A cultural community for people who approach life with a white belt mindset. We break down the mechanics, psychology, and history of MMA into clear visuals, guides, and rankings that raise fight IQ for fans and fighters alike.
We study the mechanics, psychology, and history of MMA to make ourselves, members, and fighters smarter.
We're always learning. Always looking for ways to improve. Martial Nerd isn’t an individual. It’s a cultural identity.
Don't think cosplay or fantasy. Think constant self-analysis and the irresistible reflex to explore the mechanics, psychology, and history behind mixed martial arts.
MMA (in its current form) is the result of enough blood, sweat, and tears to fill an olympic swimming pool.
In many ways, the mechanics of fighting have evolved quite a bit since our early beginnings as cave people, most likely using some kind of hammer fist variation to settle food ration, or territorial disputes.
No, that's not the point. A good old-fashioned hammer fist ground-and-pound beatdown still ends fights in the UFC. Certain self defense, or self protection instructors, even teach the standing hammer fist as a viable technique.
But there's a very strong chance that cave people didn't practice chopping Muay Thai low kicks over and over and over again until their shins had a nice hematoma to show for it.
From an evolutionary standpoint, our earliest ancestors had other daily priorities—finding water, food, and shelter.
Our priorities are largely still the same today, but most of us have spare time to pursue skill. Martial Nerd represents that evolution and the consistent refinement over time that breeds champions like Ilia Topuria and Valentina Shevchenko.
Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was Team Alpha Male. Systems of instruction take time to build.
Not just time, but thoughtful consideration of why a certain technique needs improvement and how it will increase combative efficiency.
A certain level of deception is another integral part of successful execution. Feinting techniques to set up an attack two or three moves in advance requires solid Fight IQ.
Like Rome, Fight IQ takes time to develop. It requires foundational understanding, proper repetition, stress testing, and live experimentation.
Boxing is often referred to as the "Sweet Science". Even science isn't a perfect... we hate to say it, but, "science".
The most elite mixed martial artists work hard, make adjustments and continue to develop throughout their careers.
For many champions, the currency exchanged for their most notable victories is the blood they spit out during training and sweat equity sacrificed for a steady paycheck. While some professional fighters can maintain a healthy balance between family, hobbies, and training, they are usually the exception.
True focus can be difficult to cultivate and it requires discipline. Sustained, long-term focus needed to excel at most things in life requires even more discipline.
Whether you train MMA, Muay Thai shadowboxing, or train AI models as a subject matter expert - you understand the value of dedication and hard work.
When you watch Rocky Balboa train to face Clubber Lang in Rocky 3, it's almost impossible to just sit there, uninspired. It might make you get up and attempt a one-arm pushup or dragon flag for abs of steel.
As a bearer of reality, you might not be able to do either move on your first attempt. But that's what it's all about. Some call it the pursuit.
Others refer to it as the journey. That's where the gold is mined.
Inspiration can be hard to come by. Staying inspired is at least half the battle.
How do you pick yourself up after an injury? Who do you listen to for motivation?
Now you know what Martial Nerd is all about. The question is, are you one of us?
Whether you're a casual fan thinking about signing up for your first BJJ class, or a trained assassin with amateur and professional fights under your belt - you are part of the movement.
We believe that everyone has something to teach, and we all have something to learn.
Throughout our existence, we've had a team that ranges from one, to four or more members at a time. Right now, we are a single-member team. (It's a lot to juggle as one person.)
We can't do it alone and this is a great opportunity for you to connect with like-minded thinkers and fans who are already members of Martial Nerd. We want to hear from you, even if you don't consider yourself to be an expert.
If you're a writer, designer, or social pro—pitch us a short sample or idea. We do our best to respond within 1 to 2 business days.
Ready to join the movement? Have a question about our content? Fill out the form and we will get back to you!
