Mixed martial arts, or MMA is a relatively new sport that merges Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Judo and Jui-Jitsu and there are many terms that are used to describe the action and the sport. If you are new to MMA, here are some of the terms and phrases that are used in the sport.

• Anaconda Choke – This is one type of arm-triangle choke that is attained from the front headlock position.
• Armbar – A submission where the instigator gets a lock on the opponent’s arm using both thighs. The arm is extended at the elbow until a submission comes.
• Bodylock –Typically, one fighter’s arms are wrapped around the opponent’s torso, in preparation for a take-down.
• Choke – Any hold that restricts blood to the brain of the opponent. If you are looking for a place to train MMA in Bangkok, there are some top-rated MMA gyms in the city.
• Clinch – When two fighters hold each other face-to-face in preparation to gain control, this is called a clinch.
• Decision – When a bout ends, the 3 judges award points (10-point must system) for each round and the result is called the decision.
• Front kick – A linear kick directed straight at the opponent, using the ball of the foot to strike the opponent.
• Grappling – A term used to describe trying to gain physical control over the opponent without striking.
• Knockout – This is when one fighter disables the other, to the point where they could not defend themselves.
• Mount – When one fighter sits astride their opponent, giving them the dominant ground position.
• No contest – When a bout ends prematurely due to unforeseen circumstances, this is a no contest and is recorded on both fighters record as such.
• Octagon – The eight-sided cage that is the MMA arena. Once the fighters are ready, the referee and judges are ready and the cage doors are closed.
• Round – There are 3 x 5-minute rounds in an MMA contest, with 1-minute breaks in between rounds. Title fights and main events are 5 x 5-minute rounds.
• Takedown – When one fighter manages to get their opponent to the ground; points are awarded for a takedown, although a lot depends on what the instigator does with the advantage.
• Weight classes – Much like boxing, MMA fighters are put into weight categories and fighters must weigh in 24 hours before the scheduled bout. If a fighter fails to make weight, they forfeit some of the purse and they cannot win a title is they missed weight.

This discipline has taken the world by storm and that is reflected by the high volume of MMA gyms that are found in cities all over the world.