Interesting Facts About Mixed Martial Arts

By Frank Wilson


Mixed martial arts (MMA) has been around for a long time but until recently very few people knew of its existence. It is a sport incorporating various martial arts techniques including Muay Thai, kickboxing, wrestling, karate, judo, boxing, kungfu and Sambo. Competitors use these striking and grappling arts both while standing and while on the ground. The sport is gaining popularity by the day not just within the United States but even beyond.



There is a close relationship between modern mixed martial arts and a sport that frequently featured in ancient Olympics known as Panktrion. The sport started gaining popularity in the early 1900s in many countries in the Europe, in the Pacific Rim and in Japan. The Gracie family founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993 by the Gracie family gave the sport global recognition. Since then, it has been increasing in popularity by the day.

Initially, competitors were pitted against each other with minimal rules. The main technique of the early sport was Vale Tudo that began in Brazil in the 1920s. Over time, it was necessary to adopt additional rules that would serve to protect the competitors as well as get the much needed mainstream acceptance.

Like any other athletes these athletes need a great deal of exercising and constant training if they are to be highly competitive. Most fighters train with multiple coaches so as to perfect their skills in the various disciplines. Emphasis is placed on speed drills, cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, endurance and flexibility.

In order to eliminate the perceived discrimination in the sport, there has been need to modify the existing rules so as to have those that will enable female competitors to join. Most of the rules have sought to increase safety among them is setting a limitation on the time that a competitor can combat their opponent while on the ground. There also been an adjustment for weight classes that suits the female competitors. Japan has been a great supporter of women competitors since the mid-1990s.

Victory is gained in a number of ways. It may be awarded by a decision of the judges after the allotted amount of time has passed. The other scenario is when the referee stops the contest for example if the competitor is unable to defend themselves intelligently. Other ways of gaining victory include stoppage by the fight doctor, submission by the competitor and victory by knockout. Other possible results include disqualification of a competitor or both of them in the event of violation of rules and victory after forfeiture a competitor who eventually loses the contest.

There are a number of health risks attributable to mixed martial arts. Among them, is an increase in injuries. The rate is as common as that seen with boxing and other combat sports. Luckily though, there is a lower risk of suffering from traumatic brain injury. In the long term one may suffer from memory loss.




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