Sometimes, people come to martial arts thinking they want to do MMA—and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But often, what brings someone to the mat is more than just the desire to fight. Unmet needs, unresolved challenges, or a longing for personal growth can shape their path as they train. Over time, goals evolve, and perspectives shift. This is the beauty of martial arts: it meets us where we are, then takes us where we need to go.

At its heart, it comes down to goals. Are you looking to compete under the unified rules of mixed martial arts? Or is your aim to understand the many dimensions of combat: transitioning seamlessly from striking to clinching, executing throws and takedowns, navigating the complexities of the ground, or even defending against an opponent against a wall, fence—or in a cage?

In any case, every practitioner begins somewhere, and this foundation often depends on what’s available and appealing to them. In places like America, wrestling is embedded in the school system, while in other parts of the world, Karate or Taekwondo might serve as the starting point. Many of us build upon these early foundations. My own experience with Karate and boxing revealed how these arts complement each other. Coupled with grappling skills, they form a toolkit I draw upon and refine daily.

The truth is, fights begin on the feet. Striking is fundamental, but so is the ability to clinch, neutralize an opponent’s strikes, or prevent takedowns. In the clinch, striking becomes a new dimension, leading naturally to throws and takedowns. Some fighters prefer shooting in for takedowns; I’ve always leaned toward the clinch. Once on the ground, the distinction between ground grappling and ground fighting becomes critical. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, for example, has grown immensely popular and accessible, but most schools focus on the sport of BJJ, which can unintentionally teach habits that leave practitioners vulnerable in situations involving strikes. Under rule sets or conditions where punches, elbows, and hammer fists are a factor, the gaps in sport BJJ can become evident.

As a martial arts instructor, my role isn’t just to teach techniques—it’s to offer clarity. Context is king. The environment changes everything. A mat is not a street, a cage is not a back alley, and a competition is not a crisis. Whether someone is training for personal growth, self-defense, or professional roles like security or law enforcement, it’s essential to account for variables like weapons, laws, and even cultural considerations. Martial arts is about cultivating awareness, understanding our environment, and, ultimately, understanding ourselves.

In the end, martial arts is a journey as much inward as it is outward. Goals evolve, skills grow, and in the process, so do we.