You’ve put in the hours on the mats—drilling, rolling, building a solid ground game—and now you’re thinking about stepping into something more intense: MMA. It’s a big step, and the fact that you’re even considering it says a lot about your dedication. The good news? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not unprepared.
At Ground Control Columbia, we’ve helped plenty of athletes evolve from technical grapplers to well-rounded MMA fighters. If you’re ready to expand your skills, test your limits, and grow into a complete martial artist, here’s how to make the transition the right way.
Your jiu-jitsu training gives you a powerful edge. Control, submissions, awareness on the ground—these are game-changers in MMA. But here’s the thing: what works in sport BJJ doesn’t always translate directly to the cage.
In jiu-jitsu, you have time. You can pull guard, take your time setting traps, and work from your back comfortably. In MMA, that same position could leave you open to strikes. That doesn’t mean you abandon your ground game—it just means you adapt it.
We’ll help you modify what you already do well and make it MMA-ready—more aggressive, more controlled, and more focused on safety under pressure.
Striking is often the biggest curveball for jiu-jitsu athletes. It’s not just about learning how to throw a jab—it’s about learning to move, manage distance, and stay calm when someone’s trying to hit you.
At Ground Control Columbia, we teach striking in a way that makes sense for grapplers. You’ll learn not only how to strike effectively, but how to use strikes to set up takedowns and clinches. Our coaches focus on Muay Thai and boxing techniques that work in real MMA scenarios—not just pad work, but situational drills and sparring with purpose.
Yes, you’ll get hit. But more importantly, you’ll learn how to take that hit, stay composed, and stay in the fight.
You’re not just a grappler anymore. And you’re not just a striker-in-training, either. You’re learning to become a mixed martial artist—and that means blending it all together.
MMA isn’t about switching between modes; it’s about flowing between ranges. Think about striking into a takedown, using the cage for control, or transitioning from ground-and-pound to a submission. These moments don’t happen in isolation—they’re part of a bigger system.
That’s what our MMA sessions are all about. Integration, timing, and learning how to make your whole game work as one.
You might feel confident after a tough BJJ open mat, but MMA conditioning is an entirely different beast. It’s explosive, non-stop, and intense. You’ll be shooting, sprawling, striking, and grinding against the cage—all in the same round.
That’s why we incorporate high-intensity drills designed specifically for MMA scenarios. We want you to be able to perform under pressure, recover quickly, and stay sharp even when you’re gassed out.
Because in the cage, it’s not just about technique, it’s about staying dangerous in round three.
MMA isn’t just about physical ability; it’s about decision-making, composure, and confidence under fire. You’re not just reacting to an opponent. You’re managing adrenaline, listening to your corner, and staying smart through chaos.
Our coaches at Ground Control put a big emphasis on mental prep. We train you to be strategic, to recognize patterns in a fight, and to make good choices when it matters most. Whether you’re setting up a finish or grinding out a win, your mindset is your sharpest tool.
One of the biggest reasons athletes succeed in transitioning to MMA? They’re surrounded by the right people.
At Ground Control Columbia, you’re training with experienced MMA fighters, grappling specialists, striking coaches, and teammates who are serious about growth. The culture here is focused and supportive—no egos, no shortcuts, just real work and real progress.
You’ll have people in your corner who know what it takes—because they’ve been there.
Moving from jiu-jitsu to MMA doesn’t mean leaving your roots behind—it means building on them. With the right coaching, training, and mindset, you can evolve into a complete, confident fighter ready for whatever the cage throws your way.
When you’re ready to take that leap, Ground Control will be ready to catch you and push you forward.
Start strong. Stay sharp. Fight smart with Ground Control Columbia.
At Ground Control Columbia, our advanced athletes know the real battles don’t always happen in submissions—they happen when you’re fighting to keep your guard alive.
Every dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner will, at some point, experience a plateau. It’s that tough phase where progress feels stagnant, your go-to techniques aren’t landing
Preparing for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or striking tournament is more than just training hard—it requires strategy, discipline, and a well-rounded approach to physical and mental
© All Rights Reserved. Ground Control Columbia