Martial Arts are the various forms of self-defense, usually weaponless, based on techniques developed in ancient China, India, and Tibet. In modern times they have come into wide use for self-protection, as competitive sports, and for exercise. Jujitsu teaches skills that enable one to overcome a bigger, stronger opponent. A popular style of jujitsu is aikido, which uses wrist, elbow, and shoulder twists and graceful falls; it is noncompetitive and incorporates various spiritual concepts. Other popular forms of martial arts include kung fu, karate, and taekwondo, all of which emphasize blows with the feet and the side of the hand, and kendo, in which leather-covered bamboo “swords are used. All styles emphasize allowing ki (cosmic energy) to flow through one’s body. This belief in ki connects aikido with tai chi ch’uan, a meditation like discipline that emphasizes slow, graceful body movements. The most popular form of individual exercise in China, tai chi is often performed publicly in large groups; it has been claimed to reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Judo, a Japanese sport created in 1882, makes use of jujitsu principles. Capoeira, a dancelike Brazilian discipline, is gaining in popularity.
Submissions: submissions are techniques that cause the receiver to give up due to pain being applied to a joint or strangulation from a choke. Here are some of the basics.
Kimura: A shoulder lock that applies pressure to the shoulder joint.
Rear Naked Choke: A choke that apples strangulation to both sides of the neck (both arteries) it also impedes breathing.
Guillotine Choke: This is where the defender reaches underneath the attacker’s neck and applies upward pressure, with the attackers head under the defender’s armpit. It is usually applied when an attacker attempts a takedown and the defender is able to capture the neck.
Triangle Choke: The attacker is between the defender’s legs on the ground. The defender gets an attackers arm between his own neck and the defender’s leg. The defender then places his ankle behind his knee of his other leg and secures the choke.
Arm Triangle: Similar to the Triangle Choke except arms are used instead of legs. Usually executed from a top or back position.
Arm Bar: When an opponent is able to secure an arm and straighten it out with pressure underneath the elbow.
Knee Bar: Same as an arm bar but causes pain to the joint of the knee.
Ankle Lock: A submission that causes pain to the joint of the ankle or Achilles tendon.
There are way too many techniques to list in this article but these are a lot of the main ones you will hear mentioned. There are also several “control” positions. Here are a few;
Full Mount: This is when an attacker is on top of his opponent with both of his legs on either side of the defender. A bad spot to be in because the attacker can rise up and deliver strikes.
Half Mount: The attacker has only one leg on the outside and the defender is holding the attacker’s other leg between his legs to stop the attacker from achieving a full mount.
Side Mount: The attacker is perpendicular to the defender across the defender’s chest. A transfer to full mount or submission can be accomplished.
North/South: An opponent is on top of the other facing opposite directions.
The sport of mma is an elite sport with various strategies and techniques. Here are a few more terms you might hear.
Ground And Pound: A fighter takes down an opponent, mounts him, and delivers strikes until knock out, referee stoppage, or the defending fighter gives up (taps)
Take Down: A fighter attempts to bring his opponent down to the mat for a submission or to deliver strikes from the mount.
Tap Out: When a fighter taps on the other fighter or the mat to concede the fight. Mostly done when a submission is applied. (kind of like saying uncle.)
This article is not a “catch all” for every term you might here during an mma fight. It will give you a better understanding of the sport and make it a lot more fun to watch.