I find it interesting and funny at the same time that many people are falling for the latest fad of "Mixed Martial Arts". I guess this is why I like teaching and studying Ninjutsu. Our style has everything in it already: ground fighting (and other terrain), takedowns, throws, joint locks, pressure point attacks, etc.. I guess the difference is that these "warriors" who "play" at combat are merely doing just that, playing.

When I was active duty as an Anti-terrorism Officer I saw the US Marines trying to incoporate these MMA techniques into what they were trying to develop as some kind of fighting system. The problem is that they just don't work in real world situations. Brazilian Jujitsu is not very effective in any venue other than those "they" set up like the old UFC. And none of it is effective against multiple enemies, especially when there are wepons involved.

Recently I read that a long time Karate McDojo mogol, Tiger Shulman, has changed the entire name of his organization. What used to be Tiger Shulman's Karate is now Tiger Shulman's Mixed Martial Arts. What was wrong with karate? For one thing it must not have been very good karate if he needed to change everything and start learning MMA to sell to the public. that means he's simply in it for the $$$. I feel sorry for all those people who have wasted their time and hard earned cash on this system.

Also MMA do not teach the discipline needed to face real threats. They do not teach or know how to teach composure, awareness or strategy all elements that only exist in the traditional martial arts teachings. Why is this? MMA has no point of reference nor does it have hundreds of years of testing under its belt (no pun intended) to identify what truly works and what does not.

Yes its a great workout and it will get you into shape, but so do more traditional MA training methods. It is good sport (or is it-where is sportsmanship exhibited?) especially for the promoters and spectators.

Finally if these are truly "No-Holds-Bared" events why do they have rules. I always understood NHB to mean anything goes. If my mindset is to kill my "opponent" that puts things in a whole different world.

After 20+years of military combat service, three "wars" and using my arts in this capacity my view is a little more scewed to real world conflict and fighting. There are many traditional arts that take a similar view and I think if someone wants to learn real skills they should seek these schools and styles out and stay away from these MMA wannabe warriors.