Emily Smith essay on the benefits of MMA training.

One of my awesome students chose this subject to write about for her writing class at school so I was grateful for her generously allowing me to use it in my blog.
Thanx Emily!



Emily Smith
Professor Prabhjot Parmar
English 105
28 November 2011
Mixed Martial Arts: Benefiting All Those Participating
Over time mixed martial arts has grown into a very popular sport for men and women. Many viewers tune into the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) during fight week to watch their favorite fighters in combat. With the UFC's increased popularity there is a rise in participation at local community gyms. The results that participants see from mixed martial arts (MMA) is positive. It is shown in various ways that MMA fighters are very well-rounded people in all aspects of life. Many different parts of the sport directly and indirectly affect one’s life. A fighter from a local gym can see these results, in the same way that a professional fighter would, like Muhammad Ali or George St. Pierre. Mental stability, perseverance, good organization skills, and excellent social abilities are the main areas affected by a participant of MMA. Also, with good health and nutrition, there is an obvious positive body image result.
To be able to keep up with and beat the endurance and power of an opponent, a fighter must have a superb physique. Boot camp, weight lifting, or cardio classes are offered at many MMA gyms. In these group classes, coaches and trainers push the limits of everyone with their commanding workout routines. Depending on a person’s desire for the perfect physical body shape, a gym member could get personal one-on-one training with a coach. Personal training uses expertise to maximize the safety and proficiency of the workout. Both the group workouts and the personal training give the client the mental edge to take their fitness beyond what they can do on their own. Usually coaches have been involved with the sport for their entire life. They also possibly went to school for things such as kinesiology and sports medicine. With this experience and knowledge they are perfect teachers for the sport, and can help one get a lean physique, built body or toned muscular look. Muhammad Ali, the famous American boxer, developed “granite abdominal muscles with a grueling regimen of calisthenics, spending an hour every morning hardening his gut by doing sit-ups with his legs held up at a 45 degree angle” (“Muhammad”). This is taking working out to an extreme; although if one wants to see this level of results, extreme measure will be necessary. On the other hand, engaging in these classes and workouts are supplementary to regular MMA classes: Brazilian jiu jitsu, muay thai, boxing, judo, and wrestling. There are many moves in the various divisions of MMA that are directed to certain muscle groups. For example, a knee to an opponents gut is a kickboxing move which works the thigh and core abdominal muscles. Most muscles, including the hip-flexor, thigh, core, and arms are worked in a jiu jitsu move called the armbar. A straight punch with the right hand in boxing works the oblique muscles and the right arm. A member of a gym could strictly take these MMA classes and come out looking and feeling great; however, to achieve top desired results, alternative workout classes are recommended. Peers in class can also be a motivator for participants to train harder. All it takes is one good look at a friend with a nice six pack and toned thighs to get that inner drive. Whether it be alone, with a personal trainer, a group boot camp class, or in MMA classes an excellent physique can be achieved.
Without good nutrition, exercise is meaningless. Food serves as a fuel source for the body to work through the day, but also as a hormone release. This release and energy is needed to get through vigorous workouts. High protein and carbohydrate filled diets are promoted for fighters. The carbohydrates are not from breads, rather from a variety of vegetables. Vitamins and supplements aren’t necessary, but can definitely benefit a fighter in training. When dieting, certain foods are cut out that are essential nutrients. These vitamins and minerals can be received from supplements and ills. It is first important to understand the effects of the foods regularly consumed including the pros and cons of one’s unchanged diet. This knowledge is easily obtained from coaches. They are constantly on the search for the latest research in health and the newest diets. Rather than, going to do the research yourself, it is often presented to you in weekly classes. Local Maple Ridge MMA fighter, Oliver Vajda says, “With training for MMA I have learnt the priceless "art" of nutrition, how the body works (breaking down calories and proteins), what to eat for maximum results, and learning what the body can or cannot metabolize.” After retaining this knowledge it is up to a fighter or person training to follow through with the diets. For most athletes in this sport this is not too hard because behind every diet are many benefits. A healthy-eating lifestyle correlates directly with a toned and muscular body. It is also favorable for long-term health. If a fighter is readying themselves for an upcoming fight or tournament it is crucial to begin the dieting process. Quite often gaining or dropping weight is essential. A fighter has to get to a certain weight for whichever weight class they are registered in. The day previous to their fight they have to be approved by a doctor and meet the weight requirement. Dieting is another lifestyle benefit received from participants in MMA.
