10 Fun MMA Training Games for Kids
Turn your living room into a martial arts playground! These games build real MMA skills while keeping kids laughing and active.
Why Training Games Work
Kids learn best when they're having fun. These 10 games are designed by our experienced instructors to develop real martial arts skills — grip strength, balance, reflexes, technique, and confidence — all disguised as play. Perfect for your in-home training sessions in Springfield, MO!
Play at Home
Every game works in your living room, garage, or backyard — no gym needed
Real MMA Skills
Each game develops actual techniques used in Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, and MMA
Family Fun
Parents and siblings can join in — bond while building skills together
1. Grapple Tag
A twist on classic tag — instead of just tapping, the "it" player must secure a light grip on their opponent's sleeve or belt for 3 seconds. The other players practice escaping grips using basic Jiu Jitsu techniques like wrist releases and hip escapes.
How to Play
Designate a safe play area in your living room or backyard. One player is "it" and must grab and hold another player's sleeve for a 3-count. If the defender escapes, they're safe! Rotate who's "it" every 2 minutes.
Skills Developed
2. Guard Pass Challenge
One player starts on their back in "guard" position while the other tries to pass their legs. The bottom player uses their legs and hips to prevent the pass. A fun, competitive way to build core MMA ground skills.
How to Play
On a soft mat or carpet, one player lies on their back with legs up (guard position). The partner tries to get past the legs to reach a side position. Switch roles every 90 seconds. Score points for each successful pass or sweep!
Skills Developed
3. Animal Movement Races
Kids race across the room using animal-inspired movements used in MMA training: bear crawls, crab walks, gorilla shuffles, and alligator drags. These movements build the exact muscles needed for wrestling and Jiu Jitsu.
How to Play
Set up a start and finish line about 15-20 feet apart. Call out an animal (bear, crab, gorilla, alligator, frog) and kids race using that movement. The winner picks the next animal! Add obstacle courses for extra fun.
Skills Developed
4. Submission Escape Drills
One partner gently applies a controlled hold (armbar, mount, headlock) while the other practices the proper escape technique. Think of it as a puzzle — kids love figuring out how to "solve" each hold!
How to Play
The "attacker" slowly applies a light hold. The "defender" has 30 seconds to escape using proper technique. No strength — only technique counts! Award points for clean escapes. Our instructor teaches proper holds during in-home sessions.
Skills Developed
5. Balance Battle Royale
Players stand on one foot and try to make their opponents lose balance using only open-palm pushes to the shoulders. Last one standing wins! This develops the balance and base crucial for takedown defense in MMA.
How to Play
Everyone stands on one foot inside a small marked area (a blanket works great!). Using only open-palm pushes to the shoulders, try to make others put their foot down or step outside the boundary. No grabbing allowed!
Skills Developed
6. MMA Simon Says
Classic Simon Says with martial arts moves! "Simon says... jab-cross combo!" "Simon says... sprawl!" "Do a spinning back kick!" (Gotcha — Simon didn't say!) Kids learn real MMA techniques without even realizing they're training.
How to Play
The leader (parent or older sibling) calls out MMA moves with or without "Simon says." Use real techniques: jab, cross, front kick, sprawl, shrimp, bridge, and guard. Kids who move without "Simon says" do 5 jumping jacks!
Skills Developed
7. Pillow Sparring
Armed with pillows, kids practice real striking techniques — jabs, crosses, hooks, and kicks — while learning distance management and defense. It's safe, hilarious, and teaches real boxing fundamentals at the same time.
How to Play
Each player holds a pillow as both a weapon and shield. Practice real combos: jab-cross, jab-hook, kick combos. One player attacks for 30 seconds while the other defends, then switch. Focus on technique, not power!
Skills Developed
8. Takedown King
Starting from their knees, players try to take each other down to the mat using wrestling techniques. This eliminates the impact of standing takedowns while teaching leverage, grips, and body control essential for MMA.
How to Play
Both players start on their knees facing each other on a soft surface. On "go," try to take your partner down using underhooks, collar ties, and hip pressure. No headlocks! First to 5 takedowns wins the round.
Skills Developed
9. Reaction Ball Drill
Toss a ball (or crumpled sock!) back and forth, but the catcher must perform a specific MMA technique before catching it: a sprawl, a jab combo, or a spin. Trains the fast-twitch reflexes fighters need in the ring.
How to Play
Stand 6-8 feet apart. Before each throw, call out a move ("sprawl!", "jab-cross!", "spin!"). The catcher must complete the move THEN catch the ball. Drop it? The thrower gets a point. Use a soft ball or rolled-up socks!
Skills Developed
10. Belt Grab Relay
Each player tucks a cloth belt or bandana into their waistband. The goal is to snatch other players' belts while protecting your own. This teaches the grip fighting and hand speed essential for Jiu Jitsu and wrestling.
How to Play
Each player tucks a bandana or cloth belt into the back of their waistband. On "go," try to grab others' belts while keeping yours safe! Last player with their belt wins. For teams: split into two groups and see which team collects the most belts!
Skills Developed
Safety First 🛡️
Clear the Space
Move furniture and sharp objects. A 10x10 foot area on carpet or mats is ideal for most games.
Warm Up First
Always start with 5 minutes of jumping jacks, jogging in place, and light stretching before playing.
Technique Over Power
Emphasize controlled movements. These games are about skill, not strength. No full-force contact.
Supervise Young Kids
Children under 7 should always have an adult present. Our in-home instructors ensure safe, proper form.
Want an Expert to Lead These Games?
Our certified instructors bring these games to life during in-home sessions in Springfield, MO. We teach proper technique, ensure safety, and make every session unforgettable for your kids.