MMA in Cleveland, Ohio
Why train MMA? Mixed martial arts is the fastest growing sport in the world today. Its explosive popularity has been propelled by fight promotions such as the UFC, WEC and Cage Rage, which have proven MMA to be a superior method of hand-to-hand combat. MMA is a compete system of fighting that borrows from many other fighting sports and martial arts. The secret to MMA’s effectiveness is its openness to assimilate new techniques while discarding any technique that proves useless in real world situations. Mixed martial arts is the modern evolution of unarmed combat. It breaks free from the outdated and ineffective combat systems of the past while harnessing real world data and the latest in sport science to perfect its offerings.
MMA Fighting on the Feet: Muay Thai Kickboxing
When fighting on the feet, MMA practitioners prefer to strike using techniques borrowed from Muay Thai kickboxing. Muay Thai is easily the most devastating striking art ever developed, and makes use of fists, shins, knees and elbows to deliver its barrage of attacks. When looking for an MMA gym to train at, ensure that they offer competent Muay Thai training. These classes should be taught by experienced kickboxing coaches and should feature regular sparring sessions. Basic equipment that is needed for Muay Thai are: boxing style sparring gloves, bag gloves, hand wraps, shin guards, mouth piece, protective groin cup and sometimes a head protector. When inspecting MMA gyms in the Cleveland area, make sure that they offer a large selection of heavy bags, Thai kick mitts, focus hand mitts, and a roped ring or cage (if you are wanting to pursue MMA as a career or as an amateur competitor).
MMA Fighting on the Ground: Brazilian Jujitsu
Most fights, whether taking place in the street or cage, end up on the ground at some point during the conflict. Mixed martial arts practitioners have shown a preference for using Brazilian jujitsu when the fight hits the canvas. Brazilian jujitsu is a system of grappling that utilizes chokes and joint locks to submit an opponent. The style also teaches highly effective body positioning to maximize one’s leverage and allow a practitioner to attack and defend from almost any position. When choosing an MMA gym in Cleveland, ensure that they have brown or black belt level jujitsu instructors. These instructors should also be able to teach Brazilian jujitsu in the context of MMA fighting, which means no-gi training and techniques that are mindful of striking on the ground.
MMA Fighting in the Clinch: Greco-roman Wrestling and Judo
Many MMA fights spend time in the clinch position. This is a standing position where both fighters are ‘tied up’, to varying degrees, through use of body locks and control over an opponent’s neck or arms. Learning how to effectively fight in the clinch position and take control over the direction of a fight is essential for success in the cage. Many MMA fighters come from ground fighting or standup striking backgrounds but lack knowledge in how to fight from the clinch position. Greco-roman wrestling can help a fighter become a better clinch fighter. Greco-roman wrestling offers superior takedown techniques, like tackles and body slams, to take a fight to the ground if the fighter chooses to do so. Similarly, Judo offers a wide range of throws and leg trips to send opponents flying towards the ground after a fight goes to the clinch position. Judo is quickly becoming a popular style to study for MMA fighters that wish to deepen their arsenal of takedown techniques. Finally, striking from the clinch is an important skill to master. Muay Thai clinching with short knees and elbow strikes and ‘dirty’ boxing techniques are styles that every good MMA gym should teach their students.
MMA Clothing, Gloves and Equipment
Find shops in Cleveland or stores online that sell top name brand MMA clothing and equipment. Find brands like Tap Out, Sinister, Warrior Wear, Venom MMA, Inspirit, Wand, Sprawl and more. Get high quality MMA gloves from makers like Hayabusa, Ouano and Isami. Shop for a complete selection of MMA gear, including hoodies, T-shirts, track pants, fighting shorts, beanies and rash guards for during and after training. Show that you’re apart of the MMA movement!