MMA fighters practise at a gym in Standerton
Thian van den Berg explains what MMA is, what benefits it holds and what qualities you can learn.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) blends various martial arts, including boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu. Thian van den Berg, the owner and trainer at the TnT Mixed Martial Arts Club, said the wide range of techniques a fighter can learn sets MMA apart from other martial arts.
“It borrows aspects from all contact sports, and fighters learn techniques from all those sports,” explained Van den Berg.
The club has operated for three months and has already attracted 10 members, who regularly attend training sessions. Mark Cockroft and Franco Kasselman are training at TnT for an upcoming Moer ’n Boer fight in September.
Van den Berg identified essential MMA exercises such as strength training, wrestling, Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and boxing.
However, this is not ordinary fighting.
An MMA fighter must be motivated, dedicated, ready for physical contact and open to learning new techniques.
“MMA is not only good for your physical health, but your mental health,” explained Van den Berg.
According to him, several of his fighters showed up to their first class with low self-esteem, but he has seen them grow and take better care of themselves with each class.
Besides the litany of physical health benefits, Van den Berg also said MMA teaches students endurance and self-defence.
“Having a natural talent for martial arts does help, but anyone can be taught the art of MMA,” said Van den Berg.
Van den Berg stated that to succeed in MMA, a student must lead a healthy lifestyle, train consistently, and maintain composure in conflict situations and competitions.
“It’s more than just learning how to fight, it’s about learning how to respect yourself,” he concluded.
