Nashville Fitness and Martial Arts Blog - Nashville MMA

The Underrated Pillar of MMA: Why Fitness and Strength Training Matter as Much as Technique

In the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), it’s easy to get caught up in the technical side of the sport. Fighters and fans alike obsess over striking precision, submission chains, and cage control—and for good reason. Technical skill wins fights. But behind every well-executed combo or scramble is a body that’s been built to endure, to explode, and to recover. That’s where fitness and strength training come in—and why they deserve just as much focus as pad work or rolling.Technique Without Conditioning Has a Ceiling You can have the best jab in the gym, but if your gas tank runs out in the second round, your technique falls apart. You can drill takedowns all ....
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Train Hard, Train Smart: How to Avoid Injury in the Gym

At our gym, we believe in pushing limits—but not at the expense of your health. Whether you’re training for your next fight, leveling up your fitness, or just learning the ropes, avoiding injury should always be part of your game plan. Here’s how to stay in the fight—not stuck on the sidelines. 1. Warm Up Like You Mean It It’s tempting to skip warm-ups when you're eager to hit pads or roll hard—but don’t. A proper warm-up gets your heart rate up, activates your muscles, and preps your joints for impact. 5–10 minutes of dynamic movement (jump rope, shadowboxing, light drilling) can go a long way in preventing pulled muscles and joint ....
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Learn Hollywood Stunts from the Pros – Free “Ballerina” Stunt Workshop at Nashville MMA!

Lights, camera, action—right here on the mats! Join us next Saturday from 2–4 PM in the back mat area of Nashville MMA Training Camp for a free stunt training experience like no other. We’re thrilled to host an exclusive, behind-the-scenes workshop led by professionals involved in the upcoming film Ballerina , the highly anticipated new installment in the John Wick universe. Whether you’re a martial artist, an action movie fan, or just looking for a unique Saturday adventure, this event is for you. What to Expect: 🌀 Live stunt demos and hands-on training – Learn the techniques used in high-octane Hollywood fight scenes from the experts who work on ....
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18 May 2025
The Mental Edge: How Mindfulness Can Transform Your Martial Arts Training

In martial arts, we often talk about physical conditioning, discipline, and technique. But the true masters—regardless of style—also train the mind. That’s where mindfulness comes in. Mindfulness isn’t just about sitting quietly with your eyes closed. At its core, it’s about developing a deeper awareness of your body, thoughts, and environment. And in martial arts, that kind of awareness is a powerful weapon. Whether you practice Muay Thai, BJJ, MMA, boxing, or traditional martial arts, here’s how mindfulness can level up your training: 1. Sharper Focus in the Moment Mindfulness teaches you to stay present—which is critical when you're ....
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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 Athletes1. 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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The Underrated Pillar of MMA: Why Fitness and Strength Training Matter as Much as Technique

Train Hard, Train Smart: How to Avoid Injury in the Gym

Learn Hollywood Stunts from the Pros – Free “Ballerina” Stunt Workshop at Nashville MMA!

The Mental Edge: How Mindfulness Can Transform Your Martial Arts Training

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

patcrumpton

Zakkery Root

shannon staggs

Request Information Now!