| Mixed Martial Arts |
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Key points of interest for Mixed Martial Arts: Increased levels of commitment Increased muscular strength Better flexibility Reduction of body fat Gain patience and self-control Explore various styles to fit your combat type For more information about the history of Mixed Martial Arts, please continue: Mixed Martial Arts Mixed martial arts (commonly referred to as MMA) is a combat sport in which two competitors attempt to defeat each other by potentially utilizing a wide variety of fighting techniques, including striking and grappling. Well-known MMA organizations include the Ultimate Fighting Championship and PRIDE Fighting Championships. MMA has also been referred to as no holds barred (NHB) fighting, however this term is no longer considered an accurate description of the modern sport, with its formalized rules and banned techniques that have been developed for the fighters' safety. General Mixed martial arts was originally based around the concept of pitting different martial arts and fighting styles against each other in competition with minimal rules, in an attempt to determine which system would be more effective in a real, unregulated combat situation. Modern MMA competition is an evolution of such events, but rules have been implemented to promote acceptance of the sport, while at the same time maintaining as much of the original no-holds-barred concept as possible. There is, however, no general sanctioning body for the sport, and the sets of rules vary according to the laws of individual organizations and localities. It was thought that Olympic recognition would be forthcoming for the 2004 Summer Olypics, held in Athens, under the banner of pankration. However, the International Olympic Committee was unconvinced that Greece could handle the total number of sports proposed. To placate the IOC, organizers removed all new medal sports and pankration missed out. The techniques utilized in MMA competition generally fall into two categories: striking techniques (such as kicks, knees and punches) and grappling techniques (such as clinch holds, pinning holds, submission holds, sweeps, takesdowns and throws.) Some unarmed hand to hand combat techniques are considered illegal in arguably all modern MMA competition, such as biting, eye-gouging, fishhooking and small joint manipulation. Over the last ten years, strikes to the groin have become illegal in all sanctioned MMA organizations. The legality of other techniques such as elbows, headbutts and spinal locks vary according to competition or organization. A victory in an MMA bout is normally gained by the judges decision after an allotted amount of time has elapsed, a stoppage by the referee or the fight doctor (in the event that the competitor is injured or can no longer defend himself intelligently), a submission by a competitor's cornerman throwing in the towel, or by knockout. While MMA competition is occasionally depicted as brutal by the media, there has never been a death or crippling injury in a sanctioned MMA event in North America. The only verified fatality in MMA competition is the 1998 death of Douglas Dedge in a fight in the Ukraine. There are unconfirmed reports that Dedge had a pre-existing medical condition prior to the fight. History One of the earliest forms of widespread unarmed combat sports with minimal rules was Greek pankration, which was introduced into the Olympic games in 648 B.C. Some no-holds-barred events reportedly took place in the late 1800s when wrestlers representing a huge range of fighting styles including various catch wrestling styles, Greco-Roman wrestling and many others met in tournaments and music-hall challenge matches throughout Europe. The first major encounter between a boxer and a wrestler in modern times took place in 1887 when John L. Sullivan, then heavyweight boxing champion of the world, entered the ring with his trainer, the Greco-Roman wrestling champion William Muldoon and was slammed to the mat in two minutes. The next publicized encounter occurred in the late 1890's when future heavyweight boxing champion Bob Fitzsimmons took on European Greco-Roman wrestling champion Ernest Roeber. Reportedly, Roeber suffered a fractured cheekbone in this bout, but was able to get Fitzsimmons down on the mat, where he applied an arm lock and made the boxer submit. In 1936, heavyweight boxing contender Kingfish Levinsky and the veteran professional wrestler Ray Steele competed in a mixed match, which Steele won in 35 seconds. In all three of the 'mixed matches,' the wrestler won. The vogue for professional wrestling died out after the First World War, only to be reborn in two major streams: "shoot," in which the fighters actually competed, and "show" which became increasingly dependent on staged combat and evolved into modern professional wrestling. Some authorities credit an ex-football player turned wrestler, Gus Sonnenberg, by using flying tackles and billy-goat butting, wih ushering in the new style of sports entertainment wrestling. Modern mixed martial arts are rooted in two interconnected movements. First were the vale tudo events in Brazil, followed by the Japanese shoot wrestling shows. Vale tudo (meaning 'anything goes') began in the 1920's with the famous "Gracie challenge" issued by Carlos Gracie and Helio Gracie and upheld later on by descendants fo the Gracie family. In Japan, in the 1970's, a series of mixed martial arts matches were hosted by Antonio Inoki, inspiring the shoot-style movement in Japanese professional wrestling, which eventually led to the formation of the first mixed martial arts organizations, such as Shooto, which was formed in 1985. Moreover, the emergence of Bruce Lee in the