Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a contact combat tournament that allows for a wide variety of fighting techniques and skills, from the mix of various other combat sports. The rules allow the use of strikes both standing and on the ground. Art allows fighters from different backgrounds to participate in the competition.

FIGHTING STYLE

Boxing: called "noble art", it has the ability to fight with fists, usually with padded leather gloves. Boxers often have elaborate leg movements and quick jabs in the attack.

Brazilian Jiu-Jítsu: in the mid-1920s, Carlos Gracie opened the Gracie Jiu-Jítsu Academy in Rio de Janeiro. There, he taught skills he learned from Japanese judo master Esai Maeda. The techniques were later modified so that the use of force was less and that they were more effective against larger opponents. The reputation of Brazilian jiu-jitsu has spread because of the success of its practitioners in MMA competitions.

Jiu-Jítsu Japanese: ancient Japanese martial art that includes throws, keys in the joints, blows and weapon training.

Judo: Japanese sport martial art created in 1882 by Jigoro Kano and derived from jujutsu. Judo is an Olympic sport that today emphasizes throwing. Striking strokes are prohibited.

Karate: name used to identify some martial arts in Japan and the Okinawa region. Although known for linear and powerful techniques, karate has some styles that incorporate smoother and more circular methods. Some of the most popular karate styles are Kyokushinkai, Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu and Kenpo - which is the first "Americanized" version of the sport.

Kickboxing: martial art that combines boxing strikes and kicks. There are a few different styles with different rules, such as muay thai and full contact.

Kung Fu: also called gung fu, Chinese boxing or wu shu. There are hundreds of styles of kung fu, many based on animal movements. Some of the best known are wing chun, pau kua, tai-chi-ch'uan and shuai chiao.

Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling (or Olympic wrestling): possibly the oldest sport in which competitors fight hand-to-hand, trying to throw or take down the opponent without striking strokes. Some styles of wrestling include freestyle and Greco-Roman.

Taekwondo ITF: one of the most practiced martial arts in the world, it is a Korean style known for its kicking techniques.