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MMA
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BRAZILIAN
JIU-JITSU
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What is MMA?... MMA (also known by other tags such as "ultimate fighting" or "cage fighting") is Mixed Martial Arts, meaning a combination of martial arts, usually integrating standing styles with ground fighting styles. Taken from standing styles such as Muay Thai, boxing or Karate is the use of strikes, including punches and kicks as well as elbow and knee strikes. Ground fighting styles, including grappling martial arts such as wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Sambo, are based in control techniques and/or chokes and joint-locks intended to force the opponent to submit (a.k.a. tap out). Some grappling martial arts are known to utilize throws and/or takedowns as well as ground fighting such as judo or wrestling.
Stepping into the "cage" or onto the mat, mixed martial artists usually wear only a pair of shorts, cup, mouthpiece and MMA gloves which have thin padding to protect the knuckles, and partially open fingers to allow grappling. In training, fighters may use these MMA gloves as well as boxing gloves and bag gloves. Also utilized are heavy bags, kicking bags, and other striking bags, pads and dummies. Worn are loose fitting board shorts or tight, elastic shorts, rash guards to protect the skin and sometimes gis for strict training in arts such as judo or Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Notes from the editor:
There are many types of gloves used in MMA training. The basic MMA style are thin yet firmly padded, half-finger gloves. The padding covers the knuckles, the back of the hand and sometimes the back of the thumb. Some models have a partially or fully open palm for grappling. These gloves are usually made with leather, imitation leather or other synthetic materials and come equipped with a hook and loop (Velcro) closure around the wrist. These are the gloves worn by professional MMA fighters in the cage or ring. In a fight the gloves are worn over hand-wraps and are secured to the wrist with athletic tape over the hook and loop closure. They most often come in the four ( 4 ) ounce or five ( 5 ) ounce weights.
MMA gloves have become a symbol of Mixed Martial Arts, much the way boxing gloves are a recognized symbol of boxing. Images of fisted mitts wearing MMA gloves are already used by some companies in advertising or even as a part of brand design logos. Manufacturers all over the world are making these gloves for fighters, students of MMA or specific martial arts, and all the fans who want a pair. The growth of the sport, it's media popularity, and the increasing number of fans has it's upside as well as the down. The raise in popularity makes the acquisition of equipment easier for those training. It also makes for a better chance to have a career as a fighter. Many may agree that the availability of a career in something someone loves doing is always good for the human condition. At the same time, poorly written and directed movies, toys and likely soon, cartoons, cheapen and diminish respect for the sport.
Boxing gloves are also used by fighters while working on their stand-up game. They wear these more heavily padded gloves to supply increased protection of their own hands as well as the face and body of their sparring partners. Boxing gloves come in several weights, which tells one the thickness of the padding and therefore the amount of protection given. Most used are of the twelve ( 12 ) ounce, fourteen ( 14 ) ounce and sixteen ( 16 ) ounce thickness.
Also used are bag gloves. There are differing styles of these. Some bag gloves are of the MMA grappling variety, but may have extra thick padding. Or there are those of the more standard boxing glove type. There are also the old school style bag gloves which are usually leather and have little or no padding. All styles come with a bar or bar shaped feature at the top of the palm or the bottom of the fingers, to support the fingers when striking with a fist. Hand-wraps are also often used when striking a bag to help avoid injuries to the hand or wrist.
There are many differing types of striking bags included in the training equipment of an MMA fighter. To supply a firm target for punching, kicking, elbow and knee strikes, any training gym or dojo should be equipped with heavy bags. These heavy bags are often referred to as punching bags. They are filled with sand or other semi compressible material to supply the weight and sturdiness required to withstand powerful strikes without moving too much. The old style heavy bags were made of canvas, but these days they are usually made of re-enforced vinyl or similar fabrics. For fewer injuries to the hand and wrist, some heavy bags are now supplied with an inner bag which is filled with water, making for a heavy yet more malleable target.
