Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, from a variety of other combat sports and martial arts.

See Also:: Boxing, Ju-Jitsu, Judo, Karate, Wrestling

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An Overview of Mixed Martial Arts

MMA core consists of boxing, as well as kick boxing and muaythai (thai boxing), wrestling (free style and Greco-roman), grappling (Brazilian jiu-jutsu) and judo.

MMA is a sport designed for sparring and competition. The ambition is to attain the highest athletic level possible, with as few technical limitations as possible, while still ensuring a low level of risk for the practitioners. Within eastern as well as western martial arts all practitioners are fostered in the spirit of respect, humility and fair play, a value base which MMA shares given that it sprung from both these traditions.

An MMA athlete needs to be well rounded in the three main elements of combat; standing, ground and the transition in between them, and master a large number of techniques of various kinds. Prominent athletes have often had a very successful career in other sports before starting to train and compete in MMA.

Benefits

Improves cardiovascular fitness
Improves reflexes
Increases self-confidence
Helps with weight loss and muscle toning

Involvement

Use local activity finders or try and identify if a local/regional facility offers this activity. It is also worth looking at the National Governing Body website for opportunities.

Adaptations and Equipment

To take part in competitive MMA you will need protective gloves and suitable clothing

Facts

The first form of competitive MMA was called "Pankration" and it was introduced in 648 B.C during the Olympic Games

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

A online meeting for Sports Club Welfare & Safeguarding Officers based in Somerset.

You're invited to attend our club welfare forum for anyone involved in sport and physical activity in Somerset, but in particular those in your clubs who hold the role of 'club welfare officer' or 'safeguarding lead'.

If you're the Safeguarding or Welfare Officer at your Sports Club, please join Tracey Sweetland, Somerset Sport Welfare Officer at SASP to learn about local support and opportunities to assist you in your volunteer role.

Mixed Martial Arts