Mixed Martial arts or MMA is a full contact combat using a combination of striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground. Modern day MMA fighters tend to use a combination of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, kick boxing and or boxing although any other martial art or fighting style can be incorporated.
Although the roots MMA can be traced back to the Ancient Olympics, modern day MMA is a lot closer to Vale Tudo which originated in Brazil where there were very few rules and fighters fought in a ring.
MMA became popular in the west when Rorion Gracie brought the UFC to America, the first time an MMA tournament was ever staged and televised. Nobody knew what to expect and everyone was completely shocked when the wiry Royce Gracie eventually came out victorious over opponents much bigger with an unknown style, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
From that moment on, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA strarted growing at a rapid rate throughout America with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu becoming the fastest growing sport in the world.
Clubs began to incorporate grappling and striking into their training routines and MMA events were becoming more and more popular.
Stricter rules came into place in order to safeguard the fighters.
Gracie Barra Channel Islands has been teaching MMA classes for around 11 years now and has a large number of fighters stepping into the cage to test their skills. The results have been nothing short of exceptional with the fighters showing lots of heart and technical ability.
Jersey now has 3 cage fighting events per annum with fighters coming from various camps and academies to fight.
Profiles of all the GBCI fighters can be found at www.island-rumble.com
