Can MMA really be thought of as a martial art?

[drop bear]

The first documented use of term MMA came from an American television critic as referenced in the following link:

What Is MMA? Things to know about Mixed Martial Arts Things to know about Mixed Martial Arts | Speak MMA

What is MMA, or mixed martial arts? Find out information about the sport, who the biggest UFC stars are and more in this article.

speak-mma.com

Boxing and wrestling can also be used outside of sport settings (as can a baseball bat) - it is just fun to learn the origins of the sport that's all

A baseball bat is a good analogy. As it is as much of a street fighting weapon as it is a sporting tool.

 

[JowGaWolf]

A baseball bat is a good analogy. As it is as much of a street fighting weapon as it is a sporting tool.

A baseball bat isn't the best of weapons. Which is why the self defense bats make a horrible baseball bat. In terms weapons, there are things that can be used as a weapon and things that are designed to be weapons.

 

[Anarax]

MMA has been in fashion for a fair few years now. It appeals to the younger, testosterone-fuelled, crowd. It has a big turnover, just like other clubs and hobbies, but can it really be classified as a martial art?

Short answer: Yes

Long answer: I've been traveling for work and this has caused me to to train at several MMA gyms. The ones I've been teach the disciplines(striking/grappling) separately for most of the class schedule then teach it together for the MMA class. There's definitely a difference in flavoring and application when training Kickboxing or BJJ for tournaments purely for those styles, versus training them for MMA competition. I think one of the reasons why the MMA gyms I've been to have been consistent is they have specialists teaching each discipline separately, then it comes together in the MMA class if the students so choose to attend. I've really enjoyed the MMA gym class schedule for it gives you access to different disciplines under the same roof. Most of the gyms I've been to usually teach Kickboxing(Muay Thai or Western) and BJJ. However, I believe it would still be MMA if the grappling discipline taught was Judo or Sambo and the striking was either kyokushin or Shotokan, and they were blended together to be used under MMA rules. It would look different from the "typical" Kickboxing/BJJ combo, but it would still be MMA.