late 1960's and early 1970's paved the way for further studies of hybried fighting through his theories on Jeet Kune Do. Lee believed that traditional martial arts were limited to fixed positions from which to strike: a "fancy mess" that strongly inhibited many fighters/practitioners. Lee borrowed facets of Wing Chun, western boxing, fencing, Muay Thai, karate, Jiu Jitsu, Filipino Martial Arts, and even wrestling in order to come up with a fighting style that allowed relaxed movement and effective blows. Mixed martial arts gained real international exposure and widespread publicity in the US in 1993, when Royce Gracie won the first Ultimate Fighting Championship, sparking a revolution in the martial arts. In Japan in 1997, the continued interest in the sport eventually resulted in the creation of the PRIDE Fighting Championships. Evolution of MMA Fighters In the early 1990's, three styles stood out for their effectiveness in MMA competition: Amateur wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Shoot wrestling. This may be attributable in part to the grappling emphasis of the aforementioned styles, which, perhaps due to the scarcity of mixed martial arts competitions prior to the early 90's, had been neglected by most practitioners of striking-based arts. Even though fighters combining amateur wrestling and striking dominated the standing portion of an MMA fight, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stylists had a distinct advantage on the ground. Those unfamiliar with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu proved to be unprepared to deal with its submission techniques. Shoot wrestling practitioners offered a balance of amateur wrestling ability and catch wrestling based submissions resulting in a generally well rounded set of skills. The shoot wrestlers were especially successful in Japan, where the martial art initially dominated other arts. As MMA competitions became more and more commonplace, those with a base in striking became more competitive as they began to acquaint themselves with takedowns and submission holds, leading to some notable upsets against the dominant grapplers. Subsequently, those from the various grappling styles learned from each other's strengths and shortcomings and added striking techniques to their arsenal. This overall development of increased cross-training resulted in the MMA fighters becoming increasingly multi-dimensional in their skills. Phases of combat As a result of the MMA sporting events, martial arts training and the understanding of the combat effectiveness of various strategies have changed dramatically over the last ten years, MMA competition has indicated that there are three distinct phases in unarmed fighting: Stand-up fighting Clinch fighting Ground fighting While the early years included the widest possible variety of traditional styles (everything from sumo to boxing), the continual evolution of the sport has practically eliminated less effective and "pure" styles, usually because fighters who specialized in one particular style were lacking in skills to defend from other techniques. Training Today, mixed martial artists train in a variety of styles that have been proven effective in the ring, so that they can be effective in all the phases of combat. Although MMA fighters will try to play to their particular specialities, they will inevitably encounter all kinds of situations; a stand-up fighting specialist will probably get taken down at some point and a submission artist might need to fight standing-up for a while before he can complete a takedown. A mixed martial artist might train in a particular style to enhance his or her skills in the phase of combat that the style encompasses. Typical styles, known for their effectiveness, that have been trained prior to the MMA career, and that are trained individually to enhance a particular phase of combat, are: Stand-up: Boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai are trained to improve footwork, elbowing, kicking, kneeing and punching. Clinch: Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, catch wrestling, Sambo and Judo are trained to improve clinching, takedowns and throws, while Muay Thai is trained to improve the striking aspect of the clinch. Ground: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, shoot wrestling, catch wrestling, Judo and Sambo are trained to improve submission holds, and defense against them. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and styles of amateur wrestling are trained to improve positioning and maintain ground control. Many styles have to be adapted slightly for use in the sport. For example, several boxing stances are ineffective because they leave fighters vulnerable to leg kicks or takedowns. Similarly, Judo techniques have to be adapted to an opponent not wearing a judogi. Commonly, modern day MMA fighters do not train in any particular style, but either train in multiple styles with multiple coaches or train in teams with other MMA athletes focusing specifically on MMA fighting. Energy system training, speed drills, strength training and flexibility are also important aspects of an MMA fighters training. Mixed martial arts competition is very demanding physically and the athletes need to be in top shape to be successful. While MMA was initially practiced almost exclusively by competitive fighters, this is no longer the case. As MMA has become more mainstream and widely taught it has become available to all ages. Proponents of this sort of training argue that it is safe for anyone, of any age, with varying levels of competition. Strategies The following are various nicknames applied to different fighting styles. Although fighters are usually much more versed in one