By Katrina Belcher (KatrinaBelcher@mmaratings.net)
Many people are not familiar with the technical aspects of MMA and have viewed the vast arsenal of the technical elements of the sport of MMA as confusing and in some cases “barbaric”. However, MMA techniques by their definition come from a wide variety of recognized martial arts and combat disciplines.
In fact, MMA uses many of the techniques currently in use in the prestigious Olympic Games – such as Judo, Boxing, Wrestling and Tae Kwon Do to some degree, as well as other martial disciplines that have a history of athletic practice such as Muay Thai (Kickboxing), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo, and other arts, are routinely practiced throughout North America and around the world with many different cultures.
Numerous techniques associated with MMA are routinely utilized and practiced in other combat sports disciplines on an international level and they have been practiced safely.
As a fan (I’m not referring to all of you who practice martial arts or train, of course) of mixed martial arts or "MMA," chances are you enjoy watching the fights, and while you often have a sense of who’s winning or losing…you really don’t know what all those "techniques," "holds," or "throws" are that the announcers keep talking about. Sound about right?
If you said yes, you’re in the majority. You’ve seen them. You’ve heard the announcers talk about them. Maybe even the friends you’re watching the fight with know what they are and talk about what each fighter’s doing throughout the fight.
Meanwhile, you’re probably pretty much wondering what the heck is a Banana Split Submission, a Butterfly Guard, Closed Guard, D’arce Choke, Double Underhooks, Ezekiel or Front Choke, Gogoplata, Kimura and more! You recognize the names, but what do they look like in action? Well, I’m glad you asked!
Below you’ll find several videos and descriptions of some of the more popular techniques used in MMA. Be sure to study each video and bookmark this article so when you’re watching a fight, you can refer back to it when necessary!
Butterfly Guard Butterfly Guard
Fighter on bottom has placed their feet inside their opponent’s legs near groin area. Knees are held high to prevent passing of the guard.
Closed Guard Closed Guard
Most common defensive position seen on the ground. Fighter on bottom has wrapped legs around their opponent’s waist and has crossed their feet.
D’arce Choke D’arce Choke
Performed the opposite of the Anaconda Choke, the arm starts from the opponent’s side and moves up along the neck area and wraps into the opposing elbow.
Double Underhooks Double Underhooks
Wrapping both arms under your opponents arms. Usually has connection of the hands for takedown attempt.
Ezekiel or Front Choke Ezekiel or Front Choke
Performed by placing the blade of the forearm across the neck area and grabbing the arm to fulcrum the leverage down into the throat area to create the choke.
Gogoplata Gogoplata
A choke hold usually performed from the guard position. The shin is brought across the opponent’s neck while one arm moves under the leg and meets up with the other arm to pull down on the opponents head. Watch the video for an example of how to perform a gogoplata, and to see it in action and used in an actual fight!
Read related articles on MMA rules.
Most of the instructional videos you see on this site were provided through the generosity and courtesy of Submissions101.com.
