What is MMA? Where and when did it start? Where can I learn?
The History of MMA
MMA is a fighting approach that combines techniques from many martial arts and fighting methods – in theory from any method that the fighter chooses to learn and apply.
The current “MMA Menu” of a common MMA fighter from around the world is a combination of upright fighting methods which we can call “Striking” such as Boxing and Muay-Thai (thaibox) and of course some element of Grappling – usually based on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu BJJ or the Russian combat system “Sambo“.
Competitive MMA involves full-contact duels without protection (except for a mouth-guard, groin guard and MMA gloves) and has become a very popular sport in the last twenty years due to the rise of UFC and other fighting organizations such as Bellator.
In most MMA fights, there are rules and restrictions in place in order to ensure that the fight will be interesting for the spectators.
MMA means mixed martial arts. In most cases a combination of: Striking ART e.g. Muay-Thai (Thaibox), and a grappling art e.g. Brazilian Jiu-J itsu (takedowns and ground fighting).
Many professional MMA fighters combine multiple fighting methods to strengthen their fighting abilities, such as: Boxing, Wrestling, and even Karate and Sambo (Russian fighting and wrestling system based on their research of Chinese martial arts and many Japanese fighting methods).
The use of the term MMA, which has been in use since the mid-1990s, has grown greatly in the last decade with the rise in popularity of combat sports around the world, and now refers mainly to combat athletes who compete in MMA arenas.
In essence, the phrase “mixed martial artist” can be used in the context of a fighter that has studied and trained in more than one method and employs techniques from several methods during a fight.
–> Historically, there have always been martial artists who have studied and used a variety of fighting methods, but today the main focus is on fighting as seen in arena fighting events.
For example, Professor Kano who developed the fighting method that today is known as “Judo” studied at least 4 methods of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu about 140 years ago (between 1870 and 1880), and based on those he refined techniques from those various methods along with adjustments he had made, eventually creating a fighting system that at first was called “Kano JuJutsu” and eventually called “Judo“.
Quote by Conor McGregor,
the Irish MMA fighter who achieved high achievements and also made a lot of “noise” for the promotion of the sport:
“You might win some, you might lose some. But you go in, you challenge yourself, you become a better man, a better individual, a better fighter”
The popularity of MMA as a sport has increased by hundreds of percent in the last decade, and countless children, youth, and adults are inspired by the fighters who participate in fights and follow them into the world of martial arts.
The two leading organizations in promoting MMA events around the world are the UFC and Bellator.
What do you learn in MMA classes?
In MMA classes for beginners you will learn a variety of things such as:
– Muay Thai techniques
– Kicks, punches
– Striking, boxing techniques
– Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu-based ground fighting
– Grappling-based throws
MMA training includes aerobic fitness training and sometimes also boxing work on bags.
It is recommended to come in comfortable and flexible clothing. In MMA training (like most martial arts), you should not train with jewelry on your body.
A professional MMA fighter (or someone that wishes to be one) usually trains in an MMA club where there are actually separate classes that focus on stand-up fighting (Muay Thai, classic boxing and kickboxing, sometimes also karate), ground fighting (wrestling, grappling, jiu-jitsu, BJJ).
For professional fighters, there is high-level sparring where they practice MMA-style combined fights in which you can use any of the techniques you know.
It is important to perform sparring at an intensity that is appropriate for the trainee, with the intention of avoiding injuries and targeted guidance from experienced trainers.
Sparing is meant to strengthen the fighter and hone abilities, but not to replace professional combat, only to be part of the preparation for ring-combat.
What basic equipment is needed for MMA training?
- Boxing gloves (in a size that suits you personally)
- MMA gloves (in a size that suits you personally)
- Mouth guards & Groin-cups
- Hand wraps (boxing straps/bandages)
- Towel
Belts and Ranks in MMA: Is it Possible to Get a Black Belt In MMA?
Since MMA is not a traditional martial art, but a combination of martial arts specifically designed for the arena – for competitions, etc., in principle, black belts are not commonly awarded in MMA.
Want to learn MMA?
Famous MMA fighters
- Ronda Rousey
- Chris Cyborg
- Zhang Wiley
- Rose Namjoon
- Jessica Andrade
- Amanda Rivas
- Paige Van Zant
Famous MMA Fighters
- Conor McGregor
- Khabib Nurmagomedov
- John Jones
- Kamero Usman
- Tony Ferguson
- Justin Jaycee
- Dustin Fourier
- Francis Ngannou
- Stipe Miocic
- Israel Adesanya
- Jorge Masvidal
- Yan Blakhovitz
Additional links:
– Photos from training MMA
– All articles and news about MMA