Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is an intense combat sport that combines the techniques and skills of boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, judo and jiu-jitsu. MMA classes teach all mixed martial arts skills in a safe and favourable environment. Students improve strength, agility, endurance, coordination, and focus. Classes also teach self-defense and boost overall fitness and well-being.
At Chi Holistic Academy, our mixed martial arts classes welcome and accommodate students of all ages and levels of experience. Beginners learn basic striking, grappling, and self-defense skills, while advanced students refine techniques, strategies, and tactics. Participants also build confidence, resilience, and teamwork. Students train at their own pace in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Whether for fitness, self-defense, or improving martial arts skills, MMA classes offer something for everyone.
Understanding MMA Training
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training incorporates multiple martial arts skills in one program. Students receive striking techniques from boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, and develop power, speed, and accuracy. Strong grappling and ground skills are developed using Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and judo. Students learn how to control opponents, defend themselves, and apply submissions.
Classes aim to develop fitness and improve conditioning. The exercises improve strength, endurance, agility, stability, and overall health. General training includes drills, partner work, controlled sparring, and self-defense work. Beginners are taught basic techniques while more advanced students are taught to refine strategy, tactics, and timing. MMA training develops mental focus and discipline, confidence, and resilience. MMA training is practical, structured, and applicable for all levels of fitness, not just sport, self-defense, or fitness, but also an improvement in quality of life.
Types of MMA Classes Available
MMA classes are tailored to suit a variety of skill levels, aims, and fitness needs. Chi Holistic Academy offers beginner, intermediate/advanced and special fitness MMA classes. Each category of class is developed to enable students to learn in a way that is safe while also progressing.
Beginner MMA Classes
Marital arts or MMA classes are especially suited for those who have not had any exposure to martial arts. The classes cover the basics of martial arts, such as basic striking and kicking, grappling and how to defend against an opponent’s strikes. Coordination, balance, and fitness are assembled through movement and exercise flow. Beginners also learn how to triangulate and safely spar to develop confidence as they gain experience with the techniques they train. The environment is supportive, and students are expected to learn in their own time without any pressure.
Intermediate/Advanced MMA Classes
These classes are meant for students with some experience. These classes develop technique skills while exposing students to some advanced tactics. Students practice drilling complex combinations and takedowns, submissions, and defensive counters. Controlled sparring improves timing, speed, and tactical effectiveness. Advanced classes also develop mental toughness, endurance, and strategy for those aiming to compete or train at a higher level.
Fitness MMA Classes
These classes involve martial arts techniques with a high-intensity workout. They are suitable for any student who would like to increase their overall fitness, strength, agility, and stamina. Fitness MMA classes include various drills, conditioning exercises and techniques, and they are often not focused on competitive sparring. These classes are great for anyone who is looking for a full-body workout while still learning some martial arts skills in a fun and safe environment.
Structure of an MMA Workout
An MMA workout is purposely designed to develop skills, develop fitness, and keep everyone safe. Class is usually formatted way most classes and sessions are structured. This helps students get the best out of each class.
Warm-Up
Classes start with a warm-up to prepare the body and mind. This usually includes stretching, light cardio, and mobility drills to boost flexibility, raise heart rate, and reduce injury.
Technical Drills
Once students are warmed up, they will practice certain techniques. Striking drills will emphasise punches, kicks, and combinations, while grappling drills will emphasise takedowns, holds, and submissions. Drills help with precision, timing, and coordination.
Sparring
Sparring gives the students the chance to use techniques in real-life situations while being controlled. It is a good way to develop the student’s reaction time, strategy, and confidence. Sparring is adjusted for intensity depending on skill level.
Conditioning and Cooldown
Classes are capped with conditioning work and a cool-down. Conditioning will assist in building your strength, stamina, and endurance. The cooldown is often a lot of stretching and breathing to help rejuvenate and focus your mind.
This structure helps to ensure that every MMA class covers a student with skill, physical fitness, and mental discipline.
Benefits of Taking MMA Classes
MMA classes will offer a blend of fitness, self-defense and self-confidence. Training will improve the body, your focus and ability to learn and practice skills you can actually use in real life. Students of all ages will enjoy the benefits.
- Enhance strength, stamina, and endurance
- Develop agility, coordination, and balance
- Burn calories and help support muscle development
- Increase confidence and self-discipline
- Increase focus, resilience and mental toughness
- Learn to remain calm under pressure
- Gain practical self-defense skills
- Control opponents and react appropriately in real-world situations
- Increase own safety and awareness
- Increase overall health, confidence, and well-being
Beginner’s Guide to MMA Training
As with starting any new activity, beginning MMA for the first time can be both exhilarating and intimidating. The good news is that the classes are specifically designed to gradually move beginners through the process. Coaches teach simple drills and techniques, letting you practise skills without pressure. No prior experience in martial arts is needed; just a willingness to try.
In the first few sessions, safety and comfort are paramount. You will learn how to move, how to wear the appropriate gear, and how to train in a regulated way. This unobtrusive process will provide you with your greatest confidence and amount of fitness while keeping you out of harm’s way.
Here’s your reassurance with what to expect:
- You will receive an introduction to striking, grappling, and basic fitness drills
- You will have a coach to monitor you correctly using the techniques and explain safety for each exercise
- There are some essential pieces of gear: gloves, shin guards, and a mouth guard
- The instructor will follow safety protocols to ensure no injuries are sustained throughout the training/practice
- Classes are structured and promote participation at the students’ specific level
- You’ll be respected as an individual, supported from the first session, and start building fitness and confidence.
Choosing the Right MMA Class
Finding the right class is an important time in your MMA journey. A good class sets the stage for a safe and promising atmosphere where people of every level feel welcome. The class environment is as important as training, as a positive space makes learning enjoyable and inspires progress.
At Chi Holistic Academy, we provide the best self-defense classes in Croydon. Our students learn from skilled coaches in a respectful and supportive way. Classes are engaging and give individual attention at every level. Introductory trial sessions let you experience the class and see if it’s the right fit for you. It’s a great environment to feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to develop.
FAQ
Q1) Is training in MMA healthy?
Ans) Absolutely. MMA training improves overall fitness, increases strength and flexibility, and improves confidence and focus. With the proper gear and supervision, it is safe and healthy.
Q2) Is MMA useful in real life?
Ans) Yes. MMA will teach practical self-defense skills, build confidence, and improve fitness. The techniques will help you stay safe and deal with real situations.
Q3) What is the best age to start martial arts?
Ans) Children can begin as young as 5 or 6 with simple classes. There is no upper limit; there are adults of any age who start and enjoy training. The best age is whenever you feel ready.
Q4) Where is MMA most popular?
Ans) MMA is predominantly popular in the US, Brazil, and Japan. It has a strong following in Europe, and it is expanding around the world.
Q5) Is MMA safe for kids?
Ans) When taught in a controlled environment, MMA can be safe for kids. Classes emphasise fitness, discipline and techniques, including proper use of safety gear and supervision, to minimise injury.