How Long Does It Take to Become Good in MMA?
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a dynamic sport that combines techniques from various martial arts disciplines. As such, it is considered the most difficult combat sport to master and many people wonder how long it takes to learn MMA and reach a level of proficiency.
How Long Does It Take to Become Good in MMA?
The time it takes to become proficient in MMA is widely based on individual factors such as prior experience, training frequency, and dedication.
In general, it takes around three to five years of consistent training to reach a competent level in MMA. However, this timeline can differ between a total beginner and someone with a martial arts background.
Slower: You are a Total Beginner
For someone starting without any martial arts experience, the initial year involves learning basic techniques from multiple disciplines, such as striking, grappling, and submissions.
Beginners spend a lot of time building foundational skills and understanding the basic principles. Most of them usually need around 18 months to master the basics before moving to more advanced levels.
By the second and third years, beginners may start progressing at a faster rate. They engage in more intense sparring sessions and begin participating in amateur competitions to gain practical experience.
Faster: You Have a Martial Arts Background
In contrast, students with a background in martial arts such as boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), wrestling, or Muay Thai often progress faster.
They already possess foundational skills in either striking or grappling, which allows them to focus on areas where they lack experience.
For example, a wrestler may need to improve striking, while a boxer might concentrate on grappling techniques.
With prior martial arts training, these students can often reach a competent level in MMA within two to three years.
Their martial arts background provides a solid base, enabling them to adapt more quickly to the demands of MMA. They can integrate their specialized techniques into a comprehensive MMA strategy, making their transition smoother and more efficient.
Stages Of Learning MMA
Learning MMA can be broadly categorized into three stages: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Each stage has its own set of milestones and challenges.
Beginner Stage (0–18 Months)
The beginner stage is about building a strong foundation. Newcomers learn basic techniques from various disciplines, including striking, grappling, and submissions. Key focus areas include:
- Basic Strikes: Jabs, crosses, hooks, and kicks.
- Grappling: Fundamental positions, escapes, and takedowns.
- Submissions: Simple submissions like arm bars and chokeholds.
During this stage, consistency is crucial. Beginners should focus on developing good habits, proper technique, and a solid understanding of the sport’s rules and principles. Attending classes regularly and actively engaging in training sessions help build a strong foundation.
Intermediate Stage (1–3 Years)
After gaining a basic understanding, practitioners move into the intermediate stage, where they refine their skills and start developing a personal style. This stage involves:
- Advanced striking: Complex strikes, combinations, and counters.
- Grappling: Advanced positions, transitions, and submission setups.
- Strategy: Developing fight strategies, learning to read opponents, and improving fight IQ.
At this stage, sparring becomes more frequent and intense, providing valuable experience in applying techniques under pressure. Participating in amateur competitions can also accelerate learning by exposing fighters to real fight scenarios.
Advanced Stage (3+ Years)
Reaching the advanced stage signifies a high level of proficiency. Fighters at this level have a deep understanding of MMA and can adapt to various fighting styles. Key aspects include:
- Mastering specific techniques and strategies tailored to individual strengths.
- Going through fight camps, weight management, and mental conditioning.
- Competing at higher levels and gaining exposure to elite fighters.
Advanced practitioners often engage in specialized training camps and work with professional coaches to fine-tune their skills.
What age is ideal for MMA?
The ideal age to start learning MMA is typically between 12 and 16 years old. During these years, children and teenagers possess the physical flexibility and adaptability needed to absorb complex techniques from various martial arts disciplines.
Beginning MMA training at this age allows them to develop a strong foundation in striking, grappling, and submissions before reaching physical maturity.
Moreover, starting young supports the development of important skills such as discipline, mental toughness, and work ethic. It also provides a longer period to build strength, endurance, and overall athleticism, which are crucial for success in MMA.
However, you can start training in MMA at any age. It’s never too late to learn how to fight and improve fitness.
Why is MMA So Difficult To Learn?
MMA is challenging to learn due to its multidisciplinary nature, physical demands, mental toughness, technical complexity, and intense competition.
First, MMA combines striking, grappling, and submissions from various martial arts, requiring proficiency in multiple areas. This diversity makes training more complex and time-consuming.
In boxing, practitioners focus only on one aspect: striking with their hands. In BJJ or wrestling, they do the same by focusing on grappling. But MMA involves all the segments so each practitioner must be well-versed in at least 3 martial arts styles. Similar to old school Okinawan shoot fighting.
As you would assume, the physical demands are immense. Fighters need exceptional strength, endurance, speed, flexibility, and agility. The high-impact nature of training and competition also increases injury risks and most practitioners have a hard time staying healthy.
The same stands for mental toughness. Fighters must handle intense physical and psychological stress, maintain focus, and stay motivated despite setbacks and fatigue.
Lastly, the high level of global competition demands constant improvement and innovation, making MMA one of the most difficult sports to master.
What Is The Best Martial Art For MMA?
The following three martial arts stand out as particularly advantageous foundations for MMA(due to popularity and effectiveness): wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and Muay Thai. Each offers unique benefits that contribute to a well-rounded MMA fighter.
Wrestling
Wrestling is often considered one of the best bases for MMA. It emphasizes takedowns, control, and positional dominance, which are crucial aspects of MMA.
Wrestlers develop exceptional strength, endurance, and the ability to dictate where the fight takes place. They can take opponents down and control them on the ground or use their skills to keep the fight standing if they prefer striking.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is another excellent base for cage fighting, focusing on ground fighting, submissions, and positional control. The majority of bouts end up on the ground at some point which makes BJJ skills essential.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a highly effective striking base for MMA. Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” it utilizes punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, making it one of the most comprehensive striking systems.
Muay Thai fighters develop excellent striking techniques, powerful kicks, and effective clinch work, which are essential in MMA.
Can You Learn MMA In a Year?
Learning MMA in a year is possible, but the level of proficiency achieved will be limited.
Within a year, a dedicated individual can acquire basic skills and gain a foundational understanding of striking, grappling, and submissions. However, reaching a high level of competence typically requires more time.
There are cases when, for instance, an Olympic wrestler makes a transition to MMA. These rare talents usually need a year to adapt and add decent striking to their grappling base to make a quick transition and succeed in MMA.
Some of the best examples are Randy Couture, Brock Lesnar, Yoel Romero and Alex Pereira.
