What Martial Arts are Used in MMA?
Mixed martial arts (MMA), combines several different styles of martial arts. The martial arts that we teach at Ground Control Owings Mills are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai and Wrestling because these are the most popular martial arts used in MMA. However, there are many other kinds of mixed martial arts that are used by fighters, too. These include karate, judo, sambo, taekwondo and more.
1. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. The premise is that almost anyone, even a smaller, weaker person, can defend themselves or fight their way out of an attack by using proper technique and leverage against a larger assailant. It has become one of the most dominant forces in modern MMA due to its effectiveness in real-world applications.
The main focus for BJJ is submission holds used to gain joint locks on your opponent's arms, legs or neck. It makes the fighter less dependent on strength, thus making it accessible for any weight class or age group. An individual with a small build could easily beat someone twice their size with the correct application of technique. The sport demands physical conditioning and an understanding of proper technique.
2. Boxing
Boxing is one of the oldest sports used in MMA. The sport first came into existence back in Greece over 3200 years ago. It became popular again in the early 18th century, dominated by American and British boxers. Ever since then, boxing has evolved into an internationally recognized combat sport--involving both punching and grappling to win bouts.
The sport is very technical and focuses on techniques such as uppercuts, crosses, jabs, etc. You must be precise with your punches, as one little mistake can cost you the fight. That is what makes boxing such an exciting sport to watch because one punch can end it all for either fighter. Boxing matches typically consist of three-minute rounds during which the participants attempt to punch each other without receiving a punch themselves.
In boxing, one must use upper body strength and endurance to continue fighting with an opponent. Practitioners of either sport need to be physically fit and strong in the neck and upper body region. Boxing involves fighting against an opponent using punches from their fists until someone wins by knockout or scoring points during the match.
3. Muay Thai/Kickboxing
Muay Thai or "Thai Boxing" strikes are typically associated with knees, elbows, shins/feet, along with boxing punches used in combination to increase power. They are often used to target the body and head of an opponent. Muay Thai is considered the most-effective stand-up striking art. This style of striking has its roots in Thailand and became well-liked as a ring sport during the reign of King Naresuan.
This combat sport’s style gained popularity due to its ease of access to the public and its reputation for being exciting and reasonably safe. Muay Thai is characterized by intense physical demands, especially on fighters conditioned to go multiple five-minute rounds without getting tired or fatigued. These fighters also need the endurance to move with speed to strike, defend and clinch. This fighting style uses eight contact points, including hands, shins, elbows and knees. This wide use of different striking techniques makes Muay Thai a great part of MMA. Muay Thai has several strong weapons that are very effective in an MMA match, such as the roundhouse kick, which drops opponents instantly if it hits them at full force.
4. Wrestling
Wrestling is the martial art used to take an opponent down to the ground, gain dominant control positions and execute a pin (for points). Wrestling would likely be the second most successful martial art for MMA competition if it were not for the success of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
With that being said, many wrestlers have found success in MMA due to their proficiency on the ground with takedowns and positional control. Wrestling is a grappling sport that involves takedowns, controlling your opponent on the ground and applying various holds to win by points or pinfall. There may be no other grappling as well-suited for MMA competition than wrestling.
Grappling is a catch-as-catch-can style that includes clinch fighting, throws, joint locks and chokes standing up or with both fighters on the ground. It has become very popular because it shows off an individual's overall skill set - striking, grappling and wrestling together against another person.
If any of these MMA fighting styles interest you, consider taking a FREE class at Ground Control Owings Mills today.