MMA or Mixed Martial Arts combines a variety of full contact sport techniques and styles with a competitive edge. Judo, Muay Thai, kick boxing, Karate and wrestling are just a few of the utilized skilled arts. MMA allows one to fight with the whole body by combining throwing, striking and joint manipulating techniques with a competitive edge.

Muay Thai, for example, was utilized for warfare in the 1800's. Over the years, these fights became spectator sports to entertain Kings in various countries. Muay Thai makes use of eight contact points and its name means "Art of Eight Limbs." These include knee hits, punches, kicks and elbow strikes performed in a stand-up position. This is no comparison to the sport of Western boxing that only has two points, hands and feet.

Similar to wresting, ground fighting involves holding the opponent down through grappling moves. Preventing strikes or getting the dominant position while on the ground is clinched fighting. The only equipment needed for MMA is small gloves, open-fingered or closed, this also depends upon the country, type of fight and weight category. Victory in MMA is determined by knockout, doctor stoppage, and submission. Referees can stop a fight if there have been numerous fouls causing disqualification or one of the opponents has sustained a serious bodily injury.

Mixed Martial Arts became an official sport in the US in 1992 when the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was held. The first no-holds-barred fights were disciplined into a sport including time limits and restrictions to prevent bodily harm. The UFC expanded its activities from the United States to Canada in 2008. Pay-per-view events began drawing huge audiences making Calgary comparative to large cities such as Los Angeles or Chicago. Shows are often sold out within minutes of the tickets going on sale.

There are several schools in Calgary that teach MMA and individuals from all over the world travel here to learn from the best. If interested in this sport, instructors caution that one should watch a few sessions before committing. Professionals are eager to speak with potential students and enroll them in starter classes to make sure this is an adequate sport for that person. Competitive martial arts differ from self defense and should not be categorized as the same. Some of the techniques may overlap, but many of the strategies are not sensible for someone to utilize in an attack type situation.

This website will provide more information about MMA:
Calgary Martial Arts
Calgary wrestling