Evolution of MMA and self defence

[Kirves]

Okay, I don't know if I'va but lost my marbles for good, but I was just thinking to myself...

First, let's assume we agree on that MMA is pretty good for self defence, assuming of course that we aren't attacked by a gang of armed hoodlums, right? The typical loudmouth drunk with a shaved head, and a bicep the size of your head, coming after you because he thinks you glanced the wrong way and he had a bad hair day, or whatever. When that happens, anyone with MMA training has a pretty good chance, assuming there arent gangs, knives or guns involved? Okay, let's continue.

Some years ago MMA pretty much included BJJ+MT +some other influences that varied from person to another.

Now, we all know that MMA has evolved a lot during the last decade or so. The repertoire that gave you a victory in a NHB ring of choice 10 years ago, will not win this year. People have learned how to counter the takedowns. And they have learned to counter those counters. They have learned a lot more about clinching and rolling than pure BJJ.

Back to the baldshaved loudmouth drunk coming after you in the saloon... er, bar across the street. Has he evolved? Does he know what has happened in the MMA circles the last few years? Does he know who won the Cage last year? Do you need to be on top of everything that's happening in the MMA evolution to beat him? Or does the same BJJ+MT beat him this year too? Again assuming he doesn't have a bazooka up his sleeve...

Just thinking out lout. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

[CKD]

What are you saying? That mma is becoming too complicated. Although techniques are getting more advanced the fundementals will always be the same. The double leg, hip toss, jab, cross, basic armbar,ect. Will always be the most successful moves and will never become out dated. If you are facing a single, unarmed thug then a simple double leg to mount to strikes will do it.

[Kirves]

Sure. But assuming that one is never going to compete in the ring. But he may need to defend himself one day. Would it not make sense to keep perfecting the few takedown->mount->pound skills, instead of sacrificing much of that training time spending on learning counters to some high-level MMA champ moves? (Or, if we keep with the self-defence line of thought, maybe sacrifice some time to learn weapons-stuff instead.)

Just brainstorming here. How important are the latest movements in the MMA rings to the average Joe training for fitness and possibly some self defence?

[CKD]

A person always trains the simple things. They may know counters to it but that just means they are more prepared for another trained opponent. But everybody trains the basics.

[Ronson]

Although the sport of MMA continues to evolve, the basics and fundamentals don't change. You could know a million viable techniques and each counter to them, but if you don't have the proper positioning to apply it, it don't mean shite. Same thing goes for strength and conditioning.

But to your original question, for the most part, your regular Joe at the Bar has not progressed and at most will only be aware that the UFC exists (but will ask what is Pride?) and with good athleticisma and a good grasp of MMA fundamentals will wipe the floor him (assuming 1-to-1 hand to hand confrontation). Proof: Watch how the fans boo at the UFC matches when it hits the ground.