Modern Martial Arts Center in Saskatoon is proud to offer Mixed Martial Arts, aka MMA classes.
Mixed Martial Arts has existed as sport for less than thirty years but its growth has been truly phenomenal with the UFC paving the way as the leading promotion in MMA.
Whilst similar sports such as Pankration which mixed wrestling and striking can be traced back to the days of the Ancient Greek Olympics, its more modern inception began when the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practicing Gracie family looked to promote their art by entering in Vale Tudo matches. These Vale Tudo matches allowed fighters to use different martial arts and were virtually rule-free. At the same time as the Gracies were handily defeating opponents with their BJJ, various promoters in the United States ran tough guy contests, drawing upon the concepts of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do, which suggested taking the techniques from different martial arts and finding out which work individuals on their own terms.
In 1993, the Gracies went to the United States and founded the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Their first event looked to replicate the Vale Tudo matches, operating with virtually no rules. Initially marketed as a tournament to find the most effective martial arts for unarmed combat, fighters from different fighting backgrounds competed against each other in a single elimination format. Despite being significantly smaller than the majority of his opponents, Royce Gracie tore through the first tournament, defeating his competition largely via taking their backs and applying rear naked chokes, forcing them to “tap out”. Whilst this established Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a very efficient martial art, other styles have had their moment in the spotlight, with high level kickboxers, Muay Thai practitioners, Olympic wrestlers, karate and judo players demonstrating just how efficient they can be.
Today, anyone in Saskatoon or nearby can train Mixed Martial Arts by joining MMAC. Classes typically involve a warm-up routine, such as shadowboxing or skipping, jogging, then focusing on grappling technique such as BJJ or wrestling. Kickboxing techniques will be included. And eventually a blend of all relevant techniques from any discipline. Beginner students are not expected to spar in their first sessions. We encourage all prospective members to participate in our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and our BANG Muay Thai programs if their focus is MMA. Many of our members participate in MMA classes for the physical conditioning benefits while learning an excellent form of self defence.
Here in Saskatoon, you can try out a class and get to grips practicing different skills in our beginner friendly sessions. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never thrown a punch before, or have never heard of “sprawling” before, MMA is a great way to actively destress, get your heart pumping and focus your attention all whilst in a fun, friendly and safe environment.
Beginner’s are always welcome and we are happy to invite you in for a FREE trial class! To do so, please fill out the form below. We will be in touch with you to book your first class. See you on the mats!
