| The sport of Mixed Martial Arts (also known as | | | | Wrestling - The ability to take an opponent down to |
| MMA) is experiencing explosive growth around the | | | | the mat, and the ability to defend against takedowns |
| globe. Live fights can be viewed on pay-per-view, | | | | is crucial in MMA. Fighters with a dominant wrestling |
| cable, and even on network television. | | | | background often take their opponents down and |
| A lot has changed since the first MMA event held in | | | | punish them with strikes while keeping them from |
| the USA back in November of 1993. The original | | | | getting back up. This style is known as Ground 'N |
| event, the Ultimate Fighting Championships (later | | | | Pound. |
| known as UFC 1) was originally promoted as a | | | | Submissions - The early success of BJJ in MMA was |
| contest to determine which martial art was most | | | | in large part due to the fact that most of the |
| effective. | | | | opponents had zero submission defense knowledge. |
| The 8 man tournament featured representatives | | | | Now strikers & wrestlers all train basic submission |
| from different fighting styles including Kickboxing, | | | | defense to keep themselves from getting choked or |
| Karate, Sumo, Shootfighting, Boxing, Savate, Brazilian | | | | arm-barred. |
| Jiu-Jitsu, & Wrestling. There was no weight limit and | | | | While many traditional martial arts have been |
| very few rules. | | | | demonstrated to not be effective in cage fights, |
| The winner of the tournament was a small man | | | | there are a few exceptions. Former Light |
| named Royce Gracie. He fought with a unique | | | | Heavyweight UFC Champion, Lyoto Machida, baffles |
| ground-fighting style that emphasized submissions | | | | opponents with his unorthodox stance heavily |
| through chokes and joint locks that few outside of | | | | influenced by karate. However his striking style is not |
| Brazil had seen. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) experienced a | | | | pure karate, and incorporates some range, footwork, |
| surge in popularity as Americans who traditionally | | | | and striking theory from boxing. |
| trained in martial arts focused on stand-up striking | | | | The best fighters in the world are well-rounded in all |
| techniques quickly realized that they need to learn | | | | 3 aspects of MMA. BJ Penn, the top Lightweight |
| ground-fighting techniques in order to stay relevant | | | | MMA fighter in the world is known for his advanced |
| with the rapidly evolving martial arts scene. | | | | submission skills, but also has incredible takedown |
| Modern MMA fights rarely pit one style against | | | | defense, an amazing jab and some of the best |
| another. Although fighters may be stronger in one | | | | boxing in the UFC. Former Light Heavyweight |
| fighting style, all serious competitors cross train in the | | | | Champion and Hall of Famer, Chuck Lidell, was know |
| 3 main aspects of MMA: | | | | for his amazing knockout power. Although primarily |
| Striking - Over the years many martial arts have | | | | known as a striker, his extensive wrestling |
| faded away from MMA competition while others | | | | background helped earn him his reputation as a |
| have strengthened. Notably karate, kung fu, and | | | | takedown defense expert. Even the best wrestlers in |
| taekwando all have proven to be ineffective in the | | | | UFC had a very difficult time taking him down and |
| cage against other striking styles. American boxing, | | | | keeping him down. |
| kickboxing, and especially Muay Thai with its emphasis | | | | Any athlete interested in Mixed Martial Arts training or |
| on elbows, kicks, and knees have proven to be the | | | | competition should make sure their MMA gym offers |
| most effective striking art in MMA. | | | | instruction on all three of the styles mentioned above. |