“I think MMA is such a popular mainstream sport because it’s just so pure. It’s pure, it’s raw, it’s visceral. There’s no other sport that compares,” says former UFC fighter Cody Donovan. There are multiple reasons why Mixed Martial Arts has grown immensely as both a mainstream and recreational sport. Unlike other sports or fitness regiments, MMA offers a unique experience, with a tight-knit community and strong discipline, which is rivaled by none.
So what is MMA? Since the dawn of humankind, hand-to-hand combat has been a crucial part of life, whether as a last resort in battle or for entertainment. The closest precursor to modern-day MMA can be seen in the ancient sport of pankration, a mix of striking and grappling, that was first introduced in the XXXIII Olympiad (648 BCE). “MMA literally stands for Mixed Martial Arts. It is an attempt to put combat sports back together, combat sports separated into different sports, boxing, wrestling, and MMA is all of those things combined again,” said Donovan.
Why start MMA? Martial arts is a journey. It doesn’t matter who you are, or where you come from, martial arts does not discriminate, and with MMA you get a little bit of everything, “It includes, boxing and jiu-jitsu and wrestling, and it includes the transition zone between them; It’s like you went to go play football, and you had to learn basketball and baseball in the middle of your game,” said avid fan and practitioner AJ Vanes. The other good thing about MMA is if you enjoy one aspect of the sport, you can focus solely on it; Most people interviewed said they really enjoyed Jiu Jitsu so that is what they train. The vastness of MMA also makes it so that you can create your own style, whether you focus on kickboxing or wrestling, the world of MMA is just an open canvas where each practitioner creates their own masterpiece. Donovan talks about this notion as to how he coaches, “There is no right or wrong in martial arts, there is no perfect way to do something and understanding that each fighter has their own individual abilities and unique quirks and trying to make the best of that is a really fun puzzle to solve.”Martial arts also helps better people mentally as well as physically as it builds discipline, increases confidence, keeps you fit, and much more; “I own a gym because I believe that martial arts changes people’s lives in a really positive way,” said Donovan.
Who is MMA for? As stated before, martial arts does not discriminate as there is a vast spectrum of individuals that train, ranging from little kids to old ladies. “When you’re outside of the community you think these people are super violent or they are angry people, but in reality most of the time they’re not, and if they are angry people they are dealing with it in a very responsible way, they are getting it out in a controlled environment. Most of the people I’ve met in the fight community are some of the nicest people I’ve met, kindest people I’ve met, and that’s something you don’t realize from the outside,” said Vanes, he also recalls the friendships made while training, “The friends you make on the mat [are] awesome because you learn to suffer together, when you’re sparing or when you’re drilling and you’re tired but you’re doing it together. It’s what I like about sports, you are being bonded over shared suffering, but also shared victory, through all of it you are being bonded, and the more you spend time with people the more you know people the more you love people.”
Where and when can you train? MMA is a growing sport so it shouldn’t be hard to find a gym, some good examples nearby are Easton Training Center, Gracie Barra, Logos BJJ, and my pick High Altitude Martial Arts (Donovan’s Gym). Donovan’s advice to beginners is to find a good gym, “Whatever gym you’re in, if you’re interested in martial arts, find a gym that teaches a well-rounded system, a good grappling system, a good striking system, and a place that prioritizes culture.” Most gyms should have a free orientation class. So take advantage of it, go to multiple gyms before picking the right one, and see if you like how they teach, the skill level at the gym, their curriculum, and the culture. Most gyms also have flexible hours, so be sure they align with your schedule and check out their website or ask during your orientation.
Fighting to me is therapeutic. The moment you step on the mat everything else in the world is irrelevant, every problem gone for that hour or two, it’s like Donovan said, it’s pure. I think it speaks volumes to go train after an exhausting day, to better yourself, to get humbled by everyone, and want to do it again the next day. So what are you waiting for? Go book an appointment and see where this journey will lead you.
