What Martial Arts Are Used In MMA? (Fully Explained)
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a hybrid mix of multiple martial arts put into one style of fighting. It is a unique mix of various grappling, striking, and ground-based martial arts, which may be confusing to new fans. Thus, what martial arts are actually used in MMA?
MMA fighters can use all of the techniques from all martial arts as long as these fit within the rules of the sport. Most of the time, they rely on boxing, wrestling, BJJ, and Muay Thai techniques and each fighter has to be skilled in at least two of these four systems. They also use specific techniques and moves from other arts such as Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo.
Keep reading this article to learn more about how each of these martial arts works in MMA.
Striking martial arts in MMA
In standup, MMA fighters are allowed to compete at all ranges (including the clinch) using all limbs as weapons. The main goal is to throw each strike with perfect technique, and enough power to hurt or knock out the opponent. Here is a list of some of the most practical striking systems in MMA.
Boxing
At first glance, boxing might seem a bit limited as the entire concept revolves around hand strikes. But what boxing brings to the table is fast footwork, good blocks, head movements, and of course, punching combos. Yes, it is simple compared with other arts. Boxing will teach you all about how to do it in the most efficient way possible.
In particular, boxing mixes well with grappling arts such as wrestling. In fact, many believe that this wrestling/boxing combo is an ideal set of skills for MMA.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai or “Thai boxing” is often seen as the total package and the best striking martial art for MMA, and it is easy to see why. On the feet, it trains you to do damage at all ranges, and unlike most other striking arts, covers the clinch. On top of that, it trains you how to establish a dominant position in the clinch, from which you can either do damage or execute basic grappling moves such as trips and throws.
Muay Thai is the only striking martial art that covers all the standup aspects of MMA, and that is the main reason why it is so popular. Not to mention how its emphasis on damage and finishes contributes to the success of Thai boxers in cage fighting.
Grappling martial arts in MMA
Takedowns and fighting on the ground represent key elements of MMA fighting, if not THE most important. The following two arts have produced the most UFC champions thus far, which gives you a good insight into how important grappling is.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu (bjj)
BJJ does not need any introduction. In some way, it is synonymous with the sport of MMA as it has been an integral part of it since the early UFC events and Royce Gracie dominating the sport. You can’t compete or expect to succeed in MMA, at any level, without having solid BJJ skills, and that’s a fact.
On paper, BJJ is quite simple. The key is to take the opponent down, get into a position, and submit them with chokes or joint locks. But on the other side, each move has many variations and there are so many variables and ways to lose or win.
Along with wrestling, it is the most dominant martial arts in MMA that has produced the second most UFC champions.
Wrestling
In modern times, wrestling is the most dominant martial art. If you look at the stats, wrestling has produced most UFC champions in history, and it’s probably going to stay that way for a long time.
The reasons why wrestlers are so dominant are many. First, they are very athletic, explosive, and overall, superior to most other athletes when it comes to sheer strength. Next, they can take you down in a split second, it is really hard to stop a wrestler from doing what they know best. It takes many years of intense training to develop balance, coordination, technique, and many other skills to be able to defend against this type of attack.
And this is what separates MMA fighters with a strong wrestling background from everybody else. It is much easier for a wrestler to learn how to strike than for a striker to learn how to wrestle, and it’s probably always going to be like that.
What other martial arts are used in MMA?
The following is a short list of martial arts used by MMA fighters that are not as important as the ones presented above. In most cases, fighters use only specific elements and techniques from these martial arts to make their game more versatile.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, and the best one when it comes to leg kicks. What boxing is for punches, Taekwondo is for kicks, and this gives you a good insight into why Taekwondo plays a big role in MMA. Leg kicks have come to be a main weapon on the feet in cage fighting so each athlete needs to have at least basic taekwondo skills.
MMA fighters trained in this style are masters in executing dozens of different spinning, jumping, and all types of other kicks with pinpoint perfect technique, high precision, and speed.
They also have the ability to combine kicks with excellent footwork. This combined with their ability to fight from both stances makes them very unpredictable.
Karate
All MMA fighters who have a strong background in karate are among the toughest matchups for anyone. It’s very hard to prepare for their awkward style, which is the main reason why they are so successful in the UFC for example.
What karate brings to the table is incredible lateral movement, fast and precise striking, and excellent distance management. Karatekas (students of Karate) are masters in moving in to land a strike, and angling out without taking any damage. It is really hard to cut their movement, read their next move and set-ups, and overall, catch them with a clean shot.
Judo
Judo is more than present in modern MMA, but not as much as other grappling arts like wrestling and BJJ. You can see fighters utilizing high-level judo throws, trips, and sweeps all the time. Not to mention that they are among the physically strongest people on the planet.
The only major downside is the fact that judokas rely too much on utilizing opponents’ gi uniforms to execute most of the moves, which you can’t do in MMA where athletes do not wear any uniform.
Is Krav Maga Good for MMA?
Krav Maga is a hybrid mix of grappling and striking which does not fit well within the rules of MMA. First, Krav Maga is oriented entirely towards self-defense and real fighting. It teaches you how to deal with weapons and utilize dirty moves which are not allowed in MMA. There is no competition or rules as the entire focus is on finishing the fight as fast as possible.
The concept and methods of training, emphasis, and the way you execute techniques, all differ a lot from the way you should train for MMA.
Is Aikido Used in MMA?
No, Aikido is not used in MMA as Aikido training does not fit well within the concept of MMA. Aikido focuses on various types of wristlocks and acrobatic throws, and pre-arranged attacks. There is no sparring of any kind or any type of combat simulation where you can apply techniques in a real fight.
Next, according to Aikido philosophy, you are not allowed to use force to defend or hurt the attacker. No, the emphasis is on using the attackers’ momentum against them. Thus, Aikido as a concept and the techniques it teaches are the total opposite of what MMA represents.
