baronbvp

In my opinion, MMA has progressed to the point where it deserves to be called its own martial at. Bruce Lee had the idea with Jeet Kune Do: an intensive study he undertook in the 60's to figure out what worked most effectively and discard what didn't. Today's MMA has taken the form to a new level. Striking, trapping, clinching, and grappling/ground fighting are advanced and integrated well now. While there is not complete standardization of styles, there is IMO a general consensus on the four areas of fighting or fight distances, if you will, required to be a well-rounded MMA fighter. The best practitioners of MMA, both male and female, have transcended the term "martial artist" to become martial athletes. They are in peak physical condition; they train in stand-up and ground fighting; and they compete in full-contact, NHB events on the local, regional, national and international levels. Whether they train specifically in muay Thai, BJJ, shootfighting, san shou, vale tudo, etc, they all are excellent fighters. Would you agree that MMA has progressed to the the point where it deserves to be its own style of martial art, or do you think the term "MMA" still represents a competitive idea or arena where various styles are used against each other?

Great article. I have seen quite a few schools mention that it is possible to earn a black belt in x number of years, but none guarantee it. I think that is the reality of today's market. Students want some light at the end of the tunnel and have no idea if it takes a year or 10 years to earn a black belt. I've never earned one because I've never been in any one place long enough. I also don't deserve one for the reasons you mention.

I heard about these things called books, but it might just be an outrageous story from back in the day. Thanks for checking in!

I like: Marie, I actually say that to myself now when I'm getting frustrated during training. Thank you.

MMA for females is growing too, and I think you're seeing that. See https://www.fightergirls.net Good on 'em!

Nice! Very well put, ps1.

Your static flexibility may not be as high as your dynamic flexibility. The fact that you can do the techniques at or near full speed during sparring suggests this may be the case. Bushido Man's advice will help you with your strength and static flexibility. Ultimately, IMO, dynamic flexibility is the more important of the two.

Today I worked out at the gym in the rec center. DB press: 35x10, 40x8, 45x6, 30x12 Cable crossover chest: 60x10 Cable crossover high curls: 50x10 Cable lat pulldown: 80x12, 100x10, 60x12 Machine squat: 100x5 (knees hurt) Hack squat: 180x5 DB tarzan curls: 30x10 Cable tricep pushdown: 60x5, 80x10x2 Cable curls: 60x10x2 Cable row: 80x10, 100x10 Ab machine: 80x10 Decline situps: 40 Sitting DB curls: 30x10 10 min of cool-down stretching.

Bring beer, Bushido Man. It's the great equalizer.

Thanks for the affirmation, Bushido Man. I haven't been thrown around like that for a long time. I'll regroup after Spring break vacation.

Tonight I rolled for an hour straight with a big, strong guy with plenty of experience. He outweighs me by 50 lbs. Even though he was careful, nice, and instructed me, he rolled me around like a pretzel. It was pretty humbling. We practiced some basic moves and reverses, shrimping out to the side, scissor rolls, etc. I am bruised and beat up. Grappling's great. And it can suck.

I just got schooled and worked over tonight by the guy I rolled with. He is big and strong - 225 and built. He also wrestled three years in high school and has grappled for awhile. He knows what he is doing. I am tweaked and humbled. I wouldn't mind rolling with someone in the "175, slender, and non-flexible" ballpark like me. Wish there was another newbie like me.

I agree. Here's the website of the place I train. Not that it's any great website, but it clearly discusses the styles. IMO, those who are looking for a specific type of training want detailed information. Generic platitudes are neither required nor desired for those interested in serious training. http://www.completefitnessconcepts.com/index_files/training_methods.htm

Looks pretty decent. I see lots of discussion of life skills and cutting edge self-defense techniques, with no actual styles mentioned. Any idea why they don't list the styles they train - is it shootfighting and BJJ?

gzk, where do you train?

You inspire me, Bushido Man. Last night I skipped class in order to do my taxes. Tomorrow night is grappling and I just received my new Fairtex MMA gloves today: http://www.mmawarehouse.com/Fairtex-Ultimate-NHB-Gloves-with-Thumb-p/ftx-1008.htm They are sweet. I can't wait to try them out.

That sucks, Bushido Man! Yesterday I got out the mower for its first job of the season. It was good to hit the grass once to start its new growth. Then I fertilized the lawn. After that I cleaned the garage, then took the kids to Subway and on a picnic to the park because the weather was so nice. After we got home I cleaned the storeroom and the basement. I think I get my good-deed badge for a Sunday. See what you can get done when there's no football on? Tonight I'm doing my taxes! Woo hoo!

In my Muay Thai class, we sparred lightly starting the second week. After about 6 weeks we went for our first full-contact matches of 2 minute rounds that don't stop unless there's a knockout or someone gives up. Knowing you're going to spar like that focuses you on paying attention in class as it draws closer.

Well said, lordtariel. I think a broad base is important. It also keeps things interesting.

Looks like once again an eager student has found someone who can't resist teaching. Your perseverance has paid off. Nice work, cross.

Bushido Man, you have a LOT of books. Excellent. I've seen quite a few of my titles in your library and in the lists of others.

I fight southpaw but am left-handed. My right jab is decent but I like to bring the strong left cross, too. I'm goofy-foot, though, so my natural kicks are reversed from my punches.

I'm glad he did. I think he would gladly turn over that hassle to the name "MMA." Bruce did what he could at the time - the 60's - to develop and advance the MMA of the day. Some of his concepts like the straight lead are still debated. I suspect most current boxers and kickboxers still don't support the straight lead, but Bruce believed in it firmly. I personally like to switch off, but I lead with my weak hand most of the time.

The rebel yell was very effective, but it was done by huge groups of attacking Confederate soldiers trying to incite fear in Northern soldiers in a mob way while blostering their own courage. Kiais are different, in my opinion.

You said it better than I.