MMA Gyms in Kansas – What is MMA?
Mixed martial arts is truly the premiere fighting sport of the 21 century. Blending ancient combat styles with modern sport science, MMA brings unarmed fighting to a whole new level of effectiveness. You’ve seen the world’s deadliest fighters compete in such events as the UFC and EliteXC. Through trials of blood and sweat, well-rounded MMA fighters have proven superior against fighters of all other styles that have dared challenged them.
The secret of mixed martial arts’ effectiveness is grounded in its philosophy to adapt and change as the situation demands. MMA isn’t a set of techniques, nor a well-defined system of fighting. MMA is simply an approach to fighting that is based in pragmatism. MMA works by incorporating techniques from all other marital arts and fighting sports as it sees fit. In this way, mixed martial arts only takes what is needed – what is effective – and leaves the rest behind. As MMA evolves, it rapidly gains new techniques whilst modifying old ones, producing an even more effective and lethal derivative of this open-ended combat system.
Muay Thai in Kansas City – Striking for MMA
Most MMA fights start with both fighters standing. Muay Thai kickboxing is currently the preferred style of striking in this position. Muay Thai delivers powerful techniques aimed to break down an opponent’s defense and deliver fight-ending blows. Unlike may other styles of striking, Muay Thai allows full use of the body’s limbs to deliver impact blows. These strikes include, punches, elbows, knees and leg kicks. Muay Thai also teaches smart defensive moves to block, parry and counter these attacks.
An MMA fighter who regularly trains in Muay Thai can expect increased flexibility in their limbs, particularly in their leg muscles, increase cardiovascular capacity, faster reaction times and a greater sense of rhythm during fights.
Brazilian Jujitsu in Kansas City – Ground fighting for MMA
Statistics show that the vast majority of street and MMA sanctioned fights end up on the ground; thus, it is imperative for an MMA fighter to be comfortable when attacking and defending from this position. MMA practitioners have often been defined by their ability to continue a fight once it has gone to the ground, and their success in this area is largely due to their skills in Brazilian jujitsu. Brazilian jujitsu, sometimes known as Gracie jujitsu or submission wrestling, employs powerful joint locks and neck chokes to submit an opponent. Jujitsu works by utilizing leverage and clever body positions to control an opponent from almost any position. Brazilian jujitsu can be effective even if the practitioner is on his or her back whilst underneath an opponent.
Practitioners of Brazilian jujitsu can expect a great cardio and muscle-strengthening workout. Jujitsu also increases a fighter’s awareness of their body and the body of their opponents, often relying on senses other than sight to gauge the situation in a match. Furthermore, regularly practicing Brazilian jujitsu allows one to be more comfortable when challenged by a much larger or stronger opponent, as this style of combat can often equalize or neutralize an opponent’s physical advantages by using a ‘brains over brawn’ mentality.
Greco-roman Wrestling and Judo in Kansas City – More grappling for MMA
Despite Brazilian jujitsu’s overall effectiveness for MMA ground fighting, it is often complimented by Greco-roman wrestling during training. Greco-roman wrestling adds to an MMA fighter’s arsenal by offering tackles, takedowns and body holds that are highly effective for taking a fight to the ground or defending from such attempts. Similarly, judo is another sport that is often studied by MMA fighters to gain an upper hand in controlling where a fight goes. Judo teaches hip throws and leg trips that can send an opponent flying towards the canvas. Judo also instructs in various chokes and arm locks that are similar to jujitsu. Other styles of combat that may be of interest to ambitious mixed martial artists are full-contact karate, taekwon do, jeet kun do and aikido.
Finding an MMA Gym in Kansas City
When looking at MMA gyms in the Kansas City area, make sure that they have ample floor space relative to the size of their MMA class. The workout area should be spacious, clean and matted. Good MMA gyms will also be stocked with a full assortment of heavy bags for kickboxing training. These bags should stretch from about head height to near the floor. Other equipment that is also essential for proper kickboxing training are kick mitts, focus mitts and belly pads. If you are interested in competing in MMA, look for gyms that offer a cage or ring to spar in. Finally, ensure that whatever MMA gym you signup to has qualified and experienced MMA instructors as well as serious students that are around your size and weight.