What Exactly is MMA?

What Are Mixed Martial Arts Classes Like In West Michigan?

Mixed martial arts, also known as no holds barred fighting (think Ultimate Fighting Championship (TM), is an increasingly popular combat sport that mixes techniques from different Martial Arts, Greco-Roman wrestling, boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While mixed martial arts have been around since the late 1800s, it was purportedly Bruce Lee who made the movement popular by creating a unique fighting style, called Jeet Kune Do, that combined everything from western boxing to karate to fencing. Mixed martial arts didn’t become an official sport until the Ultimate Fighting Championship was established in the US in 1992. Mixed martial arts, also fondly known as “mma”, came to West Michigan in the late 1990′s and brought to the Grand Rapids area specifically around 2001 by the owners of the Toyoda Aikido and MMA Center.

What Kinds of Rules Are There In Mixed Martial Arts?

There are very few rules in mixed martial arts, all of which were established over the last ten years. Before that, mixed martial arts was a brutal combat sport in which the health of the fighter was always at risk. The new rules dictate that certain moves, including headbutts, biting, and eye gouging are specifically prohibited. Attacks to the groin area, kidneys, and trachea are also prohibited. Because there is no worldwide association presiding over mixed martial arts, rules vary from country to country and amateur fights usually have a stricter set of rules in order to protect the health of the fighters. Mixed martial arts classes at the Toyoda Center focus first, and foremost, on the safety of the trainee. Classes in MMA are physically demanding and can be a great aerobic, as well as anaerobic, workout. In addition, since the Toyoda Aikido and MMA Center began as a strict Aikido self defense academy back in 2001, developing the individual through the training is of utmost priority in the MMA classes.

What Can I Expect To Learn In An MMA Class?

There are basically three stages during a mixed martial arts fight: stand-up fighting, clinch fighting, and ground fighting. Stand-up fighting includes techniques such as kicking, punching, kneeing, and elbowing the opponent, while ground fighting involves holding the opponent down through the use of grappling holds. Clinch fighting means holding the opponent, either to prevent strikes or to get the dominant position while on the ground. All three of these fighting skills are emphasized in an MMA class at the Toyoda Center. The Toyoda Center is West Michigan’s premiere training center for the arts of Aikido, Kendo, and Mixed Martial Art with one of the largest traditional “tatami” matted floor systems around. The Toyoda Center is also one of the only facilities with a classroom, bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, full kitchen and laundry facilities and a live-in student (uchideshi) program for the most serious of students.

What Kind Of Equipment Will I Need For An MMA Class
and How Do I Get Started?

Most mixed martial arts fighters use small gloves during fights. Both open-finger gloves and closed ones, similar to the ones used in boxing, are allowed, depending on the type of fight, the country, and the weight category of the fighters. While many “MMA only” schools will only require a t-shirt and sweatpants or shorts, since the mixed martial arts program at the Toyoda Center is a Brazilian Jiu jitsu based program, eventually you will need to purchase a “Gi” or training uniform. We do offer “no-gi” classes to advanced students after an introductory period. Depending on the bonuses offered for membership that month, quite often your Gi is free with registration. Check with the front office staff for details on this months membership bonus program. To get started, simply click the blue/purple text below and register for your free 30 day trial.

Yes, I’m ready to try it out! Click Here To Go To The “30 Days Free” Registration Page

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