MMA Equipment

Besides ending in knockout, a fight is commonly decided by submission. A submission is a verbal request by one fighter to stop the fight. A submission can also be a gesture, such as the rapid tapping of a hand. This form of defeat is commonly referred to as ‘tapping out’. A tap out is a very important element of mixed martial arts competition, as it allows a fighter to stop the fight at any time and for any reason. Often, when a fighter is choked or caught in a joint lock, they have very little time to call an end to the contest. Without a means to verbally communicate to the referee, they are at risk for losing consciousness or having a limb broken if the fight is not immediately stopped.

The most popular techniques that produce submissions are joint locks and choke holds. Joint locks are usually credited with the jujitsu or Brazilian jujitsu style of fighting. These moves are performed by applying leverage to an opponents joints in the opposite direction that the joint is meant bend. If enough force is applied, an opponent’s joint can become broken or displaced resulting in extreme pain. Broken bones can also result from a successful joint lock that goes too far.

Jujitsu Chokes

Chokes to the neck are also another way that a fighter can get his opponent to submit. Chokes cut off either the circulation to the head, or the air supply to the lungs. Chokes can be performed by the attacker’s arms or legs, and are a frequent cause for fights to end. Because of jujitsu’s dominance in MMA, submission defense has been an essential skill for all fighters to master. Submission defense involves removing an opponent’s choke or joint lock before the pressure of the submission forces one to tap. By simulating high-risk situations where an attacker is already in a position to perform a fight-ending submission, MMA fighters can learn the precise body movements to escape such situations.

MMA Mouth Guard

When ground fighting, even during jujitsu-only rolling sessions, it is common for fighter’s to be accidentally hit by their opponent’s limbs or head when struggling for positions. It is therefore recommended that practitioners wear a mouth guard while grappling, as hits to the jaw are a frequent cause of damage to one’s teeth. In addition, wearing a mouth guard while training, teaches an MMA fighter to control their breath, and simulates the same condition they will be in during an actual competition. Make sure to add a high quality mouth guard to your list of necessary MMA equipment.