subject: Learning About The Discipline Of Mixed Martial Arts [print this page] If youre in or around Fairfax, martial arts training is available under whats termed the mixed martial arts (MMA) banner. Here some common misconceptions surrounding this are addressed.
Bruce Lee invented the MMA
The legendary Bruce Lee died in 1973. Although these things are inevitably passionately debated, many people would say that MMA originated in various different streams of combat and sport and in different countries all at different times. In fact, its formalization into a competitive and organized discipline in the US only really started in the 1990s long after Lees death.
However, Bruce Lee was exceptionally influential, even after his death in the formation of the MMA due to the philosophy he developed called Jeet Kune Do. He had become disenchanted with the rigid formalism of existing techniques such as Kung Fu and stressed the need to be flexible, adaptive and mobile using the best elements of a number of disciplines. This is very close to todays MMA philosophy.
The disciplines are choreographed
Its important not to confuse reality with whats portrayed in the movies and on TV.
Some set pieces in the movies are clearly staged and computer enhanced but that is a world away from real life experience in problem situations or what goes on in a professional MMA tournament.
In fact, the origins of some techniques are closely linked to dance and gymnastics. If that sounds odd, you might be surprised at just how fast, flexible and phenomenally strong, many professional dancers are. However, the MMA are essentially real-word combat and sporting techniques as you will see if you ever witness a bout in a competition.
You have to be superhumanly strong to be successful
No, you dont. Of course, a degree of basic fitness and mobility is important, but even youngsters can practise and develop incredible capabilities in these disciplines without necessarily developing massive strength in the process. Many of the techniques, in fact, seek to exploit strength advantages your opponent may have. What is far more important than physical strength is the development and honing of inner spiritual strength. In Fairfax, martial arts tuition will place heavy emphasis on that.
It can take many years to become proficient
To some extent, there is a grain of truth in that but remember even household and globally famous names such as Bruce Lee had to begin somewhere and were once students.
Experienced MMA tutors in Fairfax (martial arts here are taught under some of the best in the world) will confirm that it is possible to see huge physical and spiritual progress in students after even limited periods of study. Modern training techniques look to help people see rapid progress in their capabilities and there is no need to assume that little will be visible for years.
In Fairfax, martial arts tuition will enable you to start feeling differently about yourself very quickly!
