Boxing, Kickboxing, MMA or BJJ? Which Combat Sport Should You Start With?

The first question of those who want to begin combat sports is usually: "Boxing, kickboxing, MMA or BJJ?" All are effective, safe and productive sports with a good coach; the difference lies in which better suits your goals and personality.

Boxing

Only punches are used. Footwork, hand-eye coordination, defence and conditioning are the focus. The learning curve is clear; the technical foundation settles in 3–6 months. It is ideal for those who want to lose weight, build conditioning and develop a sense of rhythm. Injury risk is relatively low because it focuses on punches and joints; the main risk is head blows in sparring.

Kickboxing

In addition to punches there are kicks, knees (and in some rules elbows). Hip flexibility, leg strength and balance develop. It burns more calories and works the whole body. At the beginning kicks require flexibility and knee and hip mobility; slow progress is normal.

MMA

A combination of standing striking, wrestling and ground fighting. It is the most comprehensive and demanding system, and more productive for those with a solid base in the foundation disciplines. That is why in our academy we recommend a boxing and BJJ foundation before moving to MMA.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Built on ground fighting and submission techniques; also known as "human chess." Because it involves no striking, the risk of head trauma from blows is low. It turns differences in age and strength into technique, and the belt system shows development. If ground contact and physical closeness bother you it may be difficult at first.

How to decide

• Conditioning and weight: Boxing or kickboxing
• Confidence and defence: Kickboxing or BJJ
• Technical intelligence and long-term development: BJJ
• Fighting at every range: MMA (starting with one of the foundation disciplines)

If you still cannot decide which to choose, take the "Which Discipline Suits Me?" test on our site or try several disciplines in a free trial session. Get a medical report before starting any discipline, and consult a sports physician if you have a cardiovascular or joint problem.

Cost and equipment

Starter equipment for boxing and kickboxing (gloves, wraps, mouthguard) costs about 2,500–4,000 TRY. A kimono and rashguard for BJJ run between 3,500 and 6,000 TRY. Because equipment is provided by the academy in the first session you do not need to shop at once; after a few weeks of trying you can choose products that fit you on your coach's advice. Two to three sessions a week are enough for clear progress in the first six months in any discipline.