Personally, I prefer to work the heavy bag with basic MMA gloves or old style bag gloves rather than boxing gloves. One reason is that when wearing boxing gloves you're not using a fully closed and tight fist. I'm not likely to be boxing in a ring, except in some sparring, and in the possible occasion that I need to defend myself on "the street", I need to automatically squeeze my fists tight and hard when throwing a punch. If I practice too much with boxing gloves I may be too accustomed to punching with a partially open fist, and thereby vulnerable to injuries to the hand and wrist. I would rather have my hands and wrists accustomed to slamming into that firm, heavy surface of the bag with little or no padding. I also like to hit the heavy bag bare fisted sometimes for basically the same reason. I do lose a little skin sometimes, but that just makes that skin a little tougher and makes me a little more conscious of how my punches are landing. If I land every punch straight and flat going into the heavy bag my skin will be fine. But if a few punches, or just one hard enough, grazes off a bit, I'm much more likely to be nursing a skinless knuckle or two for a couple days. It's worth it though, to have hands which are ready to throw bare fisted punches into solid surfaces, such as a large man's head or body.
To accomplish longer work-outs with a heavy bag, I usually wear the MMA style gloves since I can, and need to, use that tightly closed fist. The MMA gloves give the protection I need, but not too much. I see people hitting bags with huge, oversized boxing gloves. Punching with pillows on your hands is fine if you're just trying to get a good cardio work-out, but if you're training to be a fighter or a serious martial artist, you need more realistic physical conditions.
Another piece of equipment many MMA fighters utilize for striking, punching, is the well known speed-bag. These speed-bags are small, tear-drop shaped targets, filled with air and hung from a square or round platform and bracket. Speed-bags are used to help in training for speed, timing and coordination. These bags are also usually covered with an outer shell of leather or vinyl. Gloves are often worn while training with speed bags. Though, more often hand-wraps and/or athletic tape is preferred over bag gloves when training with speed bags for better dexterity and a less encumbered connection with the small , rounded surface.
Some believe the rhythm fallen into when using these bags is a detriment to the eye- hand coordination sought after while using this type of equipment. Some may differ, believing that in the practice of this exercise, not only are there the physical benefits of continuous motion improving cardiovascular fitness, but even if the fighter is "zoning out" while involved, there is "feel" to consider. Meaning, that while in this practice the bag may be moving faster than the eye can follow and brain can consciously respond, and the person must trust their instinct and respond with the subconscious taking the lead. In a fight , moments of opportunity too often come and go before they can possibly be consciously recognized and responded to. A competitor at any professional level, must be able to act confidently without thinking consciously about the action taken. A simple example would be, when an opponent throws too heavy of a punch he/she will be open to a counter strike before they are able to recover their balance and defensive readiness. But if no counter attack or other action is not immediately taken, that wont be long.
For those competing in MMA, No Holds Barred or Cage Fighting, the art of grappling is guaranteed to sometimes be an effective and decisive factor. The term "No Holds Barred" refers to grappling techniques. In almost all professional and tournament fights, some holds are illegal and the use of them may lead one to being disqualified. Some types of chokes and other submission holds which are especially likely to cause serious injury, such as those techniques applying intense pressure or strain on the spine, fall into this category. At the same time, most submission holds, such as arm bars, most chokes (rear-naked for one) , knee bars, and ankle locks are very much allowed in most Mixed Martial Arts competitions. Therefore, a fighter must be equipped with such skills.
Another area of grappling involves "control". Control encompasses many aspects including two which may be the most critical. The first to consider is the use and interference of positioning. With good positioning and maintenance or alteration of positions. a fighter may , for one thing, render the opponents strikes ineffective. Also, a fighter simply maintaining a top position and using their weight when ground-fighting, may wear their opponent out. A good closed guard may have some level of these same effects, but often takes increased physical effort from the one imposing the hold, and wont be implementing the advantage of gravity to put that pressure on the opponents torso, which makes breathing difficult. The next and closely related aspect of control in grappling, is setting up and avoiding of submissions. When one interferes with the movement and positioning of their opponent they have opportunities to apply submissions, and to dismantle their opponents attempts. Many top positions, such as the "mount", makes submissions by the opponent, for the moment, nearly impossible.
In MMA fighting there is little to hold onto, when grappling, once the competitors become sweaty and slippery. It's usually illegal to grab onto the opponents fight shorts. The MMA gloves that are worn, although, may give a stop point to keep a hold on the opponents wrist from sliding off. The MMA gloves, in a fight, have the athletic tape wrapped around them at the wrist to ensure they don't accidentally come off. This makes the wrist , at the edge of the glove, a good holding point for take-downs, submission holds such as the arm bar, and some controlling techniques.
