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Guides
New to martial arts? Start here — honest, practical answers to the questions everyone has before their first class.
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Not sure what to read first? Take the What Martial Art Should You Train? quiz — 12 questions, 9 possible disciplines. Or browse all five quizzes.
Start here
If you've never trained before, these are the four guides to read first.
Which Martial Art Should You Start?
BJJ vs. Muay Thai vs. boxing vs. wrestling vs. MMA — how to pick.
What to Expect at Your First Class
A nerves-free walkthrough of your first session — by discipline.
How to Choose an MMA Gym
12-point checklist for evaluating a gym before you sign anything.
Beginner Gear Guide
Exactly what to buy (and skip) when you start — by discipline.
Cost guides
What martial arts memberships actually cost — nationally, by state, and by discipline.
First class by discipline
A full walkthrough for the discipline you're about to try — what to wear, what happens, etiquette, beginner mistakes.
First BJJ Class
What to wear, what happens, etiquette.
First Muay Thai Class
Pad work, jump rope, no clinch sparring day one.
First Boxing Class
Footwork, hands, conditioning — no sparring yet.
First Kickboxing Class
Pads and bags — cardio meets striking.
First MMA Class
Striking, grappling, conditioning — how MMA is taught.
First Wrestling Class
Stance, motion, takedowns, conditioning.
First Judo Class
Ukemi (breakfalls), throws, randori.
First Karate Class
Kihon, kata, kumite — the three Ks.
First Taekwondo Class
Forms, kicks, dojang etiquette.
First No-Gi / Grappling Class
No grips, faster pace, leg lock culture.
Compare disciplines
Picking between two arts? Each comparison covers focus, contact, gear, fitness, self-defense, and cost.
Beginner topics
Age, fitness, etiquette, gear, and the questions every new student has.
Best Age to Start
Right age for kids and adults, by discipline.
Martial Arts for Weight Loss
Calorie burn by discipline; the cardio comparison.
Belt Rankings
BJJ, Judo, Karate, Taekwondo systems explained.
Martial Arts Glossaries
A-Z term reference for BJJ, Muay Thai, MMA.
BJJ Class Types
Fundamentals, advanced, no-gi, open mat.
BJJ Stripes & Promotions
How belt advancement actually works.
Gym Etiquette
15 unwritten rules every new student should know.
Women's Classes by City
Where to find women-friendly gyms in the top 20 metros.
Kids' Classes by City
Right age, what to look for, top-rated city programs.
Find the right gym
Top-rated gyms by city, plus how to evaluate the gyms and coaches you visit.
Data & reports
What our directory shows about the US MMA landscape.