Judo vs Boxing vs MMA: 5 Things to Consider Before Starting

Choosing a particular martial art can be quite a difficult task, especially when so much information exists for each sport. You will hear conflicting views about which combat sport is better overall for your body or will make you the best fighter and improve your well-being. To make things a little easier for you, we will go through 5 things you should consider before you embark on your journey in martial arts. We will discuss things such as what you want to gain from the combat sport, the cost of each, and ways to get a feel for what the sport may be like without fully committing.

Understand What You Want from the Sport

One of the most important things people will often tell you when advising on choosing between different combat sports is to think about what you actually want from the sport. If you simply want something that will strengthen your muscles and give you a good workout, then all three combat sports mentioned above could suit you. Have you taken an interest in mixed martial arts, and what makes fighters have better MMA odds in the UFC? There are, however, some differences between the sports. Boxing puts a lot more focus on striking and the ability to use your fists to land punches. You will also be taught how to dodge strikes through footwork and balance.

On the other hand, judo involves a lot more grappling with the goal of pinning the opponent on the ground and dominating them. Judo will train a broader range of muscles in your body compared to boxing and will take less of a toll on your body as the training sessions are less intense. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t get an excellent workout. Judo is great for teaching you patience and improving your focus, as one wrong move can leave you on the ground.

MMA, which stands for mixed martial arts, is often described as a mix of boxing and judo, and it is easy to see why. In MMA, you can grapple your opponent and strike them with your legs and arms. Mixed martial arts incorporate a wide range of different fighting styles, including boxing, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. With MMA, you are more likely to put your body through more challenges, but the benefits are clear. You will learn a range of different fighting techniques and train your body to overcome extreme challenges as you take it to its limit.

Learn the Cost of Each Sport

With each type of combat sport, there will be things you must purchase to participate in training. As you continue on your journey through a specific combat sport, there will be more and more things you will be inclined to purchase to assist with your training. You may think there can’t be many things to buy to participate in a combat sport; however, you would be surprised. Some examples of items that you may be required to purchase include uniforms, mouthpieces, belts, supplements, gloves, massages, gym memberships, equipment, and even online courses.

These are just some of the things you may have to invest in for whatever combat sport you choose, so you need to consider if it is something you can afford, as well as figure out whether you are willing to commit to it and make sure you’re not just wasting money. 

Do Your Research

It is extremely important to figure out what is motivating you to consider starting a combat sport such as boxing, judo, or MMA. Then you can begin your research into each sport and understand which one is best suited for you to reach your goals. There are many ways you can do some good research into different combat sports. For example, there are plenty of videos online that teach you all about each sport. There are events held often to give you an idea of what each sport entails, and if you happen to know someone that plays a particular combat sport, never be afraid to ask them.

Consider a Free Lesson

Once you think you might be interested in a particular combat sport, you can often enjoy a trial lesson to give you an idea of what the training sessions are like. Once you complete the free lesson, think about if you enjoyed the teaching, the activities you did, and whether or not you believe it is something you would be interested in continuing.

Understand the Commitment it Involves

Take things seriously. Before committing to a particular combat sport, one of the most important things is understanding that you must be willing to dedicate your time and energy. With these types of sports, you can’t go into training without being fully committed to improving yourself. Otherwise, you won’t get anywhere near as much out of the sport as you could.