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What Age Can Kids Start MMA Training in Australia?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) incorporates and combines different martial arts and can take years to master. Ask any MMA athlete, and they’ll tell you that training is a long road - one that some of them wish they had started earlier!But how early is too early to start MMA training, and at what age should kids start? Let’s discuss the key considerations for kids, parents, and the discipline required to learn and train in MMA. What is the right age to start MMA training for kids? Kids can start MMA training as early as 6 years of age — at this age, children already have a grasp on their advanced motor functions and are bursting with energy, making MMA training an ideal way for them to further develop their physical abilities. That being said, MMA training at this stage will not be focused on competitive fighting, unlike with adult classes, for obvious reasons. Instead, MMA training for kids will involve a greater focus on basic movement skills, discipline, respect, and generally just having fun - all of which are foundational aspects of the sport. What age is too old to start MMA training for children? There is no strict age limit for when individuals can start MMA training, even as children. In fact, many MMA practitioners have started formally training in MMA at 21 years old, and have since gone on to experience success in the sport. The caveat is that most academies often have an age cut-off for kids MMA training – for example, our MMA classes for kids are offered to attendees up to the age of 16. Children that are older will be placed with a more mature group of students to ensure that they are getting the most out of the training. What does MMA training for kids look like? MMA training for kids will involve learning fundamental techniques from a mixture of striking arts such as Muay Thai, Boxing, and Kung Fu, as well as grappling arts like Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (grappling Gi & No Gi). These techniques are designed to help children learn to apply MMA skills in a Combat Sport Arena, which can also be used in a self-defence scenario when all else fails. A well-designed MMA training program for kids will also place an emphasis on developing important values and character traits such as respect, self-discipline, and other social-emotional skills. In a nutshell, MMA training for kids isn’t just about learning how to fight in the octagon — it’s about learning the foundations for becoming an individual who will excel in life, not just in the fighting ring. Considerations for parents before signing kids up for MMA training Program structure Choose a program that prioritises safety, skill development, and age-appropriate activities. MMA training for young children should focus on basic techniques and physical fitness rather than sparring. Readiness of the child Every child is different — while some may be physically and emotionally ready for the structure and discipline of MMA training, others might need more time before they can join in. Level of interest Interest is also a huge factor in how valuable and enjoyable the training will be for the child. Talk to your child to understand how they feel about being involved in MMA training before signing them up. Parental involvement During MMA training, children will learn about new concepts and values that parents should take the time to reinforce at home. This not only aids in their learning but also helps the child feel more supported in their interests. Focus on fun At this age, the focus should be on enjoying the experience and learning basic skills, rather than on intense competition or fighting. This is especially true for younger participants, as fun is a big factor that drives their continued interest in future learning. At UMF Academy, we are proud to offer MMA training for kids aged 6-14 years in Townsville. Unlike other martial arts programs, our school uses the industry-leading Character Development System, which is specially designed in-house to teach our students valuable traits like discipline and respect.

