Nashville Fitness and Martial Arts Blog - Nashville MMA

Falling Off the Training Wagon—and Climbing Back On

We’ve all been there. You start strong—motivated, consistent, maybe even a little obsessed. You're hitting the gym five days a week, tracking your meals, sleeping well. You're in a groove, and it feels like nothing can shake it. Until something does. Maybe it’s a vacation. An injury. A wave of burnout. Or just life doing what life does best: getting in the way. Suddenly, a week goes by. Then two. The momentum fades, and the voice in your head gets louder: You messed up. You lost it. You’re back to square one. But here’s the truth: falling off is part of the process. Progress Isn’t Linear—And That’s Okay One of the biggest lies we tell ....
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The Importance of Sleep for MMA Training

When it comes to MMA, we often think of grueling workouts, technical drilling, sparring rounds, strength and conditioning, and diet plans. But there’s one critical factor that often gets overlooked: sleep. If you want to perform at your best—whether you're an amateur looking to improve or a pro preparing for your next big fight—sleep isn't a luxury. It's a requirement. Why Sleep Matters for MMA Athletes 1. Recovery and Muscle Repair Training hard causes microtears in your muscles. It's during sleep—especially during deep and REM stages—that your body releases growth hormone, a crucial component for repairing those tears and building stronger muscles. ....
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How BJJ Helps Adults Make Friends and Build Community

Starting something new as an adult can feel intimidating—especially when it comes to fitness or social activities. Between busy schedules, work commitments, and family responsibilities, it’s easy to feel isolated or disconnected. But there’s one place that keeps drawing people in not just for the workout, but for the connection: the BJJ gym. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just about takedowns, submissions, and technique. It’s a surprisingly powerful tool for building real friendships and community, especially for adults who are looking to meet new people in a meaningful way. 1. You Show Up for the Training, Stay for the People When adults walk into a BJJ gym for ....
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Adversity Is a Privilege”: Volkanovski’s Return to Glory

In the aftermath of his epic victory at UFC 314, Alexander Volkanovski didn’t just reclaim the featherweight title—he reclaimed the narrative. Bloodied but unbroken, he stood under the bright lights, belt around his waist once again, and said something that cuts deeper than any left hook: “Adversity is a privilege.” For Volkanovski, those words weren’t just post-fight theatrics. They were earned in the trenches. Coming off two devastating knockout losses, the doubters were louder than ever. The questions mounted: Was he done? Was the era over? Had the king fallen for good? But Volkanovski answered the only way true champions do—by showing up, ....
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Why a Gym Like Ours is More Than Just a Place to Train

In a world where fitness options are endless—from boutique spin studios to high-tech at-home equipment—it’s easy to overlook the raw, transformative power of a combat sports gym. But a gym like ours isn’t just about burning calories or building muscle. It’s about cultivating discipline, learning real-world skills, and becoming part of a tribe that thrives on challenge and growth. We’re not your average fitness center. Here, the heavy bags swing with the rhythm of Muay Thai, the mats echo with the pressure and flow of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and the energy is fueled by wrestling takedowns, MMA intensity, and the time-honored discipline of judo. ....
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Motion is Lotion: Combatting a Sedentary Lifestyle Through Movement

In today's digital age, where hours are spent sitting at desks, scrolling through screens, or commuting in cars, the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle are becoming more evident than ever. Joint stiffness, chronic pain, weight gain, and a decline in cardiovascular health are just a few of the common consequences of inactivity. The good news? Movement is the cure. As the saying goes, "motion is lotion"—keeping your body in motion is key to maintaining flexibility, strength, and overall well-being. One of the most engaging and effective ways to stay active is by training in martial arts or group fitness. Whether it’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai, or high-energy ....
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How to Make Your Child’s First Jiu-Jitsu Class a Great Experience

Starting jiu-jitsu can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience for both kids and parents. As a parent, you want to ensure your child has a positive first experience on the mats. To help, we’ve put together some essential tips to make their first jiu-jitsu class a great one! 1. Dress for Success: Rash Guard & Shorts One of the most common questions parents ask is, "What should my child wear to their first jiu-jitsu class?" While some gyms provide loaner uniforms (known as gis ), many beginner classes allow kids to wear a rash guard and shorts . A rash guard helps prevent mat burns and keeps them comfortable, while a good pair of athletic shorts ensures mobility. ....
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Stepping Onto the Mat: How Competing at NAGA Nashville Will Elevate Your BJJ Game and Build Community

If you’ve been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “Growth happens outside of your comfort zone.” While rolling in class and drilling techniques are crucial parts of development, stepping onto the competition mat is an entirely different challenge—one that can accelerate your progress and deepen your connection to the BJJ community. With the NAGA Nashville Championship happening on Saturday, March 29, now is the perfect time to push past your limits and experience the many benefits that come with competing. Why Competing Makes You Better 1. Pressure Testing Your Skills Competing in a tournament puts your ....
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11 Mar 2025
Martial Arts and Teamwork: Lessons in Cooperation

Martial arts is often perceived as an individualistic endeavor, where practitioners hone their skills in solitude or spar one-on-one in a competitive setting. However, beneath the surface of fierce battles and personal discipline lies a powerful lesson in cooperation and teamwork. Martial arts teaches us that success is not solely reliant on individual strength but thrives on the synergy of collective effort. In this article, we will explore the valuable lessons in cooperation that martial arts imparts. One of the foundational principles of martial arts is respect, which extends to all aspects of training, including one's training partners. In a martial arts class, participants learn to ....
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Why Do Younger Athletes Keep Winning? Dr. Howard Explains the Key to Lifelong Performance

One of the biggest contributors to this discussion was Dr. Howard of Compass Human Performance, who provided expert insights into the science of aging, training, and testosterone levels. The takeaway? While younger athletes do have natural advantages, consistent training, smart conditioning, and proper recovery can keep you performing at a high level—no matter your age. Are Young Athletes Just Built Different? Josh started his deep dive by asking a simple question: Do kids just learn faster, or is there something else at play? It turns out, the answer is a little bit of both. Younger athletes tend to have: Faster recovery times – They can push harder, longer, and ....
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Falling Off the Training Wagon—and Climbing Back On

The Importance of Sleep for MMA Training

How BJJ Helps Adults Make Friends and Build Community

Adversity Is a Privilege”: Volkanovski’s Return to Glory

Why a Gym Like Ours is More Than Just a Place to Train

Motion is Lotion: Combatting a Sedentary Lifestyle Through Movement

How to Make Your Child’s First Jiu-Jitsu Class a Great Experience

Stepping Onto the Mat: How Competing at NAGA Nashville Will Elevate Your BJJ Game and Build Community

Martial Arts and Teamwork: Lessons in Cooperation

Why Do Younger Athletes Keep Winning? Dr. Howard Explains the Key to Lifelong Performance

Michelle G

Jazmir Reyes

Jonathan Bran

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