Best Martial Arts For MMA: Choosing A Combination? (2024)

Thanks for checking out this unbiased article on the Best Martial Arts For MMA. In the realm of MMA, the tapestry of skills a fighter weaves can be the difference between victory and defeat.

With a plethora of martial arts styles out there, each claiming supremacy, it’s a Herculean task to sift through the noise and pinpoint the ones that truly give you the edge in a mixed martial arts scenario.

This guide is your beacon in the tumultuous sea of combat sports, offering clarity and direction.

The landscape of MMA is as diverse as it is demanding, requiring not just brute strength but a symphony of speed, technique, and mental fortitude. Fighters often find themselves at a crossroads, pondering over which martial arts to integrate into their arsenal.

The quest for the perfect blend that can turn the tide of battle in the cage is relentless. With each discipline boasting its unique strengths and weaknesses, making the right choice is crucial for aspiring champions.

This is where we step in. By highlighting the key features, pros, and cons of each martial art recommended for MMA, we aim to sculpt your path to dominance.

Whether your goal is to refine your grappling, enhance your striking, or become a versatile fighter capable of dictating the pace of the fight, this guide has got you covered.

Let’s embark on this journey together, uncovering the secrets that will elevate your MMA game to legendary status.

What Are the Best Martial Arts For MMA?

In the dynamic world of MMA, where versatility and adaptability reign supreme, mastering a blend of martial arts can give fighters a significant edge.

Below is a succinct guide to the best martial arts for MMA, including their key features, who they’re best suited for, and their relative difficulty to master. This table serves as a compass for aspiring fighters aiming to carve out a niche in the competitive landscape of MMA.

Martial Art	Key Features	Best For	Difficulty
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)	Ground fighting, Submissions, Leverage, Technique over strength	Ground control, Submissions	High
Muay Thai	Strikes using fists, elbows, knees, shins, Clinching	Striking, Clinch fighting	Moderate
Wrestling	Takedowns, Control, Clinch fighting, Positioning	Takedown ability, Control	Moderate-High
Judo	Throws, Takedowns, Submissions, Grip fighting	Throws, Clinch fighting	High
Boxing	Punching, Footwork, Head movement, Speed	Striking, Movement	Moderate

1. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, stands as a pillar in the world of Mixed Martial Arts, emphasizing ground fighting and submission techniques.

Originating from Japan and refined in Brazil, this martial art focuses on the principle that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant using leverage and proper technique.

BJJ practitioners learn to control fights by taking them to the ground, applying joint locks, and chokeholds, making it an indispensable skill set in the arsenal of an MMA fighter.

Key Features

Ground Fighting: BJJ practitioners excel in taking the fight to the ground and maintaining control.
Submission Holds: Emphasizes joint locks (armbars, shoulder locks) and chokeholds.
Leverage and Technique: Designed to enable a smaller person to overcome a bigger opponent.
Training Diversity: Offers both Gi (with kimono) and No-Gi (without kimono) training, catering to various competition rules and personal preferences.

Pros

Dominance on the Ground: Unmatched control in ground combat, essential for MMA.
Mental Game: Fosters patience, strategic thinking, and problem-solving under pressure.
Versatility: Effective in self-defense, sport BJJ, and MMA.
Physical Fitness: Improves flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health.

Cons

Less Emphasis on Striking: Limited focus on punches and kicks, which are crucial in MMA stand-up exchanges.
Time to Proficiency: Mastering BJJ techniques and becoming comfortable in various positions can take years.

Recommendation

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a martial art; it’s a foundation for building an unbreakable ground game in MMA. It teaches fighters to remain calm and think clearly under pressure, to control their opponents, and to finish fights with precision.

For anyone serious about MMA, BJJ training is non-negotiable. It not only prepares you for the inevitable ground battles but also equips you with the confidence to face larger and seemingly more powerful adversaries.

Whether you’re looking to compete at a high level, improve your self-defense skills, or simply enrich your martial arts journey, incorporating BJJ into your training regime will prove invaluable.

It’s a long-term investment in your fighting career, offering techniques and strategies that are effective across all levels of MMA competition.

2. Muay Thai

Muay Thai, often referred to as “The Art of Eight Limbs”, is a striking martial art that originates from Thailand. This combat sport is renowned for its devastating striking and clinching techniques, utilizing fists, elbows, knees, and shins to deliver powerful blows.

