MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), as the name suggests, is a combination of many different martial arts styles into a full contact combat sport. Competitors are able to utilize a wide range of techniques to defeat their opponent. Most strategies are categorized into two main areas, striking and grappling.

Striking techniques involve the use of punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. Most striking occurs when the fighters are standing up. Strikes on the ground are allowed as well, but strikes to the head are limited to punches and elbows against a “downed” opponent, which is someone with a hand, arm, or knee on the ground. Some common striking styles in MMA include Boxing, Karate, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Taekwondo.

Grappling techniques consist mostly of clinch holds, submission holds, sweeps, takedowns, and throws. These techniques can allow a fighter to control his opponent standing up, take him down to the canvas, or control him on the ground and reach dominant positions. Some common grappling styles in MMA include Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and Sambo.

The sport of MMA started in the early 90’s, and consisted of fighters from various martial arts pitted against each other to determine the very best fighting style in the world. In the early days of MMA, there were few rules in place. Fighters fought bare-knuckled with no time limits. The fight was over when a competitor was no longer able to continue. Since then many rules have been added to protect the fighters, and help promote the sport into the mainstream of society. The fighters of today use small (4-6 oz) fingerless MMA gloves to protect their hands and help facilitate the use of grappling techniques. Normal boxing gloves are too cumbersome and lack the open handed dexterity needed in MMA. Other than gloves, the only MMA gear the competitors are armed with is a mouth guard, a groin protector, and a pair of MMA shorts.

There are several ways to beat your opponent in MMA. A Knockout (KO) is when a competitor is rendered unconscious from strikes. A Technical Knockout (TKO) is when a fight has been stopped by the referee due to excessive damage inflicted on a fighter that has not shown to be intelligently defending himself. A competitor can also win by a “tap out” from the opponent. This is done by tapping the canvas or your opponent, or by verbally announcing “tap”. This can occur anytime during the fight when a competitor feels he cannot continue. This type of victory is almost always the result of a joint-lock or choke-hold submission technique that would otherwise end in injury or unconsciousness. If the fight goes on until time has expired (usually 3-5 five minute rounds), a winner is decided by the judges.

MMA fighters must be well versed in several of the martial arts styles proven effective in mixed martial arts competition. MMA training of today typically consists of strength/conditioning, cardio, boxing, Muay Thai kickboxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and various other styles. Träning MMA