MMA vs. MMA

As Mixed Martial Arts gains more and more ground in the traditional world of martial arts, many feel that the “Traditional” aspect of the arts will be lost. What I think that started this concern is when, people think of mixed martial arts they think of the many MMA Fight Tournaments that they see on PPV, in magazines and on late night TV. This represents only a small part of the whole that teach or train in a mixed martial arts system. One must understand the difference. The difference is in WHY they teach the Mixed Martial Arts. Is it to train Mixed Martial Arts (Fighters) or do they train Mixed Martial Arts (Martial Artists). And to know the difference between the two is very important.

Now lets discuss the first group. These are the Clubs or they are also called Camps that train their students a wide range of techniques from many different arts such as: Jiu Jitsu, Jujitsu, Boxing, Kick Boxing and so forth. They are usually the grappling and striking arts. No Weapons, no Kata, all training done at a high-level of aggression at a high impact rate. This is to prepare them to be able to compete in Full Contact Tournaments. One other noticeable difference is there is no main use of a belt ranking system. Students are trained through drills and are taught and ranked by a competitive point system.

Now for the second group, this group is similar in what they train but are also very different in how and why they train. One major difference is that many traditional teachings and arts art taught. These can range from: Karate, Jiu Jitsu, Jujitsu, Kung Fu, Pressure Points and Weapons to just name a few. Also a major difference is still the use and teachings of Kata in these Dojos or Clubs. In these clubs that teach Mixed Martial Arts (Martial Artists), the use of the traditional belt system is still used. Colours may very from Dojo to Dojo. But the belt system is still used never the less. The main emphasis in these traditional based Dojos is still the “Betterment of the person” the student.

Once the difference is seen and understood between the two different types of MMA Dojos, Clubs or Camps. It makes your choice of what kind of training or club will suit you better. So before you go out and join any MMA Club do your homework and make a good educated choice. Because they both have an incredible amount to offer in two similar but different paths...

But as far as losing the Traditional.. There will be tradition as long as there will be the arts. The only thing is that some of the very old traditions will evolve into new traditions.

Article written by
Shihan Jason Carter/Nyingje Norbu

Shihan Norbu is the CEO/Founder of the International Mixed Martial Arts Association and is the Founder of Nyingbulam Karatedo-Jujitsu a Mixed Martial Arts (Martial Artists) system. Based on the traditional Japanese arts of Karate, Jujitsu and Pressure Points. Blended with it the modern arts of Submission Grappling and Boxing.


COMBAT WARRIOR E-MAGAZINE January 2006 / CombatWarriorMag.net