By: James Liu

Mixed martial arts, better known as MMA, is a form of sports that involves the use of a mixture of martial art combat techniques to win over the opponent. MMA has become very popular in recent years and MMA championships like the "UFC" or Ultimate Fighting Championships have become very popular. MMA began with pitting one martial art technique with another under minimal rules, so that the martial art which would be the most effective in day to day life could be found. Modern mixed martial competitions have evolved from such events, but rules are much stricter due to which, the sport has been promoted into acceptance. However, there is no centralized sanctioning authority for mixed martial arts and the rules vary from place to place or organization to organization.

Striking and grappling are the common techniques used in MMA. Striking techniques involve kicks, knees and punches while grappling techniques involve the use of holds, sweeps and throws. Techniques like eye-gouging, biting and fish hooking are considered illegal in most MMA competitions. Other techniques like head butts, spinal locks and elbows may or may not be considered legal in different MMA organizations.

In MMA competitions, victory is based on the judge's decision, submission or knockout. A competitor's corner man can also decide the outcome of the match and so can the match doctor if the competitor is injured to an extent that he/she can no longer fight properly.

Competitors participating in MMA have to train themselves in a variety of fighting styles so that they can effectively overcome their opponents. MMA training usually involves stand up, clinch and ground combat. To make the stand up combat effective, boxing and kickboxing are taught. These improve kicking, punching, kneeing and most important of all-footwork. Freestyle wrestling is taught to improve clinching. Additionally, competitors are trained in Muay Thai to improve the striking power during a clinch. Training in Brazilian Jujitsu and Sambo improves ground combat by improving the competitor's positioning. Further, shoot wrestling, catch wrestling and judo are taught to enhance the competitor's ground combat abilities.

Some of the best competitors are well rounded fighters. But, they all specialize really well in one aspect of mixed martial arts. Sometimes this style is so dominant that it is overwhelming for the other opponent.

Success in modern martial arts lies in adapting many styles. These styles have to be altered accordingly. Today, MMA competitors do not train in a particular style but train all the styles together. Flexibility plays a very important role in succeeding in MMA competitions. MMA is physically a very demanding sport and being competent is the only key to success.



Copyright (c) 2007 James Liu

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By: Bamboo

It is believed that Muay Thai, or Thai Kickboxing, is where most forms of modern kickboxing originate. It primarily utilitzes the hands, elbows, feet, knees and legs to strike, but practicioners can also combine grappling to strike their opponent. Grappling is normally performed while standing, unlike other martial arts such as judo. Techniques derive from the ancient manual of war, the Chupasart.

Though the Chupasart detailed the effective use of weapons such as the battleaxe and sword, Muay Thai was formed from adopting these same techniques without the use of weaponry. Rather, parts of the body became the weapon.

Muay Thai began as a fighting discipline for Thai people well before the 1500s (the exact date is unknown). As a means of self defence, it was used by a Thai person to either defend their plot of land on which they lived, or to defend their country from foreign attack. Therefore, from layman to nobleman, Muay Thai was practiced by virtually everybody at every level of society.

In 1584, during the reign of King Naresuan, Muay Thai became a sport to keep soldiers in shape during a time when Thailand was at peace. More techniques were added or modified, and rules were added to change it into a sport. A match is, in fact, quite ceremonious, and involves bowing and other Most of the rules that exist in recent times were set in the 1930s.

For the Muay Thai practitioner, the right equipment is essential for a training regiment that is grueling and tedious. The right equipment includes boxing gloves, protective gear, and uniforms. The uniform is generally a pair of nylon or satin shorts, with a wide elasticized waist and legs wide enough to perform high roundhouse kicks. Normally, they are brightly coloured and have beautiful designs.

Muay Thai boxing gloves are different from regular boxing gloves. They are more compact and fit fairly snugly. Bulky boxing gloves inhibit the ability to perform a Muay Thai clinch, a sort of grappling that allows one to grab their opponent and strike them at close contact.

In training, protective gear for the head, chest, and shins is often worn to minimize injury. However, some believe that wearing protection prevents one from conditioning the body and “toughening up”. It is recommended that in the beginning, protection is worn until the practitioner becomes comfortable with their ability, and their tolerance for pain improves. Without a doubt, purchasing high quality equipment will improve your performance.



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The first time I saw Shaolin Kung fu techniques was while watching a martial arts movie. I loved the style of martial arts so much, that I watched the second movie and fell totally in love. There was something so riveting about watching the punches, kicks and jumps. Even though it was Hong Kong Hollywood, it looked so much more real than most martial arts you see. I’ve watched a lot of martial arts movies in my day. In fact, they’re actually my favorite type of movie. Recently I saw Jet Li in Fearless. Though his style in that movie was wing chun.

Why is kung fu my favorite form of martial art? Probably because of the exotic origin. It’s a style practiced by monks. You wouldn’t think monks would know a fighting style, especially when they stand for peace and nonviolence but they do practice it every day, for the entirety of their lives. It’s like their way of finding enlightenment and it’s a viable combat art. Most kung fu you see in movies or during shows, or exhibitions are stylized sport martial arts. But not the shaolin. There are historical references of it being used in defensive battle as far back as 728 B.C. Normally, when you see a martial artist, it’s usually big muscles, lots of noise, a show, right? Not this one. This art trains practitioners with the purpose of nature. I’m sure you’ve heard references to it in the movies, where someone engaged in kung fu took a tiger stance or that of the crane.

Each one of these has a purpose behind it attached to the meanings of the animals, not to mention that the types of Shaolin have really cool names like 'Jiao long nu kong', which means the /coiling dragon growls in wrath', or 'Qian jintui' the 'leg weighing one thousand jins'. compare that to boxing. Jab. Cross. How dull!

You can’t help but admire the training and dedication, the grace, and fluidity of movement that accompanies this martial art. Out of all of the ones I’ve read, seen or done research on, I keep coming back to this one. Warrior monks even won battles and were honored using these techniques. It boggles my mind when I think of it. Weapon use, boxing, spins, kicks - all of it at lightening fast speeds and almost inhuman precision. I find myself sitting on the edge of my seat waiting eagerly for the next bad guy to come along or the next move in the exhibition.

It’s amazing how they can do all those moves - flying through various forms, blocks, kicks, jumps, punches - and then stop give their bow and not even be breathing hard. They don’t just use any weapon, either. A popular one is the long spear. I’ve held one before. They aren’t light and they’re long. To use one takes a lot of skill, and they make it seem so easy.

It doesn’t matter what form or practice of Shaolin Kung fu techniques are being used, I love it!




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Yoshi I. Kundagawa is a freelance journalist. He covers the mixed martial arts industry. For a free report on Shaolin Kung Fu visit his blog.