Mixed Martial Arts

Imagine two people in a no holds barred fight combining kicks, knees and punches with submission holds, sweeps and takedowns. Hardly anything is considered illegal and every form of martial art is used.

This popular sport is called Mixed Martial Arts and it emerged in 1993 with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

“Mixed martial arts is basically all the best parts of all the other martial arts put together,” said Jesse Monette, a student at JKS Martial arts school in the West Island.

When he says all the other martial arts he means Karate, Ju Jitsu, Grappling, Boxing and more.

“I’ve been doing martial arts since I was five although I did take a few years off in high school.”

Right now, Monette is taking the street wise class which is a form of mixed martial arts but with street rules.

“Street rules mean there are no rules, it’s like you’re on the street so you can do what you want.”

Although this may sound scary or barbaric the class is very controlled and safe.
First you pair up with a partner and do drills, once you’ve done the drills at least a hundred times each you do the same drills but with resistance. Once you’re used to the resistance you and your partner can start to spar.

“I started stand up sparring last week but I’ve been sparring in grappling and boxing for about a month,” said Monette.

When asked about his favorite part of the street wise class Monette said “The best part about JKS is being able to fight and to fight with someone knowing you’re not going to actually get hurt.”

He also adds that what he likes about the street wise class is being 100% prepared for what life throws at you on the street.

JKS is host to a variety of classes including MMA grappling, judo, kick boxing, boxing and of course the street wise mixed martial arts class.

“It has a little something for everyone; from people who are looking to fight, to do cardio or to just get into shape.”

But whatever you chose to do you’re going to have to be willing to give it your all and to practice, practice, practice.

“My sensei always says you need to practice a move 20,000 times on each side because that’s really the only way you’re going to get really good at it and be ready to use it in real life.”

And JKS’s street wise class is all about being prepared for real life.

“It’s nice knowing that what your learning in this class is going to help you outside, if someone mugs you you’re going to know what to do. If you play baseball, for example, that’s not really going to help.”