Mixed martial arts rely on physical prowess and skill in all forms of the martial arts.  There are several types of MMA fighting, ground fighting, wrestling, and striking.  The ground fighter is the closest thing to a “die hard” No Holds Barred fighter there is in the MMA.  The ground fighter’s strength lies in his ability to force a fight to the ground, where they can force a submission, to end the fight, using joint locks or chokes.  The ability to perform a take down is integral to ground fighting strategies, but a well executed take down is not as important to a ground fighter as it is to a wrestler. 

The original aim of Mixed Martial Arts training was to determine which combination of skills and training would perfect the most effective fighting abilities in combat situations, and dates back to ancient civilizations.

    Boxing

    This is the skill or sport of fighting with the fists usually with padded leather gloves.  Boxing is referred to as the “sweet science,” and boxers use elaborate foot maneuvers and quick jabs for offense.

     Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    In the mid-1920’s, Carlos Gracie opened the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He taught the skills he learned from Japanese Judo master Esai Maeda.  These skills were later modified to require less strength and to be more effective against larger opponents. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s reputation has spread largely due to the success of its practitioners in no holds barred fighting matches.

    Freestyle Wrestling

    Free style wrestling is possibly the world’s oldest sport. Contestants struggle hand to hand attempting to throw or take down their opponent without striking blows. Some of the many styles of wrestling are Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and catch as catch can.

    Jiu Jutsu

    This is an ancient Japanese martial art that encompasses throwing, joint locks, striking, and weapons training.

     Judo

    Sportive Japanese martial art founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Derived from Jujutsu, Judo is now an Olympic sport that emphasizes throws. Striking is not allowed in competition Judo.

     Karate

    Name used to identify many Japanese and Okinawan martial arts. While known for powerful, linear techniques, many Karate styles also incorporate softer, circular techniques. Some of the popular styles of Karate are Kyokushinkai, Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, and Kenpo which was the first “Americanized” version of Karate.

    Kickboxing

    Sportive martial art combining boxing punches and martial arts kicks. Many different styles with different rules exist such as Muay Thai, Full Contact Karate, and Asian Rules Fighting.

    Kung Fu

    This is also referred to as Gung Fu, Chinese Boxing, and Wu Shu. There are hundreds of Kung Fu styles. Many are patterned after the movements of animals. Some well known styles of Kung Fu are Wing Chun, Praying Mantis, Pau Kua, Tai-Chi-Ch’uan, and Shuai Chiao.

    Tae Kwon Do

    One of the most practiced martial arts in the world, Tae Kwon Do is a Korean style known for its flashy kicking techniques.

    Wrestling

    This is possibly the world’s oldest sport. Contestants struggle hand to hand attempting to throw or take down their opponent without striking blows. Some of the many styles of wrestling are Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and catch as catch can.