Martial arts
SOME SECTIONS OF THE MEDIA WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE THAT MIXED MARTIAL ARTS IS A BRUTAL ACTIVITY
MMA’S EVOLUTION Many MMA clubs exist, although few MMA clubs are based in leisure centres or health clubs. T e evolution of MMA appears to be following the same trajectory as the fi tness industry. From the 70s to the 90s, those wanting to train for fi tness in a gym usually had to go to local ‘backstreet’ clubs. T ese were run upon similar lines to many current MMA clubs. Early fi tness gyms had little in the way of
sophisticated equipment, catering, changing areas, or showering facilities. Female participation was rare and there was very little in the way of local authority fi tness facilities. National health club chains were unknown. By and large this is similar to the situation in present day MMA, As fi tness became mainstream everything changed.
Leisure centre fi tness facilities and private health clubs became a multi-billion pound industry, and the fi tness sector became a major employer. It is quite possible that MMA could develop in the same way. And just as the fi tness industry moved from its
hardcore base, sawdust and sweaty facilities of the 70s and 80s to the sleek, sophisticated operation it is today, so observers expect the MMA scene to move in the same direction. And, just as there are still some hardcore fi tness facilities, so there will always be hardcore MMA clubs in existence as well as a more diluted, mainstream off ering.
MAKING INROADS In several private health clubs and local authority leisure centres the tools of MMA are creeping in. A single punch bag at one club, small designated matted areas at another club, and full-sized bags for kicking and punching at other clubs. Some are even providing fully matted areas for grappling. One should note that it is the market driving the operator to provide this equipment, and crafty managers are listening, albeit in a limited fashion at present. While it may seem a little far-fetched that the
MMA community could provide a signifi cant breakthrough in leisure attendances, this is in fact a distinct possibility. When one considers the potential income streams (classes, private lessons, equipment sales, food, drink, and supplement sales) that could be generated, it is certainly worth considering what could reasonably be provided. We know that leisure market resistance to MMA exists, and will exist for some time to come. Objection
www.imspa.co.uk
About the author: Michael Cassop- Thompson, FIMSPA, is an IMSPA assessor- trainer and director of Cassop-Thompson Ltd
seems to revolve around two factors: preconceptions about the people attracted by MMA; and fear about health and safety issues. In answer to these arguments,
exponents of MMA make the following points: We do not attract the wrong types:
T is argument is actually quite tired. As has been previously stated, for many years some fi tness operators resisted the implementation of free weights. T ey claimed they did not want the wrong types, bodybuilders and ‘meatheads’, to be attracted to their gyms. Two main things occurred. Firstly, open-minded operators knew that, with the correct management, undesirable behaviour could easily be controlled. T ey forged ahead and created free weights areas. Secondly, other providers had no alternative but to create free weight areas once they realised they were being left
behind by more enlightened operators. It is an extreme sport: If the management have
concerns about the potential for people to be choking, punching, kicking, and breaking each other’s limbs they need not worry. No one is suggesting that the full-blown sport has to be provided. Simply supply the training conditions in a form with which you are comfortable. For example, punching and kicking bags would be a good start. Instructors could be employed for private lessons. An analogy to MMA as a diluted form of activity would be the sport of climbing. No one is allowed to scale the exterior of the building, but under the correct conditions climbing practice can take place within the facility. Not the same as the professionals would desire, but popular nonetheless.
References Davies, G.A (2010) Guide to the UFC
Concluding remarks
This article has been a potted history of MMA and hopefully some of the negative aspects of MMA have been consigned to the dustbin. I confi dently predict that within 10 years, the majority of fi tness facilities in this
country will have MMA training areas as an essential part of the fi tness provision. The early adopters have already started. So you have a choice: get on board the MMA train, or get left behind. Remember, you read it here fi rst.
Sportphysical activity &
May 2011 »37
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