Can Non-Contact Sports Help You Become Better at MMA?
If you are training to become an MMA fighter or to improve your mixed martial arts skills for fun, you may well have considered trying out other sports. Of course, combat-related sports (including the traditional martial arts that make up MMA, like karate, kung fu, jujutsu, Krav Maga, and more) can help you to develop your overall skills as fighter, but what about non-contact sports?
You may be thinking that non-contact sports surely cannot have much relevance to how good you are at MMA. However, you would be mistaken if you were to think that this is the case. Practicing a variety of sports can have huge benefits for any kind of athlete, from increasing physical fitness in general to developing mental traits that can come handy in the ring.
The following are just a few of the non-contact sports that can help you to become better as an MMA fighter, and the reasons why they can do this.
Gymnastics
Gymnastics teaches a broad range of skills, such as balance, flexibility, and endurance. Gymnasts also often have to learn and repeat very complex series’ of moves, which is clearly something that can be used in the ring.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is perhaps one of the best forms of exercise that you can do. Climbing (either indoors or outdoors) promotes balance and all-over body strength. Although it is less likely to target specific muscles with the precision that weightlifting can, the overall need to use upper-body and lower-body strength in conjunction with each other can be extremely beneficial to overall strength and endurance.
Soccer
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with millions and millions of people over the world watching broadcasts, betting on the Euros, and playing the sport at a casual, semi-professional, or professional level. You may not know, however, that soccer can benefit the aspiring MMA fighter. In fact, fighters like Anderson Silva and José Aldo came from a background in the sport! The footwork involved in soccer can also be used to deliver precise and powerful kicks in MMA.
Ballet
While the stereotype of a ballet dancer may seem a million miles from the stereotype of an MMA fighter, there is in fact a long-established link between dancing and martial arts. Each art involves mastering and memorizing precise moves and using the entire body. The skills of balance, strength, and flexibility learned in ballet can certainly be used in MMA.
Triathlon
You may be aware of how the Diaz brothers promote triathlon for MMA. This is for good reason—triathlon, which includes running, cycling, and swimming in order, is one of the most gruelling cardiovascular workouts that you can carry out. The role of cardio and stamina in MMA cannot be overstated, and triathlon is one of the most effective ways to increase these skills.
As well as helping you improve your MMA skills, these sports are also a lot of fun, so why not give them a go?
