History of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
What we know today as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) may seem modern, but its roots stretch back thousands of years. While many of the martial arts taught at Elite Training Center—including Krav Maga, Kickboxing, Kali, and LOTAR®—combine techniques from multiple disciplines, the sport of MMA focuses on the practical integration of striking and grappling techniques for competition. Elite Training Center offers hands-on MMA training for both adults and youth, emphasizing skill development, safety, and respect.
Ancient Origins: Pankration and the Greeks
The earliest known form of mixed martial arts can be traced to 648 B.C.E. when the Greeks introduced pankration to the Olympic Games. Meaning “all powers,” pankration was a no-holds-barred competition that combined striking, grappling, and submission techniques. Fighters used punches, kicks, elbow strikes, knee strikes, joint locks, and chokeholds, and bouts often ended only when one competitor submitted by raising his hand or was knocked out.
These matches took place in a small, squared ring, promoting close-quarter combat and endurance, as fights could last for hours. Pankration remained popular for centuries, but the sport faded with the decline of Greek civilization. Some historians suggest that these early martial arts techniques influenced combat styles across Asia, contributing indirectly to the development of various traditional martial arts.
The Brazilian Renaissance
MMA resurfaced in the 20th century in Brazil, where the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in the 1920s created a new paradigm for mixed-style fighting. BJJ emphasized ground fighting, submissions, and leverage, providing a foundation for modern MMA. The art spread internationally, and by the early 1980s, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu reached California, where it gained popularity and became the catalyst for contemporary MMA competitions.
In 1993, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) introduced MMA to a broader audience, showcasing “no-holds-barred” matches in an octagonal cage. Early MMA competitions were minimal in rules, emphasizing raw combat effectiveness. Over time, the sport evolved to include weight classes, time limits, judges, and standardized rules, creating a safer and more regulated environment for competitors while maintaining the integrity of the martial arts techniques.
Modern MMA: A Fusion of Styles
Today, MMA is a full-contact combat sport that combines striking, grappling, and submissions from a wide array of traditional martial arts, including:
Boxing for hand strikes and defensive movements
Muay Thai for knees, elbows, kicks, and clinch work
Judo and wrestling for throws and takedowns
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for ground control, submissions, and leverage
Modern MMA allows competitors to employ techniques from standing or ground positions while adhering to rules designed for safety. Certain techniques taught in LOTAR-enhanced Krav Maga, such as groin strikes and eye gouges, remain prohibited in MMA competition.
MMA fighters cross-train in multiple disciplines to anticipate and counter opponents’ moves, creating a dynamic and strategic sport. As MMA has grown in popularity, it has become more accessible to practitioners of all ages and skill levels, not just competitive fighters.
MMA Techniques and Training
Striking techniques in MMA include punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, while grappling techniques cover clinch holds, pinning, submissions, sweeps, takedowns, and throws. Competitors learn to seamlessly transition between striking and grappling, making MMA both an effective self-defense system and a competitive sport.
At Elite Training Center, MMA training emphasizes not only technique but also discipline, respect, and physical conditioning. Men, women, and youth train side by side in a supportive environment that develops confidence, coordination, and practical combat skills.
Train MMA in Redondo Beach
If you want hands-on experience with authentic MMA, you can try 2 free classes at our school. Learn more about our MMA Classes in Redondo Beach
FAQs: History of Mixed Martial Arts
When did MMA first begin?
The earliest form of MMA can be traced to 648 B.C.E. with pankration in the Greek Olympic Games, a no-holds-barred competition combining strikes and grappling.
How did Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu influence MMA?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, developed in the 1920s, emphasized ground fighting, submissions, and leverage. It became a foundational martial art for modern MMA, especially after arriving in the United States in the 1980s.
What is the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)?
The UFC, founded in 1993, popularized modern MMA by combining various martial arts in competitive matches under regulated rules, introducing the sport to a global audience.
How is MMA different from other martial arts?
MMA combines striking and grappling techniques from multiple disciplines. Unlike single-style martial arts, MMA allows transitions between stand-up fighting and ground fighting, emphasizing adaptability and strategy.
Who can practice MMA today?
MMA is accessible to practitioners of all ages and skill levels. While it began as a sport for competitive fighters, modern training programs make it suitable for self-defense, fitness, and personal development.
