About Mixed Martial Arts

As one of the fastest growing sports in North America, mixed martial arts (MMA) are practiced by men, women, and children alike. Unfortunately, non-practitioners are quick to describe the sport as violent and barbaric while comparing it to such travesties as cockfighting or dog fighting. To say nothing of the lack of respect these comparisons mean for the highly dedicated and trained athletes that practice mixed martial arts, these characterizations also ignore the many benefits of it when it comes to physical and mental health.

Mixed martial arts were first introduced to North American audiences in the early 1990s. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was our first glimpse into the sport, but in the early days most of the fighters practiced only one discipline of martial arts. Eventually, athletes learned that to be competitive they must combine styles so that they could face any opponent, regardless of their fighting techniques. Today, jiu jitsu, wrestling, boxing, muay thai, judo, and sambo are just a few of the martial arts that many MMA fighters practice. To become the best, most well-rounded fighter, they can no longer rely on being an expert in just one field.

Jiu jitsu originated in Brazil and involves learning grappling methods so that practitioners can submit opponents with choke holds, arm locks, and leg locks. Moreover, jiu jitsu teaches fighters how to attack and defend from the ground and allows them to win, even from their back. Through sophisticated use of leverage and positioning, jiu jitsu prepares fighters to be more versatile in their offensive and defensive manoeuvres. Likewise, wrestling teaches fighters to use grappling techniques, throws, and takedowns to dominate a fight. Proficient wrestlers have excellent balance, strength, and mental toughness which are all qualities of a successful fighter.

Boxing is a popular component of a mixed martial artists' repertoire because it teaches effective striking. By using hands and fists, boxers can knock out opponents to win the fight. Similarly, muay thai is a type of kickboxing that includes striking with the hands and feet. Punches, kicks, elbows, and knees are all elements of muay thai striking that make for a more well-rounded fighter. Indeed, fighters often point to muay thai as among the most popular striking styles in MMA.

Another common martial art practiced by MMA fighters is judo. This Japanese martial art is known for teaching fighters powerful throws and grappling techniques. Unlike jiu jitsu, judo is generally practiced from an upright stance, but may benefit traditional jiu jitsu experts because it allows them to take the fight to the ground.

Finally, sambo is a Russian martial art that emphasizes the importance of takedowns and submission holds. It includes standing techniques that are similar to judo or wrestling, while incorporating choke holds, arm locks, and leg locks like those practiced in jiu jitsu.

Ultimately, mixed martial artists are highly skilled athletes who have been practicing various martial arts for years. MMA is not simply a barbaric sport that glorifies violence, but a carefully practiced sport that requires years of dedicated training by its athletes.