Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has gained a lot of popularity in recent times. The main feature of MMA is that it mixes together different forms of martial arts to create a style that is uniquely its own. Generally, five kinds of martial art forms are used by MMA fighters. Each of them is described below.

Jiu Jitsu: This form of martial arts is also known as Jujutsu and is an integral part of MMA fighting. Jiu Jitsu is a name given collectively to the Japanese styles of armed and unarmed fighting techniques. Its inception can be traced back to the Samurais of feudal Japan and it was used as a fighting style that was good for both armed and unarmed opponents. Since fighting and defeating an armed opponent was difficult, Jiu Jitsu was traditionally about using pins, throws and joint locks. The main principle of Jiu Jitsu is to use the opponent’s energy in defeating him, rather than directly opposing it. Jiu Jitsu schools are known to utilize the techniques of throwing, joint locks, trapping, holds, biting, gouging, disengagements, kicking and striking. Some schools also teach its students to use weapons.

Judo: This form of martial arts is a modern Japanese combat sport. Its inception can be traced back to the late 19th century. The most important feature of Judo is competition. The objective is to immobilize one’s opponent, throw him on the ground or use a grappling maneuver to subdue him by executing a choke or using the joint locking method. Weapon defense, thrusts and strikes are important parts of Judo though they are not allowed in MMA competitions. The widespread popularity of Judo has led to the birth of many offshoots such as Bartitsu, Sambo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Judo fighters are called “Judoka”.

Muay Thai: This is a form of martial arts that has its root in Thailand. Muay Thai is a hard-hitting fighting style that has similarities to the kickboxing style practiced by the Indo-Chinese people, namely tomoi from Malaysia, Muay Lao from Laos, pradal serey from Cambodia and lethwei from Myanmar. It is also the national sport of Thailand.

Karate: This form of martial arts started off in Japan in the 18th century, in the island of Ryukyu in Okinawa. Its development can be traced back to the indigenous fighting methods used by Japanese warriors and the Chinese “Kenpo”.  Karate is a striking art style that uses the techniques of punching, elbow and knee strikes, kicking and open-handed techniques of knife - hands. Some schools are also known to teach grappling, restraints, locks, vital point strikes and throws.

Wrestling: This form of martial arts has very ancient origins. Its fighters are known to use grappling type methods such as throws, clinch fighting, joint locks, takedowns, pins and other grappling holds. Wrestling techniques are being used increasingly in other martial arts as well as hand-to-hand military combat systems.

Though there are other forms of martial arts being used in MMA championships, these five are the most important.