MMA's Simple Complexity Paradox (diary entry)

Tonight saw the second of CCMA’s 10 lesson course on Mixed Martial Arts for martial arts cross-training. We began on the Thai focus mitts, beginning with stand-up, but also warming up takedown defence, clinch-work and ground work. We drilled basic positioning in the clinch and also transitioning through pins and submissions from guard. We then concentrated on slipping and attacking from angles, a common theme of mine. I use it a lot because it introduces a very simple principle that transcends styles. We began with the slip/jab/overhand combination and then followed on with the slip/jab/round kick, followed by slip/jab/single leg takedown. Going from the single leg takedown we looked moving into side control whilst defending against strikes and then delivering them using elbows, hammerfists and grounded knees to set up for arm-lock submissions. The lesson finished with some light sparring, going through all three ranges. Discussion: On MMA’s simple complexity paradox. MMA can be seen as the alpha and omega of CCMA’s cross training programmes. In one respect it is a highly sophisticated combat sport, built upon the combination of training in at least three, often four or more, different combat sports to a high level. This has led to the idea that MMA can never be regarded as its own art. However, the thorough martial arts historian will note that the majority of established and named combat disciplines are an amalgamation of experience in various other forms of fighting. Traditional Kodokan Judo was the result of its founder, Kano Jigaro, training in at least three schools of Japanese Ju Jutsu and having experience as a school educator. However, through refinement over the years and with Kano’s personal vision, Judo would go on to become more than the sum of its parts. This is just one example. As discussed in the first diary entry of this particular course, MMA addresses dealing with a wide range of tactics and techniques in ranges that are usually highly specialized in the composite arts. Kickboxers don’t usually have to worry about someone trying to shoot in or how to deal with someone playing long guard from the ground. Wrestlers don’t have to worry about being struck as they clinch and Muay Thai clinch-fighters do not have to defend against sweeps and hip throws. Whilst the submission fighter isn’t usually concerned about being picked up and slammed or being struck on the ground. However, in another respect, MMA addresses the most primal methods a human being would use to fight another opponent. Stripped down to its core and given a different objective, it could be argued that MMA provides the ideal base for unarmed self-defence. It addresses all three ranges of fighting and it takes humans back to their evolved fighting principles: holding and striking. Long before the arrival of Homo sapiens our ancestors were gripping their prey and their enemies in order to strike them. This asymmetrical way of fighting can be seen in the regular universal use of shields with swords and spears. MMA is the refinement of those principles.