Mixed martial arts matches are incredibly popular on television, and MMA schools have popped up in cities all across the country. MMA tournaments are also very popular on the national and local levels. Matches are usually rough and physically intense. MMA training needs to be equally intense so that competitors can handle the challenges that take place during a match. MMA training has been improved and refined over the past couple of decades to produce top-notch fighters.
History
Prior to the 1960s, most martial artists stuck to their own styles. Karate practitioners primarily focused on their Japanese style, and taekwondo practitioners focused on their Korean style. However, in the 1960s, the legendary Bruce Lee became one of the first to promote the idea of mixing martial arts. Lee founded his own system and called it Jeet Kune Do. This system combines techniques from fighting styles such as Wing Chun, boxing and wrestling. Mixing martial arts became increasingly popular in the early 1990s with the creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The UFC's original concept was to have fighters from different disciplines fight each other. Today, however, UFC fighters are well-trained in various fighting styles.
Ground Fighting
Since the beginning of the UFC, ground fighting has become immensely popular. Royce Gracie, the first UFC champion, introduced much of the world to ground fighting. Gracie practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has been able to defeat much larger opponents with his ground-fighting skills. Today's MMA training primarily consists of ground-fighting, or grappling, techniques. These techniques include numerous submissions such as armbars, leglocks and triangle chokes.
Ground Training
Ground training includes many hours of practice sparring with training partners. Several grappling drills are used in MMA training. For example, a fighter can start a practice session in a leglock and attempt to maneuver his way out of the lock. It is difficult to understand the effectiveness of grappling techniques without doing them and having them done to you. One of the best MMA training methods is to actually get on the mat and learn from trial and error.
Stand-Up Fighting
MMA matches do not spend the entire time on the ground. Some MMA fighters prefer to duke it out on their feet. MMA training also consists of many of the kicks and strikes from martial arts styles like karate, taekwondo and Muay Thai. MMA training also uses the punches from boxing. One of the most famous UFC fighters, Chuck Liddell, has won several matches due to his skill as a puncher.
Standup Training
MMA training drills for improving the standup game include a lot of work on a heavy bag or handheld pads. A heavy bag, which hangs from the ceiling, is good for working on powerful punches and kicks. Handheld pads are usually held by coaches or training partners. They are useful for improving the speed and accuracy of punches and kicks.
Conditioning
MMA practitioners need to be able to deliver and withstand punishing blows. They also need to be able to endure several minutes of physically demanding activity. MMA training prepares fighters to last the duration of matches. This conditioning includes aerobic exercises and strength training. Running and jumping rope are good MMA training exercises that improve aerobic endurance. Push-ups, pull-ups and squats are good examples of strength exercises for mixed martial artists. Many MMA contestants also train with weights.
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