boiniznamena – Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a combat sport that combines various disciplines of striking, wrestling, and grappling. MMA has become one of the most popular and exciting sports in the world, attracting millions of fans and practitioners. MMA has also evolved into a professional career for many athletes, who compete in various organizations and promotions across the globe.
But where did MMA come from? And what are the best MMA gyms in the UK, where aspiring fighters and enthusiasts can train and learn from the best? In this article, we will explore the history of MMA and the best MMA gyms UK for 2024.
The History of MMA
The origins of MMA can be traced back to ancient times, when different cultures and civilizations practiced various forms of unarmed combat. Some of the earliest examples of MMA include pankration, a Greek sport that combined boxing and wrestling; gladiator fights, a Roman spectacle that involved weapons and animals; and vale tudo, a Brazilian style of no-holds-barred fighting.
However, the modern era of MMA began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when various martial artists from different backgrounds and countries challenged each other to test their skills and styles.
Some of the pioneers of MMA include Bruce Lee, who advocated the concept of jeet kune do, a philosophy of mixing and adapting different martial arts; Gene LeBell, who was one of the first American judo and wrestling champions to cross-train in other disciplines; and Helio Gracie, who developed Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a grappling art that emphasized leverage and technique over strength and size.
The Top MMA Gyms in the UK
The UK is one of the leading countries in MMA, producing some of the best fighters and coaches in the world. The UK has a rich history of combat sports, such as boxing, kickboxing, muay thai, judo, and wrestling, which have contributed to the development of MMA. The UK also has a vibrant and diverse MMA scene, with hundreds of gyms and clubs offering high-quality training and facilities. Here are the top MMA gyms in the UK for 2024, based on their reputation, results, and resources.
1. AVT MMA – Leeds
AVT MMA is one of the premier MMA gyms in the UK, founded by Danny Mitchell, a former UFC fighter and BJJ black belt. AVT MMA has a state-of-the-art facility, with a large cage, a boxing ring, a strength and conditioning area, and a lounge. AVT MMA offers a variety of classes and programs, such as MMA, BJJ, muay thai, boxing, wrestling, and kids’ martial arts.
AVT MMA also has a team of experienced and qualified coaches, who have trained and competed at the highest level of MMA. Some of the notable fighters who train at AVT MMA include Scott Askham, James Mulheron, and Sam Creasey.
2. SBG UK – Various Locations
SBG UK is a network of MMA gyms affiliated with Straight Blast Gym International, one of the most respected and successful MMA organizations in the world. SBG UK has several branches across the country, such as Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Belfast.
SBG UK follows the philosophy of SBG founder Matt Thornton, who emphasizes the concepts of aliveness, functionalism, and individualism in MMA training. SBG UK offers a comprehensive curriculum of MMA, BJJ, muay thai, wrestling, and self-defense, taught by certified and experienced instructors. SBG UK also has a proven track record of producing world-class fighters, such as Matt Inman, Saul Rogers, and John Phillips.
3. London Shootfighters – London
London Shootfighters is one of the oldest and most renowned MMA gyms in the UK, established in 1997 by Alexis Demetriades and Paul Ivens. London Shootfighters has a reputation for being one of the toughest and most hardcore MMA gyms in the country, with a no-nonsense approach to training and fighting.
London Shootfighters has a spacious and well-equipped facility, with a cage, a boxing ring, a matted area, and a weight room. London Shootfighters offers classes and sessions in MMA, BJJ, muay thai, boxing, wrestling, and sambo, led by some of the best coaches and fighters in the UK. Some of the famous fighters who have trained at London Shootfighters include Michael Bisping, Brad Pickett, and Michael Page.
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