Is MMA Dangerous? Myths vs Reality

Myth 1: MMA is too dangerous for beginners

This is the most common misconception about MMA. What people see on television — UFC fights, knockouts, submissions — is professional competition between elite athletes. That is not what happens in a beginner MMA class.

At Davinci Fighting in Evere, located at Chaussee de Haecht 1133 (2 minutes from Bordet Station, Tram 55), beginner MMA classes focus on technique, conditioning and controlled drilling. There is no full-contact sparring for beginners. Coaches teach proper form, movement patterns and defensive positions before any contact work is introduced.

Studies show that the injury rate in recreational MMA is comparable to football, basketball and rugby. When trained properly under qualified supervision, MMA is no more dangerous than any other contact sport.

Myth 2: You need to be fit and tough to start

Another common barrier is the belief that you need to be in excellent physical condition before starting MMA. This is backwards. You get fit by doing MMA, not the other way around. At Davinci Fighting, complete beginners — including people who have never done any sport — start every week. Coaches adapt every exercise to each participant's current fitness level.

Members come from all backgrounds: office workers from Schaerbeek, students from Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, parents from Haren, professionals from Saint-Josse-ten-Noode. Age, fitness level and experience do not matter. What matters is showing up.

Myth 3: Sparring is mandatory and violent

Sparring is never mandatory at Davinci Fighting. When sparring is introduced — only after weeks of technical preparation — it is always at controlled intensity. Partners are carefully matched by size and experience level. The goal of sparring is to practise techniques in a live setting, not to hurt each other.

Many members train for months or even years without ever sparring. They focus on technique drills, pad work, bag work and positional exercises. These are highly effective for fitness, self-defense skills and learning the discipline without any risk of injury.

Myth 4: MMA attracts aggressive people

The opposite is true. Combat sports, including MMA, teach control, discipline and respect. People who train MMA regularly become calmer, more patient and more measured in their reactions. The discipline required to learn complex techniques and the humility that comes from being submitted by a smaller, more skilled partner fundamentally change how practitioners approach conflict.

At Davinci Fighting, the community is built on mutual respect. The gym is rated 5/5 on Google, and the supportive, family-like atmosphere is consistently highlighted in reviews. Aggressive behaviour is simply not tolerated.

The real benefits of MMA training

When you set aside the myths, the benefits of MMA training are remarkable:

• Complete fitness: MMA develops strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination and cardiovascular fitness simultaneously.
• Self-defense: MMA is considered the most complete martial art for real-world self-defense because it covers striking, clinching and ground fighting.
• Mental health: Regular training reduces stress, anxiety and depression while building confidence and resilience.
• Community: The bonds formed in MMA training are uniquely strong. Training partners become friends and support networks.

Try MMA safely at Davinci Fighting

Your first MMA session at Davinci Fighting is completely free with no commitment. Come experience the reality of MMA training — structured, safe and welcoming.

• Address: Chaussee de Haecht 1133, 1140 Evere, Brussels, Belgium
• Phone: +32 471 69 16 94
• Booking: suppia.be/davincifighting
• Transport: Bordet Station (Tram 55), 2-minute walk. Near Schaerbeek, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Haren, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre.
• First session: Free, no commitment