Along with the physical and nutritional benefits, a fighter has to acquire exceptional mental stability. Throughout the training process, their confidence will grow as they gain new skill and practice old moves. A fighter must be completely confident in their ability before going into the cage or ring for a fight. With confidence, comes a low fear level. Plus, with mental training comes the product of zero doubts or fears in one’s mind. Any amount of skepticism could completely alter the outcome of the fight, not for the better. Having this mental stability creates a calm and relaxed person in general day-to-day activities. For example during a stressful situation at work, a fighter will be tranquil and composed. People well trained in mental stability also understand about letting other’s negative opinions become insignificant. Under this category falls self awareness. Holding a great amount of integrity is possibly of highest importance. An article about George St. Pierre states that, “He likes the lesson about being true to your own nature and beliefs. And he embraces it’s message about not accepting other people's limits.” (Gatehouse). It is crucial for St. Pierre to keep a consistent mental stability because he is always in the public eye. For the average fighter it assists in keeping calm in all situations including fight matches. Mental stability can be one of the hardest concepts to pursue, but once achieved it is a fabulous benefit and a component to being a well-rounded person.
The physical success is directly enhanced by a strong mental toughness, including perseverance. Motivation and determination are key components in perseverance. “Through hard work and dedication lies success.” (Vajda). Unyielding determination is needed to win a fight. Once a fighter makes the decision to partake in a fight the road to success will not be easy, but the perseverance will push them to see the light at the end of the tunnel. A channeled determination is necessary to get past any set backs in the training process, such as injury. Often a person will make a goal such as achieving a raise at work. To meet and attain this goal, one needs dedication to stick with the plan. Eventually if they pursue this and leap over any obstacles their raise can be obtained. Motivation is desirable for getting to any goal in life. Attending every practice requires a considerable amount of dedication. Like any good fighter, Vajda has realized the determination and learned “how to push beyond mental barriers.” Qualities such as these can make a substantial impact on succeeding in everyday obstacles and obtaining life goals.
On a more narrow note, organizational skills hugely relates to MMA. The training regimen for MMA is quite strenuous due to the many different disciplines. A fighter must be conscious of a balanced lifestyle using their organization skills. These skills are acquired by learning how to make a plan. Before going against an opponent a rough outline of moves and tackles will be memorized so that a fighter has a game plan. Although, this outline has to be adaptable. Eventually the situation could change depending on the response from an opponent. Along with organization comes the capability to multitask. In the setting of a fight a million thoughts will run through one’s head, while listening to the roar of a crowd, and watch the bright lights shine down on the ring. Mainly the coach has to be heard, with an action produced by the fighter to benefit the round. For example a coach might yell out a combination such as, “left hook, number two punch, left uppercut, knee”. This information is understood and retained by the fighter. Then that specific action is produced, hopefully resulting in the fighter’s favor. Multitasking can only benefit a fighter and potentially produce a win over an opponent who can only focus on one task at a time. Overall MMA is the definition of multitasking because all of the disciplines of the sport are combined into one three minute round. “Most importantly, there is emphasis in MMA on integrating techniques of multiple styles together.” (Spencer 122). A kickboxing move, can slide directly into a boxing punch, followed by a muay thai take-down, and a wrestling move, with a finishing jiu jitsu submission. The organization is clearly relatable to everyday life situations. It keeps a manageable and enjoyable life, while multitasking makes for efficient work.
Furthermore social skills are learned from competing in MMA. Communication is the foundation of a successful relationship between MMA team mates. While MMA is a solitary sport fought one on one, fighters are only as good as the team that builds them. As previously mentioned, in the midst of a fight, a coach will strictly yell out combinations for a fighter to produce. The communication has to be clear between the coach and student. At practice conversation has to be constructive to learn from each other. This positive communication skills is transferable to life in general. For instance to continue a successful personal relationship, a couple has to communicate everything to each other including their issues. Also good social skills include appropriately dealing with the public. Professional UFC fighters consistently have to associate with the general population. To advance themselves in their career they require the attention from fans. With this attention a certain attitude and respect has to be shown to their fans. In addition, respect most definitely needs to be given to the opponent of a fighter. In an article George St. Pierre is described as, “Intelligent, polite, disciplined, respectful of his opponents, he is the acceptable face of ultimate fighting.” (Gatehouse). St. Pierre is an excellent example of an athlete in the public eye who understands the importance of dealing with fans. Social skills acquired from MMA can be easily used throughout day-to-day activities.
Mixed Martial Arts is an incredibly powerful sport which requires an amazing amount of physical strength. Supplementary, to see the physical results a good diet is required. To maintain that physical strength a fighter has to have perseverance, motivation, and determination. A very important quality acquired is mental stability, keeping fighters calm in all situations with limited fear. Two qualities not commonly thought of relating to MMA are organization and social skills, in which a fighter establishes to keep a plan and sustain respect with opponents. All of these personal qualities can be grasped through participating in MMA, and can be subsequently used in everyday life to create a well-rounded person.

Works Cited
“Muhammad on the Mountain Top.” Time. Time, 11 Nov. 1974. Web. 22 Oct. 2011
Gatehouse, Jonathon. “Lord of the Ring.” Macleans. Macleans, 4 Oct. 2010. Web. 22 Oct. 2011
Spencer, Dale C. “Habit(us), Body Techniques and Body Callusing: An Ethnography of Mixed Martial Arts.” Body and Society 15.4 (Dec. 2009): 119-43. SAGE Journals. Web. 22 Oct. 2011
Vajda, Oliver. Email interview. 28 Nov.2011.