Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques and skills from a mixture of other combat sports from around the world. It is a blend of different martial art styles to create a comprehensive martial art that is governed by its own rules. MMA combines striking, grappling, and ground fighting techniques, including punches, kicks, joint-locks, chokes, takedowns, throws, and submissions. Victory is normally gained through knock-out, submission, or stoppage by the referee, the fight doctor, or a competitor’s cornerman.

MMA is the least restrictive combat sport, making it closer to a real fight than any other martial art, and it is ideal for self-defense. Cardiovascular conditioning, speed drills, strength training, and flexibility are also important aspects of a fighters training. MMA gyms are as popular as any other martial art, as many people look to learn a martial art that prepares them for the different aspects of fighting.

The martial arts that are most commonly used in MMA include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai, and wrestling. However, there are many other kinds of mixed martial arts that are used by fighters, too, including karate, judo, sambo, and taekwondo. MMAs key characteristic as a combat sport is the freedom given to the competitors to fight in almost any way they see fit.