MMA in Oakland
MMA is the sport of fighting. It pits two athletes in a ring or cage who must battle their way to victory through knockout strikes and joint busting submissions. But the exciting MMA that you watch on TV, in such shows as the UFC, Dream or WEC, is the result of punishing hard workouts and daily dedication by the athletes who compete in this challenging sport. Perhaps you dream of someday fighting in the cage, or maybe you’re just seeking the ultimate in fitness workouts. Either way, MMA gyms in the Oakland area can offer you real fighting skills for self-defense or professional combat, all while delivering an unparalleled cardio and strength training workout.
Jujitsu and Greco-roman wrestling in Oakland
Fights often go to the ground, and learning how to effectively fight off your back, or when on top of a downed opponent, is an essential skill that all MMA practitioners must posses. In MMA’s early days, the Gracie family demonstrated the art of Brazilian jujitsu. Through grappling techniques brought from Japan and refined in Brazil, this family was able to compete against all other styles of unarmed combat, and win. Brazilian jujitsu is now studied by every serious MMA fighter and is also recognized as one of the most important styles to learn for competent self-defense in the street. Jujitsu’s effectiveness lies in its use of tight grappling positions, which enables the practitioner to tie up and neutralize their opponent’s offense. This defensive posturing allows the grappler to secure advantageous positions that maximize their leverage, which inevitably leads to a wide variety of submission techniques that jujitsu is famous for. Chokes, joint locks and pressure holds are used in jujitsu to end fights, often without the use of strikes. When looking for gyms in Oakland, find a training center with belt-ranked and experience Brazilian jujitsu instructors. Also ensure that such clubs teach jujitsu in the context of MMA fighting, such that traditional grappling uniforms are not worn and striking and striking defense is taught alongside jujitsu techniques.
Greco-roman wrestling is another form of grappling, or ground fighting, that is important for MMA practitioners to learn. Greco-roman wrestling involves techniques that are used to get an opponent to the ground. These involve tackles, clinching and positioning on the ground to gain maximum control over an opponent. Greco-roman wrestling is often integrated with jujitsu techniques to offer a complete set of ground fighting skills used for MMA fighting. Similarly, judo throws are commonly mixed with wrestling and jujitsu takedown techniques. Judo hip throws and leg trips offer aidditional means to get the fight to the ground.
Muay Thai Kickboxing in Oakland
In MMA, standup fighting is often where the most exciting action takes place. This is because fighters can deliver their most powerful strikes from this position. For most modern combatants, fighting on the feet means Mauy Thai kickboxing. Muay Thai is an ancient art that teaches the use of elbows, knees, fists and shins to deliver lightening quick, but incredibly powerful blows to an opponent. Training Muay Thai is absolutely essential for survival in the modern MMA arena. Fighters must develop boxing-like punches and head movement, whilst training their legs for long range attacks. In addition, short range attacks, such as knees and elbows, are also important to learn for delivering strikes from the clinch position. Training Muay Thai has many benefits not just for fighters, but for all types of athletes. Kickboxing provides an excellent cardio workout that is very effective for toning muscles and burning fat. This style of training also improves flexibility, reaction speed and timing. When looking for MMA gyms in Oakland, California, ensure that such training locations provide quality Muay Thai instruction. Kickboxing coaches should be experienced and know how to integrate striking into the greater MMA game. Look for gyms that have a roped ring or cage to spar in. Ensure that such clubs provide a decent selection of heavy bags and other training aides.
MMA Clothing and Gear
Get name brand MMA clothing for the gym or for your time off after workouts. Get top quality MMA gear like MMA gloves, shin guards, mouth guards and groin protectors. Shop for MMA shorts by makers such as Sprawl and Hayabusa. Live an MMA livestyle wearing hoodies by Tapout, T-shirts by Sinister, and fight wear by Venom.