| Mixed martial arts, has enjoyed a lot of popularity, | | | | training. Competition is just one aspect of MMA. Most |
| especially in Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC areas. | | | | participants focus on the training and learning, not the |
| However, it has seen quite a good deal of criticism as | | | | competition. Most MMA schools provide an |
| well. Here are some answers to criticisms of MMA. | | | | encouraging, safe atmosphere where individuals are |
| Criticism 1: Mixed martial arts, is not a sport. It's just | | | | respected. Individual growth is emphasized and |
| glorified brawling. | | | | cultivated in learning this sport. Fighters may popularize |
| Answer: Mixed martial arts has developed at a fast | | | | the sport, but most participants don't compete at a high |
| pace. When the sport began to be popularized, the | | | | level. |
| emphasis was on "no holds barred" competition. This | | | | Criticism 4: Because the competitors use thin gloves |
| sort of competition drew criticism from many areas | | | | and no headgear, MMA is more dangerous than |
| and the UFC (United Fight Championship) created a | | | | boxing or wrestling. |
| tighter fight format with the institution of many | | | | Answer: The padding on boxing gloves can actually |
| important rules. The Unified Rules of MMA now exist | | | | cause more damage than the thin gloves used in |
| and have been adopted by many state athletic | | | | MMA. The padding is designed to protect a boxer's |
| commissions in the United States. | | | | hands, not the opponent's head. While headgear can |
| Criticism 2: Since the sport is such a hybrid, it takes | | | | help protect from external injuries, it does not provide |
| less talent to be a mixed martial arts fighter than it | | | | significant increased protection from serious head |
| does to be a boxer or a wrestler. | | | | injuries. |
| Answer: Mixed martial arts, is a hybrid sport that | | | | Criticism 5: In mixed martial arts fights, the competitors |
| demands more of its athletes than any other sport. | | | | are locked in a cage. |
| Athletes must train in many different disciplines, such | | | | Answer: MMA fighters compete in a ring |
| as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, as well as boxing and | | | | encompassed by a cage that is locked during the |
| wrestling, in order to be successful MMA fighters. | | | | competition from the outside. This is to provide for the |
| These athletes need to be in the same sort of | | | | safety of the competitors. The competitors can "tap |
| superior athletic shape as boxers, wrestlers and martial | | | | out" at any time during the match and the door will be |
| arts competitors. And they need to have a command | | | | opened. The cage provides protection for the |
| of many disciplines at the ready in order to be | | | | competitors because in this sport, it's much more likely |
| successful fighters. | | | | that an MMA fighter will fall out of the competition area |
| Criticism 3: Mixed martial arts is really just street | | | | than in boxing or wrestling. The traditional "ring" of |
| fighting and it encourages violence. | | | | boxing would not provide the proper amount of |
| Answer: The MMA culture is truly anti-violent. The | | | | protection necessary for the fighters to be safe. |
| participants are encouraging, respectful and | | | | If you've put the so called, criticisms aside and are |
| collaborative. The MMA community in Maryland, | | | | interested in learning mixed martial arts, you can check |
| Virginia, Washington DC and other states, embrace | | | | out Lloyd Irvin's, Mixed Martial Arts Academies. This is |
| and welcome everyone who is interested in the sport | | | | in the Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC area. You can |
| and who is willing to work hard and show dedication. | | | | take advantage of the 30 day free trial program that |
| MMA, develops focus and concentration through | | | | they have. |