Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a dynamic and complex sport that combines elements from various martial arts disciplines, including striking, grappling, and submissions. As a beginner, it’s crucial to master the foundational techniques that will form the basis of your fighting skills.
10 essential MMA moves for beginners, divided into three categories: punches, kicks, and grappling techniques
1. Jab: The Essential Striking Tool
The jab is probably the most versatile and foundational strike tool in the arsenal of any striker. It is just a simple straight punch with the lead hand, but its utility is immense. It is also used as a measuring tool, used to establish range, or even to prepare the way for some devastating subsequent strikes. Depending on the implementation, the jab can be either a light poking shot or an explosive blow capable of causing heavy damage. While it’s relatively easy to learn, mastering the jab takes time and practice.
2. Single-Leg Takedown: A Crucial Grappling Move
The single-leg takedown is a vital technique in MMA, particularly for beginners. It involves taking one of your opponent’s legs and driving them to the ground, making it a fundamental move for anyone engaging in grappling. Mastering this technique is essential, as a lack of proficiency can put you at a disadvantage, especially against skilled wrestlers. The single-leg takedown requires good timing, balance, and technique. With consistent practice, it can become a powerful tool to control the pace of the fight.
3. Overhand Punch: A Powerful Striking Option
The overhand punch is a unique and effective strike in MMA. In contrast, the overhand punch in boxing is typically an over-the-head, windmill-like looping motion that develops quite a bit of power. Its use can break through a man’s guard, or be an attempt to punch from a strange angle. Of course, in comparison, an overhand is not very elegant compared to some of the clean punches in which a man hits with precision-like a cross or jab, for example; yet, it’s a good killer punch when done at the right time.
4. Round Kick: The Most Important Kicking Technique
Round kick, very common in most martial arts, is actually one of the best kicking techniques for MMA. Generally done by using the shin, round kicks are mostly done in Muay Thai-based MMA.
To successfully execute this round kick, pivot on your lead foot, bring your hip forward, and turn it to make the power come out. While there might be slight differences, the round kick is an essential tool for any MMA fighter, allowing them to strike an opponent from a distance and inflict significant damage.
5. Sprawl: Defensive Takedown Counter
In MMA, the sprawl is a critical defensive technique used to counter an opponent’s takedown attempt. You instantly extend your legs backward, drop your hips to the ground, and apply your weight on the body of your opponent to prevent them from pulling it off.
Besides this, sprawl also plays an important role while defending takedowns and further enables you to keep a standing position or move toward a dominant one. Thus, sprawl becomes an important ability that allows the controlling of the pace of a fight.
6. Back Mount Escape: How to Escape from a Dominant Position
It is indeed very frustrating if someone gets hold of you into a backmount position as that leaves him several options for submitting you. The fighter sitting back can attack from various angles, hence making it a very hazardous position for the person lying on their back. It is thus essential for any new MMA practitioner to learn how to escape the back mount, in which position you are able to regain control of the fight. Though this is challenging, getting the correct technique and having practiced it will improve the chance of being submitted.
7. Double-Leg Takedown: The Classic Grappling Move
One of the most used and well-known techniques in MMA is the double-leg takedown. The technique involves closing the distance between you and your opponent, lowering your level to shoot for their legs, and driving them to the ground. This includes a penetration step and a strong grasp of the opponent’s legs. This simple move is so effective if it is executed precisely and on time.
8. The Clinch: Connecting the Striking and Grappling Worlds
The clinch is an important MMA component that enables you to control your opponent at close range. Originating from Muay Thai, the clinch is a technique that ties up the opponent’s upper body to prevent them from striking and sets up your own attacks. It is essential to master the clinch because it can lead to powerful knees, sweeps, and takedown opportunities. It also functions as a transitioning space between striking and grappling. To control the clinch, you must drill various techniques and develop the capability to control your opponent’s movement.
9. Elbow Strikes: A Close-Range Weapon
Elbow strikes are close-range weapons that, in MMA, are extremely useful. Whether the elbows are in the clinch or in a pocket exchange, they can really deliver a pounding force. This technique is ideal for causing cuts, bruises, and other damage, making it an excellent weapon when you’re in tight quarters. Elbows can be delivered in various angles and directions, including downward, sideways, and from an upward position. Practicing elbow strikes will increase your effectiveness in close-range exchanges.
10. Submission Holds: Mastering the Art of Tapping Out
Although not a “move” per se, in the same manner as strikes and takedowns, submissions are an integral part of MMA, and all novices must master them. A submission is forcing your opponent to tap out through the application of joint locks or chokes. For any MMA fighter, basic submissions such as the armbar, triangle choke, and rear-naked choke are essential as they can quickly end a fight. Practicing techniques of submission will give you the confidence to finish your opponents while in grappling exchange and defend yourself when the occasion calls for it.
Building a Strong MMA Foundation
For amateurs, mastering all the fundamental moves in MMA helps build a firm foundation in this sport. Whether you are working on striking with jabs and overhands, defending takedowns with sprawls, or executing effective grappling techniques such as the double-leg takedown and back mount escape, these core skills will help you progress in your MMA journey. Dedication to mastering these techniques will set you on the path to success, making you a well-rounded and effective fighter in the cage.
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