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Mixed Martial Arts

What is Mixed Martial Arts?

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques and skills from a mixture of other combat sports to be used in competition. The rules allow the usage of both striking and grappling techniques, both while standing and on the ground. Competitions typically take place in a ring or a cage, and the sport incorporates elements from disciplines such as:

  • Boxing
  • Muay Thai
  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
  • Wrestling
  • Judo
  • Karate
  • Taekwondo

MMA has gained significant popularity worldwide, with organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) leading the way in promoting professional MMA events. The sport is known for its diverse and dynamic nature, requiring athletes to be proficient in multiple martial arts disciplines to succeed.

Related Article: MMA: The Power and Passion of Mixed Martial Arts

Human beings are capable of virtually limitless degradation; they are also capable of virtually limitless improvement and achievement. Success depends on goals and on diligence in pursuing them.
Mas Oyama

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Other Glossary terms

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Centerline Theory
Centerline Theory is a fundamental concept in Wing Chun, as well as in other martial arts, that emphasizes the importance of controlling the central axis of the body during combat.
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Sun Style
Sun Style is one of the five major styles of Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), known for its unique combination of Tai Chi, Xingyiquan, and Baguazhang elements.
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Striking
Striking in the context of martial arts and combat sports refers to the use of various techniques to hit an opponent using different parts of the body.
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Wing Chun Stance
The Wing Chun stance, also known as "Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma" or "Character Two Adduction Stance," is a fundamental aspect of Wing Chun Kung Fu.
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Feints
Feints are deceptive maneuvers used in various sports and martial arts to mislead an opponent and create openings for effective attacks.
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Kesho-mawashi
Kesho-mawashi is a ceremonial apron worn by sumo wrestlers during specific formal occasions, such as the ring-entering ceremony (dohyō-iri) that takes place before official matches.
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Kenjutsu
Kenjutsu is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on the techniques of swordsmanship.
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Kyū
In the context of Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery, Kyū (級) refers to the ranking system used to measure the proficiency and skill level of practitioners.
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Wai Kru Ram Muay
Wai Kru Ram Muay is a traditional pre-fight ritual performed by Muay Thai fighters. It is a form of respect and homage to their trainers, ancestors, and the sport itself.
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting techniques.
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Kyudo
Kyudo is the Japanese martial art of archery, which translates to "the way of the bow." It is deeply rooted in the traditions of Japanese culture and combines physical, mental, and spiritual elements.
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Suri-ashi
Suri-ashi is a fundamental footwork technique used in various Japanese martial arts, including Kendo, Iaido, and Aikido. The term "suri-ashi" translates to "sliding feet" or "gliding step."
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Grappling
Grappling is a term used in martial arts and combat sports to describe techniques that involve manipulating an opponent through holds, locks, throws, and ground control, rather than striking.
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Chikara-Mizu
Chikara-mizu, which translates to "power water," is a ritual practice in sumo wrestling that involves wrestlers rinsing their mouths with water before entering the ring for a match.
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Shaolin Kung Fu
Shaolin Kung Fu, also known as Shaolin Wushu, is a traditional Chinese martial art that originated from the Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province, China.
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