5 Martial Arts for Hand-to-Hand Combat

Hand-to-hand combat has been a core part of different cultures across the world since ancient times, whether for self-defence, as a form of physical fitness, or simply as a medium of self-improvement and discipline. Today, the practice of martial arts still retains many of its roots in hand-to-hand combat, although much of it now appears mainly in sports and as an approach to self-defence. If you’re considering learning a martial art that excels in hand-to-hand combat, here’s a comprehensive list of the most effective styles, their unique techniques, and benefits. What is considered hand-to-hand combat? Hand-to-hand combat refers to scenarios where a physical confrontation between two or more individuals takes place, without the use of weapons. This can happen in a structured environment like a dojo, a boxing or fighting ring, or on the street as part of an altercation between strangers. The key thing about hand-to-hand combat is the use of physical techniques such as striking or grappling to overpower the opponent whether as a part of winning a match or simply to ensure one’s personal safety. Not all styles of martial arts are suited for hand-to-hand combat — some make use of weapons to complement fighting techniques. Knowing how to apply martial arts techniques in a hand-to-hand combat scenario, however, can make a big difference in ensuring your personal safety. Kickboxing/Muay Thai Kickboxing is renowned across the world as one of the foremost martial arts for hand-to-hand combat, evidenced by its use in professional fighting circuits and self-defence training. Also known as Muay Thai, kickboxing originates from Thailand and incorporates the use of elbows and knees for striking techniques in addition to the arts and legs, earning it the moniker “Art of Eight Limbs”. Muay Thai kickboxing is effective for hand-to-hand combat as many of the techniques in the martial art are designed for use in close-range scenarios. Wing Chun Kung Fu Popularised by the film Ip Man and the titular character, Wing Chun Kung Fu has gained significant global recognition as a notable martial art for hand-to-hand combat. Wing Chun is characterised by its focus on close-range combat, rapid strikes, and efficient use of energy, specifically relating to how skilled practitioners are able to use their opponent's force against them. Wing Chun training develops quick reflexes, sensitivity, and the ability to maintain close contact with an opponent, making it a formidable system for personal defence. Krav Maga Developed by the Israeli military, Krav Maga is a martial art that focuses on effective techniques for dealing with real-world self-defence and hand-to-hand combat scenarios. Krav Maga teaches practitioners to defend against a wide range of attacks, often from multiple attackers at once, including the use of strikes, grabs, and improvised weapons to neutralise threats quickly and effectively. It is widely considered to be one of the most practical forms of martial art for individuals with no experience in hand-to-hand combat, as it teaches the basics of situational awareness and the importance of preparing for unpredictable combat situations. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Often referred to in its abbreviated form (BJJ), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that specialises in ground fighting and submission techniques. Practitioners of BJJ are taught to make use of leverage to control an opponent and the fight, making it highly effective in hand-to-hand combat, especially when the fight goes to the ground. BJJ involves the use of various grappling techniques, including joint locks and chokes, which allow users to overcome opponents regardless of their size or strength. Mixed Martial Arts Mixed martial arts, or MMA, incorporates elements and techniques for various martial arts disciplines including boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and more. The idea behind MMA is to equip practitioners with an arsenal of techniques that they can draw from during hand-to-hand combat scenarios, allowing them to be prepared for a diverse range of combat scenarios. At UMF Academy, we are proud to be the exclusive provider of the industry’s #1-character development system in Townsville and offer premium training tailored to both adults and children. Our martial arts classes in Townsville for adults include: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Combatives Muay Thai Kickboxing Wing Chun Kung Fu Street Edge Krav Maga

Is Krav Maga Offensive or Defensive?

