Somebody recently asked me why they should choose training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai kickboxing compared to training in other types of martial arts. This is something that I’ve thought about a lot over the years, and I wanted to share my thoughts on the topic with everybody. 

When I was a teenager growing up in Santa Fe, there were no Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai kickboxing programs available. The only options were Karate and Taekwondo. I ended up doing Karate for many years and really enjoyed it; however, I wish that I had the opportunity to train in BJJ or Muay Thai when I was younger. 

BJJ and Muay Thai are the two most popular martial arts in the United States at this time. So why are they so popular, and why are so many people training in them? 

Why BJJ is Popular 

BJJ works. 

BJJ has proven itself in real fights, self-defense situations, and on the biggest stages in the world like the UFC. It doesn’t matter how big or athletic you are. With good technique and timing, you can defend yourself and control someone much bigger. That’s incredibly empowering!

BJJ is safe, and anyone can do it. 

Unlike striking arts, where people are getting hit in the face all the time, BJJ allows you to train at full resistance without taking damage. That means people in their 30s, 40s, even 60s can do it safely and keep training for years. We have students of all shapes and sizes on the mat every day. 

The BJJ community is different. 

One of the biggest reasons people stick with BJJ is because of the relationships they build. There’s something unique about the bond you create through training and rolling. When it’s done right, it creates a supportive, humble, and welcoming environment, and that’s what we work hard to maintain here. 

Why Muay Thai Kickboxing is Popular

Muay Thai is the best striking system out there. 

Muay Thai teaches you how to use your whole body: hands, elbows, knees, and legs. It’s technical, powerful, and it’s built for real applications. It’s not flashy or overly choreographed, just effective, efficient, and rooted in real fighting experience. 

Muay Thai gets you in shape, fast. 

I’ve seen students get into the best shape of their lives just by showing up a few times a week. And the best part is that you’re not just doing it for fitness, you’re learning real skills while you sweat. 

Muay Thai pairs perfectly with BJJ. 

If you use BJJ when the fight hits the ground, Muay Thai is what you use to handle yourself on your feet. That’s why so many MMA fighters train in both. Even if you’re not interested in competition, having both tools gives you a well-rounded skill set and a ton of confidence.

In addition to the benefits above, there is one more important reason to train in BJJ and Muay Thai, that’s the way we train.

Sparring vs. Forms-Based Training Methodology 

BJJ and Muay Thai students regularly spar against resisting partners in nearly every intermediate and advanced class. This means students are constantly testing techniques in real time. Other martial arts rely heavily on forms (katas) and pre-set drills. Sparring exists, but is often limited (especially in youth classes) and highly controlled. The same type of training methodology we use in BJJ and Muay Thai is also seen in wrestling and boxing. This is why so many MMA athletes choose these martial arts styles. 

I want to be clear that there are benefits to doing katas. I believe that all the different martial arts have value and that students should try many different styles before they decide what is best for them or their children. That being said, I have trained in BJJ for 24 years and have also done a lot of Muay Thai during my journey. I believe these two martial arts are the best to train in, and I still really enjoy them to this day. 

Professor Finnie McMahon

At the end of the day, BJJ and Muay Thai aren’t just the most popular martial arts; they’re some of the most useful, inclusive, and rewarding ones to train in. It’s not just the arts themselves, it’s also about the culture. The people, the mindset, and the environment matter just as much as the arts. That’s what we focus on here at McMahon Training Center every day!