MMA stands for “mixed martial arts”. It is a training and competition format that embraces learning two or more martial arts concurrently, and using full contact with limited restrictions when sparring/competing. The most prominent example of MMA is the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC), which has promoted MMA in the US since 1993.

MMA competitions allow any martial art style to enter. The rules allow for punching, kicking, knee and usually elbow strikes, throws and takedowns of all kinds, chokes, and locks on all the joints minus the phalanges (fingers and toes). Illegal techniques include biting, gouging, groin attacks, headbutts, clawing/pinching, and striking the spine and the back of the head. Competitors wear a protective groin guard, a mouthpiece, and special gloves that allow for both striking and grappling.

MMA competitors come from a number of backgrounds, including Western wrestling, Judo, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiujitsu, boxing, karate, Taekwondo, and Sambo. They usually begin studying a “base” art, then learn other martial arts to round out their skills. For example, UFC Light Heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida studied karate since his youth, and has incorporated Sumo wrestling, Brazilian Jiujitsu, and some Muay Thai and shoot wrestling into his training. Dan Henderson was an Olympic wrestler before competing in MMA, and has added boxing, some Muay Thai, and submission wrestling to his training.

MMA is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Since the sport has no prejudice of style, fighters and martial artists from all over the world can compete. Major events are held in the US, the UK, Brazil, Korea, and Japan, with smaller events being held in places like Holland, France, China, the Philipines, Lithuania, Russia, and Canada. The UFC will hold the first MMA event in Abu Dhabi ih April of this year.