The history of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA classes) dates all the way back to Ancient Greece! There was a sport called pankration.
This featured a combination of different focuses on styles that are commonly seen in the modern variant.
Since Ancient Greece, MMA classes have evolved exponentially through the years. With its development, different styles of fighting have emerged.
These styles have a specific focus, where they will train to improve a specific area of the body.
These focuses are known as standup, clinch, and ground.
First, standup is hand-to-hand combat between opponents in a stand position. While clinch is the part of standup fighting where opponents are grappling in a hold. Finally, the ground is hand-to-hand combat that takes place with the opponents on the ground.
Popular disciplines in these focuses include:
Standup: Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo, Capoeira, Combat Sambo, Savate, and Wushu Sanshou.
Clinch: Judo, Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, Sambo, and Wushu Sanshou.
Ground: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Sambo, Catch wrestling and submission grappling.
If you have never tried any MMA gyms, you are likely wondering how it can benefit you. The benefits of classes are as powerful as the styles within it.
Featured below are some of the benefits you could receive from signing up for an MMA class.
Weight Loss
As with any physical activity, you will likely lose weight while participating in it. However, unlike the others, MMA classes allow you to lose weight at a faster rate. This is due to the fact that these types of workouts are intense. It burns calories at an exceedingly fast rate. This training, combined with a healthy, balanced diet will help you shed off those excess pounds in no time!
Strength
This type of training also greatly improves many of your structural muscles. Many of our muscles can grow weak due to prolonged sitting. However, these classes aim to strengthen every muscle in your body. First, kicking will make your legs stronger. Then, grappling will build the muscles in your core. As you punch, your arms become incredibly strong as well. MMA improves your muscles more so than any other regular strength training because it aims to strengthen your entire body.
Coordination
When going against another person in a fight, you must ensure that all of your jabs, punches, and kicks flow together. Experienced MMA fighters must judge the distance and timing quickly to dodge blows effectively. By failing to do so, you can leave yourself open to attacks and vulnerabilities.
Martial arts requires your body to develop coordination. It will help to ensure that your entire body works together in unison. In time, you will be able to sense your body’s balance and relative position. This will help increase your coordination by ten-fold.
Aerobic and Anaerobic
Aerobic conditioning, also known as cardio, helps to ensure that both your heart and lungs stay strong. While anaerobic conditioning is all about your performance. By participating in martial arts, you will be increasing both your endurance and your ability in performing.
Physical and Mental Toughness
The physical toughness you can achieve in MMA classes is equal to no other form of exercise. By doing the intense training sessions that are in these courses, you are increasing what you can handle overall.
Not only that, but you can also achieve a higher level of mental toughness. These exercises are designed to push you to your limit. It allows you to build determination to continue. This will also help you to navigate obstacles in life. You will be able to stay focused on your goal even when times are tough.
Stress Reliever
Exercise has already been proven to improve our mood and help get rid of stress. This type of training demands focus and an intense cardio workout. By doing this, you will forget about what had made you stressed throughout the day. You will also release tension in your mind and body through movement and physical activity.
Confidence
Your self-esteem will improve greatly with the help of MMA training. First, you will feel calmer, even when danger strikes. You will be trained to protect yourself and those you love. Next, you will have greater confidence in your body. After all, your body can do amazing things! People will definitely notice a difference not only in your appearance but how you carry yourself as well.
