Why does MMA attract women?

In recent years, the number of women studying MMA (mixed martial arts) in Vietnam has increased significantly, showing that the mixed martial arts arena is increasingly suitable for women's need to learn self-defense.

More and more women are learning MMA - Photo: PTA

Learn to stand or floor?

Previously, MMA was often considered the "territory" of men with images of powerful punches and kicks, 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 the MMA ring, what should women start learning to both suit their physical condition and develop their own strengths?

Most instructors recommend that women first get acquainted with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

This is a martial art that emphasizes technique over strength. BJJ allows smaller people to escape from restraint or control their opponents with arm locks, chokes, leveraging their body's flexibility and flexibility.

MMA trains many practical fighting skills - Photo: MTP

Many studies have shown that BJJ is a relatively safe martial art, with a lower injury rate than boxing or full-contact MMA, but is extremely useful in real-life close combat situations.

Some female students shared on international forums that after only a few months of practicing BJJ, they became much more confident, and no longer felt afraid when being touched unexpectedly by others, because they always had a response plan in mind.

It is this factor that makes BJJ considered a “weapon of softness”, extremely suitable for women who want to learn martial arts for self-defense.

Along with floor techniques, stand-up is also an important foundation. Many women choose boxing and Muay Thai to develop quick reflexes, increase flexibility and the ability to keep distance.

Boxing offers precision jabs, crosses, and hooks, while Muay Thai adds elbows, knees, and low kicks, which are effective when escaping direct control.

At gyms in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi , the number of female students taking Muay Thai classes is increasing rapidly, because this is a sport that helps lose weight, stay in shape, and is highly practical.

Coaches often teach female students to focus on speed, flexibility and observation, rather than trying to create heavy power which is not a natural advantage.

Once they have the basics down, many women go on to try Wrestling and Judo to perfect their takedown skills.

Wrestling offers direct strikes to the opponent's legs, helping to bring the fight to the mat quickly, while Judo takes advantage of momentum and center of gravity, turning the opponent's strength to your advantage.

These are techniques that do not require large muscles, but mainly rely on dexterity and calculation, so they are very suitable for female physique.

Some world- famous female fighters like Miesha Tate have built their signature fighting style by combining BJJ and Judo, creating an effective control style.

Create confidence for women

But MMA is more than just fighting techniques. For many women, the greatest value it brings is confidence and mental control.

Sparring on the mat, even at a light level, is enough to get them used to pressure, fear and reactions in unexpected situations.

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

Women can develop confidence in MMA - Photo: UFC

A study published in the journal Women in Sport and Physical Activity noted that women who participated in martial arts often showed a much higher level of self-confidence than those who only did gym or aerobic exercises.

Perhaps the biggest inspiration for women entering the MMA ring is Ronda Rousey.

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

Her journey from a Judo athlete who had to live in her car due to financial difficulties, to global star, has proven that technique, character and will can take women as far as, and even surpass, men in many cases.

Rousey's story also shows the importance of learning a fundamental martial art, then combining it with MMA for comprehensive development.

In Vietnam, although MMA is still quite new, many gyms in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang have started opening classes specifically for women, with a curriculum that combines BJJ, boxing, and Muay Thai.

Some instructors say these classes often focus more on practical self-defense: how to escape a chokehold, how to counterattack if attacked from behind, or how to stay calm and call for help.

MMA is not too difficult for women - Photo: TA

Thanks to that, MMA is no longer a playground for men, but gradually becomes a tool to help women build strength and courage.

So if you are just starting out, women should prioritize learning BJJ and boxing or Muay Thai to have a foundation of self-defense and comprehensive fitness.

Then, when you are familiar with it, you can add Judo and Wrestling to perfect your takedown and control skills.

More importantly, MMA is not just about fighting, but also a journey to train character, will and confidence - invaluable factors in modern life.

MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is a modern combat sport that combines many martial arts schools 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 chokes. Originating in the US in the 1990s with the UFC, MMA quickly spread globally and is considered the fastest growing sport in the world.

Not only for professional competition, MMA is also practiced by many people to improve health, lose weight, defend themselves and improve confidence.

HUY DANG

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