INSIDE MMA: MORE THAN JUST FIGHTING

Amilcar Xayiya

@melkardascribe

 

When the term ‘mixed martial arts’, or MMA, is uttered, most people’s first thought is cage fighting, knockouts and aggression. However, behind the violent spectacle, it is often viewed as something far more meaningful.

 

According to Gracie Barra martial arts school, MMA is not just about fighting, but rather it involves discipline, growth and building a stronger version of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. For many the path towards MMA began with curiosity while for others like MMA coach and instructor at Tier 1 Alliance Johan van Heerden stated it was the sport’s “well-roundedness in all fighting ranges” and its practical use in real-life self-defence that made it so appealing. Unlike traditional sports that focus on one specific skill to nurture, MMA blends/mixes multiple martial arts, such as striking (boxing/kickboxing), grappling (Olympic wrestling/Brazilian jiu-jitsu) and conditioning, to create its own complete training system.

 

Beyond physical fitness, MMA teaches values that extend far beyond the gym. According to van Heerden, “Young athletes develop adaptability, resilience and a won’t-quit attitude.” It ends up creating individuals who are not only physically strong athletes but also people who are more confident and determined in everyday life.

 

Given its reputation, MMA is mostly misunderstood, with many assuming it’s purely violent or reckless, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. “People don’t understand just how technical and intelligent MMA can be,” he explains. Every movement from simple jabs to complex takedowns requires precision, timing and accuracy – something that, to the untrained eye, might look like chaos but, in reality, is controlled and calculated. That same level of control and precision doesn’t just make MMA technical, but it also plays a crucial role in how the sport is practised. 

 

With safety being another area where MMA is questioned, van Heerden stated that to ensure safety, they will break down techniques to the core essentials, and no hard contact is allowed, even for the more experienced fighters, as it just leads to a build-up of injuries and brain damage over time. It accentuates how the sport is about more than fighting.

 

What truly sets MMA apart, though, is its impact outside the gym and how athletes can experience personal growth that carries into their daily lives. An example being how an MMA athlete as well as North West University student who prefers to remain unnamed stated, “MMA has taught me how to not only be confident in myself but also to have pride in the skills I’ve learned, and that through many hard training nights I’ve learnt with the right mindset I can push through anything.”

 

As van Heerden points out, the goal is not to create fighters but rather more confident people that do not feel the need to prove themselves.” Skills like adaptability, confidence, and resilience are just as valuable as physical ability. In fact, the difference between a good fighter and a great one often comes down to mindset, the ability to push through adversity and “make a comeback against all odds”.

 

At its core, MMA is not about violence – it’s about transformation. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get fit, a child learning discipline, or an athlete striving for excellence, MMA offers something for everyone. It challenges stereotypes and proves that sometimes, the greatest battles aren’t fought in a cage, but within ourselves.

 

The photo depicts a group of Tier 1 Alliance martial artists after a night session (Source: Combat coaching Potch WhatsApp group).

 

Edited by Isabel Burgers