Master MMA With Your Very Own Sprung Floor

Whether you practice jiu-jitsu, judo, wrestling, or any other form of mixed martial arts, you’re already familiar with the physical demands of the sport. Throws, takedowns, and high-impact falls are all part of training, but they can take a serious toll on your body. That’s why many professional gyms and training facilities rely on one essential piece of infrastructure: the sprung floor. And for today’s post, we’re going to show you how you can create your own DIY sprung floor using foam blocks from Foam by Mail.

What Is a Sprung Floor?

A sprung floor is a multi-layered system designed to absorb and distribute impact forces. Unlike standard flooring, a properly constructed sprung floor reduces the risk of injury by providing controlled shock absorption during falls, takedowns, and high-impact movements.

A basic sprung floor assembly typically includes:
• Top Surface Layer: The first point of contact, often finished with vinyl for durability and easy cleaning.
• Plywood Structural Layers: These provide overall stability and load distribution across the surface.
• Foam Support Layer: Foam blocks placed underneath the plywood serve as the shock-absorbing core of the system.

The Role of Foam in a Sprung Floor

The foam layer is what gives the floor its signature responsiveness, or “spring.” This layer cushions the impact of falls while maintaining enough firmness to support fast footwork and balance during sparring or grappling. We recommend using high-density foam blocks made with Polyethylene Foam Sheets 2.2 lb. or 2 lb. Cross-Linked Polyethylene Foam for this.

Blocks are typically sized at 2″ x 2″ x 3″ or 3″ x 3″ x 4″ and should be spaced evenly beneath the plywood base for consistent support and performance. The specific density and configuration may vary depending on training intensity and user weight, but these materials are tested and proven for martial arts applications.

Benefits of a Foam-Based Sprung Floor

Using foam blocks as the base of your floor structure offers several key advantages, including impact absorption to minimize bruises, joint stress, and long-term wear on the body. Foam also provides the right balance of support and rigidity, allowing for quick footwork without the floor giving out beneath you. It naturally reduces noise for a quieter training environment and can improve traction when paired with the right surface materials. Whether you’re outfitting a home dojo or a commercial gym, a properly constructed sprung floor enhances both safety and overall performance.

How to Get Started

To build your own MMA sprung floor, you’ll need:
• A durable vinyl surface layer
• Structural-grade plywood sheets
• High-quality foam blocks from Foam by Mail

Once you’ve gathered your materials, you can follow one of the many detailed instructional guides or video tutorials available online. The process is straightforward and can be done on a practical budget with materials from Foam By Mail.

Ready to Build?

If you’re planning to create a safer, more responsive floor for your training space, we’d love to be your trusted source for foam blocks and materials. Need help selecting the right foam or determining how much you need? Contact us today—we’re happy to assist with your project.