One MMA fighter who uses Control and top positioning to great success is the 9-time UFC Welter Weight Champion Matt Hughes. Hughes has much in the way of brute force, but uses the strength skillfully and intelligently. Matt Hughes was a high-school and college wrestler and has a deep supply of knowledge and feel in this realm. He knows well that top positioning is an all important aspect and displays his mental and physical equipment as he wears down his opponents for submissions and uses his heavy gloved fists and elbows from full mount, side mount and even from full or half guard to destroy his opponents.
Karo Parisyan is a well respected UFC fighter who has successfully used the wrist grip at the edge of the glove. Parisyan is a judo champion who has adapted his throwing techniques to MMA. In judo almost all the throws ( which judo is best known for) implement grips on the judo gi. Parisyan completes many modified throws by gripping the wrist at the edge of the glove (less likely to slip) , and/or just above the elbow, under the arm, wrapping the arm, around the waist or around the neck. Usually Parisyan uses the wrist at the edge of the glove together with one of these other holding points. When setting up these throws, the hold on the wrist is effectively used , at the same time, as a controlling tactic as the opponent may not strike with that hand, and has to work diligently to obtain an opportunity to strike with any other weapon. last edit 4-5-12... April 5th 2012.
And what about other gear. Of course you need the right gear for training, though most important is simply that you're training. But to train hard and train smart it helps to have good equipment. The gym, dojo or training center may supply the basics, such as heavy bags, mats and of course training partners. The rest you may have to supply yourself. Brand names don't really matter, just that it's quality equipment. If it's quality equipment it will be sewn well, made of long lasting material, and if it's something worn, it will fit well and comfortably. The fit of your gear, such as gloves, shorts, mouthpieces, is very important, simply so that it doesn't irritate you or even wear away at your skin..The most important piece of equipment is you. If you are injured you won't be able to train as hard, or not at all. Gloves, mouthpieces, cups, headgear and other equipment is supposed to give some level of protection. If the fit is poor, the gear becomes a detriment or obstacle in your training. If your gear is wearing on your skin because of the way it fits, then unless you hope to eventually grow calluses in those spots, replace it. If your fight shorts don't allow freedom of movement, then don't wear that pair. If you can't move your legs the way you need to when grappling you can lose, or not be able to attain, advantage. If your shorts restrict movement when kicking, you may end up flopping down on your back. If your gloves are too small, you may not be able to make a good fist. If your gloves are too big, they may not give proper protection, and toes, fingers and thumbs may get caught, slowing the game and causing injuries. If your mouthpiece doesn't fit right, then re-mold it or try another brand. Some brands might not fit your mouth as well as others. The best mouthpiece I've ever had (at least as comfort goes) was a 99 cent brand. It molded easily and didn't fall out of my mouth when I was breathing heavily. I could somewhat talk and even drink water with it in. It was so comfortable, I would often walk off the mat and start getting dressed, forgetting the mouthpiece was still in. If you find a mouthpiece that fits you that well, and doesn't cost twenty or thirty dollars, buy a dozen of them. The company that made the 99 cent ones that fit me so well must have gone out of business. I can't find them any more. Professional hand-wraps are also important. Hand-wraps are good for wearing when on the heavy bag or the speed bag. They're a handy piece of equipment and important for safety. Hand-wraps are protective equipment for both the hand and wrist, so if you use them you should learn to wrap them correctly. If you don't have anyone to show you, you might find instructions online and maybe a booklet on Amazon with illustrations for wrapping the hand and wrist. The wraps should fit tightly to supply support and yet not so tight they cut off blood flow. If you've wrapped them to tight, you'll soon know it when your fingers go cold or numb. Also you might use hand wrapping tape, athletic tape, as they do for fights in MMA and boxing, under the gloves, for extra support. Athletic tape is a handy piece of equipment you should always keep a supply of in your gear bag. Athletic tape has uses for pretty much all your most vulnerable joints. It's especially good for sore ankles, wrists, fingers and toes. Often the tape is used for support during the healing process after large or small injuries when you're good enough to train. A decent gear bag is an important yet overlooked piece of equipment. A medium size duffle works well. Just be sure to consider all the gear