“Sprawl and Brawl” Fighters – MMA in Schaumburg, Aurora, Naperville, Merriville IN

When MMA events were first held in North America and Japan, many people were stunned at the poor performance of marital artists who specialized in striking with fist and feet. In match after match, they were quickly bundled up in a clinch and taken down to the mat. Defeat soon followed. Quite often, striking without gloves caused the fighters to break their hands, which resulted in an inability to continue. Within a short period, people became somewhat dismissive of the combat effectiveness of the striking arts. But this assessment was premature. Once gloves were introduced and once rule changes were created that greatly increased the time spent in the standing position, striking became much more important.

Strikers also learned from their early failures that defending the takedown and breaking out of clinches were absolutely crucial if they were to succeed in MMA competition. What they learned was the classic wrestling defense to takedowns-the sprawl. In time, they used this knowledge, along with escapes from the clinch, to make it far harder to take them down. At the same time, they also learned ground grappling in enough depth to survive long enough to get the referee to stand them back and return the fight to their favored position. The pattern of such fighters is to sprawl in defense to takedowns and break out of clinches so as to escape from any prolonged grappling situations.

Takedowns attempts can be tiring. As strikers’ opponents become progressively fatigued with each failed takedown, they become sloppier and easier to hit effectively with hands, knees and feet. In the clinch, strikers can take a heavy toll on their opponents with knees and elbows before breaking fee. After each sprawl and clinch-break, strikers can look to knock out their opponents or at least securely hurt them and thus look to win a judge’s decision. Since strikers are wearing gloves, they can hit at maximum power throughout the match without fear of hurting themselves, which was not possible int eh early, bare knuckle MMA events.

But the early days of MMA are over. No one style totally dominates. On any given day, any one of the approaches of MMA combat can emerge victorious. All competitors need skills in all areas of main phase of combat to succeed. Completeness is the great virtue of the modern competitor.

For more on Sprawl and Brawl fighters and to find MMA Training near you, check out: MMA gyms in Chicago

Strategy in the Bottom Position – MMA Training in Schaumburg, Aurora, Naperville, Merriville IN

Most of the bottom positions are inferiro positions. It is almost always the case that you want to fight on top of you opponent.  However, if you fight a bigger, stronger opponent, you will inevitably end up in the bottom position. Many people claim that they would never fight on their backs in the bottom position. Many people claim that they would never fight on their backs in the bottom position-that is a foolish way to fight. Indeed, jujitsu fighters prefer to fight from on top, but the fact is that what you want to do in a fight and what circumstances force you to do are usually not the same. If you fight tough opponent’s there will be times when you find yourself underneath them, fighting from the bottom position.

Because most bottom positions are inferior, any fighter’s emphasis while fighting from underneath is to escape to a beter position. Whenever you are forced to fight from underneath, focus on the following strategy:

Get out of controlling, dominating pins in an efficient and safe manner, and either

• escape to the guard position
• escape to your knees or your feet
• reverse your opponent, or
• attempt a submission hold.

If you try to reverse your opponent, be aware that some escapes involve turning your opponent over and ending up on top of him in a dominant position. These tend to be difficult and tiring, and there is a risk associated with their use. Should they fail, they tend to leave you in an even worse position than before- and tired to boot. However, done well, they can turn a fight around.

If you attempt a submission hold, remember that this move can be difficult from inferior bottom positions. However, it may force your opponent to back off a little to escape the attempted lock. His reaction may then create the space required to attempt your escpae to the guard position or an escape to your knees or feet.

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Theoretical Basis of Jujitsu – MMA Training Schaumburg, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago, Merrillville, IN

A strict translation of the term jujitsu offers little insight into the art. Taken at face value, the character ju means gentle, soft, or flexible. jitsu is veritably translated as technique or art. Gentle art or flexible art does not help us much. In fact there is a definite irony in the idea of jujitsu as a “gentle art” because many of its techniques are extremely brutal. Clearly, a deeper analysis of the term is required. The key to the theorectiacal core of juitsu is an adequte understandin of ju. To comprehend the meaning of gentleness or flexibility as it is used in the quality we normally associate with fighting prowess – strength. Typically we think of the stronger man as hanving a definite adcantage in any combat situation. Thus, jujitsu identifies itself in contrast to raw strength.

