Skip to content
MMA Spark Subscribe

Blog

Everything we've published so far.

23 articles, newest first.

2026

Feature Mixed Martial Arts: A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Training Understand mixed martial arts, compare beginner classes, check sparring culture, and choose a training schedule that fits your day job. Feature Boxing Stances: Orthodox, Southpaw and a Beginner Setup Learn orthodox and southpaw boxing stances, set up a balanced base, and practice a short non-contact drill—with adjustments for MMA training. Feature Parrying in MMA: A Beginner’s Guide to Deflecting Punches Learn what parrying is, how to practice a compact jab parry, and which mistakes to avoid before adding counters or MMA sparring. Feature MMA Footwork: Basic Steps and Beginner Drills Learn which foot moves first, how to keep your stance, and three non-contact footwork drills that fit around recreational MMA classes. Feature Southpaw Stance: Setup, Footwork and Beginner MMA Drills Set up your right-side lead, learn which foot moves first, and understand orthodox matchups with a simple, non-contact southpaw practice for MMA beginners. Feature How to Train for a Sparring Match Without Wrecking Your Workweek Prepare for an MMA sparring match with a coach-led six-week plan for technical rounds, conditioning, recovery, tapering and safety. Ranking Table 100 MMA Techniques: Comparing Learning Demands Submission patterns average sequence complexity 1.50, strength 0.84; striking averages 0.62 and 1.10, on 0–2 scales. Feature 14 oz Boxing Gloves: Uses, Fit and Sparring Limits Choose 14 oz boxing gloves by training use, fit and gym rules—not body weight alone. See where they work and when sparring may require 16 oz. Feature Kickboxing Classes: How to Choose the Right Program Compare cardio, bag-based, Muay Thai and MMA formats, then use a trial to assess coaching, contact rules, total cost and recovery demands. Feature How Long to Hold a Rear-Naked Choke in Training Apply pressure gradually and release immediately at the tap—or whenever responsiveness is uncertain. Timing estimates are not training targets. Feature Judo vs BJJ: Which Grappling Art Should a Beginner Pick? Judo spends class time on throws and breakfalls, BJJ on guard and submissions. Compare curricula, rules, injury data and a two-trial-class decision rule. Feature Kaynan Duarte Shoulder Injury: What We Know His Superfight ended after an apparent shoulder injury in an overtime scramble; results list Simoes's win as a submission or an injury default. Feature Jitsu vs Judo: Key Differences and Which Fits Judo emphasizes standing grips, breakfalls and takedowns; BJJ goes deeper into guard, escapes, positional control and submissions. Feature Kids Jiu Jitsu: How to Choose a Safe Program Score a children's BJJ trial class on supervision, tap rules, pairing, hygiene and safeguarding, read what injury data actually shows, and tally the true cost. Feature Children's Jiu Jitsu: Safety, Readiness & Gym Checklist Use a low-pressure trial to assess contact controls and injury response, then ask whether your child felt safe and wants to return. Feature Boxing vs Kickboxing: Punching vs Full-Body Striking Boxing develops combinations, counters and punch defense; kickboxing adds kicks, kick defense and longer range, with rules varying by format. Feature Vitor Belfort–James Toney Boxing Proposal Explained Belfort asked Dana White to arrange a six-round boxing match; contemporary accounts document a public challenge, not a UFC offer or confirmed booking. Feature Wanderlei Silva’s 2010 Knee Surgery and UFC Return The contemporary surgery report, Silva’s layoff, and his July 2011 return against Chris Leben. Feature Wrestling vs BJJ: Differences by Training Goal Wrestling emphasizes takedowns, hand fighting, scrambles and top control; BJJ emphasizes guard, positional transitions, submissions and defense. Feature BJJ Kimura: Grip, Mechanics, Setups & Defense Learn five control checkpoints, entries from guard and top positions, stage-based defense, troubleshooting, transitions, and safe drilling. Feature Submission Fighting: Control, Rules and Training See how position creates permitted finishes, why legality varies by event, and why beginners should learn defense and safe tapping before submissions. Feature Submission Grappling: How It Works Positions, first-class structure and safety basics come first; clothing, scoring, legal submissions and match length vary by academy and event. Feature First Month of MMA Training: What to Expect Your first month of MMA training, honestly: what classes look like, how sore you'll be, when sparring actually starts, and the red flags that mean change gyms.