Mixed Fighting Terms Glossary
Posted on 18. Jan, 2010 by ken in Mixed Fighting
There are a variety of mixed fighting terms that can be confusing to a person unfamiliar with the sport. This article will help you get acquainted with some of the more frequently used terms in MMA.
Mixed Martial Arts: I suppose that it is best to define the sport before explaining the terms that exist within it. Mixed Martial Arts is a hybrid sport that allows all forms of martial arts and hand-to-hand combat to be used. As a result, participants must be well versed in a variety of combat styles in order to succeed.
Arm Bar: Also known as the cross lock, an arm bar is one of many possible joint locks. The arm bar is used to hyperextend the elbow joint.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Originally derived from Japenese Jiu-Jitsue and Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a primarily ground-oriented martial art.
Catch Wrestling: Catch wrestling is a style of wrestling that uses submission holds and generally favors “catching” an opponents limb over gaining a dominant position in order to achieve a submission.
Clinch: A clinch is a position where two fighters are face to face with their arms and upper body locked. Fighters will often engage one another in a clinch in order to rest for a few seconds. However, some fighters use the clinch for offensive purposes, punching, kneeing or elbowing their opponents from the position.
Clinch Maulers: Clinch maulers will use the clinch in order to neutralize strikes from an opponent while at the same time wearing them out. While in this position, clinch maulers will also attempt to punch, knee, or elbow their opponent. Many clinch maulers also employ underhooks.
Full Guard: This is a position that comes from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In this position, you are on your back with your legs wrapped around your opponent at his waist. You need to be able to control your opponent’s movement by grabbing either the back of his neck, his wrists, or by bear hugging him. It is imperative that you keep him from improving his position, which would leave you susceptible to ground and pound attacks.
Full Mount: This is by far the most dangerous position to be in if you are on the bottom. In this position, the fighter on top straddles the opponent with both legs either at the abdomen, called low mount, or at the armpits, called high mount. While in this position, the top fighter strikes their opponent with their elbows, forearms, and fists. What makes this position so dangerous for the fighter on the bottom is that it is extremely difficult to get your opponent off you and regain position.
Grappling: This is a general term used to describe wrestling and ground oriented martial arts forms.
Ground and Pound: This style of fighting works pretty much like it sounds. These types of fighters try to get their opponent on the ground and pound away at them from a dominant position. This style is favored by many wrestlers.
Guard: This is a Jiu Jitsu term that refers to a type of ground position. There are many variations of this position, the most common of which occurs when the fighter on the bottom wraps his legs around his opponent. This position can be used to both defend against strikes and set up submissions.
Half Guard: This position is similar to the full guard, except in this case one of your opponent’s legs is to the side while the other is between your legs
Kneebar: This is a submission hold used to hyperextend the leg at the knee. It is similar to the armbar, except it focuses on the knee.
Leglock: Yet another submission hold, this term refers to a lock that focuses on the leg or the ankle.
Muay Thai: Muay Thai is a form of kickboxing that originated in Thailand. It allows for low kicks as well as knee and elbow strikes, which traditional kickboxing forbids.
Pulling Guard: This is a Jiu Jitsu move where you pull your opponent down on you, getting into the full guard position. It is difficult, however, as your opponent practically has to let themselves be pulled down on you.
Sambo: This is a Russian martial arts form that combines elements of wrestling and Japanese Judo.
Shoot Fighting: Shoot Fighting is a style that claims to incorporate the best elements of other martial arts forms.
Side Mount: Also known as side control, a side mount is when you are chest to chest with an opponent and both of his legs are to one of your sides.
Striking: Hitting an opponent with an arm, elbow, leg, foot, or knee.
Submission Hold: This is any choke or joint manipulation meant to cause an opponent to “tap out” or submit.
Sprawl and Brawl: Sprawl and brawl fighters are striking fighters that actively train to avoid being taken down. Many of them also learn takedown counterstrikes, such as a flying knee, to counter an opponent’s attempted takedown move.
Slick Submissions: Slick submission fighters want the fight to get to the ground are usually most comfortable either in top position or on their backs.
Takedown: A takedown includes all methods of trying to get an opponent down on the ground. Examples of takedowns are single and double leg takedowns, Greco-throws, and sweeps, though there are many others.
Tap Out: This is an act of submission, which ends the fight. It occurs most often when a fighter is in a submission hold or when they are being hit relentlessly with little chance of gaining position.
