Intermediate Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Classes
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for Teens & Adults: Ages 14+
Art of Kickboxing offers Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) classes in Richmond BC, Metro Vancouver, for teens (14+) and adults. Our intermediate MMA classes provide the fundamentals of arm control, grappling, take-downs, groundwork, and striking-to-grappling transitions, necessary and practical for real-world self-defence scenarios. Classes are taught by Veteran UFC Fighter Tristan Connelly and are a very unique opportunity for those that want to compete in the UFC or other MMA competitions.
The class focus is blending striking and grappling which includes learning set-ups and entries, clinch work, takedowns, ground transitions, and MMA-specific drills.
Our mixed martial arts (MMA) classes are perfect for those who want hands-on educational and step-by-step technical-based and include learning to blend your kickboxing, boxing, or Muay Thai skills with wrestling, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, which are some of today's most practical self-defence martial arts for the everyday person.
class structure
Our Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) classes are focused on learning the boxing stance, boxing footwork, and boxing specific fundamentals including close-quarters rolling and slipping, utilizing angles through bobbing and weaving for unique boxing combinations such as setting up the liver shot, emphasizing parries and tight defence, and improving timing, coordination, and technique for your punches.
Warm-Up
Stretching: Flexibility is highly important in Muay Thai. Footwork Drills: Footwork is the heart of martial arts and combat sports. Warm up through mobility exercises including lateral shuffles and pivot exercises. Calisthenics: Jumping jacks, pushups, and MMA-style conditioning to fire up your entire body. Shadow Boxing: Learn proper shadow boxing to build muscle memory for fluid combinations, blending punches and kicks in seamless motion.
Technique & Pad Work
Muay Thai Fundamentals: Learn the basics of movement, striking mechanics, punches (jabs, crosses, hooks), kicks, elbow strikes, knee strikes, leg sweeps, along with Muay Thai-specific defence. Partnered Pad Work: Apply combinations with feedback from experienced trainers – no prior skill level required! Skill Technique Progression: From basic punches to advanced combos, our boxing program adapts into more advanced techniques overtime. High-Intensity Drills: Bag work, partner drills, or circuits for metabolic conditioning and cardio cardiovascular workout.
what to bring
clothing
Breathable, flexible, comfortable workout attire (think shorts, sweatpants, athletic tees, or tank tops).
Footwear
Students can train barefoot, with socks, or with clean indoor martial arts shoes.
Gear
We provide gloves and shinguards to borrow, but students are required to purchase their own gear after borrowing the equipment 3 or more times.
Water
Bring a water bottle to each class. A water fountain is not currently available at the gym; however, we have bottled water and drinks at the gym to purchase.
benefits:
Personal Development - Confidence, Self-Esteem, Discipline
Staying active - Self-Defense, Coordination, Strength, Fitness
life skills - Resilience, Focus, Respect, Situational Awareness
Social skills - Teamwork, Communication, Humbleness
Welcoming community - Friendly, Inclusive, Meeting new people
goal achieving - Belt progression, Technique Building, Competition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)?
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is a martial arts that encompasses a variety of martial arts techniques such as judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. Contrary to popular belief, MMA is highly technical, with a focus on practical applications, self-defence, and developing a wide range of combat skills. Our classes at Art of Kickboxing emphasize technical instruction in both striking and grappling, making it a great training program for individuals of any skill level.
What Is MMA Training Best for?
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training provides the most well-rounded self-defence toolkit for anyone to have. Learning MMA is a great choice for those who want to work in security, law enforcement, the military, or those who live in high-crime environments. As well as those who are thinking about competing one day. Even if a student only wants to compete in kickboxing, learning submissions, takedowns, grappling, and ground techniques can give an amateur kickboxer a completely different fight perspective that could benefit them during a kickboxing match.
Is MMA Hard for Beginners?
At some gyms, MMA training might seem intimidating, but at Art of Kickboxing, our focus is on making MMA training accessible for beginners. Our qualified instructors work with each student one-on-one, teaching every technique step by step in a patient and supportive manner. We understand that every student comes in with different comfort levels, and our training is tailored to accommodate all experience levels. This ensures that even complete beginners can enjoy the benefits of MMA without feeling overwhelmed.