Mixed martial art is here

Sanjay Dutt, Raj Kundra promote super fight league

Practising one martial art for self defence is now turning into a thing of the past as mixed martial arts is gaining popularity among youth in the city.

Dissatisfied about learning only one martial art such as karate or muay thai, several youth are trying their hand at a combination of martial arts.

Once such group in the city practises at Synergy gym at Jayalakshmipuram eighth main between 2 pm and 4 pm. Speaking to Deccan Herald, one of the group members Samit Bhat said, they didn’t want to restrict themselves to just one martial art.

Instead, their focus in improving upon five qualities - strength, speed, skill, stamina and spirit. Giving details about the sport, Bhat said the sport was earlier practised by the Portuguese and included grappling, choking and striking. It was stopped as it was dangerous, but later reintroduced in USA as Mixed Martial Arts.

While it is being promoted by cine actor Sanjay Dutt and industrialist Raj Kundra in the country, Bhat  said the challenge would be to participate in the Super Fight League being sponsored by the duo.

Presently, the only Brazilian black belt inJu-jitsu staying in the country, Fernando is exposing the youth to the technique, which doesn’t involve the use of weapons.

Bhat said that group members here have friendly fights with clubs in Bangalore every six weeks.  Recently, the members organised a run from Mysore to Madikeri spread over two days, stopping overnight at Periyapatna to improve awareness about mixed martial arts.

The group comprised of Samith Bhat, Archana, Shwetha Devaraj, Chethan M, Chethan Nayak, Avinash Gowder, Sanath Sharma, Nischal, Nithin, Varun, Nesar Pavan, Pruthvi, Babu, Deepak Gowda and Brijesh on cycle headed to Madikeri and received a positive response, says Bhat.

He said the group is scouting for a permanent place to introduce mixed martial arts to youth in the city.