Krav Maga is a practical system of self-defence that teaches students how to avoid, prevent, and deter real world threats. As students begin to learn Krav Maga as a martial art, a common question is whether Krav Maga is intended to be an offensive or defensive martial art. Krav Maga combines a number of different offensive and defensive techniques to provide comprehensive protection. Whether you’re facing an armed attack, or you’re engaged in hand-to-hand combat, Krav Maga helps students to react and defend themselves effectively and decisively. What is Krav Maga? Krav Maga is an Israeli martial art self-defence system that was originally developed for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). Today, the Israeli Defence Forces are widely considered to be one of the most highly-trained defence forces in hand-to-hand combat anywhere in the world. The origins of Krav Maga trace back to the 1930s when Hungarian-Jewish martial artist Imi Lichtenfeld first developed Krav Maga as a self-defence system for Jewish people living in Nazi-occupied Germany. At the conclusion of the second world war, Imi Lichtenfeld migrated from Europe to Israel where he continued to develop Krav Maga and teach to new students in Israel. Almost 100-years since those first teachings, Krav Maga continues to be adopted by the Israeli military and Israeli law enforcement as its official hand-to-hand combat system. What are the principles of Krav Maga? Krav Maga as a martial arts form boasts a number of key principles that can be applied to its approach, as well as the training methods that are used. The principles of Krav Maga have evolved as a result of real-world, front-line practice that combat violent and aggressive situations. The principles of Krav Maga include stopping the immediate threat, counterattacks, disengaging and de-escalation, and continued monitoring of the next threat. Some important principles that apply to Krav Maga: There are no rules to survival Simplicity is best when it comes to stopping the threat Employ natural responses and reactions to threats Utilise what you have available to neutralise the threat Stay vigilant for threats Over the course of almost 100 years, the Krav Maga martial arts system has continued to evolve, however, those founding principles of practical and effective self-defence for real world situations continue to apply. Is Krav Maga offensive or defensive? Krav Maga (and all forms of martial arts) are intended to be used as a form of self-defence in combat or attack situations. Krav Maga combines offensive elements such as punches and kicks, elbows and knee strikes, and throws, with defensive elements such as blocks, evasive movements, and techniques to disarm your attacker. Krav Maga students will learn a range of different kicks, knees, elbows, and strikes that are intended to overwhelm the opponents. Compared to some forms of martial arts that focus primarily on evasion, blocks, and counterattacks, Krav Maga may be viewed as more offensive in nature. Krav Maga takes a holistic and real-world approach to ensure that students gain practical self-defence training that can be applied across a wide range of threats. Balancing both the offensive and defensive tactics ensures that Krav Maga students maintain personal safety in threatening situations. It’s important to distinguish between the ideology of martial arts and the individual who practises the martial art. Krav Maga and all forms of martial arts are not intended to be an offensive weapon for individuals to use at their discretion. Instead, Krav Maga is intended to provide a self-defence (not self-offence) method for individuals to disarm and stop threats before they escalate. At UMF Academy, we deliver the industry’s number one character development system in our Krav Maga classes with a focus on applying it in commonly encountered self defence scenarios for personal security. Our approach to teaching Krav Maga techniques are designed to prepare the practitioner for the worst case scenario with the expectation of never having to use them.

3 MMA Fighters That Use Wing Chun Techniques

As a martial art with a rich history, Wing Chun’s influence on modern fighting techniques and self-defence is widespread. So much so that Wing Chun techniques have been carried over into the internationally recognised sport of Mixed Martial Arts (or MMA, as it is more commonly known). Some of the most notable and successful fighters in MMA have incorporated Wing Chun techniques into their strategy and fighting styles to great success, proving that though the martial art itself has many years of history, its relevance is still felt strongly today. Here are some of the most notable MMA fighters that make use of Wing Chun techniques. Anderson Silva Known for his incredible striking accuracy, elusive movement, and long reign as the UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson Silva has often spoken publicly about his admiration for Bruce Lee and the martial art of Wing Chun. Silva's use of Wing Chun is particularly evident in his close-quarters combat. He utilises hand trapping and rapid-fire strikes to create openings and disrupt his opponents' rhythm, which are core Wing Chun techniques. One of his most famous fights against Stephan Bonnar showcased Anderson Silva’s use of trapping and short-range strikes effectively. Tony Ferguson Tony Ferguson is best known for having an unconventional and unpredictable fighting style, which also makes him one of the most entertaining fighters to watch in the UFC Lightweight division. Evidence of Tony Ferguson’s use of Wing Chun techniques is seen clearly both in and outside of the ring, with multiple training videos showcasing his work on the Wing Chun wooden dummy. It’s also been said that he takes this practice dummy along with him to training camps in order to hone his Wing Chun techniques in preparation for a fight. Ferguson’s incorporation of Wing Chun techniques into his fighting style can be seen in his use of constant forward pressure toward his opponents in order to capitalise on the use of Wing Chun’s close-range combat philosophy. Jon Jones Jon Jones is known for his outside-the-box thinking as an MMA fighter. Despite being primarily trained in wrestling and Muay Thai, he has adopted the Wing Chun-style oblique kick as a core part of his strategy, with it seeing use in almost every match. Apart from this signature move, Jon Jones also has a tendency to grab his opponent’s wrist and come over the top with a strike, a technique that is very reminiscent of the Wing Chun style. Is Wing Chun good for self-defence? Unlike some other styles of martial arts that are designed specifically for combat, Wing Chun’s roots lie in self-defence and the development of body, mind, and soul. Learning Wing Chun is naturally suitable as a means of self-defence, especially in close-quarters combat when faced with an assailant that is within arm’s reach of you. Learn Wing Chun from the right teacher At UMF Academy, we have a direct lineage from Ip Man to Grand Master William Cheung, down to Sifu Pablo Cardenas, who runs our Wing Chun programs and ensures that all teaching and techniques are true to the original form of the martial art. Our Wing Chun programs in Townsville use instinctive movements, science, and proper body mechanics with a no-holds-barred mentality to help individuals not only gain a useful method of self-defence but also a way to discipline themselves to achieve greater success in all areas of their lives.

