial arts training, you can prosper in your fitness journey.
Rigorous sessions improve your cardiovascular health
Mixed martial arts sessions include a great deal of cardiovascular exercises. An MMA student undergoes rigorous training drills that raise the heart rate and overtime improve stamina and endurance. Increased physical activity will improve your cardiovascular health and make you fitter. It will reduce the risk of cardiac illnesses and you will enjoy an improved quality of life in the long term.
Sparring improves focus and coordination
Partaking in mixed martial arts training will not only include rigorous exercising but will also include learning self-defense by sparring with opponents. When you are tackling an opponent, you must be alert. To be able to gauge and anticipate the opponent’s next move and decide on a course of action to defend yourself against it in a mere fraction of a second, your body and mind need to work in unison. With practice, you will get better at coordination. Your mind and body will learn to work in perfect flow. This will make you quick on your feet and agile in your movements.
Mixed martial arts training builds strength and endurance
Greater strength is one of the most prominent physical changes that you will experience. You will begin to notice many tasks that were difficult for you to complete without getting out of breath, now come easily to you. The reason behind improved overall strength is that mixed martial arts provides a full-body workout. Like most other strength training workouts, it does not focus on a single set of muscles. By its very nature, it builds core strength. With every powerful punch, you strengthen your arms. With every high kick, you will strengthen your legs. Regular and legitimate mixed martial arts training will not only give you strength for attacks, but it will also give you the endurance to fight the attacks from your opponents.
MMA builds self-confidence
Along with improving your physical strength and endurance, mixed martial arts training will also provide a boost to your self-esteem. You may get overwhelmed initially when you learn to spar with an opponent. But once you learn to anticipate your opponent’s moves and reciprocate with efficient counter-attacks in self-defense, you will feel a positive change in your confidence. There’s just something about knowing that you will be able to defend yourself when the need arises. It boosts your confidence in a way that few other things can. This new and improved confidence will also spill into your life outside of the training arena. It most likely will translate to a positive attitude in your daily endeavors.
So, mixed martial arts training is something you should consider.
Mixed martial arts is an excellent form of exercise that will help you reach your fitness goals like no other work out regime ever can. However, it is also the most challenging – both physically and mentally. If you are ready to put in the hard work today, your body will thank you for the years to come.
