Guides
Martial Arts Guides
Honest answers to the questions people ask before they walk through the door.
Category
Getting started
What happens at your first MMA class
A straightforward walkthrough of a first MMA session — what you'll do, what's expected of you, and what definitely won't happen.
Is MMA good for beginners?
Whether mixed martial arts is a sensible starting point if you've never trained, and how to approach it if it is.
What to wear to your first MMA class
Simple, practical advice on kit for a first session — and what you can safely leave at home.
How fit do you need to be to start MMA?
The honest answer to the most common reason people delay starting martial arts.
Am I too old to start MMA?
Starting martial arts in your thirties, forties, fifties and beyond — what changes and what doesn't.
Kickboxing for beginners: what to expect
A plain guide to your first few kickboxing sessions, from stance to pad work.
What equipment do you need for MMA?
What to buy, when to buy it, and what you can happily ignore for the first few months.
Category
Disciplines
MMA vs kickboxing: which should you choose?
How the two disciplines differ in practice, and which is the better starting point depending on what you want.
BJJ vs MMA: what's the difference?
The relationship between Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts, and how to pick a starting point.
Gi vs No-Gi BJJ: what's the difference?
How training with and without the kimono changes the game, and which one suits your goals.
Category
Kids & parents
The benefits of martial arts for children
What children actually gain from structured martial arts training, beyond the obvious fitness.
Is MMA safe for kids?
How children's MMA is actually taught, and what safeguards a parent should expect to see.
What age can children start martial arts?
A realistic guide to starting ages and what children get out of training at each stage.
What parents should look for in a martial arts gym
A practical checklist for choosing a club for your child, including the questions worth asking.
Category
Training
How often should you train MMA?
Finding a training frequency that produces progress without burning you out.
Can you train MMA without fighting?
Yes — and here's how training looks when competition isn't your goal.