Muay Thai fighters are known for their toughness, stamina, and the ability to use every part of their body as a weapon. Its emphasis on stand-up striking and clinching makes it a critical discipline for any MMA fighter looking to dominate in the striking aspect of the sport.

Key Features

Striking Techniques: Comprehensive use of punches, elbows, knees, and leg kicks.
Clinching: Teaches fighters to control their opponents in close quarters to set up strikes or takedowns.
Physical Conditioning: Intensive training regimen that improves overall physical strength, agility, and endurance.
Mental Toughness: Encourages resilience, determination, and the ability to withstand physical pressure.

Pros

Powerful Offense: Offers potent striking capabilities essential for stand-up combat.
Versatility in Strikes: Ability to strike from various angles and distances.
Defensive Skills: Develops evasive maneuvers and the ability to absorb and counter attacks.
Enhanced Physical Fitness: Improves cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility.

Cons

Limited Ground Fighting Techniques: Focuses predominantly on stand-up fighting, with less emphasis on wrestling or grappling.
Injury Risk: The intense physical nature of the sport can lead to injuries, particularly to the legs and head.

Recommendation

Muay Thai is indispensable for MMA fighters aiming to excel in the stand-up component of fighting.

Its holistic approach to striking, covering everything from powerful leg kicks to precise elbow strikes, provides practitioners with a broad arsenal to keep opponents at bay or to finish fights decisively.

Integrating Muay Thai into your MMA training not only hones your striking skills but also significantly enhances your physical conditioning and mental resilience.

For those looking to impose their will in the ring, master the art of striking, and develop the endurance to withstand intense battles, Muay Thai training is essential.

It equips you with the techniques to control the pace and direction of the fight, ensuring that when the cage door closes, you’re not just surviving, but thriving.

3. Wrestling

Wrestling is one of the oldest forms of combat, known for its emphasis on clinch fighting, throws, takedowns, and ground control. This discipline is divided into various styles, with Freestyle and Greco-Roman being the most prominent in the context of MMA.

Wrestlers are celebrated for their ability to control opponents, dictate where the fight takes place, and utilize superior positioning to gain an advantage.

It’s a cornerstone in MMA, offering fighters the skills to seamlessly transition between standing and ground fighting, making it an invaluable component of a well-rounded combatant’s arsenal.

Key Features

Takedowns and Throws: Mastering the art of bringing opponents to the ground.
Clinch Work: Controlling the opponent in close contact to set up moves.
Ground Control: Maintaining superior positioning and control on the ground.
Physical Conditioning: Develops exceptional strength, stamina, and resilience.

Pros

Control Over Fight Placement: Ability to decide whether the fight stays standing or goes to the ground.
Physical Dominance: Builds a high level of physical strength and endurance.
Mental Toughness: Cultivates determination and the ability to apply strategies under pressure.
Adaptability: Skills are easily integrated into MMA, enhancing versatility in combat.

Cons

Limited Striking: Traditional wrestling focuses less on punching and kicking, skills essential in MMA.
Risk of Injuries: The intense physical nature of wrestling can lead to injuries, particularly in the joints and neck.

Recommendation

Wrestling is a foundational skill for any aspiring MMA fighter, providing the tools necessary to control opponents and the pace of the fight. Its emphasis on takedowns, ground control, and physical conditioning makes it a must-learn discipline for those seeking to excel in MMA.

By incorporating wrestling into your training, you not only develop the ability to dictate where the fight takes place but also gain the endurance and strength to outlast your opponents in grueling matches.

Whether you’re aiming to neutralize strikers with powerful takedowns or control grapplers with superior positioning, wrestling offers a strategic edge that complements any fighting style.

For fighters looking to become a formidable force in the cage, mastering the art of wrestling is not just beneficial—it’s essential.

4. Judo

Judo, a martial art that prioritizes efficiency and flexibility, is a powerful addition to any MMA fighter’s repertoire.

Originating from Japan, Judo is known for its focus on throws, takedowns, and submission techniques, aiming to subdue opponents by leveraging their force against them.

Unlike other grappling arts that emphasize ground fighting, Judo specializes in controlling and neutralizing opponents through skillful throws, making it a unique and strategic choice for MMA.

Practitioners, or Judokas, learn not just to anticipate and counter their opponent’s moves but to use their energy to their advantage, embodying the art’s philosophy of maximum efficiency with minimum effort.

