Mixed martial arts, also known as MMA, is a high level combat sport that involves plenty of techniques from various martial arts. It is well known for its variety of punching, kicking, striking and grappling techniques. MMA is not a martial art on its own. Instead, it is a combination of various moves from different types of martial arts.
Offensive techniques of different martial arts including karate, kung fu, capoeira, jiu-jitsu, judo, wresting, and western boxing can be included in MMA fighting. Some of these martial arts have strict rules against the usage of striking and grappling techniques. However, MMA includes these moves as a part of its offensive techniques. A lot of different moves can be seen during MMA fighting.
MMA fighting is now an organized fighting with lot of rules to ensure the safety of fighters. The Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC, which was found in 1993 in the US, is an organization that developed MMA with plenty of rules for fighting. Offensive actions like biting, hair pulling, eye gouging, and groin attacks are banned from the modern MMA fighting. In other words, modern day MMA fighting is more a sport than a brutal fight.
Nowadays, MMA is practiced in many countries. It is specially practiced using trained professionals from different parts of the world. MMA is very much different from other martial arts. In MMA fighting, fighters trained in completely different fighting styles compete with each other. Some of the fighting rules may vary in different organizations. However, most organizations have strict rules to ensure safety of the fighters.