MMA

Mixed martial arts as a sport took off with the first Ultimate Fighting Championship in Denver in 1993, itself inspired by Brazilian vale tudo (“anything goes”) contests and the Gracie family's challenge matches. The early no-holds-barred era gave way to weight classes, rounds and the Unified Rules of MMA, adopted in New Jersey in 2000 and now the global standard. Today MMA is a discipline of its own, with gyms that teach an integrated game rather than three separate arts.

Character

• Striking: Boxing and Muay Thai hands, kicks, knees and elbows – with small gloves.
• Wrestling: Takedowns, takedown defence and cage work decide where the fight happens.
• Grappling: BJJ-based submissions and positional control, plus ground strikes.
• Transitions: The skill unique to MMA is moving between ranges under pressure.

Who is it for?

Anyone who wants the most complete fighting sport and accepts that it demands time in all three ranges. Beginners usually start with a striking base and a grappling base separately, then combine them. Sparring should be introduced gradually; a good gym controls intensity carefully.