MMA and Martial Arts Background Quiz

MMA and Martial Arts

• MMA is a full-contact combat sport that has seen a significant increase in female participation.
• Most fighters have a background in one or more forms of martial arts.
• Children typically start martial arts training between the ages of 7-10 due to minimum age restrictions.

Equipment

• Students wear uniforms/suits, traditionally white, but sometimes black.
• Belts are worn around the waist, with colored belts reserved for ceremonies, higher instructors, and special teams.
• Belts differ in color depending on the student's rank.
• Sparring equipment includes padding for hands and feet, protective headgear, torso protectors, shin and groin protection, and small open-finger gloves.

Choosing a Martial Arts Club

• When selecting a club, consider whether it focuses on self-defense, competition, personal development, or character building.
• Read reviews on the Check Fit website from past and present students.

Judo

• Judo is a combat sport with the objective of throwing or taking down an opponent and immobilizing or pinning them.
• Judo students are known as judoka.
• Practitioners wear white uniforms called keikogi.
• Students progress through kyu grades towards dan grades, with colored belts indicating rank.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

• MMA is a full-contact combat sport that combines various styles of martial arts.
• Fighters are split into weight classes.
• Rounds are 3 x 5 minutes in length, with championship fights lasting 5 x 5 minutes.
• Victory is gained by the judge's decision, stoppage by the referee, or by submission or knockout.

Sparring

• Sparring is a full-contact sport that takes place between two competitors in an 8-meter square area.
• The aim is to outscore or knockout your opponent.
• The place where instruction is given is called dojang.

Karate

• Karate is an unarmed combat sport that uses hands and feet to deliver and block blows.
• It is a predominantly striking art, using punching, kicking, and knee and elbow strikes.
• Karate training is divided into kihon (basics), Kata (forms), and Kumite (sparring).
• Karate has adopted the Dan ranking system from judo.

Muay Thai

• Muay Thai is a full-contact combat sport that uses stand-up striking and clinching techniques.
• It is known as "the art of eight limbs" due to the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
• The eight points mimic weapons of war.

Test your knowledge about MMA and the different martial arts backgrounds that fighters often come from. Explore the growth of women in the sport and the minimum age requirements for starting martial arts.