MMA Gyms in Mesa, Arizona
Mixed martial arts exploded into mainstream popularity with the rise of fighting organizations such as the UFC and WEC. Learning MMA was once only possible by traveling to exclusive NHB gyms scattered around the world. But now, great MMA training is available in Maricopa County at affordable tuition rates. If you goals are to get in shape, to learn self-defense, to know how to survive a fight, or to one day fight professionally in the ring or cage, then mixed martial arts is your best bet at realizing your dreams and achieving your fitness goals.
What is MMA?
MMA is a style of unarmed combat between two opponents in a ring or cage. MMA allows striking, such as kicks and punches, and grappling, such as body holds and chokes. The goal in an MMA match is to win a fight by scoring points, a referee or doctor stoppage, a submission or a knockout. What sets mixed martial arts apart from many traditional martial arts is that MMA has no set style. Similar to Bruce Lee's Jeet Kun Do, MMA assimilates any fighting technique that is useful whilst discarding anything that is not. In this way, mixed martial arts has rapidly progressed to the point where it is universally recognized as the most efficient form of hand-to-hand combat ever developed. Because MMA is an open style that can readily change to a fighter's needs, there is ample variation in the fighting techniques studied and used in the MMA world today. Despite these discrepancies, almost every MMA practitioner splits their training into two categories: standup striking, and grappling on the ground.
Striking - Muay Thai Kickboxing in MMA
All MMA fights start on the feet, and thus, all mixed martial arts practitioners must be skilled at striking from the standup position. MMA combat has proven that Muay Thai kickboxing is one of the most effective forms of striking in the martial arts world today. Muay Thai employs powerful kicks, knees, elbows and punches that are used to break down an opponent's defense and score a knockout victory. The style also encourages speed, timing and rhythm to improve a fighter's efficiency in landing blows and causing damage to their opponent. In addition to the dozens of Muay Thai techniques that are taught for use in MMA, Muay Thai also teaches great defense. Students of this art will learn to block, evade and counter any attack their opposition might use, while keeping themselves safe and balanced during the heat of the action. When finding an MMA gym in Mesa, Arizona to train at, make sure that your chosen gym offers competent Muay Thai training that can be seamlessly integrated in one's overall MMA training regime. Look for gyms in the Maricopa County area with a large selection of full-sized heavy bags, a decent assortment of Thai kick pads and focus mitts, and a ring or cage to spar in.
Grappling - Brazilian Jujitsu, Gracie Jujitsu, Greco-roman Wrestling
Statistics show that the vast majority of fights end up on the ground. Knowing how to properly attack and defend from any position, including the ground whilst an opponent is on top of you, is one of the many benefits offered by learning true MMA. On the ground, the style of choice for most MMA practitioners is Brazilian jujitsu, sometimes known as Gracie jujitsu after the famous Gracie family from Brazil. Jujitsu teaches the use of maximizing one's leverage to employ powerful chokes and joint locks to submit an opponent. Brazilian jujitsu also relies on clever body positioning to control an opponent and setup fight-ending techniques such as arm bars and triangle chokes. Brazilian jujitsu also aims to keep the practitioner in positions where they are safe from receiving strikes from their opponent, and thus is suitable for MMA combat rules. When searching for gyms in Mesa, Arizona, ensure that they have experienced black or brown belt jujitsu instructors. Classes in jujitsu should be geared towards MMA fighting, in that techniques are studied without the use of a gi (uniform). Look for gyms that offer a large matted floor space and only join MMA gyms that have a decent roster of serious students that will make for excellent sparring and rolling partners.
MMA Clothing and Gear
Once you begin MMA training you will need high quality MMA gear to keep up with your vigorous training regime. Look for durable hi-tech MMA shorts by Sprawl, Inspirit and other sport apparel makers. Find fashionable MMA clothing like t-shirts, hoodies and hats by official sponsors of many MMA events such as Tap Out, Sinister, Warrior Wear and Venom MMA. Look for MMA gloves that offer the best protection for your hands by sport equipment makers Ouano, Isami, Everlast and Ringside. Find MMA stores in the Mesa, Maricopa County area, or shop online for the greatest in selection and deals.