What is MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is one of the most popular combat sports today, with InsideSport estimating that it has a close following of over 30 million people worldwide.Here in Australia, MMA has seen an increase in popularity among spectators and practitioners alike, with the number of amateur MMA fighters in NSW alone rising by 22% from 2017 to 2024. 

Whether you’re looking for a fun way to get fit, learn a new skill, or kickstart training for an amateur fighting career, MMA promises to be one of the most heart-pounding and intense forms of combat sports you can learn.  

Introduction to MMA

The MMA was first established as a sport in 1980, growing in popularity among fighters until the first official MMA event was held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993.  

Despite its modern influences from various martial arts forms across the world, records of mixed martial art competitions exist as far back as the days of the Ancient Greeks where soldiers would compete in fights with one another using a mix of striking and wrestling techniques. 

Techniques and martial arts used in MMA

Today, MMA fighting is defined as a hybrid combat sport that incorporates multiple techniques from martial arts including boxing, judo, Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, and many others. 

• Striking techniques using the arms and legs — commonly from boxing, Muay Thai kickboxing, and even Wing Chun Kung Fu.
• Grappling techniques used to subdue or immobilise opponents — martial arts techniques from Brazilian jiu jitsu, judo, and wrestling.

• Movement techniques that focus on positioning and evasion — techniques from Wing Chun are used to redirect opposing strikes, as well as footwork from boxing and Muay Thai. 

Mixed martial arts rules and regulations

MMA fights rely on a clearly defined set of rules that inform the fighter what they are allowed and not allowed to do during a fight. Some of the most common fighting rules include:

• No blows to the back of the head, spine, or throat. 
• No gouging, hair pulling, biting, or attacks to the groin.
• No kicking of a downed opponent (some attacks where both fighters are on the ground are permitted). 

These rules are in place to keep both fighters safe from severe, life-altering injuries.

MMA training retains all of the same rules as the sport but involves significantly less risk for injuries. This is because most MMA training revolves around the honing of certain techniques rather than trying to overcome an opponent. Fighting against another opponent in sparring sessions does happen at higher levels of training, but is only conducted under close supervision from trainers and with both fighters wearing heavily-padded protective gear. 

Can you learn MMA without competing?

Yes! Many practitioners train in MMA not to compete, but for their own personal reasons. Learning MMA without the intention to compete in any fights has real benefits including:

• Maintaining personal fitness
• Losing weight
• As a way to de-stress
• Improving self confidence
• Learning discipline and concentration skills
• For fun!

How practical is MMA for self-defence?

The focus of the skills learnt in MMA are primarily for use in a regulated environment — each strike and blow you learn will be taught according to what is permitted in the sport. Even when sparring during training, opponents you face will be bound by the same rules of the sport.  

This means that MMA training is not specifically tailored for self-defence scenarios. MMA rules do not apply to real-world circumstances; an attacker will not “play by the rules” during a confrontation. That being said, MMA techniques still have use in helping you understand how to read a situation where you are facing an attacker and, if necessary, can be applied to ensure your own safety as a last resort. 

Getting started with MMA training

No prior training or knowledge of the sport is needed to get started with MMA training — all you have to do is to find a martial arts academy with a reliable track record (and good reviews!).  

At UMF Academy, we offer MMA classes for kids between the ages of 6-14 years and MMA training for teens and adults (+15 years) in Townsville. No matter what level of fitness you’re at, our experienced trainers can help start training in Mixed Marital Arts.