*Positive* experience with MMA

[parkerlineage]

There's been a lot of threads that could be viewed as MMA bashing, or close to bashing, so I wanted to add this in to show that we're not just biased.

We had a school with its roots in AK that does a lot of MMA/UFC grappling and technique come and visit us last night. The Sensei there trained with (as in, they were students together) my Sensei, so they go way back.

These guys were very respectful. My instructor told them that they had to wear our style sparring gear, because of his insurance, and they obliged with minimal complaining - none of it really meant, at least. We all agreed at teh beginning that, before a mix-school match, the two opponents would agree whether or not they would go to ground, so that the less hardcore students at our school (like my mother) wouldn't have to grapple.

They hit hard, and alot, and grappled like UFC. But they bowed. The let go when we tapped. They told us good job when we made them submit. There was no hostility at all.

It also proved to me that, though I know many grappling techniques, I don't practice them enough to make them reflexive like my regular fighting techniques. My height and flexibility made me rather hard to tap out, since my arms are so long. On the positive side, I also proved to myself what I've always suspected - grapplers will often focus too much on grappling, and forget that the guy they're trying to tackle or sweep can hit back. I made several guys call mate (with little accent mark) because while they were trying to throw me, I punched out their living daylights (respectfully, of course).

In any event, I was very proud of both of our schools - just goes to show what a little communication can do.

[bushido_man96]

Sounds like you had a very constructive learning environment. When I think of two schools getting together and working out, this is the scenario that I think of.

[ps1]

Thanks for adding a positive thread on this!

[patusai]

Thank for sharing this

[jaymac]

I am glad that you had a positive experience. I believe students of any style school will behave as their instructor behaves and teaches. They must have a great instructor who teaches to respect all styles and other martial artists.