Should I Learn Striking or Grappling First? Expert Advice
One of the most common questions for newcomers to MMA is: “Should I learn striking or grappling first?” It’s a tough decision—both are essential to MMA, but they require different skills and approaches.
If you’re unsure whether to focus on punches, kicks, and elbows or start with clinching, submissions, and takedowns, you’re not alone. Many beginners face this dilemma, and choosing the right starting point can be challenging.
In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both striking and grappling, helping you decide which is the best fit for your goals, fitness level, and preferences. Whether you’re interested in training for self-defence, building strength, or competing in MMA, we’ll guide you through the right path to take on your martial arts journey.
What is Striking? Understanding the Basics of Striking in MMA
Striking refers to any form of attack involving punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and even headbutts, designed to damage your opponent from a distance. In MMA, striking is vital for controlling the pace of the fight, scoring points, and ultimately, knocking your opponent out.
What skills are involved in striking?
When you learn striking, you’ll focus on key skills such as:
- Punches: Jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts.
- Kicks: Roundhouse, front kicks, low kicks, and spinning kicks.
- Footwork: Moving in and out of range, maintaining balance, and setting up attacks.
- Defencive maneuvers: Blocking, slipping, and rolling with punches to avoid damage.
When is striking the right choice?
If you are someone who enjoys high-intensity, fast-paced action and wants to dominate fights from a standing position, striking is a great starting point. Striking can improve your cardiovascular fitness, agility, and overall athleticism. Additionally, if you find yourself drawn to sports like boxing or kickboxing, this might be the perfect place to begin your MMA journey.
What is Grappling? The Art of Control and Submission
On the flip side, grappling is a close-range form of combat where you use holds, clinches, takedowns, and submissions to control or incapacitate your opponent. Unlike striking, grappling focuses on neutralising your opponent’s ability to hit you while attempting to bring them to the ground, where you can either control them or submit them.
What skills are involved in grappling?
Grappling encompasses a variety of techniques, including:
- Takedowns: Slams, trips, and throws to bring your opponent to the ground.
- Submissions: Techniques like armbars, chokeholds, and leg locks to force your opponent to tap out.
- Positional control: Gaining dominant positions such as mount, side control, and back control to neutralise the opponent.
- Sweeps and escapes: Shifting the balance of power from the bottom position to the top.
When is grappling the right choice?
If you prefer more tactical, grounded approaches and enjoy the idea of controlling an opponent through technique and leverage, grappling might be the best place to begin. It’s also crucial for self-defence, as it’s a powerful way to neutralise an attacker if the fight goes to the ground. Grappling also helps develop immense strength, balance, and endurance.
So should I learn striking or grappling first? If you prefer strategy and control over fast action, grappling could be your starting point.
Grappling vs. Striking for Fitness: Which Is Better for Building Strength?
Both striking and grappling offer great fitness benefits, but they target different aspects of strength.
- Striking: It builds explosive power, cardiovascular endurance, and agility. The fast-paced movements improve core strength and coordination while burning fat.
- Grappling: It focuses on functional strength, balance, and muscular endurance. It requires constant muscle engagement, improving overall body strength and stamina.
Which is better for you?
If you want explosive power and cardiovascular fitness, go with striking. If you prefer building functional strength and endurance, grappling is the way to go.
The Mental Aspects of Grappling vs. Striking
Each discipline also requires different mental strategies.
- Striking: It demands quick decision-making, precise timing, and the ability to control the pace of the fight. It’s mentally intense, especially when under pressure.
- Grappling: It is more about control, strategy, and patience. It involves staying calm under pressure, using technique and leverage to outsmart your opponent.
Which suits you?
If you thrive in fast-paced environments, striking is ideal. If you prefer a strategic, patient approach, grappling is a better fit.
Comparing Grappling vs Striking: Which Should You Focus On First?
Now that we’ve broken down the two essential disciplines of MMA—striking and grappling—you might be wondering: “Should I learn striking or grappling first?” The truth is, that both striking and grappling are essential to becoming a well-rounded MMA fighter, but the decision on where to start largely depends on your personal goals and preferences.
If you’re unsure, many MMA gyms offer programmes that teach both striking and grappling together. While this approach can be overwhelming for some beginners, it does provide a balanced skill set. However, focusing on one discipline at a time often leads to quicker progress.
Expert Advice: What Do Professional Trainers Recommend?
When it comes to choosing whether to learn striking or grappling first, it’s essential to consult the expertise of professional trainers who have experience working with fighters of all levels.
What trainers say about starting with striking:
Many MMA coaches recommend beginning with striking if you have a natural affinity for sports that involve hand-eye coordination or enjoy the idea of dominating a fight from a distance. Striking also tends to be easier to pick up for beginners, as the techniques are more linear and the concepts are more straightforward.
What trainers say about starting with grappling:
Other trainers advocate starting with grappling because of its strong foundation in controlling an opponent. Once you learn the basics of controlling a fight on the ground, it’s easier to add striking to the mix. Many experienced fighters believe that grappling skills are what ultimately give them the edge in MMA.
The Best Path for Beginners
As a beginner, it’s crucial to choose a training path that aligns with your long-term goals. Whether you’re learning striking or grappling first, both disciplines offer unique benefits that will enhance your overall MMA skills.
Starting with striking: Pros and cons
- Pros: Fast learning curve, great for fitness, helps control the fight.
- Cons: Leaves you vulnerable in a close-range encounter if you’re not trained in grappling.
Starting with grappling: Pros and cons
- Pros: Provides a strong foundation for self-defence and controlling an opponent. Builds incredible strength and endurance.
- Cons: The learning curve can be steep at first, as grappling requires a lot of technique and body awareness.
Finding a balance between both
If you’re truly committed to becoming a well-rounded fighter, the best option is to find a balance between both striking and grappling. Some programmes offer hybrid classes that incorporate both disciplines, while others allow you to focus on one skill at a time.
Ultimately, the key is to understand your personal goals, body type, and preferences before deciding where to start. But remember—whether you start with striking or grappling first, the important thing is to stay consistent and keep improving.
Ready to Start Your MMA Journey?
If you’re inspired by the idea of learning both striking and grappling, why not take the next step? Sign up for a Fan2Fighter MMA Camp to experience first-hand the transformative journey of training in MMA. Whether you’re still wondering “Should I learn striking or grappling first“, or you’re ready to dive into both, we’ll help you start your journey with expert coaching and a supportive community.
By joining Fan2Fighter camp, you’re not just training for fitness—you’re also supporting charitable causes. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how you can join our next event and check out our past events to see how others have transformed through MMA.