MMA (or Mixed Martial Arts) is amazing for fitness, so it’s no surprise that you have found your way to this article on how to join an MMA class!

And because it’s fun and engaging, you’ll keep finding yourself looking forward to the next training session. It’s also easy to adjust the training for any fitness level, so no matter where you are on the spectrum from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one, you can participate in the training.

If you’ve decided to get started with your fitness journey, good job! Your life changes the moment you make a committed decision. As it is with any new activity, though, the first step is always the hardest. Often, anxiety stems from not knowing what to expect as you traverse the unknown.

In this article, we hope to help you plan out starting your MMA journey. Let’s walk you through everything you need to know about how to join an MMA class.

• 1 Research

  The first step to join an MMA class is knowing what gym you want to enroll in. Since MMA is super popular across the globe, you are likely to find a couple of gyms offering them in your area. Do some research on them. Check their website and social media pages. This will give you an idea of their training philosophy, instructor experience, and class offerings. 

  

  You’ll also want to know about their locations, facilities, and fees. Research will help you get an idea of these, or at least get contact details so you can ask about them.

  Once you’ve done your research and you have a list of promising prospects, it’s time to move on to the next step.

• 2 Schedule a visit

  So you have a list of gyms you’re interested in. Next comes experiencing them for yourself. It’s normal for most gyms to offer free trial classes so you get a feel for the environment. 

  After your research you probably have contact details for prospective gyms. Don’t be shy and give them a call! Ask any questions you may have – fees, timetable, or anything you want to know that you couldn’t find in your online research. This is also the opportunity to ask about free trial classes and indicate that you would like to join. They should set a schedule for you to visit the gym and join an MMA class of your choice.

  If you’d like to try out MMA at The Fight Centre, click here to book a free trial class. 

• 3 Get ready for your first class

  You’ve already booked, and you’re just waiting for the date. It’s time to get ready for your first class! If you’re anxious about your first visit, preparing well will help alleviate that anxiety. 

  Gym bag

  Your gym bag should have everything you’ll need in class. Here’s a list to get you started:

  • Workout clothes (more on this later)
  • Water bottle 
  • Towel
  • An energy bar (in case you need a little boost before or after your workout)
  • Headband and/or hair ties (to keep hair out of your face)
  • Boxing/MMA gloves*
  • Handwraps*

  *If it’s your first ever martial arts class and you don’t have gloves or hand wraps yet, don’t worry! We have them available at The Fight Centre. Just make sure to come early so your hands are already wrapped by the time class starts.

  Workout clothes

  

  As for your workout clothes, just make sure to bring clean, comfortable clothes you can move around in. Shorts and leggings work nicely. Avoid clothing with zippers, buttons, sequins, or anything that might snag. Your MMA class may involve a bit of contact, so we want to keep our clothes as sleek as possible.

  Blended fabrics with polyester or spandex are commonly used in workout gear. If you don’t have them, there’s no problem wearing cotton apparel to work out.

  General reminders

  As with any workout, make sure that you’re ready to go by getting a good night’s sleep and that you’re not feeling unwell.
  
  Practice good hygiene, take a shower, apply deodorant, and brush your teeth or use some mouthwash. The Fight Centre has showers onsite and provides amenities for members to use, like body wash, hair cleaning products and deodorant. After all, a gym is a shared space where you might be getting up close and personal with your fellow gym-goers. Trim your nails too—we don’t want any accidental scratching!

• 4 Show up

  4 Show up

  Finally, the day of your first MMA class! Different gyms have different welcoming processes, but here’s how it usually is at TFC:

  Come 15 minutes early and approach the front desk. Introduce yourself and tell them you’re here for your trial class. You’ll have to fill up some forms before you are introduced to the coach leading your class. If you have any restrictions such as chronic injuries or movements that cause pain, this is the time to tell your coach.

  If you don’t have handwraps, ask for them. The staff will also help you wrap your hands. Watch how they do it so you can replicate it and practice on your own.

  And that’s basically it! You’re good to join your class. Enjoy and put your best effort in. If you had fun and can see yourself doing this long-term, then sign up for a membership! We’ll be happy to have you on board.