By Peter Rafferty

What is MMA? MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts It encompasses both the stand-up and ground aspects of fighting. A few examples of the stand-up styles are Karate, Boxing, Kung-fu, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, and Judo. The ground game includes Wrestling, Jiu- jitsu, Sambo, and more.

Why is teaching MMA to kids a good idea? It teaches fighting in a structured way It helps teach discipline Builds strong solid relationships Helps educate and promotes healthy living (For Door of Hope specifically) Gives positive male attention to the young men who don’t have father figures in their lives.

Necessary tools for doing MMA Boxing/Grappling Gloves Shin Guards Mouth Guard Protective Cup Protective Head Gear Thai Pads Wrist Wraps Stop Watch Jump Rope Rubbing Alcohol Open Space

Finding Time Even an hour a day is plenty of time Coming in early Using your lunch/dinner break Time outside of the regular work day Monday-Thursday from 5:30-7:00 Free local Jiu-Jitsu class every Saturday morning from 11:00-1:45

Standard Schedule Rules Warm up (Jogging) - 2 minutes Stretch - 5 min 2-minute Drill - 10 min Lesson - 15 min Practice - 5 min Light Spar/Grapple - 20 to 30 min Fight - 5 to 15 min Game/Competition - 5 min Stretch - 5 minutes

Lessons The Basics -- Teaching form is very important. This includes how to correctly stand, move around, and even breath. Learning the different ground positions is also a necessary basic to learn. Advanced -- Submissions, combos, and takedowns are all things that can be taught to those who have the basics down.

Introducing the Fighters! “Chocolate Thunder” Age: 12 Height : 5’7 Reach: 72” Weight: 123 lbs Favorite technique: Triangle Choke

Introducing the Fighters! “The Spear” Age: 13 Height: 5’4 Reach: 65” Weight: 108 lbs Favorite Technique: Kimura

Introducing the Fighters! “Grappler” Age: 15 Height: 5’6 Reach: 66” Weight: 145 lbs Favorite Technique: Rear-naked Choke

Introducing the Fighters “The Outlaw” Age: 17 Height: 5’9 Reach: 70” Weight: 165 lbs Favorite Technique: Guillotine Choke

Submissions ArmbarRear-naked Choke

Submissions KneebarGuillotine Choke

Submissions Kimura from topKimura from bottom

Submissions Triangle ChokeTriangle Choke (no hands)

Were there any noticeable positive results from doing MMA? Yes!! There was quite a bit of change that took place in the lives of these 4 men over the course of the last 9-10 months that I’ve gotten to teach them and train with them.

“The Outlaw” Improved grades in school Opened up more in therapy Finished homework during After-school Program so as to make time for MMA. Overall improvement in attitude both at Door of Hope and at school.

“Grappler” Had a very poor attendance record at school (missed as many days as attended) Wasn’t allowed to come to MMA unless he had gone to school that day. Huge improvement in school attendance! Improved diet from fast/junk food to healthier options. (subway!)

“Chocolate Thunder” Built-up a very strong relationship Continued coming everyday even after graduating Door of Hope Became closer with his own father who began to work out with him in MMA Was always very excited and energetic

“The Spear” Came out of his shell Finally began joining in other Door of Hope activities Getting to spend quality time with him outside of normal work day. Experienced positive male companionship

How can you make this work at your site? Find something that you have knowledge in and others have interest in. (For me this was Mixed Martial Arts) Make time for the people you’re interacting with and invest your energy in them. Put them above yourself. Find a time to be with them everyday, even if it’s not for very long. Don’t ever let it become stressful to you! It will only work if you are enjoying what you’re doing.