What is MMA Really?

It's a common question and most often one that is answered incorrectly or completely ignored all together. Mixed Martial Arts or MMA as the common term thrown around these days has seen a long evolution from the days when it was called Vale Tudo or No Holds Barred. Our sport has become a refined and sanctioned event with very clear cut rules and defined styles that make up the base of the sport. Gone are the days of style against style pitted against each other to determine superiority between the arts. It has become more a match up of athletes and skill development than the of old traditional martial arts to see which was better.
MMA is not a style or discipline, it is a combination of arts or skill sets combined to make a complete fighting strategy. MMA requires every practitioner to be versed in a striking art (kicks and punches), a take down art (throwing 0r shooting), and a grappling art (ground control and submissions). Traditional arts rarely fare well in the competitive MMA arena, gone are the days of theory and kata, it's now a game of practical technique and applied skills. Wrestling, Judo, Boxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are just some of the core arts that make up a skilled MMA fighter. The arts that have an emphasis on practical usage and active sparring are the ones that translate best to MMA.
I would like to address some of the common misconceptions that are being held these days. It is my goal to expand the knowledge base of the general public and help educate the true nature of our sport, the more understanding that can be gained, the greater growth and prosperity MMA will see in the future.

1. MMA is all tough guys and tugs who want to fight all the time and bully people.

This couldn't be further from the truth, though there are some bad elements out there, the whole of our sport is made of professionals that all train with a different purpose. Some come to get in better shape, some see self defense applications, others just like competitive environments, and a few come to seek the professional sport aspect. It's not the sport or event the practitioners, but often a misleading image or view of our sport. The facts of what we do is often sensationalized or exploited by the negative media, the truth is that this is sport and we want to shown the same exposure and respect that football, soccer, or baseball is shown.

2. My traditional Martial Art is all I need. ie. Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, etc.

There was time when traditional martial arts reigned supreme, but combat evolves. Just as humankind evolved from the club to the spear, the sword to the rifle, and now the machine gun to the smart bomb, all combat evolves. What worked 2oo years ago may not work today and why there is something to say for the cultural preservation of such arts for their tradition, technique, and beauty, they do not translate well tot he world of MMA or true self defense. Think about this, 1000 years ago Buddhist monks studying Kung Fu didn't have to worry about urban self defense environments or fire arms. Would their principles hold up in an arena of well trained fight athletes with strong skill sets in practical fighting arts? I don't think they would fare well.

3. I'm too old to start training .

I absolutely hate this remark. You're never too old to take interest in living a better life, being healthy, feeling secure, and being a happier more well rounded individual. Not everyone that walks in the door wants to be fighting on t.v. and be famous. Everyone has a different motivation whether it be self defense, fitness, competition, recreation, or just the comradery that comes with training in an art with people that are your team mates and friends. You are never to old to learn something new or discovery something about yourself, challenges define character and seeking to do something new is often an adventure in and of it self.

I hope I've answered or cleared up some the misconceptions that surround our sport. If you have any questions or would like me to address some other issues of MMA, the arts the make up MMA, or anything about training let me know by sending your email or topic to info@badwolfmma.com.