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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

Aspirations must be pure and free of selfishness. Arising from the depths of the soul, aspirations are spiritual demands penetrating all of a human life and making it possible for a person to die for their sake. A person without aspirations is like a ship without a rudder or a horse without a bridle. Aspirations give consistent order to life.
Mas Oyama

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Other Glossary terms

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Dynamic Flexibility
Dynamic flexibility refers to the ability to move a joint or muscle through its full range of motion with speed and control.
D
Wu Style
Wu Style is one of the five major styles of Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), known for its unique characteristics and approach to the practice.
W
Zanshin
Zanshin is the eighth and final stage in the Hassetsu, the "Eight Stages of Shooting," in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.
Z
Shihan
A shihan is a master instructor, often regarded as a "teacher of teachers." The term is composed of "shi" (teacher, master) and "han" (model, example), underscoring their role as a paragon of excellence and leadership in martial arts. Shihan signifies a higher rank and greater responsibility than sensei, marking a significant milestone in a practitioner’s journey.
S
Simple Reaction Time (SRT)
Simple Reaction Time (SRT) is the measure of the time it takes for an individual to respond to a single stimulus.
S
Escrima
Escrima, also known as Arnis or Kali, is a Filipino martial art that focuses on weapon-based fighting, particularly with sticks, knives, and other bladed weapons.
E
Choice Reaction Time (CRT)
Choice Reaction Time (CRT) is a measure of the time it takes for an individual to respond to one of several stimuli by selecting the appropriate response from multiple options.
C
Dohyo
A "dohyo" is the ring or platform where sumo wrestling matches take place.
D
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.
C
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.
G
Ballistic Stretching
Ballistic stretching is a form of stretching that involves rapid, bouncing movements to push a muscle beyond its typical range of motion.
B
UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a premier organization in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
U
Gymnastic Rings
Gymnastic rings, also known simply as rings, are a piece of equipment used in gymnastics and fitness training.
G
Shinzen Shobu
Shinzen Shobu is a term used in traditional Japanese martial arts, including Judo, which refers to a formal match or contest conducted in front of a shrine or a sacred place.
S
Bogu
Bogu is the protective armor worn by practitioners of Kendo during training and competition.
B
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