Seen in this light, the theoretical basis of jujitsu becomes clearer. The guiding principle behind ju is the idea of a waker force overcoming a stronger force through the application of technique, or jujitsu, rather than strength and aggression through he application of technique, or jitsu rather than strength and aggression. Reduced to its core, jujitsu is the employment of intelligence and skill to overcome brute strength and aggression . In this context, we can make sense of a martial art that regularly  makes use of a potentially like-threatening technique in violent confrontations a s “gentle.” This should not be misunderstood a s a notion of gentleness or softness. Strength is used in jujitsu. It can definitely help to be strong, but strength is used in an intelligent, rational manner a sport of a strategy guided by efficient technique. Rather than confront strength with strength jujitsu confronts strength with efficient technique and strategy so strength, jujitsu confronts strength with efficient technique and strategy so that the weaker figher can attain victory. In practice, this means applying a high precentage of your toal strength to a low percentage of your opponent’s strength.

A simple example can illustrate this principle. If a weaker fighter applies an efficient stranglehold on an opponent, he uses a large proportion of his overall strength to a small proportion of his opponent’s strength. Thus, if a waker fighter can attack a vulnerable part of his opponent’s body with greater strength than his opponent’s body with greater strength than his opponent can defend it with, he is effectively stronger than his opponent, even if his overall strength is less. This is the theoretical basis of jujitsu conveyed by ju. Technically skilled fighters can then efficiently apply what strength they have in a way that can cause sufficient damage to end the fight.

A way to understand the meaning that lies behind ju comes from an analysis of the phrase ju yoku sei go, which translates as softness controls hardness. This phrase coveys the idea of a smaller force initially giving way or yielding to a stronger force to eventually overcome it. Thus, it amounts to the use of strategy, one that resists strength with technique, and not additional strength.

For more on Jujitsu and to find local gyms check out: Schaumburg Jiu Jitsu

Modern Jiu- Jitsu and Ground Phase – MMA Training in Schaumburg, Aurora, Naperville, Merrielle IN

It is quite clear that the modern styles of jiu-jitsu-from the incetpion of Fusen ryu through the bariations of Maeda and the Gracies – have gone in a direction that is radically different from the rest of the martial arts world. No other styles put so much focus on the ground phase of combat, so it is worth asking how they came to choose the ground as the best place to take a fight. To answer this question is to outline the basis of the whole theory of phases of combat and positional dominance, the two cornerstones of modern jiu-jitsu.

The core theory of modern jiu-jitsu is the idea that fighting can be broken into distinct phases, each of which is significantly different from each other. the set of skills an dattributes to succeed in one or two phases of combat, but alarmingly weak in another. People such as Tanabe, Maeda and the Gracies all noted that most fighting styles were weak in ground fighting, which made fighters who subscribed to such methods vulnerable to a skilled ground grappler once teh fight entered the ground phase.

An additional factor is the idea that the most efficient tactical method to employ in a real fight is to constantly place yourself in a position where you can freely attack your opponent while at the sam etime he cannot attack you. Appling this method is rather like placing an opponent in a pair of handcuffs before fightin him. A similar result can be achieved by attaining a dominant position on your opponent. The easiest plave to attain this kind of positional dominace and control is on teh ground because the ground gives a platform on which to pin an opponent and restict his movement. Add to this the fact that most people do not by nature move efficiently on teh ground, and you can see that the ground is a wise place to implement this positional strategy.

Finally, there is the simple fact that the ground fight is inevitable in a real fight. A disproportionate number of fights end up on the ground because a fighter’s most realistic means of securing victory specifically result from his taking a fight to the ground. For example, if you are hit by a powerful striker, you will be knocked to the ground. If you are thrown by a powerful judo player, you will be thrown to the ground. If a much bigger assailant grabs you in a bear hug, you will trip and fail to the ground. these incidents demonstrate why the ground phase is such an inevitable destination in most fights. It makes tremendous sense, then, for fighters to focus significant attention on this phase of combat and elevate its importance in training.

For more on Modern Jiu-Jitsu and to find local gyms check out: Schaumburg Jiu Jitsu

Victory from the Bottom Position – MMA Training in Schaumburg, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago, Merrielle IN

The tow most common routes to victory from the bottom position are submission holds, and sweeps and reversals. Submission holds are locks to the joints or neck that threaten your opponent with injury or unconsciousness unless he submits. Many effective submission holds can be applied from underneath your oppponent, especially in the guard position. Likewise, there are a large number of sweeps and reversals that allos you to topple an opponent over and take the top position. Once this series of moves occurs, you can getgin striking your way to victory, or you can go on to gain a positional advantage and then exploit it with the application of a submission hold from a more dominant position.

