Do you know what MMA is?  Since you found this page, you probably know that MMA stands for mixed martial arts.  What that actually means is a bit more complicated.

Mixed martial arts, as you can tell by its name, is competition where the opponents are not limited to one style of fighting.  Nearly any style of fighting can be used and, in fact, a competitor can use a combination of styles (or can use no easily identifiable style at all).

The two main components of MMA bouts are striking and grappling.  Most people expect striking (punching and kicking) to be part of serious physical combat, but grappling is what really sets MMA apart from all other forms of physical combat.

Mixed martial arts rose to prominence in America in 1993, when the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was held.  This first tournament was intended to test different forms of fighting against one another to find out which one was best.

UFC 1 had competitors from kickboxing, savate, sumo, karate, boxing, shootfighting, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu representative, Royce Grazie, won three of the first four UFC events.

Royce Grazie’s wins were especially significant because of his size.  At 175 lbs., Royce Gracie was smaller than most of his opponents.  The fact that he could overcome larger fighters in so many different styles made Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a central form in American MMA.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is part of the grappling side of MMA.  Its prominence in the sport, thanks to rousing success in the early years, is what gives MMA its distinctive look and style in American sports.

Professor Chad LeBrun and his team of martial artists at The Lab Mixed Martial Arts can train you in MMA fighting.  Professor LeBrun has competed worldwide in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA competition.  Stop by and see us today and get your first taste of the inside of MMA.

And if you’re ever in Colorado, check out Mixed Martial Arts in Littleton!