Muay Thai Origin and History - Where Does it Come From?

Muay Thai (or Thai Boxing as it is traditionally known) is more than a national pastime, it’s a global phenomenon that has morphed into one of the most popular martial arts disciples in the world. As Muay Thai continues to grow in popularity, it’s easy to forget that the popular martial art has a lineage that can be traced all the way back to the 13th Century. Whether you’re a student of the sport, or you’re exploring the origins of Muay Thai, this guide to the origin and history of Thai Boxing provides valuable insights into the rich history that underpins Muay Thai. What is Muay Thai? Muay Thai is the cultural martial art and national sport of Thailand. Muay Thai key origins can be traced back to ancient Thai wars however, the creation of the modern sport we know today was formed in the 20th century and has been influenced by traditional English boxing. Using an eight-point contact standing striking technique, Muay Thai is known as the art of eight limbs. What is the origin story of Muay Thai? Developed from the origins of Muay Boran, Muay Thai was born from war as Thai soldiers in the 13th century were taught how to defend their kingdom using their entire body in unarmed combat. Muay Thai was popular amongst all classes, but the royalty of Thailand practised the sport as it was the philosophy that a good warrior would make a brave and powerful leader. The key elements of Muay Thai Muay Thai’s key elements are attack, defence, and counter techniques. Like with most martial arts Muay Thai has to be drilled, students learn the movements through constant repetition until it becomes an action of muscle memory. Kick A swift kick to the shin would hurt on any day, but when delivered with the precision and force of a Muay Thai-trained kick it is a weaponised move. Performing the move requires the student to put their arm back at the same moment as their hips, creating enough energy to deliver the kick to the outside of the opponent's arm, torso, back, or leg. The kick can also be delivered from the air as the opponent will jump and kick or jump and spin kick, which is certainly an exciting move from the viewer's perspective. Punch There are many techniques used when it comes to punches with Muay Thai. The devastating blows are sent in a jab, hook, uppercut, straight, overhead, and as wild as it sounds, a spinning back fist. The power of the punches is again generated by gaining momentum through the rotation of the hips and shoulders. Elbow The elbow is an instrumental element when knocking out an opponent. As one of the hardest parts of the body, when the elbow is decisively brought down upon an opponent’s chin it is often lights out and round over. Knee Striking with the knee involves throwing the knee with your rear leg to generate the most power, for a hard hit. Knee strikes can be dealt from a jump and are mainly focused on an opponent's ribcage and thighs. How has Muay Thai changed over the years? Martial arts have had safety procedures put in place over time as health and safety in the sporting industry have been taken more seriously. These safety considerations have shaped certain changes in the sport of Muay Thai, examples of this include: Students of Muay Thai would traditionally wrap their hands in ropes to improve their striking power and gain greater traction for clinching moves. This has now been abolished and padded boxing gloves were introduced. Dangerous and potentially deadly moves such as striking to the back of the head and the joints have also been banned for participants' safety. Modern Muay Thai practices Still valuing the core values of traditional Muay Thai, modern Muay Thai has incorporated new practices and techniques. These changes include: Modern Muay Thai takes on a more strategic approach, adapting the techniques to include other martial art disciplines to develop more well-rounded fighters. They have introduced weight classes into their fighting structure, so now opponents are more fairly matched. Learn Muay Thai at UMF Academy Learn Muay Thai at UMF Academy, and receive the best training whilst having the most amount of fun! Located in Townsville, we at UMF pride ourselves in delivering the industry’s number one character development system in all of our classes. You will get fit, gain confidence and learn the value of hard work and discipline when attending any UMF class, so sign up today.