Keep in mind, however, that it is difficult to win a fight from underneath your opponent using only strikes. One of the few exceptions to this rule is the use of a thrusting heel kick to the jaw of your opponent as he stands over your open guard. This move is a proven fight-ender in MMA competiition. Indeed, one of the most famous instances of this form of stiking from teh bottom poistion occurred when Renzo Gracie took on Oleg Taktarov in the Martial Arts Reality Superfight (MARS) MMA event. Taktarov was a skilled grappler with a fine record in MMA competition. After scoring a sold take down on Renzo, he made the mistake of bednign down to control Renzo’s feet in the open guard. Seizing the opportunity provided, Renzo shot a stiff, upward thrusting heel kick to Taktarov’s jaw and gained a great knockout.

Most strikes, however, are weaker going up to your opponent than ones that he can hit down at you. But this disadvantage should not prevent you from attempting strikes from the bottom position. They serve to make your opponent uncomfortable and possibly move him into a submission hold or sweep.

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Jiu-Jitsu, Jujutsu, Jujitsu – MMA Training in Schaumburg, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago, Merriville – Hobart, IN

Translated as the “gentle art,” real Jiu- Jitsu is anthing but gentle. Originating in Japan thousands of years ago, the art encompassed striking, grappling, and ground fighting techniques. As the martial arts evolved in Japan, numerous families known as “ryuha” established themselves as Juijutsu centers of study.

Gradually, these Jujutsu schools focused less on the other forms of combat and began specializing more and more in the grappling techniques that have reached fighters today. As the political and social climate in Japan shifted away from a warrior society, the need for schools that taught combat survival diminished. Fore more and more Japanese, Jujtsu became something more akin to a hobby than a lifestyle.

In the early twentieth century, as Japan opened to the west, scholars and explorers began experiencing the methods of Jujutsu. They brought these techniques back to the United States and the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe.

Meanwhile, numerous Japanese Jujutsu experts were also traveling all over the world, putting on displays of their prowess. Gradually, the “tricks” of Jujutsu were becoming known.

While there are still plenty of schools in Japan that teach Jujutsu as a complete combat system, most foreign schools have chosen to focus on the grappling aspects of the art. Jujutsu uses joint locks, arm bars, throws, choke holds, and other submission techniques to gain a victory over an opponent.

For UFC fighters, techniques from this art area priceless addition to their repertoire, Jujutsu’s more accurate definition and overrriding philosophy of “yielding to an opponent’ s power in order to redirect and thereby gain victory” helps tech today’s fighters that going head-to-head is not always the best option. Sometimes, yielding will expose a weakness in thier opponent that they may take advantage of.

Jujutsu also offers fighters other methods of applying takedowns, throws, chokes, submission holds, and counters and escapes.

No matter how it is spelled Jiu-Jitsu, Jujutsu, or Jujitsu remains a great complement to any fighter’s toolbox.

For more on Jiu-Jitsu and to find a local gym check out: Schaumburg Jiu Jitsu

The Referee’s Role – MMA Training in Schaumburg, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago

The referee in a MMA even has numerous responsiblites. The first is the care and condition of the fighters. Although MMA is an extreme sport, the referee has to stay focused on the action at all times to help preven serious injury to the competitors. If a fighter appears to be losing consciousness or can no lnger intelligently defend himself, teh ref has the duty to intervene and can stop the match. The referee can also ask the ringside physician to examine an injured fighter to determine the athlete’s ability to continue the bout.

Another major responsiblity of the referee is to ensure that both athletes uphold good sportsmanship and strictly adhere to the rules. A minor infraction may cause the ref to momentarily stop the action to give a warning to a fighter. Repeated infractions or a major foul can cause the referee to issue the judges to charge a competitior with a foul and dedcut points from the fighter’s score.

