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.