Mixed martial arts fighting was invented as a result of competitions that were held pitting masters of various fighting styles against each other, in an attempt to determine which fighting style was best. Mixed martial arts was created by people such as Bruce Lee, who combined various styles of fighting into his own unique style that incorporated striking, submissions fighting, and wrestling. Most of the fighters of today learn to fight in more than one style, making them effective fighters both in and out of the tournament ring. The following are some of the mixed martial arts fighting styles used in combat today by professional fighters.
Sprawl-and-brawl is a combination of striking standing up and using various sprawl techniques to take down opponents. Boxers, kick-boxers, and full contact karate practitioners all utilize some form of sprawl-and-brawl mixed martial arts fighting, and will all have received some training in wrestling techniques in order to avoid being easily taken down by opponents. Part of the efficiency of this style comes from the ability of sprawl-and-brawl fighters to hold their own while down on the mat until they are able to get free or the match referee restarts the bout.
Clinch fighting is a form of mixed martial arts fighting that makes use of clinch holds to prevent opponents from getting enough distance to strike effectively. Fighters who make use of clinch fighting then strike their opponents with their knees, stomp on their feet, and use their elbows to strike. Both Muay Thai fighters and wrestlers make use of these techniques to bring down their opponents. Body locks and neck clinches have been used by many fighters to bring an opponent down to the mat.
Ground-and-pound is a mixed martial art form that involves throwing your opponent or taking them down, then striking them from a dominant position. A submission grapple often follows. Many mixed martial arts fighters who make use of this form have found it to be invaluable as the fight can be expected to go to the mat many times before it is over.
A submission hold or grapple is used to pin an opponent to the ground until the match referee is able to call the match. Originally a technique taught in Army Combat, it has been incorporated into mixed martial arts fighting styles because it is a highly effective technique that can be used from either a top or bottom position. Most fighters will also learn how to counter this particular move so that they can break free in the event that it is used on them.
Finally, mixed martial arts fighters who are able to bring their opponents to the mat but lack the strength to finish them off make use of the lay-and-pray technique, which involves waiting for the referee to call the match. Sometimes, fighters who use this tactic are penalized for being too aggressive.For more articles, information, and resources on mixed martial arts fighting, please check out Midwest Training Center.
