MMA - mixed martial arts training

Mixed Martial arts, cage fighting, ultimate fighting, it's all the same. As usual, us Americans like to have 90 different terms for the same thing. When I am out promoting a show or shooting some video, the general public are usually confused to what mixed martial arts is all about. I usually hear oh, is that the same as cage fighting? or my favorite, That's no holds barred, people die from that don't they?

You see, here in America mixed martial arts is still just creeping into the mainstream. The general public pretty much knows what it is, but they just don't know the particulars of it. Pro Wrestling (the choreographed kind) is still way more popular than any mixed martial arts event. In addition, sports stations and networks would rather cover the tried and true events such as spelunking and ice- fishing than they would a mixed martial arts event.

Where I live in California, things are a little backwards. You have a huge population of fighters in the southern part of the state. Tito Ortiz, Dean Lister, Frank Trigg, Fabiano Iha, Chris Brennan, I can't even begin to name them all. In northern California you have the big schools like Cesar Gracie, AKA, Clovis Silva, etc. That list is really long too.

The problem in California is that we have the fighters, the population base and the venues, but it is not technically legal and not fully sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission . Fortunately, our Native American (indigenous people) population has provided a means and a way to stage full contact fights.

Many years ago the Native Americans were forcibly relocated to reservations which was designated their land. On this land and through a government charter, they became their own nations . This land through the compact was exempt from various laws that were binding else where. This allowed for the construction of Casinos that allowed gambling in an area where gambling is normally prohibited. Furthermore, other activities such as cage fighting can be run without fear of state or federal interference.

Working with the Native Americans has allowed the sport to flourish in the most populated state in America, which does not even sanction it. The California budget crunch has slowed the sanctioning process to a crawl , but in several months we may see a turn around.

The sport is growing and things look good for the future. With the help of the Native American people, the dedicated fans and promoters, this sport has taken root in America.

In my next article , I will explain the culture and day to day life of some of Californias rising stars and what one has to deal with in this day and age of mixed martial arts.