By Peter Rafferty
What is MMA?
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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, Jiujitsu, Sambo, and more.
Why is teaching MMA to kids a
good idea?
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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
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Boxing/Grappling
Gloves
Shin Guards
Mouth Guard
Protective Cup
Protective Head Gear
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Thai Pads
Wrist Wraps
Stop Watch
Jump Rope
Rubbing Alcohol
Open Space
Finding Time
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Even an hour a day is plenty of time
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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
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Rules
Warm up (Jogging) 2 minutes
Stretch - 5 min
2-minute Drill - 10 min
Lesson - 15 min
Practice - 5 min
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Light Spar/Grapple 20 to 30 min
Fight - 5 to 15 min
Game/Competition 5 min
Stretch - 5 minutes
Lessons
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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
Armbar
Rear-naked Choke
Submissions
Kneebar
Guillotine Choke
Submissions
Kimura from top
Kimura from bottom
Submissions
Triangle Choke
Triangle 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”
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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”
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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”
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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”
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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?
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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.