Draft:Striking MMA

Striking MMA (/ˈstraɪkɪŋ ɛmɛmˈeɪ/ STRY-king M-M-A) is a modern, full-contact combat sport that focuses exclusively on stand-up striking techniques, such as punches, kicks, knees, and limited clinch work. It strictly prohibits takedowns, submissions, and any form of ground fighting. Although it shares surface similarities with Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in terms of environment, gloves, and judging systems, Striking MMA is a distinct sport with its own set of rules, athlete pathways, and international governance.

The term "Striking MMA" is often misunderstood due to the use of "MMA" in its name. However, the sport diverges significantly in both practice and philosophy. In MMA, athletes compete in both striking and grappling phases, transitioning between standing and ground combat using a wide array of techniques including wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. In contrast, Striking MMA maintains all exchanges in the standing position and disallows all grappling-based offense and defense. The absence of ground fighting simplifies the rule set and places exclusive emphasis on striking skill, timing, and movement.

Striking MMA integrates techniques from various stand-up martial arts, including Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo, and Sanda. While elements of these styles influence the sport, Striking MMA applies its own unified scoring system, safety protocols, and fight duration standards.

The sport was developed in the early 2020s by the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA), with the aim of providing a safer and more accessible competition format for striking specialists. Striking MMA has gained momentum internationally, particularly in Oceania and Southeast Asia, with national and regional championships held under GAMMA-sanctioned rules.

Although still emerging, Striking MMA is increasingly recognized as a hybrid combat sport in its own right, much like Sambo or Shootboxing. Its unique format allows practitioners of striking martial arts to showcase their abilities in a professional environment that excludes grappling, while promoting athlete safety, skill development, and stylistic diversity within combat sports.

History

The history of Striking MMA is closely tied to the modern evolution of combat sports in the 21st century and the efforts of international sports bodies to expand regulated opportunities for stand-up martial arts competition. Striking MMA was formally introduced in the early 2020s as a distinct combat sport by the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA), a non-profit international federation established to promote amateur MMA and develop safe, structured competition formats across multiple regions. The introduction of Striking MMA addressed a long-standing gap in the combat sports ecosystem: the need for a unified ruleset for striking-only contests that excluded all ground fighting and grappling elements while retaining the professionalism and safety standards.{{cite web |title=The Evolution of GAMMA and the Rise of Striking MMA |url=https://www.gammasports.com/ |website=GAMMA Sports |access-date=16 April 2025}}

While the roots of striking martial arts stretch back centuries—as seen in disciplines like Boxing, which was codified in England in the 18th century,{{cite web |title=Boxing |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing |website=Wikipedia |access-date=16 April 2025}} and Muay Thai, a centuries-old Thai fighting art—modern hybrid striking sports such as Kickboxing began to emerge in the 1950s and 1960s, notably in Japan and the United States.{{cite web |title=Kickboxing |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kickboxing |website=Wikipedia |access-date=16 April 2025}} These sports laid the groundwork for a format that allowed diverse striking techniques under standardized rules.

Striking MMA builds upon this legacy by unifying striking rules across various disciplines. It was designed to serve both as a safer competitive outlet for striking-based athletes. Unlike MMA, where fighters engage in grappling, takedowns, and ground control, Striking MMA is strictly limited to the stand-up phase of combat. Techniques from Muay Thai, karate, taekwondo, boxing, and sanda are permitted, but all ground techniques are disallowed. This strict boundary makes Striking MMA more accessible to athletes from non-grappling backgrounds and reduces injury risks associated with joint locks and submissions.

The first official trials for Striking MMA were held under GAMMA governance in Southeast Asia and Oceania in the early 2020s. These events were coordinated with national sports bodies and supported by referees and medical staff trained under GAMMA’s Striking MMA framework. The format proved successful in attracting athletes across different martial arts styles, particularly in countries where striking traditions are deeply rooted.

A major milestone occurred in 2023, when Striking MMA was featured as a full competitive division in the GAMMA Oceania Championships held in Auckland, New Zealand. Athletes from New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, and other Pacific nations participated in the tournament, marking the sport’s regional debut.{{cite web |title=GAMMA Oceania Championships 2023 |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/102622-2023-gamma-oceania-championships-day-3 |website=Tapology |access-date=16 April 2025}} The positive reception prompted GAMMA to formalize the division and include it in all future regional and world events.

In 2024, Striking MMA reached a global stage when it was included as a category in the GAMMA World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia.{{cite web |title=GAMMA World Championship 2024 Jakarta |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2xbw7g4sGU |website=YouTube | date=22 June 2023 |access-date=16 April 2025}} Fighters representing national teams from Asia, Europe, and Oceania competed under the striking-only ruleset, reinforcing the sport’s growth and formal acceptance. The event also gained coverage from MMA-focused platforms and regional news agencies, providing visibility that helped counter skepticism about the sport's distinct identity.

GAMMA has since established training and certification programs for referees, coaches, and judges specifically for Striking MMA. These efforts are designed to ensure consistent application of rules and the safety of athletes across all competition levels. As of 2025, Striking MMA has been adopted by multiple national federations including GAMMA New Zealand, GAMMA Indonesia, and GAMMA Samoa, with efforts underway to gain further recognition in Africa and Latin America.

The sport’s appeal continues to grow among youth and amateur athletes due to its focus on technical striking and reduced injury risk. Development programs, youth leagues, and university clubs have started incorporating Striking MMA into their offerings. GAMMA’s inclusion of the discipline into its athlete development pipeline ensures that the sport has both short-term participation and long-term strategic growth.

Despite initial confusion surrounding its name and format, Striking MMA has increasingly distinguished itself as an independent discipline within combat sports. It stands alongside other hybrid rule-based sports such as Sambo, Shootboxing, and Savate—each of which evolved by blending existing combat arts with new regulatory frameworks to meet contemporary sporting needs.

