What is MMA?
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a hybrid of combat sports and martial arts, combining techniques from Jiu Jitsu (grappling, chokes and locks), Boxing (punches), Kickboxing(elbows, knees and kicks), Wrestling (takedowns and submissions) and many other disciplines. It is trained for competitive or self defence reasons. There are many benefits to training in MMA including improved fitness and hand-eye coordination, increased confidence and learning how to apply the techniques in self defence scenarios.
Read this blog on how MMA specifically benefits women.
MMA and Self-defence
MMA is considered as the closest discipline for self-defence. It is widely ranked top 3 in Self-defence blogs and articles.
As you may already know, self-defence has many elements to it such as emotional intelligence, preventative measures and physical techniques for escape. As attackers can grab and strike you, you need to know not only how to strike, but a means to escape holds, etc. So MMA is a perfect mix of techniques to practice ways to strike, escape holds and how to defend yourself if the fight goes to the ground.
Street fights usually end up on the floor but it’s not a position you want to be in. Essentially self-defence highlights the importance of staying on your feet. Therefore kickboxing is a great way to learn how to utilise your limbs in a stand up fight with strikes using the hands, feet, elbows and knees.
Why women should train in MMA..
Women are getting more into MMA for self-defence reasons. Learning how to defend yourself is an essential life skill for women in particular. In the UK, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse and 1 in 5 sexual assault during her lifetime. Globally, this rises to 1 in 3. That’s a third of women that will experience some form of assault or abuse globally!
These statistics shed light to the importance of learning MMA. As a woman, our self-development journey involves becoming more confident and stronger in whatever we do- not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally.
Read this blog on 8 strong reasons why women should join MMA.
So what’s stopping you?
Limitations can include perception of the discipline; with it being portrayed by the media as a competitive, commercialised sport and the misconception of it being a ‘mans’ sport as the industry is dominated by men. This aids in dispelling the notion of MMA being a viable option for women and so discourages women from joining local combat sport clubs.
Accessibility is also an issue as MMA and combat sports can be demoralising. For instance, some days you can feel you’re not getting something out of it or you’re burning yourself out, trying to match your male partner’s strength. Having other women to practice technique with is encouraging and can keep you going.
Female representation in MMA organisations is the turning point to whether females will thrive in the sport. Whether they are on the board of advisers or training, seeing a woman around will help you relate and see it as a stronger option, whereas lack of female representation will have an opposite effect.
How to start?
Many go through the route of boxing and kickboxing first before getting comfortable with grappling and ground work. Top level MMA athletes have a base discipline such as Ronda Rousey with Judo before taking up other disciplines and making use of them all in her MMA career.
If you prefer to train in a womens only setting, Safari MMA has got you covered! Providing accessibility with many locations and an abundance in female representation. From a female CEO and a female led team, the perception of MMA and combat sports is diminished!
Read this blog about the importance of finding a gym with women involved.
Check out Safari MMA for kickboxing classes with many locations and wellness classes all catered to uplift your wellness levels and give you the means to defend yourself if you have to.
The first month is half price! £18 Only. Then £36 from the second month onwards.
