We take a mixed martial arts class in Chennai. Could MMA be the perfect addition to your fitness routine?
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Chennai MMA Academy: Located in Nungambakkam, the academy is popular among children and adults alike, focusing on mixed martial arts training.
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Importance of Warm-Ups: Training begins with comprehensive warm-ups to enhance muscle strength and prevent injuries, emphasizing that strength is crucial for success in the ring.
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Diverse Training Regimen: Participants engage in various warm-up activities, mimicking animal movements and performing body-weight exercises before moving on to technical training.
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Fundamental Techniques: Participants learn essential MMA techniques, such as stances, jabs, and kicks, with guidance on maintaining proper form for safety and effectiveness.
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Clientele: The academy serves two main groups: those interested in competition and those focused on fitness and self-defense, including a significant number of women seeking self-defense skills.
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Growth of MMA in Chennai: The academy’s founder started the first indoor martial arts training center in Chennai in 2013, capitalizing on the rising popularity of MMA.
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Training Philosophy: Emphasizing a holistic approach, the academy believes in training individuals to excel in various martial arts disciplines, harnessing their unique strengths.
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Actor Training: The academy’s founder has experience training actors for fitness and role preparation, highlighting its professional connections within the film industry.
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Physical Conditioning: Classes include challenging workouts that enhance overall physical fitness, ensuring participants develop strength, agility, and endurance.
- Sense of Community: Participants often leave feeling energized and empowered, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support among trainees in their martial arts journey.
The Rise of MMA in Chennai: A Journey into the World of Mixed Martial Arts
In the heart of Chennai, specifically in the bustling area of Nungambakkam, you will find the Chennai MMA Academy, alive with energy and enthusiasm. The atmosphere is electric as a group of spirited young wrestlers, only eleven years old, engage in a rigorous training session. Their laughter fills the air, but beneath it lies a focused determination as they perform a series of warm-up exercises designed to strengthen their bodies and prepare them for the challenges ahead.
These young athletes run, crawl, jump, and roll in a variety of creative movements that serve as the backbone of their training. As I observe, I am struck by their agility and the sheer variety of warm-ups they undertake. My own attempts to mirror their movements leave me breathless and head-spinning, a realization dawns on me: mixed martial arts (MMA) is not for the faint-hearted, even during warm-ups.
At its core, MMA is a contact sport that encompasses elements from various fighting styles, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai. The importance of a thorough warm-up cannot be overstated; it plays a critical role in preventing injuries while enabling fighters to develop the strength necessary to withstand the rigors of combat. The head coach, Shiva, emphasizes this point by stating, "Warm-up and strengthening exercises are crucial. To engage with an opponent in the ring, you need strength in addition to skill."
After several laps and bodyweight exercises, we finally dive deeper into the technical aspects of the sport. Shiva instructs us to assume a basic stance, feet firmly planted, preparing for action. With clenched fists and a guarded chin, I am reminded that in this world, preparation is key. Learning to efficiently throw a jab followed by a cross, I begin to experience a taste of what it means to be a fighter. The thrill surges as I attempt a Muay Thai elbow strike, momentarily feeling like a character from a video game.
The Chennai MMA Academy caters to a diverse clientele. Some individuals seek to compete in the sport, while others view it as a unique fitness journey. Notably, there’s a significant population, especially women, who enroll to learn self-defense. Founded in 2013 by Santosh T. Arasu, who started boxing at the tender age of 12, this academy has expanded to five branches across the city, including its latest addition in OMR.
When Santosh launched the academy, MMA was relatively unknown in Chennai. There were few options available for serious practitioners; most martial arts instruction centered around traditional disciplines such as karate and taekwondo. After receiving his training in MMA from Canada, Santosh saw an opportunity to fill this gap. "In the beginning, no one in Chennai was aware of MMA," he recalls. "But the sport gained traction with the rise of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)."
According to Santosh, about 95% of participants come to enhance their fitness levels, while the remaining 5% are there to seriously train. However, many who start for fitness soon find themselves drawn into skill-building and often transition to more competitive aspects of the sport. Santosh believes that MMA offers a unique advantage: its multi-faceted nature allows individuals to specialize in various disciplines, whether that be boxing, wrestling, or grappling.
The academy is also a training ground for actors seeking to get into shape or prepare for specific roles. For instance, Santosh has trained notable actors like Arya for roles that spotlight boxing culture in Tamil cinema.
Back in the training ring, I attempt a kick, only to be reminded by my coach that precision is key; I mistakenly land the kick with my calf and lose my balance as a result. Undeterred, I adjust my technique and, to my delight, successfully connect with the heavy bag on a second attempt. My training continues with dynamic routines, including butterfly kicks and assorted leg raises, each designed to build agility and strength.
As I prepare to leave the academy, I’m filled with a sense of accomplishment mixed with adrenaline. Shiva’s parting words echo in my mind: "This is just the beginning." Inspired yet humbled, I acknowledge the intensity of MMA training and the commitment it requires. With renewed determination, I walk away, vowing to continue my journey in this incredible sport.
The Chennai MMA Academy is not just about fighting; it’s about building confidence, fostering discipline, and creating a community of supportive individuals who strive for excellence, both in the ring and in their daily lives. If you’re interested in exploring the world of MMA, the academy is just a phone call away, ready to welcome you into a thrilling new chapter.