Rules of Striking MMA

Striking MMA is governed by the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA), which has codified an international ruleset to ensure fair competition, athlete safety, and a unified standard for events held worldwide. These rules apply to both amateur and elite-level competition and clearly distinguish Striking MMA from traditional MMA and other striking sports.

= Match Format =

Striking MMA matches consist of three rounds, each lasting three minutes, with one-minute rest intervals between rounds. Competitions are conducted in either a circular cage or a five-rope ring, depending on the organizer and venue. Amateur divisions may include modified durations depending on age and experience.

= Scoring System =

Striking MMA uses the 10-point must scoring system. Judges award 10 points to the round winner and 9 or fewer to the opponent. Scoring criteria include:

Effective striking (clean, impactful hits)
Aggressiveness (pushing the action and initiative)
Defensive skill (evasion, blocking, counter-attacks)
Ring/cage control

A knockdown typically results in a 10–8 round. Repeated fouls or inactivity can result in point deductions.

= Permitted Techniques =

Striking MMA emphasizes stand-up striking and allows:

Punches (jabs, crosses, hooks, uppercuts)
Kicks (roundhouse, push, side, spinning kicks)
Knee strikes (to the body and legs)
Limited clinch strikes (with disengagement after 1–3 seconds)

Striking must be conducted from a standing position. All techniques must target legal zones.

= Prohibited Actions =

The following techniques and behaviors are prohibited:

Takedowns, throws, and any form of grappling
Striking a downed opponent
Elbows and spinning backfists
Headbutts, biting, groin attacks, spitting, and eye gouging
Strikes to the back of the head, spine, or throat
Prolonged clinching or stalling
Holding the fence or ropes

Violations result in warnings, point deductions, or disqualification depending on severity and intent.

= Equipment and Uniform =

Athletes must wear approved competition attire and protective gear, including:

7-ounce open-palm gloves
Mouthguard and groin protector (mandatory)
Shin guards (mandatory for amateurs)
GAMMA-compliant rash guards and shorts

Headgear may be required for youth or entry-level competitors. All gear is checked before matches.

= Refereeing and Officiating =

Referees are certified through GAMMA and are responsible for:

Monitoring fouls and ensuring compliance with the rules
Administering standing 8-counts after knockdowns
Stopping the fight if safety is at risk
Intervening in the event of injury, equipment malfunction, or illegal action

The referee’s decisions are final unless overturned through formal appeal procedures.

= Medical Safety and Anti-Doping =

Striking MMA prioritizes health and safety through the following protocols:

Pre-bout and post-bout medical assessments
Mandatory rest periods following knockouts (30 to 60 days)
On-site medical personnel and ambulance services
Compliance with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards via GAMMA partnership with the International Testing Agency (ITA)

Ringside physicians have the authority to halt bouts based on medical judgment.

= Divisions and Categories =

GAMMA recognizes multiple divisions within Striking MMA:

Male and female weight classes
Junior, Youth, Adult, and Veteran age brackets
Amateur and Elite categories based on experience

Competitors are selected through national and regional trials to compete in international tournaments such as the GAMMA World Championships.

= Governance =

All competitions are governed by the GAMMA International Rulebook and overseen by national federations. Judges and referees undergo certification and refresher training. Compliance with uniform regulations, code of conduct, and athlete registration requirements is mandatory.

{{cite web |title=GAMMA International Competition Rules & Regulations – Striking MMA (2023) |url=https://gamma-sport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GAMMA_InternationalCompetitionsRulesRegulations_StrikingMMA_2023.pdf |website=GAMMA |access-date=16 April 2025}}

Distinct techniques and style

Key techniques include:

Punches: Fighters use a range of boxing techniques—jabs, crosses, hooks, uppercuts—along with spinning backfists and superman punches. Emphasis is placed on precision and control rather than raw force.{{cite book |last=Delp |first=Christoph |title=Muay Thai Basics |publisher=Blue Snake Books |year=2005}}{{ISBN missing|date=April 2025}}{{page needed|date=April 2025}}

Knees: Jumping knees, straight knees, and diagonal knees are common, especially in close range, but clinch time is limited to avoid prolonged holds.{{cite book |last=Kraitus |first=Panya |title=Muay Thai: The Most Distinguished Art of Fighting |publisher=Asia Books |year=1988}}{{ISBN missing|date=April 2025}}{{page needed|date=April 2025}}

Standing submissions and throws: Certain events allow limited standing submission attempts (e.g., standing guillotine) with a strict 30-second reset. Takedowns, if executed, lead to an immediate stand-up reset.{{cite web |title=GAMMA Oceania hosts first Striking MMA event in New Zealand |date=31 March 2023 |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1135413/gamma-oceania-first-event-new-zealand |website=insidethegames.biz |access-date=14 April 2025}}

Global expansion and leadership

World President: Alexander Engelhardt (Netherlands){{cite web |url=https://gamma-sport.org |title=GAMMA Leadership}}{{Failed verification|date=April 2025}}
Oceania President: Zaya Zaya (Australia)
New Zealand President: Vahid Unesi
Samoa President: Felise Fobfather

{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-PTUpG9P7s |title=GAMMA Oceania Championship - Opening Ceremony & Haka. |date=27 June 2023 |publisher=Kings Academy |via=YouTube}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2xbw7g4sGU |title=GAMMA - OCEANIA - Opening speeches before fights starts |date=22 June 2023 |publisher=Kings Academy |via=YouTube}}

References

External links

[https://gamma-sport.org Official website of the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA)]
[https://www.facebook.com/CombatWorldCup GAMMA NZ – Facebook page]