MMA classes at Union Thai in Gorleston-on-Sea teach striking, wrestling and ground work in one system. Beginners are welcome. You do not need experience in another martial art. You do not have to spar.
This is the main guide to MMA at Union Thai. It explains what to expect before you walk in. Each section gives a short answer first, then the detail.
What is MMA?
MMA stands for mixed martial arts. It brings striking, wrestling and grappling together into one sport.
You learn how each piece works. Then you learn how to move from one to the next. For example, you might strike, close the distance, take your partner down and then control them on the ground.
Many people think MMA is just fighting. It is not. In a class you spend most of your time on technique, drills and fitness. Most people who train it do so for skill and fitness, not to compete.
Do I need experience before joining an MMA class?
No. Beginners start with the basics and build up.
If you have trained Muay Thai or BJJ before, some of it will feel familiar. If you have not, nobody expects you to know anything. The coach will show you each step.
Competitors get structured sparring. Beginners get time to learn the shapes and the movement first. You are not thrown in at the deep end.
What happens in an MMA session at Union Thai?
A session has four parts. You warm up, learn technique, work on the ground and finish with drills and conditioning. A typical class looks like this:
- Warm-up and movement
- Striking and takedown technique
- Ground control and escapes
- Live drills and conditioning
The warm-up covers movement you will use all session. Striking and takedown technique is where you learn the tools. Ground control and escapes teach you what to do when you are on the floor.
Live drills put it together. Coaches control the pace and pair you with someone at your level. You can stop at any time. Check the timetable for MMA session times.
Is MMA safe for beginners?
Coaches control the pace and pair you with someone at your level. You can stop any time.
Contact is built up slowly. Sparring is optional and it never happens in your first session. You learn to stay calm, protect yourself and respect your partner.
Every contact sport carries some risk. If you have an injury or a worry, tell the coach before the class.
What should I bring to my first MMA class?
Bring water and wear shorts and a t-shirt. That is all you need to start.
If you do not have kit, ask us about loan kit for your first session. Please do not buy anything before you have tried a class. Arrive a few minutes early so you can meet the coach and see the gym.
How is MMA different from Muay Thai and BJJ?
MMA mixes striking, wrestling and ground work. Muay Thai is stand-up striking. BJJ is ground grappling.
Muay Thai uses fists, elbows, knees and shins. BJJ uses leverage to control and submit a partner. MMA borrows from both and adds wrestling.
An MMA class can feel busy. You might hit pads, drill a takedown and work on the ground in one session. If you want to master one thing first, a single-discipline class may suit you. For the full comparison, read MMA or Muay Thai: which should you choose?.
Can I train MMA and Muay Thai together?
Yes. The monthly membership covers all disciplines. You can mix MMA, Muay Thai and BJJ.
The two fit well together. Muay Thai gives you a striking base. MMA shows you how it works alongside wrestling and ground work. See the memberships page to see how the membership works.
Who coaches MMA at Union Thai?
Our head coach and owner is Marcos Lopes. He has over 40 years of experience in Muay Thai. He also coaches BJJ, boxing and MMA.
Other coaches include Joao Lopes, with 15 years in boxing and kickboxing, Tye Riches, a K1 and Muay Thai champion, and Brett Semtex, a pro wrestler and multi-title K1 champion. Meet them on the coaches page.
Will MMA help me get fit?
Yes. A session is a full body workout. You move, strike, wrestle and work hard from the warm-up to the last drill.
Fitness is the main reason most people train. You do not need to be fit to start. You get fit by training. For more on this, read Martial arts for fitness and weight loss.
Where are the MMA classes near Great Yarmouth?
Union Thai is in Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Find the address and details on the contact page.
Check the timetable for MMA sessions. Read the MMA class page for more on what we teach. Pay as you go has no commitment, so it is a good way to try a class.
Why do people train MMA?
People train MMA for fitness, skill and variety. It is never boring. Each session mixes striking, takedowns and ground work, so your body and brain both stay busy.
Some people want a new challenge. Some want to build confidence. Some want to learn how to look after themselves. Others like the idea of trying to compete one day. There is room for all of those goals in the same class.
Most people who train it do so for skill and fitness, not to compete.
What are the rules of etiquette in an MMA class?
Be on time, be respectful and look after your partner. Those three rules cover almost everything.
Listen to the coach. Keep your nails short and take off jewellery. Work at a pace that suits your partner as well as you. If something hurts or feels wrong, say so and stop. Good partners always do.
If you are nervous, tell the coach at the start. They will pair you with someone patient.
How should I get ready for my first MMA class?
Keep it simple. Eat a light meal a couple of hours before. Drink water through the day. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in.
Get there early. Walk in, say hello and tell the coach it is your first time. Then relax and enjoy it. You are not being tested. You are just there to try something new.
Afterwards you may feel tired and a bit sore. That is normal. Drink water, eat well and rest. Most people find the second session easier than the first.
How do I book my first MMA class?
Choose a session on the timetable. Look at the memberships page and pick how you want to pay. Then book and turn up.
If you are choosing between gyms, our guide on how to choose a martial arts gym in Norfolk may help.
Which guides go with this one?
Each guide below goes deeper on one question.
- MMA or Muay Thai: which should you choose?. A plain comparison for beginners.
- Martial arts for fitness and weight loss. A plain look at what martial arts do for fitness.
- Martial arts in Gorleston-on-Sea. Classes, coaches and community in Gorleston-on-Sea.
- How to choose a martial arts gym in Norfolk. A plain checklist, and how Union Thai fits.
