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MMA Classes
MMA Classes O’Fallon, MO. Do you ever feel in a rut from the same old workout at the gym? Like you hit a wall and can’t advance? Luckily there is a comprehensive solution to getting the best version of yourself, right down the road at Gracie Barra O’Fallon. Our MMA classes focus on physical fitness and the mind-body connection, presenting the ideal challenge for your body and your brain.
Your body gets accustomed to your usual routine, that same-old, same-old at the gym, and you’re not getting the results you want. If you want to get into the best physical shape of your life, climbing onto a treadmill a few times a week just isn’t going to get the job done. Call Gracie Barra O’Fallon to start MMA classes today at 636-544-3655 or contact us online.
In our MMA classes you will tone and train your entire body while learning how to creatively combine some of the world’s most effective fighting techniques into one discipline that you can use in the ring, or in self-defense. The classes combine a cardiovascular and calorie-burning workout, burning up to 1,000 calories per hour, with muscle toning. That’s an ideal combination for students who want to lose weight since building muscle also increases the metabolism.
Gracie Barra is home to the world’s best MMA team, offering MMA classes in programs for men, women, teens, and kids. The Gracie family features over 400 gyms in North America and 900 worldwide, and your membership gets you into any of them. Call us now to get started in Gracie Barra O’Fallon MMA classes at 636-544-3655 or contact us online.
MMA Classes: What Exactly is MMA?
MMA (mixed martial arts) is a full-contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques and skills from a conglomerate of other combat sports to be used in competition. The rules allow usage of both striking and grappling techniques while standing and/or on the ground. Competitions allow athletes of different disciplines of martial arts to compete under a set of unified rules.
Although its origins are believed to date back to ancient Greece with pankration, MMA’s current form and style was popularized by brothers Carlos and Helio Gracie in 1925. The Gracies garnered attention by issuing the “Gracie Challenge” in area newspapers, proclaiming in advertisements: “If you want a broken arm, or rib, contact Carlos Gracie.” MMA first came to the attention of many in North America after the Gracie family decided to showcase its trademark Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the U.S. in 1990. Helio’s son, Royce Gracie, represented the family in a 1993 tournament in Denver, Colorado, called UFC 1, referring to Ultimate Fighting Championship, the organization that quickly became a MMA heavyweight. The tournament attracted 86,000 pay-per-view viewers. That number increased to 300,000 by the third event.
Initially decried by critics as a brutal blood sport without rules — the late politician John McCain once called MMA “human cockfighting” and sought to have it banned — the sport gradually shed its no-holds-barred image and has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing spectator sports. Once on the verge of extinction in 2001, the UFC now has estimated value of $9-10 billion.
MMA Classes: What Styles Does MMA Borrow From?
MMA combines many forms of martial arts into a new and exciting physical challenge, toning every muscle and burning fat better than other forms of exercise. It’s the blend of attacks, the mixture of martial arts that constantly keep fighters on their toes. Contact or call Gracie Barra O’Fallon at 636-544-3655 for more information on our MMA classes, which incorporate techniques from the following styles:
- Boxing
- Wrestling
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Jiu-Jitsu
- Judo
- Karate
- Kickboxing
- Kung Fu
- Taekwondo
The skill of fighting with the fists, usually with padded leather gloves. Referred to as the “sweet science,” boxers use elaborate foot maneuvers and quick jabs for offense.
Regarded as the world’s oldest sport, the basis of wrestling is a contestant battles hand-to-hand, attempting to throw or take down their opponent without striking blows. Some wrestling styles include freestyle, Greco-Roman, and catch-as-catch-can.
Our namesake Carlos Gracie opened the original Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1925. He taught the skills he learned from Japanese judo master Mitsuyo Esai Maeda. Those skills were later modified to use less strength and to be more effective against larger opponents, an obvious advantageous adaptation for MMA. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s reputation spread because of the success of its practitioners in no-holds-barred competitions.
Ancient Japanese martial art that encompasses throwing, joint locks, striking, and weapons training.
Japanese martial art founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano and derived from jiu jitsu. Judo is now an Olympic sport emphasizing throws. Striking is prohibited, which is great as a practical teaching tool for beginners in our Gracie Barra MMA classes.
Name used to identify many Japanese and Okinawan martial arts. While known for powerful, linear techniques — a lot of which have been adapted into MMA fighting — many karate styles also incorporate softer, circular styles. Some of the popular styles of karate include:
Sportive martial art combining boxing punches and martial arts kicks. Many different styles with differing rules exist, such as Muay Thai, full-contact karate, and Lethwei.
Also referred to as Gung Fu, Chinese Boxing, and Wu Shu. There are hundreds of styles of Kung Fu, many of which are specifically patterned after movements of animals.
One of the most practiced martial arts in the world, Taekwondo is a Korean style known for its flashy kicking techniques.
Gracie Barra O’Fallon: Are MMA Classes Safe?
MMA as a sport has a bad reputation when it comes to injuries, probably due to the fact that most people just instantly associate fighting with blood and gore, or that the blood we do see in MMA matches on TV is literally on the mat in front of us for the duration of the fight. However, the statistics show MMA is a lot safer than most people think.
The Gracie Barra MMA classes require proper protective gear. Hits to the head, and other potentially dangerous maneuvers, are absolutely forbidden in our gym. We do not permit hostility or intimidation. Our instructors build a welcoming environment, rooted in respect, honor, wellness, and discipline.
Of course there is potential for injury, which is true of any contact sport you choose to participate in. But if the correct rules and safety equipment and guidelines are adopted, MMA is just as safe as any of the other martial arts that are practiced by millions of people around the world.
Eliminate Stress and Anxiety With Our MMA Classes | Gracie Barra O’Fallon
Everyone feels stress and anxiety at one time or another, and constant stress is bad for your mind and body. The stress relief provided by MMA carries over into your work life and personal life, providing you with the outlet you need for negative emotions.
Give us a call to start MMA classes and join the Gracie Barra O’Fallon family today at 636-544-3655 or contact us.