Is MMA Good For Self Defense?

Should you train MMA for self-defense?

There are many positive sides to training mixed martial arts. A trained MMA fighter will have a greater chance of defending themselves if they’re confronted with violence.

Every situation is different. There are no rules in a street fight. But not only is MMA good for self-defence, it’s also outstanding for problem-solving, improving your mental health, and weight loss. 

There are many differences between fighting in the cage and on the streets. You could encounter people carrying weapons or you might face multiple attackers at the same time.

In this article, we discuss 7 reasons why MMA is good for self defense.

Let’s dive in…

MMA For Self Defense

You never know where the fight is going to take place. A bully could attack you from behind or jump on top of you out of nowhere. Striking is great, but most people are in big trouble when they end up on the grass or a concrete floor.

When you know several martial arts, you have greater chances of defending yourself. MMA is one of the best martial arts for self-defensive skills.

Below, we will discuss 7 reasons why you should train MMA for self-defense.

MMA Helps People Stay Calm Under Pressure

One of the main problems people have during altercations is that they don’t know how to handle pressure. If you put the average person in a dangerous situation, they aren’t prepared for it.

That’s why you need to train martial arts and learn to handle whatever situation could happen. MMA can help you stay calm under pressure and learn to effectively get out of a bad situation.

In MMA training, you will get put in bad positions and learn how to get out of them. You’ll often find yourself feeling hopeless with a more experienced training partner dominating you. 

Being constantly put in bad situations during training can make you learn how to stay calm and work your way out of them.

If you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation, you’ll be ready.

MMA Teaches You How To Control Larger Opponents

One of the biggest fears that many people have is being confronted by a stronger and bigger attacker on the street. It can be a scary situation if you’re threatened by someone who is significantly stronger and larger than you.

Learning Mixed Martial Arts for self-defense is the answer to this problem.

For over twenty years, MMA has proven that it can help you defeat larger opponents. MMA consists of both striking and grappling elements. Grappling uses leverage and technique to take down and submit larger opponents, whilst striking will teach you timing and distance.

MMA Teaches You How To Escape Submission Holds

Since the popularity of MMA has exploded, so has the number of people that train BJJ and Submission Grappling.

Almost anyone on the street can do a basic submission hold. Usually, this is some type of chokehold or bulldog hold. It may not be the best technical submission, but not knowing how to get out could leave you in significant danger.

This is a huge reason you need to learn MMA for self-defense. You need to know how to get out of bad situations and submission holds.

Many MMA programs emphasize learning self-defense techniques for beginners. There might come a situation in the street, where someone tries to put you in a headlock or chokehold. Knowing MMA, you will be able to escape their submission and escape the situation.

MMA Teaches You Not To Underestimate Your Opponent

In MMA, the first thing you’ll learn is that you’re always fighting with the best version of your opponent.

Even if you are dealing with a street bully or somebody intoxicated, you should never underestimate your opponent!

During a self-defense situation, you don’t have the luxury of researching your opponent before the fight. You must always be prepared for every possible outcome during a violent confrontation.

MMA Improves Your Strength & Conditioning

MMA training sessions are hard.

Many MMA fighters emphasize the importance of knowing how to defend themselves but forget one essential thing. The importance of being conditioned and physically fit in case you ever find yourself in a violent situation.

Being in shape and strong is an important area of self-defence that you shouldn’t forget. You could know the right techniques, but if you aren’t in shape those techniques won’t matter.

Training MMA helps you improve your strength and conditioning along with learning to defend yourself. As you’re doing the techniques and putting your body under stress, you are improving your physical health.

MMA Teaches You Respect & Discipline

Martial arts like MMA stress the importance of learning discipline and respect. It’s good to learn how to defend yourself, but the best thing you can do is avoid confrontation altogether.

Training MMA gives you the self-respect, confidence and discipline to not fight. There is no reason to not walk away from a bad situation that could turn violent. 

Walking away from a fight can save you for several reasons.

The biggest benefit of walking away from a conflict is that you aren’t going to get injured. In a fight, you could win, but you could also get seriously hurt or killed.

You could also get yourself into a situation where you seriously hurt your opponent and face legal repercussions.

Ultimately, the best thing you can do when confronted with violence is walk away. It could potentially save your life.

MMA Teaches You Both How To Grapple & Strike

MMA consists of a range of martial arts including, BJJ, Wrestling, Muay Thai and Boxing.

You will be equally as good on the ground and striking, which gives you way more options against an attacker. MMA teaches you to think and stick to your strengths during the fight.

MMA fighters can transition between striking and grappling and dictate if the fight takes place on the floor or the ground.

Is MMA Good For Self-Defense

So is MMA effective for self-defense?

When it comes to self-defense , MMA is one of the best martial arts to learn. MMA turns you into a well-rounded fighter who understands multiple martial arts.

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