Key Features

Throws and Takedowns: Expertise in a wide range of throwing techniques to off-balance and take down opponents.
Groundwork (Ne-Waza): Includes pins, joint locks, and chokeholds for effective control and submission on the ground.
Grip Fighting (Kumi-Uchi): Mastery over gripping strategies to control the opponent’s movement and balance.
Adaptability: Techniques can be adapted for no-gi grappling, making them versatile for MMA competition.

Pros

Superior Positioning: Enables fighters to achieve dominant positions both standing and on the ground.
Efficient Use of Energy: Focuses on using the opponent’s strength and momentum against them.
Enhanced Balance and Coordination: Develops acute awareness and control of one’s body and the opponent’s.
Cross-Training Compatibility: Complements other grappling and striking arts seamlessly.

Cons

Emphasis on Throws Over Strikes: May leave practitioners wanting in terms of striking abilities crucial for MMA.
Adaptation Required for MMA: Some judo techniques need modification to be fully effective in an MMA context, due to the difference in attire and rules.

Recommendation

Integrating Judo into your MMA training offers a strategic edge, particularly in the clinch where fights can be won or lost. The ability to execute throws against aggressive opponents not only allows for unexpected reversals but also opens opportunities for ground submissions.

For fighters looking to diversify their grappling techniques and improve their ability to control the pace and position of the fight, Judo provides an excellent foundation.

Its principles of efficiency and flexibility translate well into the dynamic environment of MMA, making it a wise choice for those aiming to enhance their overall fighting strategy.

Adopting Judo practices will not only bolster your defensive capabilities but also expand your offensive toolkit, making you a more formidable and unpredictable competitor in the cage.

5. Boxing

Boxing, often hailed as “The Sweet Science,” is a crucial component of a well-rounded MMA fighter’s skill set.

This combat sport focuses on striking with the fists, maneuvering, and defense, offering a disciplined approach to combat that emphasizes speed, accuracy, and agility.

Renowned for its rich history and proven effectiveness in stand-up combat, boxing trains fighters to deliver powerful punches while avoiding incoming strikes through sophisticated footwork and head movement.

It’s not just about throwing punches; it’s about hitting and not getting hit, making boxing a refined art in the realm of combat sports.

Key Features

Punching Techniques: Mastery in various punches (jab, cross, hook, uppercut) for offensive and defensive maneuvers.
Footwork: Advanced footwork techniques for maintaining balance, creating angles, and evading attacks.
Head Movement: Skills in bobbing, weaving, and slipping to avoid incoming strikes.
Hand Speed and Coordination: Emphasizes rapid punch combinations and timing for effective striking.

Pros

Precision Striking: Develops the ability to deliver accurate and powerful punches.
Defensive Skills: Enhances the ability to dodge and counter attacks efficiently.
Cardiovascular Fitness: Intense training regimen improves overall stamina and endurance.
Mental Toughness: Cultivates focus, discipline, and the psychological edge needed in combat.

Cons

Limited Clinch Work: Less emphasis on fighting in the clinch, which is a crucial aspect of MMA.
No Ground Fighting or Kicking Techniques: Focuses solely on hand strikes, leaving gaps in a fighter’s ground game and leg attacks.

Recommendation

Incorporating boxing into your MMA training is essential for those aiming to dominate in the stand-up phase of a fight.

Its focus on precision, power, and evasion makes it a formidable tool against opponents relying heavily on grappling techniques or those with less refined striking skills.

Moreover, the cardiovascular conditioning and mental resilience developed through boxing training can significantly impact your performance in the cage.

It’s not only about the punches you throw but also about the strategic movement and the ability to read your opponent, creating openings for attack while minimizing your vulnerability.

For fighters looking to sharpen their striking, improve their footwork, and build a rock-solid defense, boxing offers a proven path to becoming a more complete and dangerous competitor.

Whether you’re just starting in MMA or looking to refine your striking arsenal, embracing the discipline of boxing will undoubtedly elevate your fighting prowess.

Conclusion

Thanks for checking out this article on the best Martial Arts For MMA. We’ve journeyed through the intricacies of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Judo, and Boxing, each offering its unique blend of techniques, philosophies, and tactical advantages in the dynamic world of MMA.

These martial arts form the backbone of any successful MMA fighter’s arsenal, providing a comprehensive toolkit that addresses every aspect of combat, from striking and grappling to submissions and defense.

