Finding Your Fighting Style: Choose Between MMA, BJJ, Boxing, or Muay Thai
Picture this: You walk into a gym for the first time, and there are people throwing kicks, others rolling on the ground, some working the heavy bag, and a few sparring in the ring. Your heart’s racing—not from nerves, but from excitement. You want to be one of them. You want to fight.
But here’s the thing I’ve learned after coaching hundreds of fighters: the style you choose first can make or break your journey.
I’m Coach Belbin, and I’ve been in your shoes. I’ve also been in the corner of fighters who started with the wrong style and struggled for months before finding their groove. That’s why I built this tool—to save you from the trial and error that almost derailed my own fighting career.
The matcher below isn’t just a quiz. It’s based on the same questions I ask every fighter who walks through my gym doors in Coimbatore. Use it, and I’ll give you the same honest assessment I’d give you face-to-face.
Start Here: Find Your Style
Martial Arts Style Matcher
What are your goals and timeline?
Why This Actually Works (Real Talk)
Look, I’ve seen too many fighters waste months in the wrong class. The explosive guy who gets bored in BJJ, the patient strategist who gets overwhelmed in Muay Thai, the part-timer who tries to train like a pro.
This matcher asks the questions that matter:
“How soon do you want to fight?” Because if you want to compete in 6 months, we’re not starting with the 2-year BJJ fundamentals program.
“What’s your personality in pressure situations?” The technical problem-solver belongs in BJJ. The aggressive forward-pressurer? That’s a boxer or Muay Thai fighter.
“How many hours can you actually train?” Be honest. I’d rather you train 4 hours consistently than burn out trying to do 10.
“How much contact can you handle?” Some people need to ease into sparring. Others are ready to go hard from day one.
The result? A style that fits your life, your personality, and your timeline. No more guessing.
The Real Deal on Each Style
MMA: The Complete Fighter’s Path
Who it’s for: You want to fight in a cage. Period. You’re willing to learn everything—striking, wrestling, submissions.
The reality: It’s the hardest path but the most rewarding. You’ll get your ass kicked learning three different arts, but when it clicks, you become a complete fighter. Most of my MMA fighters started with one base (usually BJJ or boxing) and added the others.
What you’ll learn: How to fight everywhere—standing, clinch, ground. How to transition between ranges. How to manage your energy across multiple rounds.
Time to competition: 12-18 months if you train 6+ hours/week. Check out our MMA program →
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Chess Player’s Art
Who it’s for: You like solving puzzles. You’re patient. You want to dominate without throwing a single punch.
The reality: It’s addictive once you get it. You’ll spend months getting submitted by people half your size, then suddenly you’re the one making them tap. The learning curve is steep, but the rewards are huge.
What you’ll learn: How to control someone bigger and stronger. How to escape bad positions. How to submit people from seemingly impossible angles.
Time to competition: 6-12 months for your first tournament. Explore BJJ classes →
Boxing: The Sweet Science
Who it’s for: You want to throw hands. You love the rhythm of the ring. You want to develop lightning-fast reflexes.
The reality: It’s brutal but beautiful. You’ll learn to read your opponent, set traps, and deliver devastating combinations. The conditioning is insane—you’ll be in the best shape of your life.
What you’ll learn: Footwork that makes you untouchable. Timing that makes your punches devastating. Defense that keeps you safe.
Time to competition: 6-9 months for amateur bouts. See our boxing program →
Muay Thai: The Art of Eight Limbs
Who it’s for: You want to be a complete striker. You’re not afraid of getting hit. You love the intensity of full-contact training.
The reality: It’s the most complete striking art. You’ll use fists, elbows, knees, and shins. The training is intense, the culture is traditional, and the results are devastating.
What you’ll learn: How to fight in the clinch. How to use all your weapons. How to take a shot and keep coming forward.
Time to competition: 9-12 months for amateur fights. Learn more about Muay Thai →
Why Fighters Come to Coimbatore (And Stay)
Let me tell you why fighters from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and even abroad make the trip to train with me in Coimbatore.
The Environment is Perfect for Fighters
We’re nestled between the Palani and Nilgiri hills. The air is clean, the pace is slower, and there are no distractions. You wake up, train, eat, rest, train again. That’s it. No traffic jams, no endless meetings, no city chaos pulling your focus.
