Mixed Martial Arts and How It Impacts Your Body

It’s easy to see why mixed martial arts (MMA) is one of the fastest-growing sports in popularity worldwide. This full-contact sport is loved by spectators and athletes alike.

If you’re curious about trying MMA, here’s everything you need to know about this exciting sport and how it can impact your body.

What Is Mixed Martial Arts?

This popular combat sport combines techniques from boxing, Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and other martial arts, so it’s important for fighters to have a broad skill set. Since this sport requires rigorous training, athletes can expect to use high-quality supportive gear, such as an ankle brace or knee brace, to help stabilize and support their body during competition, sparring, or training.

MMA bouts are divided into multiple five-minute rounds, with a one-minute rest period in between. A round ends when a fighter loses consciousness, submits, or is disqualified. In official competition, judges score these rounds out of 10 points.

The Most Common Mixed Martial Arts Components

MMA fighters use a lot of strategy and technique during fast-paced combat. The three primary components of MMA are striking, grappling, and submissions.

Striking involves attacking your opponent with an approved hit, such as a kick, punch, or elbow strike. Since MMA combines multiple forms of martial arts, a wide range of strikes are allowed in a match.

Grappling is a way to gain positional advantage during a match by grabbing and holding your opponent. This fighting style involves prolonged contact compared to striking and requires more technical skills than pure strength.

To submit, or “tap out,” a fighter happens when they concede the match as a result of being put in an inescapable position. They will signal this by tapping the mat or your body with their hand. For everyone’s safety during competition, it’s important to release your hold quickly once the referee has confirmed your opponent’s submission.

How Does Mixed Martial Arts Impact Your Body?

While MMA training has many benefits, like improved strength, agility, and endurance, this sport also involves many risks. There are clear rules and regulations to protect fighters. Especially dangerous techniques are not allowed, and certain protective gear, like mouthguards, are required.

Although wearing stabilizing gear, like a leg brace that supports your knee or ankle, is prohibited during fights, many athletes utilize sports braces for training outside the octagon. For the rewards of MMA training to outweigh the risks in the lead up to competition, follow a diligent strength training regimen, practice your fundamental techniques, and support your body with the right protective gear both on and off the mat.

Supporting Your Body as a Mixed Martial Arts Fighter

Joining an MMA training gym is essential for athletes to learn this sport safely and successfully. Not only can a great gym or training center introduce you to important techniques, but you can also learn how to build the strength, endurance, and agility necessary for MMA.

Arm Brace

In addition to training, MMA fighters should have a reliable recovery routine. After all, if your last sparring match left your elbow feeling a bit sore, a supportive arm brace can help you get back on the mat quickly. Competitive and amateur fighters alike should have a sports medicine professional they can talk to about recovery advice and equipment recommendations.

With great training and protective gear, you can kick off your MMA journey safely.

About DonJoy®

Taking care of your body is a priority for everyone, from professional athletes to weekend pickleball players. DonJoy® is dedicated to helping athletes of all kinds support their bodies. With a range of versatile knee, back, arm, leg, and shoulder braces, this trusted sports bracing brand makes performance products to help stabilize your joints, protect against injury, and aid recovery. Plus, DonJoy® was founded by a professional football player. So, whether you’re in the middle of your season or you’re developing a rehabilitation plan to get back into the action, they know what it takes to keep you in top form. You can see their passion in every knee brace design, informative blog post, and educational resource. For confidence on and off the field, DonJoy® delivers support where you need it most.

Find braces recommended by medical professionals at https://www.donjoystore.com/

Popular posts from this blog

4 Activities to Do While Recovering From Sports Injuries

The Best Way to Get Support as a Female Athlete