The History of Mixed Martial Arts

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     There are over 2000 different types of Martial Arts residing on every continent around the globe.   With that being said, we can break down all these martial arts into three main categories; long range, medium range and close range martial arts.  The generic term for the all these "self defense" systems is "martial arts".   People often confuse this with Karate.   Karate is only one of the 2000 different types of martial arts.  Karate Do means  "the way of the open hand". 

     The term Mixed Martial Arts came to be in the 1990's with the re-introduction of the Kumite, now referred to as Ultimate Fighting, Cage Matches, or Mixed Martial Arts events. 

Kumite

     These matches are designed for competitors to challenge their training and put their skills to the test against an adversary in a controlled environment.  

     Competitors streamline their training by utilizing proven and effective training methods of such systems like Muay Tai, Jiu Jitsu, Hapkido, Sanshou, Western Boxing and Wrestling.  These arts are just a few of the effective and proven systems that can be found throughout the world.  The whole idea of mixed martial arts is to have a strong foundation in the three ranges of fighting taking the strong points of the different arts and combining them into a solid fighting system. 

The Iron Temple of Martial Arts Mixed Martial Arts Philosophy

     The instructors at the Iron Temple have formidable backgrounds in Korean Hapkido, Western Boxing, Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu, Chinese Sanshou, Western Wrestling, Submission Grappling, and Jui Jitsu.   With these disciplines, Master Fritsch has blended the strengths of each to create a system we call Gwado Mudo; Transitional Martial Arts.  We believe that to be an effective all around Martial Artist, a student of the arts needs to be formidable in all three ranges of combat and most importantly the ability to transition between the three effectively.  Gwado Mudo delivers a traditional methodology and  philosophy with modern and effective techniques.  Joint manipulations, take downs and submissions are only one aspect of our arsenal. Blend high impact blows, pressure points, kicking and punching into the mix and we are as effective on our feet as we are on the ground.