Martial Arts for Beginners - Which is Best For You?

Itching to get into a sport that’s physical but also trains your brain? Martial arts is a great sport to get you fit and instil a sense of discipline and value into your life. However, we understand that as a beginner stepping into a martial arts class, at any age, can be daunting.To make the process a little less intimidating, it’s important to get your head around the different martial art offerings and what one would be best for you. Let’s delve into the classes that are on offer and what to consider when selecting the right form. How to choose what martial art is best for you There are many different forms of martial arts, the similarity being all require a vigorous work ethic and discipline to master. The key things to consider when joining a martial arts class are: Your physical capabilities To train in martial arts being physically fit is a necessity. Luckily physical fitness and flexibility can be improved dramatically through training, so if you aren’t initially fit, prepare to put in the effort when training to change that. If you have a physical disability you aren’t excluded from practising martial arts. Martial arts such as Judo is practised by those who are blind as Judo doesn’t require sight-based striking. Brazilian jiu-jitsu doesn’t require you to be able to stand and instead has a lot of floor-based grappling moves, making it an available option to those who don’t have the use of their legs. What you want to achieve It’s important to determine what your goals are for your martial arts journey. If you are looking for a physical outlet that’s easy going and has no mental effort, then martial arts might not be for you. If you want to make a real change and embed good habits into your lifestyle, whilst also getting fit and having fun, then your martial arts options are fairly endless. What age should you start practising martial arts? Deciding whether you should start practising martial arts shouldn’t be dictated by age. Children can start martial arts training as young as four years old, in classes that focus on instilling the values of the sport from the get go, such as discipline, respect, integrity, and perseverance. There is no cap on how old you can be to train in martial arts, and age would only come into play if a person’s body wasn’t able to withstand the training. What makes one martial art easier to learn than the other? The ease of learning a martial art can be due to what techniques and training are required of each form. Also, consider what art form you are passionate and interested in as this can be a big initial motivation for beginners. Some of the easiest martial arts for beginners are: Krav Maga Krav Maga is an Israeli martial art self-defence technique, created specifically for the Israeli defence forces. The best feature for a beginner is that Krav Maga was designed to work with your body’s natural reactions. Used as a defence strategy against an attack, Krav Maga’s techniques are based on your natural reflexes and instinct, making it quick to learn as you already have the instinctual basics. Karate Originating from Japan, Karate is a fast and well-known martial art form. With clear structured training routines, Karate uses striking techniques and emphasises the importance of discipline and form. This makes it easier for beginners to learn, as there is a lot of repetition in the training routines to master the skills. Taekwondo Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, known for its impressive fast and high kicks. Best for beginners who require motivation and a clear goal to push them, Taekwondo has a belt system in place to motivate students to the next stage. It is also great for those who want to prioritise improving their flexibility and strength. Judo Devised in Japan, Judo’s techniques lie in grappling and throws. Best suited to beginners who are wanting to learn how to use their opponent's force against them, and want to get up close and personal with their opponent with grappling, opposed to calculated striking. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Originating in Japan from JJJ but developed in Brazil, BJJ primarily focuses on submission holds and ground grappling. Beginners of all body types will thrive when studying Brazilian Jiu – Jitsu as it prioritises mastering technique over strength. Learn Martial Arts at UMF Academy No matter your age or ability, UMF Academy is the place to begin your martial arts training journey. UMF delivers industry-leading character development systems in their classes and focuses on instilling core values through all of their training programmes. Inspiring an atmosphere to encourage self-confidence and discipline in every pupil, training martial arts at UMF in Townsville is a fun and rewarding experience, for all ages.

