Mixed Martial Arts for Keeping Fit! Meads the evolution of all combat sports. It includes techniques from various forms of martial arts that have been put together as one sport. Today it has become a martial art style in itself and is extremely popular because of its competitive nature, In the early 90s, practitioners from different styles competed in no-rules tournaments to decide which style was the best. In 1s of these tournaments, fighters won, followed by wrestlers and then kick boxers, leading to the understanding that there is no one martial art which can be a perfect style to practice, but rather itis a blend of the most effective combat styles. Thus modern MMA has been formulated from muay thai and boxing for striking techniques, judo and wres: ing for clinch work and takedowns and fiw jitsu for its ground fighting. Even though traditional forms such as serestling. boxing, muay thaiand Brazil ian jiu jitsu constitute the major part of IMA. ithowever,does not just regulate to these forms. Other forms are also a part of MMA. In fact, ma ners from karate, taekwondo and judo ae taking up MMA too. “It is not as if traditional martial artsare bad and MMA is good. I would rather say with MMA, marti grown and evolved. The sport is more realistic and practical and anyone who ‘wantsto evolve and grow should it take up” explains Daniel Isaac, COO, Super Fight League (SFL), which features some of India’s best MMA fighters have “Inatypical MMA gym, there are usually separate instructors for MMLA striking, grapplingand strength con tioning. The combat sporthas multiple uses — for hardcore martial artists it coffers a lucrative cateer in professional MMA, for the fitness enthusiasts it is a great new way to exercise with al: ternative training techniques and for those interested in martial artsand self defense, it is by far the most effective and superior technique,’ explains Alan Fenandeswho heads the MMA training, at the SFL headquarters training centre ik, Maharashtra. Students between the ages of 6 and 60 are encouraged to train and there are a variety of courses designed tharatratna-con (109) November 2013 ups and specific interests sats, MMA training can be practiced from an hour to six hoursa day, once to six timesa week ~depend- ing on the purpose of training. There are different types of training gear and clothing used during training, “While striking, gloves, pads, mits, head guards, chest guards, gum shields and shin guards are used. While grappling, BJ) Gi's, Noji rash guards and shorts are used and during strength training, there is a variety of training ‘equipment used,” adds Isaac who was instrumental in seting up the All India Mixed Martial Arts Association in 2004_ In India, Raj Kundra was te frst entre= prencur ta promote MMA. as a mai stream sport, He was responsible for providing jobs and career opportunities toMMA trainers/ officials and fighters. ‘Though MMA has many health, benefits, it primarily provides fitness, discipline and self-defense. Fitness High intensity workouts ‘MMA are great for your cardiovascular system, MMA fighters are high caliber athletes. The workouts that they go through are some of the toughest. They. are compared to Olympic level athletes as well as the tough regimes that the NFL players in America go through, “One of the biggest benefits MMA has to offer is that it greatiy) increases your strength levels. This because various forms of martial aris practiced within MMA target all ‘major muscles ofthe body. [n compari= son, a regular exercise routine ‘on one body part like the abs or arma.ee a ee ee Also, the enhanced core strengthen ‘exercises help you against many phys ‘cal weaknesses” adds Isaac who start MMA in India at the grass root lev the year 2000 via Tigers Gym. By enhancing endurance, ‘your whole bodily system will per- form at much better levels. ‘Technical drills are one way of achieving this, which when repeated — can bring flu- idity in the exercises. “Training is also @ great way to workout daily stress. If ‘you find the routine of your regular gym boring and stale, martial arts training may be a Godsend because of itsapproach to fitness, making it much more fun to stick to. MMA also makes your core stronger giving you betters ane, With al the kicking and pune! drills, you also develop great levels of flexibility,” adds Fenandes. MMA training requires great discipline which when further applied to your life can help face life's tough schedules and challenges. The way you develop from training in MMA can be applied to life’s activities as well from bu ing to a schedule to strengthening your resolve to eat well and have a healthy lifestyle The kind of discipline the fight- ers follow can help in so many ways. Someone who has taken up MMAasa lifestyle car learn from their disciplined eating, training, sleeping and living habits. This can actually enhance ones entire character and personality, Having knowledge of MMA can be a further boost to protect you at all times. It gives a level of preparedness to tackle tough combat situations. The confidence built from training in this sport can accompany you to the office, your relationships, and wherever you need a self-assurance boast. You may find yourself with i -ased leadership skills or an ability to conquer presenta- ms just like you would in the ring Your newfound confidence will also help you to tackle would-be potential attackers on the street. Essentially living an MMA lifestyle can transform your body. mind and spirit. MMA Energize is the mosteffec- tive combo workout, putting together solo and partner techniques and drills from boxing, muay thai, wrestling and ite jtsu—all to the beat of the latest high energy music to speed up the body's metabolism and get your pulse racing. “Kickbox Impacts a blend of car- io kickboxing, muay thai, boxing and taekwondo — the dance lik Kickboxe Impact will burn calories and shed those last few pounds iin a record moves of before completely getting into MMA. As MMA is an immense self-defense tool and confidence builder, women can especially derive great benefits by taking it up.” adds Isaac. In MMA fight sequences, tw high-level athletes well versed in mixed martial arts fight each other in a one- on-one combat situation earning daily bread for their family. While one wins, the other loses. They embrace ‘one another and this is the height of sportsmanship the combat sport dis. plays."A typical MMA fightstarts with. both fighters squaring off in the center of the cage. The referee says go and one fighter charges and throws a couple of strikes (punches, kicks, knees or el- bows) and the other fighter drops low. ‘The first fighter shoots for a takedown amount of time, Punchingand kicking the mitts and pads helps you blow off some steam,” adds Fenandes. Wrestle Mania is most effective ‘when trained with a partner. One can ‘twain using the time-tested strength and conditioning workouts used by “Olympic level wrestlers. Groundskillz uses techniques based on Brazilian jiu jitsu, judo and wrestling. This fitness regime also provides you with self: defen ie “Asking for a softer version of MMA would be like asking a thief to slowly snatch your purse or your gold chain, MMA offers women equal ben- sfits just like their male counterparts, However, women can start slowly (1 is of course an individual choice) with Brazilian jiu-jitste or muay thai first Dbharatratna-cos (101) November 2013 and takes hisopponent down, He passes the guard and takes full mount, which issitting on topof his opponent's chest. He then quickly shifts his hips for an arm bar. The fighter below tapsoutand the fighter on top gets his hand raised in victory.” explains Fenandes. Before you start any phy tivity.a good training advice is always toconsult a doctor. Furthermore, 3 MMA isa high intensity sport, further checks are advised. A time that is suit~ able to you is the best time to practice 1A. Look fora complete MMA gym asthey have all the equipment required for your training, It is important to learn about such a fitness gym s0.as to enable you to choose the best possible training fac — Khursheed Dinsbaw