| Mixed martial arts, better known as MMA, is a | | | | extent that he/she can no longer fight |
| form of sports that involves the use of a mixture | | | | properly.Competitors participating in MMA have to |
| of martial art combat techniques to win over the | | | | train themselves in a variety of fighting styles so |
| opponent. MMA has become very popular in | | | | that they can effectively overcome their |
| recent years and MMA championships like the | | | | opponents. MMA training usually involves stand up, |
| "UFC" or Ultimate Fighting Championships have | | | | clinch and ground combat. To make the stand up |
| become very popular.MMA began with pitting one | | | | combat effective, boxing and kickboxing are |
| martial art technique with another under minimal | | | | taught. These improve kicking, punching, kneeing |
| rules, so that the martial art which would be the | | | | and most important of all-footwork. Freestyle |
| most effective in day to day life could be found. | | | | wrestling is taught to improve clinching. |
| Modern mixed martial competitions have evolved | | | | Additionally, competitors are trained in Muay Thai |
| from such events, but rules are much stricter due | | | | to improve the striking power during a clinch. |
| to which, the sport has been promoted into | | | | Training in Brazilian Jujitsu and Sambo improves |
| acceptance. However, there is no centralized | | | | ground combat by improving the competitor's |
| sanctioning authority for mixed martial arts and | | | | positioning. Further, shoot wrestling, catch |
| the rules vary from place to place or organization | | | | wrestling and judo are taught to enhance the |
| to organization.Striking and grappling are the | | | | competitor's ground combat abilities.Some of the |
| common techniques used in MMA. Striking | | | | best competitors are well rounded fighters. But, |
| techniques involve kicks, knees and punches while | | | | they all specialize really well in one aspect of |
| grappling techniques involve the use of holds, | | | | mixed martial arts. Sometimes this style is so |
| sweeps and throws. Techniques like eye-gouging, | | | | dominant that it is overwhelming for the other |
| biting and fish hooking are considered illegal in | | | | opponent.Success in modern martial arts lies in |
| most MMA competitions. Other techniques like | | | | adapting many styles. These styles have to be |
| head butts, spinal locks and elbows may or may | | | | altered accordingly. Today, MMA competitors do |
| not be considered legal in different MMA | | | | not train in a particular style but train all the styles |
| organizations.In MMA competitions, victory is | | | | together. Flexibility plays a very important role in |
| based on the judge's decision, submission or | | | | succeeding in MMA competitions. MMA is physically |
| knockout. A competitor's corner man can also | | | | a very demanding sport and being competent is |
| decide the outcome of the match and so can the | | | | the only key to success. |
| match doctor if the competitor is injured to an | | | | |