It’s (Not) A Knockout: “BJJ training can be done at full power with little chance of injury as there is no striking, and ‘tapping out’ means you can stop before anything hurts,” explains Richard Martin, chairman of the UK Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association.

Boxing

Best For: Fat burning and knockout power.

Tale Of The Tape: “Boxing blends the perfect package of cardiovascular high intensity fitness, but also improves core strength,” says Shannon Jewell of Alex Fitness Gym.

This will help you absorb body blows and swing stronger haymakers; the side order of six-pack abs is pretty sweet, too. Exercising at this intensity also burns off the stress hormone cortisol to improve your mood and help you feel energized.

It’s A Knockout: The Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise journal measured the calories burned by an hour of exercise and found boxing melts around 900 kcals per 60-minute session, more than any other martial art. Or that half-hearted go on the cross-trainer.

MMA

Best For: Jack of all trades (and mastering them too).

Tale Of The Tape: This global phenomenon can kickstart muscle growth and choke out fat. Its strength is its variety: “Classes have a focus of either striking, wrestling or sparring; each one paired with an insane warm-up,” explains Ribiero.

Combining different styles like BJJ, Muay Thai and boxing, the variations ensure every class is entertaining and you’ll learn more skills than any other combat sport. Plus, build a knockout body.

It’s (Not) A Knockout: University of Alberta researchers found that while you’re more likely to receive cuts and bruises in MMA – which, admit it, you’d probably enjoy pairing with your suit as a badge of honor – the risk of suffering loss of consciousness or serious eye injury is around half that of boxing.