7 Benefits of Martial Arts for Mental Health

There’s no denying the physical benefits that come from martial arts. However, on the other end of the spectrum, it’s also important to recognise the significant mental health benefits that come from learning and practising martial arts.Whether you’re a first timer climbing your way through the ranks, or you’re a regular fixture at the dojo, there are a wealth of benefits of practising martial arts; for the body, and the mind. It’s important to take a step back and look at some of the (less obvious) benefits that come from learning and practising martial arts. 1. Alleviate stress Practising martial arts creates mental agility and develops skills that help alleviate stress. The rigour and discipline of martial arts training, exercises and rewires your brain, developing your mental toughness and ability to remain alert and react to any situation in a calm and totally focused manner. This helps your brain stay on track and not wander to stressful thoughts, as well as deal with stressful situations in a calm and controlled manner. Breathing techniques and mindfulness are also taught in martial arts practise, which has a direct effect on managing stress. Just as other practices such as yoga are used to combat stress, martial arts have those same breathing elements. Also, when working out the brain produces endorphins, which are proven to combat stress. 2. Consistent routine Learning the importance and benefits that a consistent routine can have on your mental health is a game changer. Having a consistent routine in the dojo helps give individuals a safe and secure place they can rely on. This reassurance helps people develop good habits that can have a real positive impact on their lives and therefore their mental health. 3. Emotional regulation Emotional regulation is a key component in developing your skills as a martial artist. For children learning martial arts, emotional regulation means: Gaining self-confidence. Developing new skills and interacting in a positive environment with peers their own age, boosting their self-esteem and social confidence. Emotional stability. Learning to have full focus and control over their body helps them feel and react accordingly to emotional flair-ups. Assertiveness. Learning how to be assertive without being offensive or aggressive. Controlling and channelling aggressive feelings into a positive outcome. Allowing their aggression out through the physical attributes of martial arts allows them to get rid of and learn to control any pent-up aggression. 4. Goal setting Martial arts is very goal-focused. Always working towards achieving a new belt or honing a new skill, martial arts instils the practice and importance of goal setting in the gym, but also in everyday life. Setting goals gives an individual a roadmap to success. A key element in work, schooling, and home life, learning how to set impactful goals helps a person drive their life in a positive and productive direction. 5. Enhanced focus Enhancing your focus is achieved through different techniques in martial arts. Requiring complete focus in the present moment when learning and executing moves, hones that mental muscle. You also form a link between body and mind, working as one you are laser focused and controlled in your actions. 6. Discipline To succeed at martial arts, you have to be disciplined. The training is physically and mentally demanding, but the feeling you take away at the end of a training session is one of achievement and pride. Implementing discipline into your life helps you overcome barriers and become a confident and productive person. Far more capable of reaching goals as you don’t allow little things to throw you off track, or succumb to any lazy compulsions. Those who are able to implement a disciplined structure into their lives are the type of people we all admire. 7. Personal development Often in life, we get stuck on personal or professional problems. Martial arts can help us overcome those barriers we so consistently put up. Faced with constant challenges during training, you are forced to acknowledge your weaknesses and learn from them, helping you develop a keener self-awareness and acceptance of your personal limits. Learn Martial Arts at UMF Academy If you are thinking of taking up martial arts, UMF Academy is the place to do it. We deliver the industry’s number one character development system in our classes and know how to nurture the benefits that can be gained by doing martial arts. At UMF Academy, our dojo in Townsville offers a variety of programmes designed to instil discipline, boost self-confidence and most importantly have fun, with a big focus on incorporating key virtues such as integrity, humility, and respect, no matter your age.

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