Our Mixed Martial Arts Approach

Many people believe that MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) came about from the fusion of BJJ (Brazilian Ju-Jitsu), Wrestling and Muay Thai etc., as a result of experiences in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) etc. However, the approach of combining different martial arts in order to create a “new” approach to fighting was being adopted in Israel, long before the 1990’s. Unlike the Luta Livre (freestyle fighting which is a mix of catch wrestling and Kosen Judo) contests in Brazil, which preceded the UFC in the US, martial arts were being mixed for survival rather than sport e.g., Karate was being combined with Boxing, that was being combined with Japanese Ju-Jitsu to create a “new” fighting system etc. This was happening in the 1930’ and 1940’s in Palestine/Israel. Whilst, the UFC might have demonstrated that only knowing a single martial arts/discipline created vulnerabilities, necessity demonstrated the need for fighters to be competent in striking, wrestling/grappling and when on the ground etc. When dealing with fighting/violence having competency – at the very least – in all the possible dimensions of a fight is a necessity. Being “just” a striker or a “wrestler” would lead you to have gaps in your game which an attacker/competitor could exploit.

Whilst the UFC might claim that it is as “real as it gets”, the introduction of weight categories and extensive rules have meant that sports MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), has moved a long way from reality and real-life violence. Perhaps, one of the biggest differences between stepping into the Octagon/Cage and having to defend yourself in a real-life confrontation, is that any sporting event – including combat sports – is consensual i.e., those participating in a bout/match have both agreed to do so, with an awareness of rules and conditions etc. Both know the time and location when the fight will take place and have trained and prepared for it. Actual violence lacks the structure, rules and predictability of such events e.g., a fight isn’t broken down into regular rounds with a referee who ensures everything goes to plan etc. When a person steps into the Octagon or ring, they know what to expect and this is one of the things that separates combat sports from reality etc.

However, taking a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) approach to real-life violence makes sense, as the unpredictable nature of violence means that being prepared and knowing how to fight on the ground as well as when standing etc., is necessary. At our gym, located just north of Boston, we teach people how to both survive and dominate in all phases and dimensions of a fight e.g., whether they find themselves on the ground, pushed up against a wall, or standing upright in a parking lot etc. If you are looking to take ab MMA approach to self-defense, rather than competing etc., our classes are designed to meet your needs. The best way to get started in your martial arts training is to attend one of our beginner classes. You can do so by clicking the button below.

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