Even the most skilled MMA world champions started their martial arts journey at the beginning. Whether you’re just looking for a new hobby, seeking a powerful workout regimen, or planning to conquer the world ring by ring, figuring out how to get started in MMA can be a bit daunting.

Check out this guide on MMA for beginners and find the gear you need to get started today.

1. Embrace the Lifestyle

MMA fighters are some of the most physically fit athletes in the world. Of course, those results took years of dedication and effort, so don’t feel like you need to reach that level just yet. However, if you want to succeed in mixed martial arts, you need to embrace the lifestyle that comes with it, just like any other athletic activity. The first step in MMA for beginners is adopting a fitness regimen and better eating habits.

Top MMA athletes follow very specific diets that include a lot of carbs, fats, and protein. However, this diet may not be ideal for you if you’re not training vigorously. At first, simply start by eating healthier. Lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are all excellent options. If you’re wondering how to get started in MMA, the first step is to target your overall health. If you want to succeed, you’re going to need to be in the best shape of your life.

In addition to improving your diet, you should also start exercising regularly. While bodybuilding may seem like the obvious approach, the reality is that simply putting on mass isn’t the best strategy. Some weight training here and there can be beneficial, but you really want to work on your core using medicine balls, kettlebells and jumping rope, so you can strengthen punches and kicks and boost your grappling strength.

MMA for beginners takes time, so start by simply exercising every day, and as you get more serious you can implement MMA-specific training exercises.

2. Seek Out a Partner

Finding a like minded person who is interested in pursuing mixed martial arts can be incredibly beneficial. Finding the motivation to train every day on your own can be incredibly difficult, and having a training buddy really helps with accountability. If you have a partner, you can also spar and work on moves together. Training with a sparring partner gives you real-life experience that bags and dummies simply can’t match.

Sharing your quest to learn how to get started in MMA with another person also makes the sport much more enjoyable in general. If you’re having fun doing something, you’re naturally going to do it more often, producing better results. You can also share new insights with your partner and vice-versa. For example, you can teach other new moves and exercises that you might not have discovered on your own.

If you don’t have a sparring partner, you may want to consider investing in a quality grappling dummy.

3. Get Your Gear

Like any sport, you’re going to need to own some specific gear so you can practice MMA for beginners safely and effectively. The gear you’re going to require varies depending on your preferred discipline. Revgear’s team of experts can make recommendations on what kind of gear is best for your style and intensity of training.

Here is a list of basic gear that should get you started:

• Cup or Groin Guard
• Mouthguard
• Headgear
• Shin guards
• Hand wraps
• Gloves
• Knee/elbow pads
• Rash guards
• Fight shorts

You may also want to invest in speed and training bags, targets, and other sparring gear, as well as home exercise equipment so you can train when you’re not at the gym.

4. Find an Instructor

Getting into MMA for beginners can be extremely difficult without proper guidance. Once you’ve decided that you’re serious about martial arts, it’s time to seek out an instructor. Your instructor can make or break your martial arts journey, so spend some time doing some research. Read reviews from other students, sit in on classes, and reach out to your local community.

As you look for the right instructor, you may want to find someone who affiliated with a reputable organization. While a lone wolf may be able to provide outstanding instruction, someone who is accredited is usually a safer bet. Make sure the instructor provides a safe and enjoyable learning environment. If you’re not enjoying yourself, you’re not going to want to continue. Getting along with your instructor is crucial.

5. Ask Questions

If you’re interested in MMA for beginners, it’s critical that you stay curious. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a novice. If you pretend like you know what you’re doing because you’ve watched a few UFC fights on TV, you’re only going to embarrass (and potentially injure) yourself. Embrace the fact that you’re a beginner, and be an information sponge.

The MMA community can be extremely welcoming and helpful to people just getting their start. Hang out at your local MMA gym, and talk to more experienced fighters. While not every fighter is going to be an open book, if you let people know that you’re wondering how to get started in MMA, there’s a good chance that someone will be more than willing to help you along.