Four disciplines to master
As the name suggests, mixed martial arts, or MMA, involves training across a number of disciplines to create the ultimate combat sport. Here at Wilkes, we believe the best fighters embrace 4 key styles of fighting and we use aspects of each in our MMA training – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai, wrestling and boxing. Whether you’re wanting to compete as a professional MMA fighter, or just want to develop your fighting techniques, consistent training in these four disciplines will help you become a better fighter; each style teaching you how best to take the fight from standing to the mat to submission.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Originating from Japan as a last line of defence for samurai warriors, jiu jitsu was also the foundation for the martial art of judo, circa 1882. Brazilian jiu jitsu, began its evolution around 1914 when Helio Gracie started adjusting traditional judo techniques to allow for his lack of size and strength. Now synonymous with BJJ, the Gracie family introduced the rest of the world to its effectiveness in the ring when Royce Gracie dominated in the first UFC in 1993. The ability for small to defeat big using technique and leverage was evident. Since then, this fighting style has become essential learning for any competitor. With a focus on ground-based grappling and using joint locks and chokeholds to submit the opposition, as a jiu jitsu fighter, you will learn how to force your opponent to the ground and control them.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and dates to the 13th century. Also known as ‘the art of eight limbs’ a fighter can make use of 8 points of contact – fists, elbows, knees and feet. An MMA fighter with a solid foundation in Muay Thai will develop a strong stand-up game, becoming highly effective with powerful and precise striking, footwork and balance. You’ll find your conditioning improve as Muay Thai provides both an aerobic and anaerobic workout. This helps build your cardio-vascular system for match endurance.
Boxing
Boxing is a key component to MMA fighting. As all fights start from standing, you’ll learn the basic striking techniques of punch, jab and hook. While your improving your hand skills and hand/eye speed and coordination, you’ll learn head positioning and footwork to enable you to get on the offence quickly, whilst knowing how to defend yourself. You’ll also learn how to use feints effectively so you can set up your opponents for strikes and kicks. Lastly, boxing is excellent training to improve conditioning and core strength.
Wrestling
Not many Australians have a wrestling background. Unlike, the US where wrestling is included as part of the school curriculum, many of our students needs to learn the basics for a better ground game. While BJJ is often used for taking opponents down to the mat, wrestling techniques are useful to help defend fighters from takedown attempts and submissions. It also teaches one of the most important aspects in MMA – staying on top of your opponent and in control of them. Wrestling also improves balance and strength as the sport teaches effective throws and either double or single leg takedowns.
Conclusion
Overall, MMA requires a diverse range of skills to become an effective fighter. Developing your proficiency in boxing, Muay Thai, BJJ and wrestling, you’ll have the skills and techniques to challenge your competitor in their stand-up or ground game.
What do you think?
We’d love to know what you think is the most important fighting style to develop?
