Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, combines different fighting techniques from multiple sources into a single focused approach to fighting and self defense. The techniques used include a mix of both martial arts traditions and non-traditions that are combined for fighting in competitions. By competing in Mixed Martial Arts competitions, martial artists from many different backgrounds can compete against each other, following rules that allow various striking and grappling techniques from both standing and ground positions.

Competitive history of MMA fighting can be traced back to numerous events in Europe, Japan and the Pacific Rim through out the early 1900s. In more recent history, the modern era of Mixed Martial Arts, competition started with the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC in the early 1990s. The huge growth in popularity of the UFC and MMA resulted in numerous training centers either opening new or switching their programs over to use Mixed Martial Arts for self defense as well as high intensity workouts. Training in Mixed Martial Arts has hit the mainstream and is now practiced by a wide range of individuals at nearly any age.

Most 'traditional' mixed martial arts have a specific focus and these arts could be trained to improve in that area. The most popular disciplines for each type include Stand-Up forms (like kick boxing and full contact karate), Clinch form (like Greco-Roman wrestling, Same, and Judo) for clinching or throwing, and Ground form (like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Sambo) which improve ground control and submission holds. These focus areas were initially practiced individually by competitive fighters. As the sport has become more mainstream and more widely taught the techniques have combined into a single Mixed Martial Arts program. The key to a successful result of mixed martial arts training is to find the right trainer and maintain a consistent workout schedule.

An example of such a training center with the right trainers is the Baltimore MD based Crazy 88 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu center (http://www.baltimore-mma.com). Mixed Martial Arts Baltimore is the Crazy 88 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training center. Crazy 88 BJJ is the Team Lloyd Irvin Training Center that teaches BJJ to anyone. While the center has members that compete at national levels around the United States they also have many members who train just for the high quality workout that BJJ can be. For Mixed Martial Arts in Baltimore, Crazy 88 offers the facility and trainers to enable any student to develop their skills regardless of starting level, and also to keep in shape.

Often, beginners to the BJJ training methods are intimidated by the usual training approaches. The usual approach typically involves throwing new people into advanced courses to get beat up and learn the painful way. Crazy 88 BJJ the center for Mixed Martial Arts Baltimore has specifically designed workout schedules and trainers that work with beginning students of all ages. In fact, almost 50% of their training center's courses are "White Belt" courses, designed specifically for beginners.

While traditional Mixed Martial Arts programs have focused on training for competition, the popularity of the UFC and other type events have moved MMA and more specifically BJJ training into a mainstream fitness approach for many people. BJJ has proven to be an excellent workout routine for students of all ages and all skill levels if you have the appropriate facility, the right trainers, a flexible program, and stay consistent in the workouts.