There’s never been a better time to get in the best shape of your life! In this blog post, we’ll cover 3 martial arts you must try in 2024 to achieve your fitness goals. You’ll learn what martial arts are and how they can improve your life.
What are martial arts?
Martial arts is a general term referring to forms of fighting found around the world. Fighting styles that can fit into this category include Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Karate, Sambo, and Tae Kwon Do.
People practice martial arts for different reasons. These reasons include self-defense, sport, fitness, and meditation. With the right coaching and teammates, martial artists can improve their lives. They’ll find a great desire to take care of themselves mentally and emotionally.
The martial arts we’ll cover below also have a sports application. This means you can also compete in organized matches if doing so aligns with your personal goals.
Try out these 3 martial arts to get in shape
The martial arts below are well-known for more than just helping you improve your physical health but also their effectiveness. As you train in these combat sports, you’ll naturally want to be in better shape. This desire to be in better shape will often lead you to begin to eat better, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: The gentle art
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the fastest-growing martial arts in the world. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grappling art also referred to as BJJ and Jiu Jitsu. It’s an effective martial art for unarmed combat with a focus on taking the fight to the ground. In our Absolute MMA Jiu Jitsu classes, you’ll learn a range of skills including takedowns, submissions, and positional escapes.
As a part of consistent Jiu Jitsu training, you’ll feel yourself get stronger and more mobile. You’ll also be more flexible over time. Due to the physical nature of grappling, you can lose weight if that is your goal.
Judo: The gentle way
Like BJJ, Judo is an effective martial art that teaches practitioners (judokas) how to take a fight to the ground using technique and leverage. You’ll learn grip fighting strategies, footwork, balance, and takedowns. Judo will also teach you distance management both for sport and self-defense.
With regular Judo training, you’ll get stronger, faster, and more explosive. Judo training will teach you how to fall properly which is a great skill to have as you get older. You’ll learn how to confidently handle yourself on the feet in a safe manner.
Muay Thai: The art of 8 limbs
Muay Thai is a striking-based martial art. You’ll learn how to throw kicks, punches, elbows, and knees. Our Muay Thai curriculum involves Boxing techniques, pad work, and heavy bag work. In our Absolute MMA Muay Thai class, you will also learn how to navigate the clinch and how to defend yourself against an attacker.
As a result of this training, you’ll develop a stronger body, improve your agility, and be more mobile over time. Your hand-eye coordination will improve. You’ll also develop better cardio and have more stamina throughout the week. Another health benefit you receive from Muay Thai training is stronger abdominal muscles. Developing a strong core will help you in every other aspect of your life outside of the gym.
How to prepare for martial arts classes
Before you begin your martial arts training, here are a few tips that will help you be ready for your first Absolute MMA class:
- Eat nutritious food and hydrate during the day: One of the last things you want to do is train with an empty gas tank. Drink water and eat healthy food throughout the day before your class. This will help you have the energy you need to move and think clearly.
- Bring a water bottle to class: You’ll need water to make up for the amount of perspiration you’ll create during class. Every class is a workout so it’s great to be prepared!
- Give yourself time to get to class: There’s no need to feel rushed when getting ready for your first Absolute MMA class. By planning ahead, you can make sure you can get to class on time and be mentally ready to train. Your ability to structure your time will maximize your returns from each training session.
What to expect for your first Absolute MMA class
One of the reasons why people keep attending Absolute MMA is the range of abilities and motivations of everyone you meet in the gym. You’ll find both people who train to compete and people who train to get in shape. This level of diversity will help you feel motivated to workout consistently.
Absolute MMA class structure
In terms of class structure, most classes will begin with 10-15 minutes of warmups. These warmups are designed to increase your blood flow while getting your mind ready for training. Muay Thai warmups will typically include jumping rope and shadowboxing. Warmups for Judo can include drilling entries to throws while Jiu Jitsu warmups can include bridges and shrimping.
You’ll then have a class portion where you’ll learn techniques for 30-40 minutes. An instructor/coach will demonstrate moves which you will then practice with your drilling partners/teammates. This is a great opportunity to focus on your movements and how to move your body efficiently. You can be a great drilling partner by focusing on the techniques being taught and listening to feedback from the instructor.
After the class portion, there will be time for live rounds/sparring. In Judo class, the term for sparring or free-style practice is Randori. Rolling is a common term for sparring in BJJ class. These blocks of time for sparring are essential to you improving your skills within the gym.
Jumpstart your 2024 fitness journey with Absolute MMA!
Whether you’ve always wanted to try out martial arts or simply want a different workout, we’re here for you! Try out a free week of classes by signing up here: https://absolutemma.com/free-trial/