Learning Basic MMA Fighting Techniques

Most MMA fighters today have learned to fight in more than one style. This makes them more effective fighters both in and out of the ring. Here are some of the basic fighting styles that many professional mixed martial arts fighters use in combat:

Clinch fighting style - This technique is an integral part of the MMA basics. Such style allows you to reduce the efficiency of your opponent's kicks, punches, knees, elbows, or any attack combination's. Clinching style simply means tying your opponent up to restrict his movements. This fighting method is also a good way to take an opponent to the ground through a takedown or a throw. A clinch can be done either while standing up or on the ground.

Stand-up fighting techniques - Such include a fighter's ability in punching, kicking, elbowing, and kneeing attacks. Stand-up fighting very well trains an MMA fighter in multiple array of disciplines, such as karate, Kendo, kickboxing, Kung-Fu, Muay Thai, and boxing. The disciplines that you would want to focus on will depend on your interests. But generally, great MMA fighters have an extensive knowledge of at least three disciplines: kickboxing, Muay Thai and boxing.

Sprawl-and-brawl style - This method is a combination of strikes standing up and various sprawl techniques to take down an opponent. Boxers, kick-boxers, and even full contact karate fighters all use some form of sprawl-and-brawl MMA fighting skill.

Ground fighting style - This is another important element of MMA fighter basics. This is where submissions usually take place. If an MMA fighter does not know how to do a submission technique and how to defend against submission attempts, then his MMA career will probably end soon. The most important discipline you would have to learn for a ground game is the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This art's main focus is on submissions and submission defense, as well as maintaining a dominant ground control positions.

Submission hold or grapple - Such style is used to pin an opponent to the ground until the referee is able to call the match. This fighting technique was originally taught in Army Combat, and then has been incorporated to MMA fighting style because of its efficiency. On the other hand, an MMA fighter will also need to learn how to counter this move so he can break free easily.

So if you are really serious about becoming an MMA fighter, you should equip yourself with all these skills. But remember that such basic training doesn't end there, there are more work that you must do to be a top-notch fighter.

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Angelo