Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Mixed martial arts, also known as MMA, is a type of combat sport,

It blends techniques from different martial arts, such as boxing, Muay Thai, Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While this form of fighting has been around since the late 18th century, it was Bruce Lee who popularised the sport by creating a unique fighting style. Combining everything from western boxing and karate to fencing. However, this martial art did not become an official sport until the Ultimate Fighting Championship was founded in the USA in 1992. Mixed martial arts, formerly called pankration and practised in Greece as early as 648 BC, is now even under consideration to become an Olympic sport.

Rules and procedure

There are very few rules to this martial art, all of which have been established in the last ten years. It used to be a brutal sport where the health of the fighters was always at risk, but the new rules stipulate that certain moves such as headbutts, biting and eye gouging are no longer permitted. Attacks to the groin, kidneys and windpipe are also prohibited. However, there is no worldwide association that governs this form of martial arts, so the rules can vary from country to country. Amateur fights also tend to have much stricter rules to protect the health of the fighters.

There are basically three phases during a mixed martial arts fight: stand-up fights, clinch fights and grappling. Stand-up fights include techniques such as lockwicks, striking, double leg takedowns and rear naked chokes, which are used against the opponent, while ground fights include techniques such as full mount, armbar, ground and pound, heelhook and kneebar. Close combat or clinch fights involve holding the opponent on the ground to either prevent attacks or maintain the dominant position while on the ground.

Most fighters

also use small gloves during fights, with both open and closed-fingered gloves allowed, similar to those used in boxing, but this can sometimes vary depending on the type of fight, the country and the weight class of the fighters. There are different ways to achieve victory in mixed martial arts, such as: knockout (KO), technical knockout (TKO) and tap out, where a fighter voluntarily gives up. The referee can also stop a fight if he believes that a fighter has suffered significant injuries. Numerous fouls or warnings, such as illegal punches, kicks or throwing the opponent out of the ring, can also lead to disqualification.

Apart from the physical advantages of MMA,

you can also improve your discipline and professionalism with this martial art. You will also learn how to manage your anger and strength, as the principles of MMA will teach you to never use your skills for violent purposes, as your training is solely for self-defence. In addition, your character and confidence will develop as you gain better control over your strength. MMA training is also very difficult, so you will also be taught patience and humility, but this sport also promotes responsibility because it also places an emphasis on participants having to take responsibility for their actions.