A full contact sport that offers a wide variety of techniques from different styles, both stand-up and on the ground is called Mixed Martial Arts or MMA. Kick boxing, Karate, Judo, wrestling and Muay Thai are just a few of the skills utilized. Whole body fighting is acceptable in MMA by combining joint manipulating techniques with throwing and striking.

An example of one art is Muay Thai that was utilized for warfare in the 1800's. As it modernized, these fights became spectator sports for Kings in various countries. The name means "Art of Eight Limbs" because it makes use of eight contact points. These include knee hits, punches, kicks and elbow strikes performed in a stand-up position. Western boxing holds no comparison with its hands and feet two point fighting.

Similar to wresting, ground fighting involves holding the opponent down through grappling moves. Preventing strikes or getting the dominant position while on the ground is clinched fighting. Very little equipment is needed and usually only requires small gloves, open-fingered or closed, depending on the type of fight. Victory is resolved by knockout, doctor stoppage, or submission. Referees can stop a fight if there have been numerous fouls causing disqualification or one of the opponents has sustained a serious bodily injury.

Mixed Martial Arts first became an official sport within the US when the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was held in 1992. The first no-holds-barred fights were disciplined into a sport including time limits and restrictions to prevent bodily harm. The UFC expanded from the United States to Canada in 2008. Pay-per-view events began drawing huge audiences making Calgary comparative to large cities such as Los Angeles or Chicago. Shows are sold out within minutes by people of all ages and lifestyles.

There are several schools in Calgary that teach MMA and individuals from all over the world travel here to learn from the best. If interested in this sport, instructors caution that one should watch a few sessions before committing. Professionals are eager to speak with potential students and enroll them in starter classes to make sure this is an adequate sport for that person. Competitive martial arts differ from self defense and should not be categorized as the same. Some of the techniques may overlap, but many of the strategies are not sensible for someone to utilize in an attack type situation.

This website will provide more information about MMA:
Calgary Martial Arts
Calgary wrestling