Why is MMA so appealing to women?

In recent years, the number of women studying MMA (mixed martial arts) in Vietnam has increased significantly, indicating that mixed martial arts arenas are becoming increasingly suitable for women's self-defense training needs.

More and more women are learning MMA - Photo: PTA

Should I learn to strike the ball standing or to strike the floor?

Previously, MMA was often considered the "domain" of men, with its powerful punches and throws, but in reality, more and more women have turned to this sport not only to improve their health, but also to equip themselves with self-defense skills and build confidence in life.

So, in MMA, what should women start learning to suit their physical abilities and maximize their unique strengths?

First, most instructors recommend that women familiarize themselves with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

This martial art emphasizes technique over brute strength. BJJ allows smaller individuals to escape or control opponents using arm locks, chokeholds, levers, and body flexibility.

MMA involves training in many practical fighting skills - Photo: MTP

Many studies indicate that BJJ is a relatively safe martial art, with a lower injury rate than boxing or MMA as a whole, yet it is extremely useful in real-life close-combat situations.

Some female students shared on international forums that after just a few months of practicing BJJ, they became much more confident and no longer felt afraid when someone unexpectedly touched them, because they always had a reaction plan ready in their minds.

This very factor is what makes BJJ considered the "weapon of softness," making it extremely suitable for women who want to learn martial arts for self-defense.

Alongside floor striking techniques, striking is also a crucial foundation. Many women choose boxing and Muay Thai to hone their reflexes, increase their stamina, and improve their ability to maintain distance.

Boxing offers precision in jabs, crosses, and hooks, while Muay Thai adds elbows, knees, and low kicks, which are very effective when needing to escape a direct hold.

In gyms in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi , the number of female students taking Muay Thai classes is rapidly increasing, as it is a sport that helps with weight loss and maintaining a fit physique, while also having high practical applications.

Coaches often teach female students to focus on speed, agility, and observation skills, rather than trying to generate heavy strength which is not a natural advantage.

Once they have a basic foundation, many women go on to try wrestling and judo to perfect their takedown skills.

Wrestling offers direct attacks to the opponent's legs, helping to quickly take the match to the ground, while Judo utilizes momentum and center of gravity, turning the opponent's strength into an advantage.

These techniques don't require significant muscle strength, but rely primarily on dexterity and calculation, making them very suitable for women's physiques.

Some world- renowned female fighters, such as Miesha Tate, have developed distinctive fighting styles by combining BJJ and Judo, creating an effective control-oriented fighting style.

Boosting women's confidence.

However, MMA is not simply about fighting techniques. For many women, the greatest value this sport offers is self-confidence and mental control.

Even light sparring sessions in the ring were enough to familiarize them with pressure, fear, and how to react to unexpected situations.

Many people report that after practicing martial arts, they are calmer in handling daily tasks, more decisive in communication, and especially no longer feel passive when having to work late or facing potential danger.

Women can build confidence in MMA - Photo: UFC

A study published in the journal Women in Sport and Physical Activity noted that women who participate in martial arts tend to exhibit significantly higher levels of self-confidence compared to those who only do gym workouts or aerobics.

Perhaps the most inspiring role model for women entering the MMA ring is Ronda Rousey.

Starting with Judo and winning a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Rousey became the first female fighter to win the UFC championship belt, ushering in a new era for women's MMA.

Her journey, from a judo athlete living in her car due to financial difficulties to a global star, has proven that technique, courage, and willpower can take women to equal, and even surpass, men in many cases.

Rousey's story also illustrates the importance of learning a foundational martial art and then combining it with MMA for holistic development.

In Vietnam, although MMA is still relatively new, many gyms in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang have started offering classes specifically for women, with training programs combining BJJ, boxing, and Muay Thai.

Some instructors say these classes often focus more on practical self-defense: how to escape a grappling hook, how to counterattack when attacked from behind, or skills in staying calm and calling for help.

MMA isn't too difficult for women - Photo: TA

As a result, MMA is no longer an exclusive domain of men, but is gradually becoming a tool to help women build strength and confidence.

Therefore, if women are just starting out, they should prioritize learning BJJ and boxing or Muay Thai to build a foundation in self-defense and overall physical fitness.

Later, once you've become more familiar with it, you can add Judo and Wrestling to further refine your takedown and control skills.

More importantly, MMA is not just about fighting, but also about developing character, willpower, and self-confidence – invaluable qualities in modern life.

MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is a modern combat sport that combines various martial arts styles such as Boxing, Muay Thai, Judo, Wrestling, Taekwondo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

In the ring, fighters can use punches, kicks, knees, elbows, as well as takedowns and submission holds. Originating in the US in the 1990s with the UFC, MMA quickly spread globally and is considered the fastest-growing sport in the world.

MMA is not just for professional competition; many people also practice it for fitness, weight loss, self-defense, and self-confidence.

HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vi-sao-vo-mma-thu-hut-phai-nu-20250828131215936.htm