MMA is a combat sport that can be dated back to the ancient Greeks. Although the ancient Greek version was a bit simpler, it involves the same premise of using a combination of other different fighting techniques and styles into one, in order to bring the opponent to a submission and sticking up the index finger to signify they’ve had enough, we call this a tap out now a days. The term “MMA” is pretty self explanatory (Mixed Martial Arts) sometimes known as “Cage Fighting.” It’s a full contact combat sport that can be practiced by anyone no matter what age, size, or gender. It allows for striking, grappling, both standing and on the ground, using techniques from various other combat sports and martial arts. It’s an all in one sport that had gained popularity in the mid 90’s and has been one of the fastest growing sports to date. We’ve all heard of UFC at least once in our lives. It’s a combat sport that tests your weakest points and exercises your body, mind, and soul. MMA is an effective and realistic self defense art because it used a variety of techniques on the ground and standing up so you’ll be ready for whatever an attacker will come at you with.
MMA is a culture that has no preference on color, gender, or creed. It’s a wonderful combat sport that will completely transform you inside and out. Most sports require you to be dominant in certain muscles compared to others but MMA is a full body workout. The more you kick the stronger your legs become, the more you strike, the stronger your arms become, and the more you grappl the more you build your core muscles. Calories are burnt faster than wildfires and new out of the ordinary workout techniques are learnt. While training you can expect to be put outside of your comfort zones, but also learn how to deal and overcome these situations and in turn your confidence will grow. Time and time again you will be pinned, submitted, and out maneuvered by more experienced sparring partners but that’ll just make you stronger and stronger especially if you keep going at it and eventually finding your way out of those pins and submissions on the mats and in real life.
As you become more involved in the sport as time goes by, you’ll pick up on the trends and the lingo. Lingo meaning the names of the submissions such as arm bar, bow & arrow choke, americana, kimura, etc. Also something you’ll pick up on are trends as in the fashion style and brands that are relevant to MMA. Brands like Tapout, Affliction, Borntough, etc. You’ll be able to find womens workout tank tops and mens workout shirts that have different designs, colors, and other personal preferences all meant to help keep comfortable while training. MMA apparel isn’t only limited to training though, you’ll probably start to acquire MMA apparel like hoodies, hats, shirts, and even probably something like a bumper sticker. By dressing up for the occasion or just feel like repping that training studio or fighter, you’re basically a part of that family. It’s a culture that accepts everyone and one where anyone can have a sense of belonging.
MMA is also all about respect. Respect for your training partners, opponents, instructors, and most importantly respect for yourself. You’ll be sparring on the mats and then eventually be in the cage with your opponent. You’ll both be in there for the same reason, but from what’s been seen in almost every UFC or boxing match, the unwritten rule in MMA or any contact sport, is the mutual appreciation for each other when the match is over with. Like Dana White once said about fighting, “it’s in our DNA” but so is compassion. Regardless of all the smack talk during press conferences, you’ll notice that the 2 fighters will shake hands, pat each other on the back, or even give each other a hug. It may not be completely understandable on paper, but once you’re in there and have tried to rip each other’s heads off, it’s a feeling of relief, mutual respect, and honor that overwhelms you and your fellow man. So get up, sign up, and put your guard up because MMA is a life-changing journey that you will never regret.
