MMA , or Mixed Martial Arts is a full-contact martial arts event where fighters who have cross trained in various combat based styles , put their skills to the test in an arena which may be either a ring or a cage.MMA events feature martial arts fighters who may have a background in one particular style i.e karate , kung-fu , kickboxing , boxing , wrestling , judo or jiu-jitsu but have cross trained in other styles to make their fighting style complete and more effective in the competitive ring.Fighters are allowed to use a variety of techniques including punches , kicks , knees , elbows , grappling , throws , holds , locks , ground-fighting and submission techniques.Each MMA promotion organization / company may choose to use its own unique set of rules.Nowadays because of its popularity via television , MMA has achieved its own identity as a unique and separate martial art and interested MMA fighters can join and train at centres / gyms totally dedicated to the MMA fighting style.Earlier MMA fights were conducted with little / no rules , but as its has grown over the years , promoters have formatted a set of rules which have made it safer for MMA fighters.In certain parts of the world like USA and Japan , MMA has been included and recognized as a mainstream sport.Today MMA has both an amateur and professional circuit and competitors have an opportunity to compete on amateur MMA tournaments before they choose MMA as a career.