Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, from a variety of other combat sports and martial arts.
- See Also:
- Judo, Karate
An Overview of Mixed Martial Arts
MMA core consists of boxing, as well as kick boxing and muaythai (thai boxing), wrestling (free style and Greco-roman), grappling (Brazilian jiu-jutsu) and judo.
MMA is a sport designed for sparring and competition. The ambition is to attain the highest athletic level possible, with as few technical limitations as possible, while still ensuring a low level of risk for the practitioners. Within eastern as well as western martial arts all practitioners are fostered in the spirit of respect, humility and fair play, a value base which MMA shares given that it sprung from both these traditions.
An MMA athlete needs to be well rounded in the three main elements of combat; standing, ground and the transition in between them, and master a large number of techniques of various kinds. Prominent athletes have often had a very successful career in other sports before starting to train and compete in MMA.
Benefits
- Improves cardiovascular fitness
- Improves reflexes
- Increases self-confidence
- Helps with weight loss and muscle toning
Involvement
Use local activity finders or try and identify if a local/regional facility offers this activity. It is also worth looking at the National Governing Body website for opportunities.
Adaptations and Equipment
To take part in competitive MMA you will need protective gloves and suitable clothing
Facts
The first form of competitive MMA was called "Pankration" and it was introduced in 648 B.C during the Olympic Games
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