One of the most common reasons newer students give for avoiding group classes isn’t intimidation - it’s that they don’t want to “take reps” away from someone better than them.

In combat sports, there are a lot of potential red flags - but there’s one that beginners can learn to recognize immediately.

The idea that you must prove yourself by taking or inflicting long-term damage - damage that can reduce cognitive function later in life - is both outdated and unnecessary.

The first fight is confusing, overwhelming, and sometimes terrifying. That’s part of the fun. But knowing what to expect can remove a lot of unnecessary stress.

Stepping into the gym for the first time may be the hardest part, but the first few months of training aren’t always much easier.