fighting style such as Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Judo, etc. The following terms are used to describe how a particular fighter is attempting to accomplish a particular victory. For instance, Quinton Jackson and Fedor Emelianeko score victories both striking, "ground and pounding" and submitting depending on the strengths of their opponents. Furthermore, some styles are not complete styles; rather, they are merely phases in a fighter's game. Sprawl-and-Brawl Sprawl-and-brawl is stand-up fighting tactic that consists of effective stand-up striking, while avoiding ground fighting, typically by using sprawls to defend against takedowns. A sprawl-and-brawler is usually a boxer, kickboxer. Thai boxer and/or full contact karate fighter who has trained in wrestling to avoid takedowns wrestling so that in the unfortunate event that they are taken down to the ground, they can tie their opponents up and survive long enough to either get back to standing of until the referee restarts the fight. This style is deceptively different from regular kickboxing styles, since sprawl-and-brawlers must adapt their techniques to incorporate takedown and ground fighting defense. Examples: Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovix, Forrest Griffin, Chuck Liddell, Tim Sylvia, Takanori Gomie and Maurice Smith. Clinch Fighting Clinch Fighting is a tactic that consists of using a clinch hold to prevent the opponent from moving away into more distant striking range, while at the same time attempting takedowns and striking the opponent using knees, stomps, elbows, and punches. The clinch is usually utilized by wrestlers that have added in components of the striking game (typically boxing). In the case that an exchange on the feet does not go in their favor, they can bring the fight to the ground quickly as their true expertise lies in wrestling, so they are ultimately less timid about trading blows. Through the use of Greco-Roman clinching techniques and Muay Thai strikes clinch fighting could be used to devastate ill-prepared opponents. Examples: Randy Couture, Dan Henderson, Evan Tanner, Wanderlei Silva and Anderson Silva. Ground-and-Pound Ground-and-pound is a ground fighting tactic consisting of taking an opponent to the ground using a takedown or throw, obtaining a dominant position and then striking the opponent. Ground and pound is also used as a precursor to attempting submission holds. This style is used by wrestlers or other fighters well-versed in defending submission holds and skilled at takedowns. They take the fight to the ground, maintain a grappling position and strike until their opponent either submits, is knocked out or is cut so badly the fight cannot continue. Although not traditionally considered a conventional method of striking, the effectiveness and reliability (as well as recently developing science) of this style is proven. Originally, most fighters who relied on striking on the ground were wrestlers, but considering how many fights end up on the ground and how increasingly competitive today's MMA is, strikes on the ground are becoming more essential to a fighter's training. Examples: Dan Severn, Mark Coleman, Fedor Emelianeko, Randy Couture, Matt Hughes and Tito Ortiz. Submission Wrestling/ Brazilian Jiu Jitstu Apart from being a general martial arts term, submission is also a reference to the ground fighting tactic consisting of taking an opponent to the ground using a takedown or throw, obtaining a dominant position and then applying a submission hold to defeat the opponent. Some submission wrestlers are also content to work from the bottom position because they are confident that they can find a way to secure a submission. They will sometimes fall back into the guard position, dragging the opponent with them. This is known as "pulling guard." Submissions are an essential part of many disciplines, most notably Catch wrestling, Judo, Sambo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Fighters with a strong background in these sports often use submission wrestling as a tactic to win their fights. Examples: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Ken Shamrock, Royce Gracie, Kazushi Sakruaba, Matt Serra, Fabricio Werdum and BJ Penn. Lay and Pray "Lay and Pray" is a derogatory term for a strategy sometimes used by wrestling based fighters who can take an opponent down but are not adept at finishing moves such as Ground and Pound or Submissions to continue offense from the gained position. They seek to maintain control of positioning and smother any offense from the gained position. They seek to maintain control of positioning the fight into a stalemate. Therefore, they are seen as "laying" on the opponent and "praying" for a decision win. In some MMA organizations, penalties or fines can be imposed for lay and pray techniques when the referee determines that the fighter is stalling. Less commonly, the term has been applied to a striking-based fighter who has been taken down and seeks to cause a stalemate in the action by tying up the opponent and "praying" for a stand-up by the referee so that they can continue with a striking offense. This differs from the former definition in that it is a defensive strategy. This latter technique is more commonly referred to as "Stall-and-Brawl." Rules The rules for most mixed martial arts competitions have evolved since the early days of vale tudo. As the knowledge about fighting techniques spread among fighters and spectators. It became clear that the original minimalist rule systems needed to be amended. Some main motivations for these rule changes included: Protection of health of the fighters: This goal was partially motivated to clear the stigma of "barbaric, no rules, fighting to the