What is Mixed Martial Arts?

What result do you get should you combine techniques of numerous forms of martial arts? You acquire precisely what is known as the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, which is also commonly known as MMA. Mixed Martial Arts is a combination of several different styles martial art fighting through which opponents attempt to overpower the other implementing a variety of martial art techniques.

While it is a combination of a variety of fighting techniques, the most popular techniques are those in standing positions, clinch patterns and ground styles. Some fighters focus on a particular skill, but must have cross-training be successful. It is more common for fighters to obtain a variety of training for the various phases of combat.

Because mixed martial arts is a recognized sports activity with two specific organizations, the PRIDE Fighting Championships and the Ultimate Fighting Championship, there are rules and regulations.

For example, weight classes are a requirement in these rules, they pair like weights with other like weights to make fights more fair. In these rules there are a variety of fouls and penalties as well. These rules were designed to eliminate the picture of barbaric fighting, in which two people fight to the death, as many people once believe mixed martial arts to be. These fouls were designed to protect the fighters. Penalties are awarded to the fighter for fish hooking, biting, pulling hair, gouging eyes and head butting.

Attacks to the groin is illegal in mixed martial arts, as well as strikes to the kidneys, spinal area, and the back of an opponents head. The trachea is off limits as well, a fighter may not grab or strike the trachea of the opponent. Joint manipulation, such as toes and fingers, is allowed. There are many rules, this area has only touched the surface, but you can basically get the idea that mixed martial arts is a controlled and very regulated sport, designed for the physical fitness and enjoyment of the sport, with the health of the fighter in mind.