you'll be carrying when picking one out. Don't worry about getting one too big until it's at the point of being very cumbersome. You might be carrying a Gi, shorts, different types of gloves, headgear, water and other drinks, cup and supporter, shin pads, a towel, and you might want a bag with side or inner pockets to keep your hand wraps, athletic tape, mouthpiece and keys and wallet while training. A good gear bag should also have a good shoulder strap as well as handle straps. Professional hand-wraps are also important. Hand-wraps are good for wearing when on the heavy bag or the speed bag. They're a handy piece of equipment and important for safety. Hand-wraps are protective equipment for both the hand and wrist, so if you use them you should learn to wrap them correctly. If you don't have anyone to show you, you might find instructions online and maybe a booklet on Amazon with illustrations for wrapping the hand and wrist. The wraps should fit tightly to supply support and yet not so tight they cut off blood flow. If you've wrapped them to tight, you'll soon know it when your fingers go cold or numb. Also you might use hand wrapping tape, athletic tape, as they do for fights in MMA and boxing, under the gloves, for extra support. Athletic tape is a handy piece of equipment you should always keep a supply of in your gear bag. Athletic tape has uses for pretty much all your most vulnerable joints. It's especially good for sore ankles, wrists, fingers and toes. Often the tape is used for support during the healing process after large or small injuries when you're good enough to train. Rash guards are a desirable piece of equipment. They're much more comfortable than a T-shirt whether training in gi no-gi, MMA, NHB, whatever. A good body contouring rash guard may feel a bit funny at first, but you'll get used to it quick. It won't be flopping around like a T-shirt. A rash guard will stay with you and evaporate sweat quickly. And the reason they call them rash guards is obviously because they guard against mat and gi burns as well as rashes you might get from wearing wet, sweaty clothes for hours at a time. Throwing dummies, which we have in our pages, are a good training tool. With a throwing dummy you can work those movement specific muscles by doing repetitions of throws or other takedowns. These dummies will not move or feel exactly like a real human body but not many training partners will want to be thrown or slammed to the mat twenty or thirty times like you can do with this piece of equipment. This is a good way to train your back for leg takedowns, and good for getting a sense of balance and leverage for throwing someone over your hip or shoulder. They are also an asset because you can practice those techniques in which you should be landing directly on the opponent without possibility of injuring a training partner. These dummies can also be utilized for variation training: carrying on the shoulder while climbing stairs, doing squats or lunges, or holding in your guard or in a triangle for extended periods for thigh, hip and AB. strength and stamina. Grappling dummies can be good for beginners in jiu-jitsu, MMA, sambo or other grappling arts. You can use them to practice and memorize basic submissions such as chokes and arm-bars. They can be an asset because you can do repetitions of the steps of submissions or other movements. Focus mitts, target mitts should be required equipment for any fighter wanting to improve their striking ability. In the ring or cage, your opponent is not going to stand still very often for your attacks. Punches, elbows, knee-strikes and kicks are delivered "on the fly". Footwork is incredibly important and a skilled fighter must be able to adapt to the continually changing angle and distance between them and their opponent without thinking. To increase power in that next punch or kick, and to maintain balance you might need to take a step first. Forward, back, sideways or diagonally, that step must be taken without hesitation. It also must be taken with the correct foot, and in the correct direction to increase, and not dissolve, the leverage, balance and weight distribution needed for that particular strike at that particular distance. Having a coach or training partner moving around the mat with the focus mitts, focus pads, will increase your skill with a moving target and you will be less likely to stumble or try to reach outside your striking distance, leaving you open to counter-attacks. A good gear bag is going to be any duffle or back pack you can carry all your gear in. A medium or large size duffle will probably serve you best. One with inner or outer side pockets will make finding the little stuff, like tape or mouthpieces easier. These pockets are also good for storing stuff like your keys and wallet. A strong, adjustable shoulder strap is important for ease of carrying. One with a pad on the strap will make it more comfortable. updated October 15, 2010 8-15-2010 Local to Joshua Tree Ca, Yucca Valley, 29 Palms, Riverside Ca.
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