Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a total contact combat sport that combines techniques from various combat sports from around the world. It is sometimes referred to as cage fighting, no-holds-barred (NHB), and ultimate fighting, and was originally known as Vale Tudo. MMA training is a unique workout that incorporates different routines found in various martial arts, such as Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and more. It is one of the most intense workouts you can do, as it works your muscles and your cardio while teaching you to work hard.
The Chinese combat sport of Leitai was one of the first mixed combat sports and used elements from different styles of kung fu, boxing and wrestling. Pankration was extremely popular in Ancient Greece, and there is evidence that similar mixed combat sports were practiced in ancient Japan, Egypt and India. Bruce Lee was a famous fighter to emerge from Hong Kong's rooftop fighting scene, who combined different techniques from different martial arts schools into his own hybrid martial arts system called Jeet Kune Do. One aspect of MMA that sets it apart from other sports is that competitors can mix important aspects of other well-established combat sports in every fight, which explains the term “mix” in mixed martial arts.
Wrestling (including freestyle, Greco-Roman, and popular American style) earned enormous respect because of its effectiveness in mixed martial arts competitions. Judo is a Japanese martial art that has both ne-waza (ground fighting) and tachi-waza (foot fighting), and several judo practitioners have competed in mixed martial arts games. Karate is a Japanese martial art of Okinawan origin that uses punches, kicks, sometimes elbows, knees and even a limited grip. While most martial arts are effective, they don't exactly simulate all the possibilities of a fight in a real-life situation.
This is why MMA training is so beneficial; it allows you to learn how to defend yourself in any situation. The first professional mixed martial arts wrestling matches in Japan (known as Ishu Kakutōgi Sen (), literally heterogeneous combat sports fights) became popular among Antonio Inoki only in the 1970s. Mixed martial arts are no longer just for competitive fighters; anyone can benefit from training in MMA. It allows you to learn how to combine different disciplines into one system while still having no individual details other than the fact that it combines several martial arts in a single fight.
Those who train in MMA seek to learn, combine and master each discipline that is practiced. The rules adopted by the NJSACB have become the de facto standard set of rules for professional mixed martial arts throughout North America. Mixed martial arts have been around for centuries, but it wasn't until recently that they became popularized as a sport. MMA training offers many benefits for those who are willing to put in the work; it teaches you discipline, hard work and how to defend yourself in any situation. So if you're looking for an intense workout with real-world applications, then MMA training may be just what you need.
