A sport that has been becoming more popular around the world is MMA, or Mixed Martial Arts. This sport is really a combination of fighting techniques from different martial arts, letting fighters choose which style they want to use in the ring – or they can use all of them that they know.
The Sport
MMA allows fighters to use full contact in both the standup and on the ground positions. Most anything is allowed, and the number of rounds will vary depending on which country the competition is being held in.
Fighters are trained in many different styles of martial arts. They cross-train in different styles in order to develop their techniques for close-in fighting, on the ground fighting, or for grappling or clinching. Many modern fighters will have some training in Muay Thai because of its excellence in striking from all ranges.
MMA Classes
Classes in Mixed Martial Arts provide a variety of moves, strikes, and techniques from various martial arts. The instructors may take the best moves and give instruction from several forms. People at all levels may participate.
Self-defense
Of course, many people in the class will simply take it for the self-defense aspect and not for competition in the ring. Besides getting you in great shape, it also helps you to be prepared in the event of an attack or other difficult situation. Men and women can take the classes.
Many Benefits
Taking up a martial arts class can provide you with a wide range of benefits that will last a lifetime. For one thing, you will get in incredibly good shape. Various exercises and techniques will utilize all your muscles and help you burn as much as 1,000 calories in an hour. You will also increase in flexibility and speed, as well as coordination.
Self-discipline will be another common benefit of any MMA program as you push through the training sessions. It will also develop your focus and ability to concentrate. Stamina will also be increased as you spar and train as if you were going to enter the ring.
Training to Compete
Getting trained in competitive MMA starts out by getting training in a specific martial art, such as jiu-jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai, judo, kickboxing, or everything else. Once you become highly proficient in it, then you can cross-train and have instructors teach you specific elements of other martial art forms that would be very beneficial in the ring.
Martial arts are never promoted to take place outside of the ring. The instructors teach that these techniques should only be used in the ring, or in a purely self-defense situation.
The Amerikick Martial Arts gym has instructors who have competed in MMA. They are trained, experienced, and certified. If you believe you are interested in taking classes in mixed martial arts, we invite you to come into a class for free and see what we do and how we train. You can also meet our instructors. Feel free to call for more information. We are located in Staten Island, New York.