| Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a combination of | | | | skill level improves, along with your frame |
| karate, grappling, wrestling, Tang Soo Do, | | | | of mind. |
| boxing, jujitsu, Tae Kwon Do and more all | | | | |
| combined in one. Mixed martial arts, in its | | | | People who practice MMA feel and look |
| modern form, emerged in 1993 through the | | | | healthier, but there are far more benefits |
| Ultimate Fighting Championships and was based | | | | than the physical side. While many think of |
| on pitting different fighting styles against | | | | martial arts as violent, in the mainstream it |
| each other with minimal rules to determine | | | | is used as self defense. It does not |
| which system would be better in a real, | | | | encourage violence but teaches the student |
| unregulated combat situation. | | | | how to control anger and how to use self |
| | | | control and restraint. |
| During the late 1990s, the governing bodies | | | | |
| imposed extra rules for the safety of the | | | | Students are taught self discipline and the |
| athletes and to try to promote the sport and | | | | rigors of training builds character and |
| gain wider acceptance, but still maintaining | | | | self-confidence, which ultimately reduces |
| the no holds barred idea. MMA has grown | | | | temper induced rages that can often be the |
| rapidly in the last few years with many | | | | cause of many street fights. This confidence |
| people both young and old realizing the many | | | | carries over into everyday life and as a |
| benefits of mixed martial arts both physical | | | | result mixed martial arts students tend to be |
| and mental and this has seen enrollments in | | | | become better people than they were. |
| classes increasing worldwide. | | | | |
| | | | Mixed martial arts training teaches you that |
| MMA is classed as a combat sport, but it's a | | | | you must control the powers that you have had |
| sport that stresses the ideals of fair play | | | | the privilege of learning and never use it |
| and respect for your opponent still. However, | | | | recklessly or without thought. Students are |
| MMA are still quite often wrongly known as | | | | also taught that before any success is |
| vicious and brutal. | | | | achieved they will fail many times and that |
| | | | practiced and perseverance is the key. This |
| Regardless of MMA's reputation, the | | | | is a valuable lesson to learn and will often |
| competition is relatively safe. Due to the | | | | carry over into other endeavors the student |
| rules and regulations imposed and strictly | | | | undertakes. |
| enforced and the tough mental and physical | | | | |
| conditioning of the opponents there has never | | | | Furthermore, the training teaches you that |
| been a death or indeed a critical injury | | | | every person is responsible for his own |
| report by the MMA as directly linked to any | | | | actions and must understand and abide by the |
| tournament. | | | | given rules. This kind of training improves |
| | | | one's actions in life as well as in martial |
| Martial arts are great for the body. Regular | | | | arts training and tournaments. Many of these |
| training strengthens and tones the muscles | | | | arts build a spiritual life into the |
| and adds flexibility. Training in martial | | | | training, with courtesy, self-control, |
| arts gives you a full cardio work out. You | | | | perseverance and integrity emphasized in the |
| can expect to greatly increase your strength | | | | classes. So much so that many Christian |
| and stamina and improve your hand eye | | | | Church groups are running mixed martial arts |
| coordination. Martial arts is a good weight | | | | classes for their youth organizations due to |
| loss program as well because it becomes a | | | | the character building characteristics in |
| complete system in which a healthy diet is | | | | martial arts training that are also much a |
| part and when combined with the extreme | | | | part of Christian beliefs. |
| physical activity proper weight loss is | | | | |
| assured. | | | | Given all this, it is no wonder that so many |
| | | | parents are enrolling their children in mixed |
| Classes are run at schools, dojos, youth | | | | martial arts classes today. They see their |
| groups organizations, church groups, and | | | | children's health and fitness improve, |
| other, less formal settings. MMA is also | | | | something their child's peers often lack. And |
| being incorporated into many gyms as mixed | | | | they also witness their children's mindset, |
| martial arts become more popular. | | | | attitudes to life and self-improvement, |
| | | | respect and courage all improve as well. |
| A typical class will have you start with a | | | | |
| warm up consisting of various stretching | | | | Anyone who trains in karate, jujitsu, Tae |
| exercises, trunk rotations, jumps, squats and | | | | Kwon Do or any of the arts will gain these |
| abs tightening exercises. Then there will be | | | | benefits. If you have any desire to improve |
| a series of movements taught and explained in | | | | your body and mind at the same time with only |
| full. Sparring is controlled and protective | | | | one activity, then martial arts is something |
| gear is worn, such as helmets, gloves and | | | | you ought to seriously consider. You don't |
| guards. | | | | just get in shape physically, but also |
| | | | mentally and spiritually. No gym workout can |
| At other times a bag will be used for | | | | compare. All across the world, adults are |
| practicing kicks, jabs and punches. Although | | | | joining dojos and thoroughly enjoying the |
| you may feel awkward and unfit at first, it | | | | many benefits of mixed martial arts. |
| will not take long before your fitness and | | | | |