Kickboxing training for beginners and beginner MMA training classes in Richmond, BC Metro Vancouver are both available options at Art of Kickboxing. But which is better to train in? When it comes to deciding whether kickboxing or MMA is better, the answer really depends on what you want to achieve.
Both sports are popular combat sports, but they have very different approaches and techniques. Whether you’re looking to get fit, learn self-defense, or even compete in matches, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each will help you make the right choice.
Key Differences: Striking in Kickboxing vs MMA’s Versatility
At its core, kickboxing is a striking sport. A martial art influenced heavily by Muay Thai, Karate, American kickboxing, and Western boxing, it’s all about delivering powerful strikes while maintaining control of your range. Kickboxing rules focus purely on standing combat, with fighters using a combination of punches, kicks, elbow strikes, and knee strikes to dominate their opponent. If you want to sharpen your striking abilities and focus purely on stand-up techniques, kickboxing is a great option. Its simplicity makes it easy to pick up, and its emphasis on boxing gloves means you’ll be honing precise strikes without worrying about grappling or submissions.
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), on the other hand, is a wide variety of techniques pulled from multiple martial arts. While it includes stand-up striking, MMA also incorporates grappling, takedown techniques, and submissions like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu joint locks. MMA practitioners must master both striking styles and ground-based techniques, making it a more complex sport. This combination of disciplines gives MMA fighters more tools to use in a fight, making MMA a better choice for those who want to become well-rounded martial artists.
Which is Better?
If your goal is to become an elite striker, mastering a fighting style focused on elbow strikes, knee strikes, and quick footwork, then kickboxing is the better choice. But if you’re after versatility—knowing how to fight standing up, on the ground, or against an opponent trying to grapple—MMA offers far more options.
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Which is Better for Self-Defence?
The situation changes, when it comes to which is best for self-defence. Kickboxing is excellent for defending yourself in a defence situation where the fight stays standing. The sport teaches quick reactions, range of strikes, and a strong guard, which are useful in a street fight. For instance, learning how to deliver a well-timed roundhouse kick or using your hands for defence can give you an edge. Additionally, the learned range may be able to fend off knife attackers, but it’s better to make a run for it if possible and live another day.
However, MMA provides a more flexible skill set for real-life encounters. While kickboxing focuses on striking, MMA covers a wide range of techniques, including ground fighting and grappling, which could be critical in situations where an attacker might grab or tackle you. MMA’s inclusion of wrestling and Jiu Jitsu makes it better suited for situations where the fight goes to the ground—something kickboxing doesn’t prepare you for. Being proficient in both striking abilities and submissions gives you the advantage of defending yourself at any range.
Which is Better?
For straightforward self-defence, MMA is the more practical option due to its versatility in both striking and grappling. Kickboxing, while useful in stand-up situations, doesn’t prepare you for ground encounters or grappling in the same way MMA does.
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Kickboxing vs MMA: Fitness and Mental Toughness
In terms of physical conditioning, both sports offer incredible benefits. Kickboxing is highly effective for improving your cardiovascular ability, strength, and speed. Its high-intensity workouts, rooted in Muay Thai, Karate, and Western boxing, make it great for overall fitness. You’ll train using boxing bags, pads, and sparring, which help improve coordination, power, and stamina. Kickboxing matches are typically fast-paced, and the training reflects this, with short bursts of high-energy movement.
MMA, however, demands a more well-rounded fitness level. In addition to building strength and stamina through striking, MMA fighters must develop grappling endurance. Learning to control an opponent on the ground or escape submissions requires different muscles than kickboxing. MMA fighters also train for longer, more grueling sessions because of the sport’s emphasis on endurance, mental toughness, and adaptability.
Which is Better?
If your primary goal is fitness and conditioning, both combat sports will get you in shape, but kickboxing might be better for those who want fast, intense workouts focused on striking. MMA is more balanced but can be more demanding overall, making it the better option for those looking for a full-body workout that includes grappling and endurance training.
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Kickboxing & MMA Training Classes for Beginners in Richmond BC, Metro Vancouver
Still can’t decide? You don’t have to. At Art of Kickboxing, we offer both kickboxing and beginner MMA classes for youth and adults in Richmond, BC, Metro Vancouver, giving you the opportunity to try each sport and see which suits you better. Whether you’re interested in mastering the striking abilities of kickboxing or diving into the versatile world of MMA, our instructors will help you improve your skills, build confidence, and get fit.
Kickboxing classes at Art of Kickboxing focus on developing strong knee strikes, elbow strikes, and punches using proper kickboxing boxing gloves. If you prefer the complexity of MMA, you can also work on grappling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and takedown techniques. Whichever path you choose, both sports offer great mental and physical benefits. Plus, we have exclusive offers for new members to get started today!
