The short answer is yes, MMA training can be a fantastic alternative to traditional gym routines, especially if time is limited. However, when managed well, martial arts training and gym routines can complement each other perfectly. If time is a constraint, martial arts can serve as an incredible substitute, and incorporating calisthenics into martial arts sessions enhances this even further. Martial arts training offers unique ways to condition the body that traditional gym workouts might not provide, tapping into movements and strengths you wouldn’t otherwise develop.

With my team, we focus heavily on grappling games that integrate striking. This highlights how certain grappling positions, which might be considered safe in pure grappling, become risky when strikes—hands, elbows, and more—are added into the mix. This dynamic creates an entirely different workout, requiring you to avoid strikes, reverse positions, establish control, and hold down a fully grown opponent. It’s a full-body workout, both physically and mentally.