You are flipping through the channels one evening and come upon what looks like a caged boxing ring with two guys rolling around on the ground. Wait a minute, this could be interesting, but what in the world are they talking about?
This guide will introduce you to the wonderful world of MMA and UFC. Here you will find the common terms and some description of the basic moves. I hope that, by the end, you will be ready to enjoy the next big fight.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu- No term better describes mixed martial arts, created and perfected by Carlos and Helio Gracie, it is the principle that a smaller, weaker person can overcome a larger, stronger opponent by using advantage and proper technique. This style fighting is based on early 20th century Kodokan Judo.
Ground and Pound- This is a style that is favored by many wrestling based fighters. The whole idea is o take your opponent to the ground and then rain down as many punches, elbows and even knees on him. Wear him down until he taps out or work into a submission hold.
Lay and Pray- Similar to ground and pound but instead of striking the fighter utilizes the position to “smother” and ride out a decision. Many fighters with a wrestling and jui-jitsu use this position to the fullest.
Submission- Just like it sounds really; you are trying to get your opponent to submit to your will. And your will is you win and he loses! Submission is achieved by any hold such as choke or hyperextension that causes him to tap out.
Tap Out- No one is singing in the rain here, more like crying in the rain! Tap out is the act of submission or giving up where the fighter taps the mat, his opponent or anything handy to stop the agony!
Pass out- Honestly, officer I only had one or two! Fighters determined not to tap out will often just lose consciousness, no one is going to call them a quitter! So instead, they go night-night for a little bit and keep their dignity.
Arm Bar- Also, known as the cross lock this is a joint lock that hyper-extends the elbow joint causing a lot of pain. This can be done by capturing your opponents arm between your legs and you hold them by the hand or wrist with both of your hands, now apply pressure by stretching your body and pushing against the other guy with your feet. This maneuver properly executed will usually end in a tap out.
Circle- Can I have this dance? Here a fighter is trying to dominate the floor by circling the opponent clock wise and counter clockwise, forcing him to follow every step. Careful though a seasoned opponent will counter by circling back or rushing in with a brutal attack. This is a fundamental skill in stand up fighting.
Guard- Guard is a jui-jitsu term to describe a specific ground position. In this position, the fighter on the bottom wraps his legs around the guy on top to protect himself from strikes at the same time he may be setting up for a sweep.
Sweep- Not the floor silly, your opponent! Basically, this is the guy on the bottom maneuvering in such a way as to pull an old switcheroo and gain the upper position and possibly the upper hand.
Half Guard- Similar to the full guard except your opponent has one leg to your side and the other between yours. You can achieve various foot and leg locks from this position.
Sprawl and Brawl- This is a striker’s game, with some tweaks. A fighter must adapt his striking maneuvers to incorporate anti takedown techniques. Simply put hit and hit hard while managing to stay on your feet! Most fighters will use only two or three hammer punches in combination and then throw a knee or rising kick to avoid the take down.
Under Hook- Under, hooks are done by placing your arm under your opponents and holding his upper body or midsection. One arm is a single under hook and two arms is a double. From the double under hook, you can transition into a body lock by clasping your hands leaving you able to slam your opponent to the mat.
Single/ Double Leg Take Down- When doing a take down you merely grab your opponents leg at the thigh and push forward to take him off his feet. A double is more effective since you can also lift him up slightly and guide his body to where you want it to land. Some even fancy lifting the other guy completely off his feet and onto their shoulder so they can slam him down.
Rear Naked Choke Hold- By far one of the most advantageous choke holds. And yes, you can leave your clothes on! The term comes from the fact that unlike many other strangulation techniques the use of the training uniform is not required. The hold is executed from behind your opponent legs encircling his waist, when in position you wrap your arm around your opponents’ neck and grab the bicep of your other arm. It will not take long before tap out or pass out occurs. Thaiboxning