BJJ, MMA Or Kickboxing: Which Is Right For You?
One of the most common questions people ask before starting is whether they should try BJJ, MMA or Kickboxing. The honest answer is simple: you probably will not know until you try them.
That is one of the main reasons we offer a 7 Day Free Trial. You do not need to guess from behind a screen. You can come in, meet the coaches, try different classes and discover which part of Praetorian MMA feels right for you.
If you have not already read them, our guides on Getting Started at Praetorian MMA and Your First Class at Praetorian MMA will help you understand what to expect before you arrive.
Why The Free Trial Matters
A class is not just the style on the timetable. It is the people in the room, the way the coach teaches, the pace of the session and the energy you connect with.
Some people think they want MMA and end up loving Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Some people start with BJJ and realise Kickboxing gives them exactly what they were looking for. Some parents bring their child to train and later decide to start themselves.
That is why, during your first week, we recommend getting to as many lessons as you realistically can. Try different classes. Meet different coaches. Speak to members. Give yourself a proper chance to feel the club before making a decision.
Gi BJJ
Gi BJJ is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the traditional jacket. It is technical, patient and built around control, grips, escapes, pressure and submissions.
At Praetorian MMA, Gi BJJ is led by coaches including Rob Goodson, Nathan Johnstone, Josh Woodbourne and Martyn Styler.
If you enjoy problem solving, detail, control and steady technical development, Gi BJJ may be a strong starting point.
Gi BJJ can also suit people who like structure. The jacket and belt create clear grips and positions, which can make the learning process feel more methodical for some beginners.
NoGi BJJ
NoGi BJJ is grappling without the jacket. It is faster, more movement-based and connects closely with MMA.
NoGi is a good fit for people who enjoy movement, scrambles, wrestling-style control and a more athletic grappling pace.
You will often see coaches such as Nathan Johnstone, Josh Woodbourne and Martyn Styler working across NoGi and youth grappling sessions.
NoGi can feel more natural for people who do not want to wear the traditional Gi, and it is especially useful for anyone interested in the grappling side of MMA.
MMA
MMA brings striking, wrestling, grappling and control together. It is a complete combat sport and suits people who want to understand how different areas of combat sports connect.
MMA can feel exciting because there is always something new to learn. One session might focus on striking, another on takedowns, another on ground control.
Coaches connected with MMA at Praetorian MMA include Martyn Styler, Rob Goodson and Ben Hudson Wilde.
MMA is a strong option for people who enjoy variety. It helps members understand how striking, clinching, wrestling and grappling work together rather than seeing each area as separate.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing is a great option for people who want to improve fitness, confidence, striking, movement and discipline.
It is often a strong first step because the structure is clear, the energy is high and you can quickly feel yourself improving.
Kickboxing at Praetorian MMA is coached by Christian Bloomfield, whose sessions are focused, welcoming and ideal for people who want to build striking confidence properly.
For many adults, Kickboxing becomes the gateway into wider combat sports training. It can be less intimidating for people who do not yet feel ready to grapple, wrestle or train closely with another person.
What About Children And Teenagers?
For younger members, the decision is often slightly different. Many parents are less concerned about the specific style and more interested in confidence, discipline, fitness, social development and helping their child become part of a positive environment.
Children can start through our Kids Pathway, whilst older children can begin through the Teen Pathway.
You can also explore our Kids and Teens BJJ programme and our Kids and Teens MMA classes.
Some children enjoy the structure and problem solving of BJJ. Others prefer the energy and variety of MMA. The best way to find out is to let them experience the environment, meet the coaches and see where they naturally settle.
What If You Are Nervous?
If you are nervous, that does not mean you are choosing the wrong class. It usually means you are doing something new.
Adults often worry about fitness, confidence, age, ability or whether they will look out of place. Parents often worry about whether their child will listen, join in, cope with the structure or feel overwhelmed.
Those concerns are normal. The aim is not to force you into the hardest class. The aim is to help you find a starting point that gives you enough confidence to keep going.
The Coach Matters
The style matters, but the coach matters just as much. You may connect with the calm technical detail of one coach, the energy of another, or the way a certain instructor explains things.
That does not mean one class is better than another. It means you are finding the environment that suits you.
This is why we always recommend meeting the team properly. You can view all coach profiles here: Meet The Team.
You can also read more about individual coaches including Martyn Styler, Rob Goodson, Nathan Johnstone, Christian Bloomfield, Josh Woodbourne and Ben Hudson Wilde.
Military, Veterans And Emergency Services
If you are serving military, a veteran or part of the emergency services, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu may also be available through our connection with REORG at Praetorian MMA.
REORG helps eligible applicants access Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through approved gyms and has become an important part of what we do. Many REORG members start with BJJ before later expanding into NoGi, MMA or other classes.
Try More Than One Class
The biggest mistake is deciding too early. If you only try one class, you only experience one part of the club.
If you try several sessions, you get a much better understanding of the training, the coaches, the members and the atmosphere.
During your trial, check the timetable, book onto different sessions and give yourself a proper chance to explore.
If you decide you need club clothing, rashguards or training kit once you have started, you can view available products through the Praetorian MMA Shop.
So Which One Is Right For You?
If you like detail, control and problem solving, start with Gi BJJ.
If you like movement, grappling and faster transitions, try NoGi BJJ.
If you want to bring striking, wrestling and grappling together, try MMA.
If you want striking, fitness, confidence and clear structure, try Kickboxing.
But the real answer is this: come and experience them.
If you have not already done so, sign up for the 7 Day Free Trial, attend as many classes as you can, meet the coaches and discover which part of Praetorian MMA feels right for you.
