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Mixed Martial Arts

What is Mixed Martial Arts?

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques and skills from a mixture of other combat sports to be used in competition. The rules allow the usage of both striking and grappling techniques, both while standing and on the ground. Competitions typically take place in a ring or a cage, and the sport incorporates elements from disciplines such as:

  • Boxing
  • Muay Thai
  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
  • Wrestling
  • Judo
  • Karate
  • Taekwondo

MMA has gained significant popularity worldwide, with organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) leading the way in promoting professional MMA events. The sport is known for its diverse and dynamic nature, requiring athletes to be proficient in multiple martial arts disciplines to succeed.

Related Article: MMA: The Power and Passion of Mixed Martial Arts

Insight is not a quality that comes naturally, rather it is a characteristic that is nurtured through intelligent decision-making. It was through the process of applying his intelligence that Bruce developed deep insights into living the Tao of gung fu. He made passionate inquiry into every aspect of living the martial way, he respected traditional beliefs, but was not bound by unexamined tradition, he created his own philosophical outlook on life, and lived it and breathed it every moment of every day—
Bruce Lee

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Other Glossary terms

Mixed Martial Arts
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Chang Quan (长拳), also known as Long Fist, is a traditional style of Chinese martial arts characterized by its extended, flowing movements, wide stances, and dynamic techniques.
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“kick” in Japanese martial arts — covering all the basic and advanced leg techniques in Karate and related systems.
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The Japanese term for a covert operative or spy in feudal Japan, more historically accurate than the popular term 'ninja.'
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Kimedashi is a sumo wrestling technique where a wrestler forces their opponent out of the ring by immobilizing their arms.
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Foam rollers are cylindrical pieces of exercise equipment made from dense foam, used for self-myofascial release (SMR), a technique that helps relieve muscle tightness, soreness, and inflammation, and increase joint range of motion.
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The age-related loss of muscle mass and strength that begins after peak physical development and accelerates with age — one of the most significant threats to a martial artist’s long-term physical capacity.
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What is Noru?“Noru” (also spelled nori) is a concept from Wado-Ryu Karate that roughly translates to “to ride” or “to blend with” an opponent’s movement.
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Yoga mats are specialized mats designed to provide a stable, non-slip surface for practicing yoga and other floor-based exercises.
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Dutch Kickboxing is a style of kickboxing that originated in the Netherlands and is known for its aggressive and highly technical approach.
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Shito-Ryu is one of the major styles of Karate, founded by Kenwa Mabuni in the early 20th century.
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Hikiwake is the fifth stage in the Hassetsu, the "Eight Stages of Shooting," in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.
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Taekkyon is a traditional Korean martial art that dates back to ancient times. It is characterized by its fluid, dance-like movements, which include a variety of kicks, strikes, and grappling techniques.
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Sun Style is one of the five major styles of Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), known for its unique combination of Tai Chi, Xingyiquan, and Baguazhang elements.
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The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a premier organization in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
U
Clinching is a technique used in various combat sports, such as boxing, Muay Thai, mixed martial arts (MMA), and wrestling.
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