Mixed Martial Arts, otherwise known as MMA, is a full-contact combat sport. Practitioners use both striking and grappling techniques while standing up and on the ground. These striking motions are gained from learning a variety of other combat sports and martial arts, like Jiu Jitsu, and Muay Thai.
Mixed martial arts contests have actually been around for over 100 years. In the early 1900s, these bouts were held in Europe, Japan and other parts of the Pacific Rim. In the United States, MMA got started with Tough Guy Contests in the 1980s thanks to a company called CV Productions, Inc. Later Tough Guy rebranded as the “Battle of the Superfighters” and sanctioned ten tournaments in the state of Pennsylvania. However, in 1983 the Pennsylvania State Senate passed a bill prohibiting the sport, which kept it from continuing until a decade later in 1993. The Gracie family brought a version of the combat sport, known in Brazil as vale tudo, to the U.S. with the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, or as it is more popularly known, the UFC.
In the early days of the UFC competitions, it was in reality a contest to see which form of martial arts was the best for real unarmed combat situations. There were few rules and no weight classes but one thing was certain, Gracie Jiu Jitsu proved to be a formidable force. Today, the sport is much different than it was 20 years ago. It is regulated with lots of rules and weight classes. The sport has become so popular that some professional athletes leave their careers to test their skills inside the octagon. People from all over the world vie for a shot at landing a coveted MMA contract. Gracie Raleigh can help. We offer some of the best training for mixed martial arts in Raleigh NC.
Free Classes for Mixed Martial Arts in Raleigh
Gracie Raleigh offers free Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai classes so you can try before you buy. We want you to come out and experience what it is like to train with some of the best athletes in NC and some of the top coaches in the industry. If you’re interested in mixed martial arts in Raleigh, then your first call should be to us. We offer highly rated Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, open mat, sparring, self defense and other martial arts training that you’ll need to know if you’re wanting to make the jump to being a professional fighter. We even offer specific classes that are just for women.
Have a child that would like to learn martial art skills? We have a great program that is just for kids. Parents, there is also no contract for your child to attend training at Gracie Raleigh. That way you’re not tied down to your child’s changing interests. Give us a call today and ask how you can get started.