ABOUT MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
The
practice of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) can be traced back
to the Olympic Games of ancient Greece. More than an
Olympic sporting event, it formed the basis of all
combat training for Greek soldiers - including the
famous Spartan hoplites and Alexander the Great's
Macedonian phalanx.
Pankration,
as it was known in the ancient world, combined elements
of both boxing and wrestling to create a broad fighting
sport similar to today's mixed martial arts. A match
was won by submission of the opponent or by the
opponent's incapacitation. A contestant could signal
submission by raising his finger. However, at times a
contestant was submitted to unconsciousness and
sometimes even death.
As was the case with early mixed martial arts contests
of the early 1990s, these ancient Greek events had
neither weight divisions nor time limits. In fact,
referees were armed with stout rods or switches to
enforce the sole two rules: no biting and no gouging.
Pankration was later adopted by the Romans and was
abolished shortly thereafter.
2000 years later, mixed martial arts has reemerged in
present day competitions, such as the Ultimate Fighting
Championship, after vanishing for many centuries. As a
result of the endeavors of modern day combatants such
as Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, and others, the sport is
once again growing in popularity.
Modern mixed martial arts have evolved into a full-
contact, no holds-barred combat sport that utilizes a
wide range of fighting techniques, both traditional and
non-traditional. The combination of stand-up striking
and defense techniques of Thai Boxing and grappling
techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has proven to be one
of the most effective fighting combinations in MMA
competitions.
ABOUT
OUR PROGRAM
BETA Academy develops successful MMA fighters who know
how to combine the grounded strengths of Brazilian Jiu
Jitsu with the standing potencies of Thai Boxing. Our
students are also able to execute a seamless transition
between the two arts by taking opponents to the ground.
Versatility is the key to victory in MMA. Gone are the
days in which combatants could dominate a fight with
the mastery of only one aspect of the sport. Today’s
champions are well-rounded fighters who can defend
themselves on their feet and on the ground. For this
reason, BETA Academy’s physically and mentally
demanding MMA classes are exclusively reserved for
members of the Competition Team who practice both
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Thai Boxing. =
To
learn about our
free, one week trial offer,
contact us.