MIXED MARTIAL ARTS (MMA) Class Syllabus Instructor: Patrick Becker BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground. The popularity of MMA has exploded in recent years with the mainstream success of the UFC and the emergence of other mixed martial arts promotional companies. MMA draws from a variety of other martial arts and combat sports such as Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, boxing, wrestling, judo, and Brazilian jiu jitsu. MMA integrates striking (punching, kicking, elbows, and knees), takedowns and throws, and submissions by joint manipulations/locks, and chokes. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Learn basic skills and techniques used in a variety of disciplines. Demonstrate proficiency and understanding of these skills and techniques and to be able to effectively transition from one discipline to another. Understand the importance of being able to apply techniques appropriate to various situations whether it’s for offense or defense. WEEKLY CLASS OUTLINE: Week 1: Introduction and definition of mixed martial arts. Training rules and safety. Basics of boxing. Focus mitt drills. Introduction to grappling / ground fighting. Introduction to ground striking and defense. Week 2: Blocking & evading strikes. Muay thai/kickboxing basics. Thai pad drills. Grappling drills. Jiu jitsu bottom position sweeps and escapes. Light grappling. Week 3: Knees & elbows. Clinch techniques. Focus mitt combinations. Closed guard sweeps and submissions (armbars & triangle chokes). Submissions from side control. Light grappling. Week 4: Muay thai combinations. Counters to punches. Introduction to takedowns. Half guard techniques. Submissions from mount. Submission chains. Flow training. Light grappling. Week 5: Focus mitt combinations. Counters to kicks. Takedowns & takedown defense. Submissions from the sprawl. Open/butterfly guard. Passing the guard. Grappling. Week 6: Muay thai combinations. Counters to punches. Jiu jitsu back control techniques & defense. Chokes. Grappling. Week 7: Circuit training. Leg locks. Grappling. Week 8: Review and demonstration of stand-up techniques. Leg locks. Grappling. REQUIREMENTS: This is an all-levels class and prior experience in other martial arts is not required. There will be no stand-up sparring with punches and kicks. However, some light to moderate grappling on the ground will be allowed. Bag gloves, boxing gloves, or handwraps are highly recommended (bag gloves are preferred). Rash guards or t-shirts are acceptable. Board shorts or a combination of shorts and lycra/spandex compression shorts are recommended due to the ground techniques that will be taught. .