Top 15 Mixed Martial Arts Moves You Should Know
There’s no doubt that you love mixed martial arts. Whether as a fan, or a participant in this very incredible sport, you strive to enjoy it while at the same time learning more about the technical basics of the sport. Are you ready to check out fifteen MMA kicks, punches, and other moves that you should know? Let’s dive in!
Arm Bar: In an attempt to force the opponent to submit/tap out, one would apply pressure to the opponent in the elbow joint region, forcing the arm to bend in an unnatural way. Placing the opponent’s arm between the knees will allow greater pressure to be applied using the hips.
Axe Kick: This kick is delivered downward upon the opponent. One leg is raised into the air, then brought straight down, with the heel making contact with the fighter on the ground.
Choke: This move is designed to cut supply of oxygen to the brain of the opponent. Using the forearms, biceps, or even the legs, one can wrap around the neck/windpipe of the opponent and force him to either submit, or pass out from lack of oxygen.
Clinch: This is a “hugging” position in which competitors gain control over the other’s body after wrapping arms around each other, while fighting for advantageous hip and arm position. The clinch is used before the takedown attempt.
Elbow Strike or Elbow: Just like is sounds, this is a painful impact made to the body (or head) of the opponent at an angle using the pointed tip of the elbow which can result in cuts and is heavily regulated in mixed martial arts.
Hammerfist: This punch is delivered as the fighter moves the bottom of the fist into his opponent in a fast and powerful manner.
Jab: This straight punch is highly effective in boxing and mixed martial arts.
Leg Kick: Any leg-to-leg kick. These can be highly effective for weakening opponent and disrupting their balance.
Side Control: This position allows a competitor to restrict opponent movement. Lie perpendicular across the opponent and control his head of hips and he lays on his back or side.
Edwards vs Powers – Images courtesy of Rob Trudeau & TopMMANews.com
Spinning Back-Fist: This is a full-circle punch, delivered first while facing the opponent, then followed up with an additional punch while spinning around.
Sprawl: This is a defensive technique, used to respond to an attempt at takedown by the opponent. Jumping back, lowering the hips and driving weight into the attacker leads to an effective sprawl.
Sweep: This would include any move in which one tries to take the opponent’s balance, then turning him over, usually into the mount position. Removing all support or base, in the form of one of the hands or feet, is how this is achieved.
Takedown: Drawn from the wrestling world, this is a technique used to get your opponent on the ground, and get on top of him. One would shoot in for a takedown.
Tap Out: Often seen as a logo on clothing, this is the method employed by fighters to indicate to an official that they submit to their opponent. One can tap upon the mat, or the opponent, to let the referee know he has surrendered this match.
Sid Bice – Photo Courtesy of MMABUZZ.COM
Uppercut: Any punch which is executed by bringing the first up in a very quick and smart manner, targeting the face or the body of your opponent.
