Mixed Martial Arts combines aspects of Kickboxing, Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. At West Side Mixed Martial Arts we teach each discipline separately and in combination. Every art is taught as it pertains to modern MMA. In doing so, each Martial Art loses its sporting techniques and becomes even more realistic. When our professional fighters ready themselves for competition they borrow from the 3, leaving out moves that may not fit in the individuals’ style.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is the nucleus style of our school. It was the BJJ fighters that first started doing MMA, in bouts they called “Vale Tudos.” The Brazilians quickly found the importance of ground fighting. Master Helio Gracie began to develop a grappling system that involved leverage rather then strength. As time went on Jiu Jitsu evolved. Today BJJ is adapted for sports Jiu Jitsu, submission grappling, and Mixed Martial Arts.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing is a striking art. There are many types of kickboxing, depending on the governing body. All forms of kickboxing, however all have a common ground. Kickboxers use their hands similar to a boxer. Kicks used in the sport are similar to those used in Karate. However the kicks used are unique to the style. The kicks used telegraph less and deliver more power. Some forms allow the use of elbows and knees. At West Side Mixed Martial Arts, we practice a form of Chinese Boxing called San Shou. (Made famous by American born, Cung Lee) Unlike other forms of Kickboxing San Shou incorporates elbow and knee strikes as well as Greco-Roman throws. For this reason we feel the sport lends itself to MMA more so then other striking arts.
Wrestling
Wrestling is a combat sport most people know from the Olympics. Our academy uses several types of wrestling. At West Side our classical wrestling class gives instruction in Folk-style, Freestyle, Collegiate, and Greco-Roman. In addition to the traditional forms of wrestling, West Side provides wrestling programs specifically designed for Mixed Martial Arts. MMA style grappling teaches powerful takedowns that can be executed from the up right position. This allows fighters to strike as well as clinch. This type of upright wrestling also makes opponents less susuptiable to knees and upper cuts.