Whether you’re a novice embarking on your martial arts journey or a seasoned fighter looking to refine your skills, the insights provided here aim to guide your training decisions, ensuring a well-rounded and formidable fighting style.

Understanding and integrating the core principles and techniques of these martial arts will not only enhance your physical capabilities but also enrich your strategic approach to fights.

The journey to MMA greatness is paved with discipline, perseverance, and a constant thirst for knowledge. By embracing the diverse skill sets these martial arts offer, you position yourself to adapt and overcome any challenge that comes your way in the cage.

Remember, the most feared fighters are those who can seamlessly transition between the various facets of MMA, making unpredictability and versatility their greatest weapons.

As you continue to train and evolve, let the lessons learned from each martial art inspire you to push beyond your limits, fostering not just physical strength but mental resilience as well.

The path to becoming an MMA champion is as much about mastering the techniques as it is about cultivating the heart and mind of a warrior.

Embrace the journey, stay committed to your growth, and never lose sight of the passion that drives you to step into the cage. Here’s to your success in MMA, and may your dedication to these martial arts guide you to victory.

FAQ: Mastering Martial Arts for MMA

How to choose martial arts for MMA?

Choosing the right martial arts for MMA involves understanding your fighting style and goals within the sport. Modern MMA encompasses a wide range of fighting techniques, so it’s crucial to select a martial art that complements your strengths while addressing your weaknesses.

For instance, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers strong emphasis on ground fighting and positional control, making it a best base for those interested in submission and grappling. Conversely, Muay Thai or Kickboxing provides a solid foundation for improving your striking game.

A balanced approach, incorporating both striking and grappling arts, ensures you’re prepared for all aspects of MMA fighting.

Can Wing Chun beat MMA?

Wing Chun, with its strong emphasis on close-range combat, various techniques, and quick strikes, can offer unique perspectives on self-defense and striking game.

However, when it comes to MMA fighting, where a broad spectrum of fighting styles converge, Wing Chun practitioners might find themselves at a disadvantage if they haven’t cross-trained in other disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, or Muay Thai.

MMA requires versatility to handle the various techniques opponents might bring into the cage, from chokes to takedowns and beyond.

Who is the best martial arts fighter?

While it’s challenging to pinpoint the “best” martial arts fighter due to the diverse range of styles and competitions, names like Royce Gracie, Jose Aldo, and Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson often surface in discussions about greatness.

Royce Gracie is a legendary figure who showcased the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the early days of the UFC, changing the landscape of modern MMA.

Jose Aldo has been celebrated for his explosive power and formidable striking game. Demetrious Johnson, with his well-rounded skill set, demonstrates the importance of versatility in MMA fighting.

Which martial art did Bruce Lee learn?

Bruce Lee was a pioneer in martial arts who studied various disciplines before developing Jeet Kune Do. He initially trained in Wing Chun under the tutelage of Yip Man in Hong Kong.

However, Lee’s philosophy was about being like water—flexible and adaptable—leading him to explore and incorporate various techniques from other martial arts, including Boxing, Taekwondo, and Catch Wrestling, into his own unique style.

His approach emphasized efficiency, directness, and simplicity, influencing not just martial arts but the philosophy of modern MMA fighters.

Is Krav Maga effective in MMA?

Krav Maga, with its strong emphasis on real-world, practical self-defense and its lot of emphasis on neutralizing threats quickly, provides a unique perspective on combat.

It includes various techniques for dealing with an attacker, from strikes to chokes and weapon defense. However, its application in MMA is limited due to the sport’s rules and the structured nature of competition fighting.

While certain principles of Krav Maga can enhance a fighter’s street fighting abilities, cross-training in other martial arts recognized as part of the Olympic games or widely practiced in MMA—such as Judo, Wrestling, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—is essential for competitive success in the cage.

How do martial arts like Sambo, Taekwondo, and Judo fit into MMA?

Sambo, with its origins in the Soviet Union, combines judo and wrestling techniques, offering a well-rounded grappling and submission skill set. It’s especially known for its leg locks and positional control.

Taekwondo contributes powerful kicking techniques and agility, enhancing a fighter’s striking game. Judo, part of the Olympic games, offers exceptional throws and takedowns, useful for controlling where the fight takes place.

Each of these arts adds valuable tools to an MMA fighter’s arsenal, underscoring the importance of a diverse skill set to stay in top shape and remain competitive in modern MMA.

Best Martial Arts For MMA: Choosing A Combination? (2024)