The best age to start MMA fighting

From children through to older adults, there are benefits to MMA training

MMA, or mixed martial arts, is a combat sport combining techniques from various martial arts disciplines, including Brazilian Ju Jitsu , Muay Thai, boxing and wrestling. While it’s renowned for being physically demanding this doesn’t mean that MMA training is only for fit young adults. Here at Wilkes, we truly believe that MMA training has significant benefits for all ages and skill levels, both for physical and mental health.

MMA and children

If you type “Best Age to start MMA training” into Google, most search results will recommend children start training around the age of 6 or 7. This is because, at this age, children have developed the coordination and motor skills necessary to participate in the sport safely.
One of the benefits of starting mixed martial arts training at Wilkes, is that we’ve developed an age appropriate program for children from 2 – 5 years old. Our Little Heroes program is play-based learning with an emphasis on enjoyable classes. As they learn and progress, our students begin to develop the mental acuity that helps them later on. The key benefits of beginning training in our kids martial arts program include:

Developing resilience
Increased discipline and focus
Improved coordination and motor skills
Enhanced self-confidence and self-esteem
Development of healthy habits and physical fitness
Improved listening skills

MMA and teenagers

As children enter their teenage years, they can join our 10-13-year-old classes or Teens Martial Arts. Students have matured enough physically and mentally to handle the increased demands to begin training for competition. With this comes the added advantage of developing a strong social network with others who have a similar interest in MMA training. It’s worth noting that while teenagers can begin training for competition, they won’t start competing until they reach at least 18. Along with increasing physical fitness, there’s a focus on developing healthy habits and social skills. Other benefits include:

Increased discipline and focus
Enhanced self-confidence and self-esteem
A focus on mindset and regulating emotions
Conflict resolution with peers
Respect – for self and for others

MMA and adults

Adults can start MMA training at any time and at any stage of life. Many people begin training as a way to improve their overall fitness or to learn self-defence strategies. At Wilkes Martial Arts, we aim to accommodate everyone, including different ages, shapes, sizes, gender and backgrounds. We work hard to change the misconception that MMA is about ego, intimidation and aggression. Our adult classes are about helping you become a better you. This could look like:

Better physical fitness – improved cardiovascular health, muscle strength and body mobility
Increased discipline and commitment
Enhanced self-confidence and self-esteem
A new method of stress release
Opportunity for competition
Develop your concentration skills

Am I too old for MMA?

Is there an age limit to MMA training? Can you be too old to start? Not from our experience.

When we train older adults, we first get clear on your goals. These could be anything from your cardiovascular endurance to your range of motion and mobility. Building muscular strength or improving your mental health. It can even be expanding your social opportunities. Our experienced trainers manage injury prevention by teaching proper techniques and helping our older students to manage their expectations and limitations when they first start. We also talk about the importance of rest, recovery and proper nutrition as part of your training.

MMA benefits are for ALL ages and skill levels

At Wilkes, we challenge the idea that MMA benefits only one type of person – MMA fighters. MMA training has a range of physical, mental and social benefits for all ages. We challenge the misconception that it’s a dangerous sport, and demonstrate that it improves your overall physical fitness. And you don’t have to be highly skilled to start. Coaches of our MMA classes are passionate about delivering lessons that meet the needs of each age group, ensuring each participant reaps the full benefits of our MMA training offers.