death" matches that MMA obtained because of its vale tudo and no holds barred roots. It also helps athletes avoid injuries which would otherwise hamper the training regimens that improve skill and ability and ability and lead to better fights in the future. Providing spectacle for spectators: The rules promote good fighters involved in action-packed fights rather than no skill "street brawls." Weight classes emerged when knowledge about submissions spread. When more fighters became well-versed in submission techniques and avoiding submissions, differences in weight became a substantial factor. Headbutts were prohibited because it was a technique that required little effort and could quickly turn the match into a bloddy mess. Headbutting was common among wrestlers because their skill in takedowns allowed them to quickly transfer bouts to the ground where they could assault opponents with headbutts while not being required to alter their position. Small, open-finger gloves were introduced to protect fists in punches. Although some fighters may have well conditioned fists, others may not. The small bones in an unprotected and unconditioned fist are prone to break when it hits a torso or forehead with power. Gloves also reduce the occurence of cuts (and stoppages due to cuts) and encourage fighters to use their hands for striking, both of which enable more captivating matches. Time limits were established to avoid long fights on the ground with little perceivable action. No time limit matches also complicated the airing of live events. Similar motivations produced the "stand up" rule, where the referee can stand fighters up if it is perceived both are resting on the ground or are not advancing toward a dominant position. In the U.S., state athletic and boxing commissions have played a crucial role in the introduction of safety rules because they oversee MMA in similar ways as they do for boxing. Small shows usually use more restrictive rules because they have less experienced fighters who are looking to acquire experience and exposure that could ultimately lead them to getting recruited into one of the larger, better paying promotions. In Japan and Europe, there is no regulating authority over MMA competitions, so these organizations have greater freedom in rules development and event structure. In general, a balanced set of rules with some organization-specific variances has been established and is widely used, and major rule changes are unlikely, allowing for fighters in one organization to transition to others easily. Common rules The following describes some rules commonly found in MMA competition today. Ways to victory Knockout (KO): as soon as a fighter becomes unconscious due to strikes, his opponent is declared the winner (because MMA rules allow ground fighting, the fight is stopped to prevent further injury to an unconscious fighter.) Submission: a fighter may admit defeat during a match by: -tapping three times on his opponent's body -tapping three times on the mat or floor -verbal announcement -Technical Knockout (TKO) Referee Stoppage: the referee may stop a match in progress if: a fighter becomes dominant to the point where the opponent is unable to intelligently defend himself from attacks (this may occur as quickly as a few seconds); -a fighter appears to be unconscious from a grappling hold -a fighter appears to have developed significant injuries (such as a broken bone) in the referee's view -Doctor Stoppage: the referee will call for a time out if a fighter's ability to continue is in question as a result of apparent injuries (such as a large cut). The ring doctor will inspect the fighter and stop the match if the fighter is deemed unable to continue safely, rendering the opponent the winner. However, if the match is stopped as a result of an injury from illegal actions by the opponent, either a disqualification or no contest will be issued instead. In order to avoid doctor stoppages, fighters employ cutman, whose job is to treat cuts and hematomas between rounds to prevent them from becoming significant enough to cause a doctor stoppage. -Corner stoppage: a fighter's cornermen may announce defeat on the fighter's behalf by throwing in the towel during the match in progress or between rounds. - Decision: if the match goes the distance, then the out come of the bout is determined by three judges. The judging criteria are organization specific. - Forfeit: a fighter or his representative may forfeit a match prior to the beginning of the match, thereby losing the match. -Disqualification: a "warning" will be given when a fighter commits a foul or illegal action or does not follow the referee's instruction. Three warnings will result in a disqualification. Moreover, if a fighter is injured and unable to continue due to a deliberate illegal technique from his opponent, the opponent will be disqualified. -No Contest: in the event that both fighters commit a violation of the rules, or a fighter is unable to continue due to an injury from an accidental illegal technique, the match will be declared a "No Contest." -Weight categories: although each organization divides its fighters into weight classes, the details are organization specific. Fouls: No headbutting, eye gouging, hair pulling, biting or fish-hooking. No attacking the groin No strikes to the back of the head, spinal area and kidneys No strikes to or grabs of the trachea No small joint manipulation (control of three or more fingers/toes is necessary) No intentionally throwing your opponent out of the ring/cage No running out of the cage No purposely holding the ring ropes or octagon fence No spitting on the opponent or referee No timidity- in some competitions fighters can be penalized for lack of aggression |