Arte Suave Notes: The MMA starter kit (Skills needed to become a successful MMA fighter)

Mixed Martial Arts is the systematic use of several martial arts and/or other forms of combat systems according to the practitioner’s preference.

Mixed Martial Arts ideally has two key components: the stand-up aspect and the ground fighting aspect.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a Mixed Martial Arts promotion company.

People who say they “train UFC” are idiots.

However, should you decide to venture into this beautiful sport for whatever reason you may have (health, image build up, additional street cred, introspective discovery, etc.), here’s a list of the four basic art forms that would build the foundation of a fun filled MMA journey.

Boxing

A high percentage of fights (MMA or in the streets) do end up on the ground, however, all of them start standing up. All MMA practitioners must have a decent understanding and practical application of the sweet science. It teaches the proper stance, footwork, balance, correct hand placement, lateral movement and upper body quickness needed for the offensive and defensive aspect of MMA’s striking facet.

Frankie "the Answer" Edgar has been utilizing his hand speed and quick feet en route to becoming UFC Champion. (photo taken from the internet).

Muay Thai / Kickboxing

As the hands are an integral part of a MMA fighter’s arsenal, so are the utilization of his/her legs and feet. The art of the eight limbs will mobilize the hips and mold the shins into vital weapons of a fighter’s arsenal. Additional benefits would be developing elbow and knee strikes. Managing distance is another tactical advantage. Knowing when to throw good push and mid-range kicks will create distance between you and your opponent that is good for defense while allowing you to set up your offensive combinations.

Mirko Crocop's leg kicks have been so devastating that the right leg "takes you to the hospital" while the left leg "takes you to the cemetery" (photo taken from the internet).

Wrestling

Bridging the gap to go for a clinch, that explosive movement that leads to a takedown, upper body control to set-up inside fighting combinations and the strong base needed to keep an opponent against the cage or on the ground are covered by wrestling. The intense and aggressive nature of this art provides MMA fighters with the right tools and mind set to remain tough and maintain pressure on their opponents.

A pioneer and a living legend, Randy "the Natural" Couture paved the way for wrestlers to invade the MMA scene. (photo taken from the internet).

Former wrestlers turned UFC Champions. Current light heavyweight champ Daniel Cormier and former welterweight champ Matt Hughes (photo taken from the internet).

Jiujitsu

The art of gentleness compliments a good wrestling base in MMA. Once your opponent is down on the mat, a fighter’s Jiujitsu skills aid in the transition from one position to another while maintaining control. It also opens up the possibility of a submission finish or creates better opportunities to gain a more dominant position for efficient ground and pound striking.

UFC contender Demian Maia is a high level Brazilian Jiujitsu Black Belt. His ground game is at an elite level that fellow UFC fighters attend his seminars. (photo taken from the internet).

Jacare Souza has been dominating the BJJ scene winning several world championships as a black belt before transitioning to MMA. (photo taken from the internet).

Bring them all together and you have the best well rounded MMA fighter. 

BJ "the Prodigy" Penn has won 2 UFC belts in 2 different weight classes. He has won fights via submission or knockout. (photo taken from the internet).

George "Rush" St. Pierre has dominated the welterweight division with his methodical striking, high level wrestling and jiujitsu. (photo taken from the internet).

Anderson "the Spider" Silva has reigned the UFC Middleweight division and is considered one of the best pound for pound MMA fighters.... Ever. (photo taken from the internet).