Mixed Martial Arts Buffalo

Mixed martial arts, also known as MMA, is a full contact combat sport that incorporates a mixture of martial arts traditions and allows for a wide variety of fighting techniques and skills to be used in competition.

The origins of mixed martial arts can be traced back to mixed style competitions that took place in Japan, Europe and the Pacific Rim during the early 1900s. The games were organized with the intention of determining the most effective form of martial arts for real, unarmed combat. With minimal rules for safety, combatants were matched against one another, each using skills from their specific disciplines.

Modern day competitions for MMA began in 1993 with the introduction of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). An increase in rules and regulations provided added safety for competitors and allowed for a wider acceptance of MMA as a mainstream sport.

MMA Techniques

There are two general categories for techniques utilized in mixed martial arts competitions:

Striking techniques – which include kicks, punches and knees

Grappling techniques – which include submission holds, pinning holds, clinch holds, throws, sweeps and takedowns

While the legality of some techniques may vary depending on specific competitions (these can include head butts, elbow strikes and spinal locks) there is a near universal ban on several other techniques including strikes to the groin, fish-hooking, eye-gouging, biting and small joint manipulation. Finding a reputable mixed martial arts training facility in Buffalo will help you to learn proper style and technique.

The practice and study of mixed martial arts can take years to perfect. In order to effectively counter an opponents strengths and remain effective in all phases of combat, mixed martial artists must cross-train diligently in a variety of martial arts styles.

For example, a stand-up fighter will find it difficult to adequately use their skills against a submission artist who has significant training in takedowns. Because of this, the study of a variety of traditional disciplines remains the most popular way for a fighter to improve all aspects of their game.

Ready to get started with mixed martial arts in Buffalo? WNY Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness is the area’s largest and most reputable MMA training center. Contact www.wnymma.com today for more information or to get started.