The Climate Works for You
Coimbatore’s weather is athlete-friendly. Not too hot, not too cold. Perfect for those brutal conditioning sessions and outdoor recovery runs. I take my fighters up the hills for runs that will test your mental toughness as much as your physical limits.
The Community Gets It
People here respect the craft. When you’re walking around with a black eye or limping from a hard sparring session, nobody stares. They understand you’re training to be a fighter.
The Cost of Living is Real
You can focus on training without worrying about burning through your savings. Accommodation, food, everything is reasonable. I can help you find a place that fits your budget.
Ready to Plan Your Training Camp?
Message me with your timeline and goals. I’ll help you set up the perfect training schedule, find accommodation, and make sure you get the most out of your time here.
A Glimpse of What Training Looks Like
How I Actually Coach (No BS)
I’m IMMAF-certified, but that’s just a piece of paper. Here’s how I actually work with fighters:
Phase 1: Building Your Foundation (Months 1-3) We focus on technique, conditioning, and getting you comfortable with contact. No rushing to sparring. You’ll drill until the movements become second nature.
Phase 2: Pressure Testing (Months 4-6) Now we add controlled sparring. You’ll get hit, you’ll get submitted, and you’ll learn to stay calm under pressure. This is where most people quit. Don’t be one of them.
Phase 3: Competition Prep (Months 7+) If you want to fight, we’ll build your fight camp. We’ll work on your game plan, your conditioning, and your mental preparation. I’ll be in your corner.
What Makes My Approach Different:
- No cookie-cutter programs. Your plan is built around your strengths, weaknesses, and timeline.
- Honest feedback. I’ll tell you when you’re ready and when you’re not. No false promises.
- Safe progression. We don’t rush into hard sparring until you’re ready.
- Real competition opportunities. I’ll get you fights when you’re prepared, not when you think you are.
The Bottom Line: I care more about your long-term development than your ego. If that sounds like what you need, let’s talk.
Your Next Move (No Pressure)
Here’s what I need from you to build your fighting plan:
- Use the matcher above and tell me your top two styles
- Be honest about your timeline - 6 months, 12 months, or longer?
- Tell me your training hours - How many hours per week can you actually commit?
That’s it. No sales pitch, no pressure. Just honest answers so I can give you an honest plan.
If you’re serious about fighting, message me. I’ll build your week-by-week progression, tell you exactly which classes to take, and help you arrange training in Coimbatore if you want to come here.
If you’re just curious, that’s cool too. Use the matcher, read about the styles, and when you’re ready to take the next step, I’ll be here.
Ready to Start Your Fighting Journey?
Tell me your matcher results and timeline. I’ll map your path to competition.
Chat with me on WhatsApp →
Questions I Get Asked (And My Honest Answers)
“What martial art should I start with to become an MMA fighter?”
Use the matcher above. Seriously. But if you want the quick answer: Most successful MMA fighters started with one base (usually BJJ or boxing) and added the others. Don’t try to learn everything at once.
”Is Coimbatore really a good place to train?”
Yes, but it’s not for everyone. If you need the energy of a big city, stay in Mumbai or Delhi. If you want to focus purely on training without distractions, Coimbatore is perfect. The hills, clean air, and slower pace create an ideal training environment.
”Can a complete beginner actually become a fighter?”
Yes, but it takes time and commitment. I’ve coached people from zero to their first amateur fight in 12-18 months. The key is consistency—6-10 hours per week, every week, for months. Most people quit before they get good. Don’t be one of them.
”Do you train fighters from outside India?”
Absolutely. I’ve had fighters from the US, UK, Australia, and other countries come for training camps. Message me and I’ll help you plan your trip, find accommodation, and set up your training schedule.
”How much does it cost to train with you?”
Depends on your commitment level and how long you’re staying. Message me with your situation and I’ll give you honest pricing. No hidden fees, no BS.
”What if I’m not sure I want to fight?”
That’s totally fine. Most people start training for fitness, confidence, or self-defense. The fighting part comes later (or never). Use the matcher, try some classes, and see what clicks.