| Mixed martial arts, better known as MMA, is a | | | | competitor's corner man can also deicide the |
| form of sports that involves the use of a | | | | outcome of the match and so can the match |
| mixture of martial art combat techniques to | | | | doctor if the competitor is injured to an |
| win over the opponent. MMA has become very | | | | extent that he/she can no longer fight |
| popular in recent years and MMA championships | | | | properly. |
| like Ultimate fighting championship have | | | | |
| become very widely known. | | | | Competitors participating in MMA have to |
| | | | train themselves in a variety of fighting |
| MMA began with pitting one martial art | | | | styles so that they can effectively overcome |
| technique with another under minimal rules, | | | | their opponents. MMA training usually |
| so that the martial art which would be the | | | | involves stand up, clinch and ground combat. |
| most effective in day to day life could be | | | | To make the stand up combat effective, boxing |
| found out. Modern mixed martial competitions | | | | and kickboxing are taught. These improve |
| have evolved from such events, but rules are | | | | kicking, punching, kneeing and most important |
| much stricter due to which, the sport has | | | | of all-footwork. Freestyle wrestling is |
| been promoted into acceptance. However, there | | | | taught to improve clinching. Additionally, |
| is no centralized sanctioning authority for | | | | competitors are trained in Muay Thai to |
| mixed martial arts and the rules vary from | | | | improve the striking power during a clinch. |
| place to place or organization to | | | | Training in Brazilian Jujitsu and Sambo |
| organization. | | | | improves ground combat by improving the |
| | | | competitor's positioning. Further, shoot |
| Striking and grappling are the common | | | | wrestling, catch wrestling and judo are |
| techniques used in MMA. Striking techniques | | | | taught to enhance the competitor's ground |
| involve kicks, knees and punches while | | | | combat abilities. |
| grappling techniques involve the use of | | | | |
| holds, sweeps and throws. Techniques like | | | | Success in modern martial arts lies in |
| eye-gouging, biting and fish hooking are | | | | adapting many styles. These styles have to be |
| considered illegal in most MMA competitions. | | | | altered accordingly. Today, MMA competitors |
| Other techniques like head butts, spinal | | | | do not train in a particular style but train |
| locks and elbows may or may not be considered | | | | all the styles together. Flexibility plays a |
| legal in different MMA organizations. | | | | very important role in succeeding in MMA |
| | | | competitions. MMA is physically a very |
| In MMA competitions, victory is based on the | | | | demanding sport and being competent is the |
| judge's decision, submission or knockout. A | | | | only key to success. |