It can also lead to a fighter’s disqualification if the situation merits. For instance, if a fighter is injured and unable to continue as the result of an intentional foul, the instigating fighter is disqualified. In this case, the injured fighter would be declared the winner of the fight. Occasionally, a fighter becomes injured due to an accidental illegal technique. If a competitor commits an unintentional foul and the opposing fighter is unable to continue, the bout may be ruled a “no contest.” An example of this would be a fighter accidentally getting poked in the eye and being incapable of finishing the match due to the injury.

To keep the action moving, a referee also has to ensure that the fighters are continuously striving to win the match. When a fighter has stalled against the fence or on the ground, the ref can intervene. If there is a lull in the match, where neither competitor is pressing the fight, the referee can restart a match on the feet.

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Are You Ready? – MMA Training in Schaumburg, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago

As you can see. there is a tremendous amount of preparation that goes into developing the combat athlete. An MMA warrior has to have a strong mindset to overcome fear and adversity, while maintaining a dead fast and focused determination in the pursuit of success. The mixed martial artist has to push his body faster and hards than the average athlete, striving for flexibility, anaerobic, endurance and building enormous strength.

As a martial artist, the MMA warrior needs to develop advanced skill sets in each of the major combative disciplines used in the sport. Learning the punching skills of boxing and the devastating kicks and knees of Muay Thai, and implementing judo techniques to use an opponent’s leverage are all a part of acquiring a great stand up game. When the action heads towards the mat, the combat athlete needs to be well versed in the positioning strategies of wrestling and the joint locks and chokes of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Understanding how to integrate these disciplines is the key to becoming a well-rounded fighter.

To be in the top physical condition, an athlete also needs a health and nutrition strategy. Creating a specifically formulated, high calorie diet is crucial to keeping the body performing at peak levels. Adding supplements, identifying injury prevention methods, and maintaining the body through additional practices is all a part of MMA warrior’s wellness plan.

Now that you understand these components, it’s time to discover the journey of the MMA warrior and what separates the combat athlete from everyone else.

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Post-Exercise Nutrition Tips from the Pros – MMA Training in Schaumburg, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago

After a tough conditioning session, the body needs to replenish the nutrients it has exhausted during training. Replacing those essential vitamins and  minerals quickly is a key element of a fighter’s nutritional plan. To accomplish this tasks, combat athletes often fuel back up by grabbing a post-exercise shake.

Similar to the pre-exercise shake, the post-workout shake is a car-protein mixture with a four-to-one ratio. Ramping up the amount of simple carbohydrates helps to build back up the body’s glycogen levels. To calculate the number of carbs in your shake, take your body weight and multiply it by 50 percent. For example, a fighter weighing in at 200 pounds will need 100 grams of carbs. Using a four-to-one ratio of carbs to protein means that the shake will have 25 grams of protein.

An excellent choice for the simple carbohydrates needed in a shake is maltodextrin powder. Although this tuff is often used to increase the flavor in beer, don’t think that a beer makes a perfect post-exercise drink. Nice try, but you also need to replenish protein levels after a workout. A great choice is whey protein, which is quickly digested and absorbed by the body. On that note, avoid consuming vegetables after exercising because hey contain fiber, and that slows down the absorption of nutrients. We want the body to recover as quickly as possible and a maltodextrrin whey protein shake does a fantastic job.

Another valuable post-exercise tip is to include antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. Found in many fruits, these antioxidants help to protect the body form free- radical compounds that damage your cells. Consider adding blueberries or cranberries to your post-workout shake as a good source of antioxidant vitamins.

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Finding a local MMA League – MMA Training in Schaumburg, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago

One of the next things you’ll need to do is research the MMA events in your area. If you’ve joined an MMA program and are astill unfamiliar with any local events the best way is simply to ask the fighters at your training center. If you haven’t found or signed on to a program yet, be sure to ask teh fighters you do talk to about which organization they are affiliated with or what promotins are active locally. One you are plugged into the local MMA scene, it can be pretty easy to find out where local shows are happening.

Another route is to contact your state athletic commission and inquire about what MMA organizations are licensed within your state. At the time of this writing, this won’t apply to every state because some states don’t currently regulate or allow MMA promotions. The majority of states, however, do support MMA, and you will probably be able to get the information yo need by contacting the commissioners on your state board. These individuals can usually point you in the right direction for organizations near your area and even supply you with the promoter’s contact information.

To check out promotions and to join a MMA League check out: MMA Training in Chicago, Aurora, Schaumburg, Minooka