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At SAMMA, training is divided into 3 main areas. These are Stand Up Fighting, Clinch Work and Submission/Ground Fighting.

What are Stand-Up Techniques?

The term 'Stand Up' describes offensive and defensive movements or techniques used when standing up. We get our stand up techniques from different arts or systems such as:

• Boxing - Much of our punching technique comes from western boxing. Mixed martial arts allows grappling, take downs and various strikes in the clinch. Western boxing does not allow these so although we use boxing technique we have to change the philosophy behind its use. Combinations tend to be shorter as to avoid the shoot or take down. Boxing does influence some of our defensive movement in terms of guard, footwork and head/body movement.
• Taekwondo - This is a Korean art that uses a variety of movements but is known for its kicking techniques. As with Western Boxing we have changed the way in which we use Taekwondo. High kicks are trained but not emphasised. Kicks to the legs are included. There are changes in stance because of the variety of movements that are available to use and to defend against. Some Taekwondo schools either restrict or neglect training their hand techniques. This is usually because sport-Taekwondo training is given priority. Competition training falls in to 2 categories:

W.T.F. Style (World Taekwondo Federation) - Full Contact using kicks from the waist upwards. No head punching is allowed and body armour/head guards are worn. It is now an Olympic sport.

I.T.F. Style (International Taekwondo Federation) - Semi Contact using controlled kicks above the waist and punches to the head. Touch contact gloves and head guards are worn but no body armour.

As you can see, both styles differ with their approach to the use of their hands and legs and strength of contact. We use a full range of hand strikes including spinning back fist, elbows and open hand attacks. These are always practiced full contact on pads and are given equal practice time in class. To avoid developing a kicking-only mentality and because kicking skill takes a while to develop, our new and novice students spar hands only.

• Thai Boxing - A strong, full contact striking system from Thailand. It is full contact in competition and allows punches, kicks, knees and elbows in the clinch (depending on the rule system). It can be a punishing sport and as such conditioning and fitness are a vital part of training. Thai Boxing influences SAMMA in its approach to kicking, clinch work, knees and elbows. As we have already stated, we are not a competition based club so we do not train the fitness, conditioning or contact sparring aspects of Thai Boxing as much as a dedicated Thai club.

What is Clinch-Work?

SAMMA uses the term 'clinch work' to describe striking, controlling, restraining, throwing and taking down an opponent when holding or gripping them at close quarters. Our clinch techniques come from Western and Thai Boxing, Brazilian Jujitsu and Wrestling. Training is split roughly into 4 areas:

• Defensive Clinch Work - Closing down space and holding or restricting an opponent whilst standing. Specific clinch drills working on how to defend and limit being struck or taken down when in the clinch.
• Offensive Clinch Work - Closing down space and techniques for gaining a variety of dominant holding positions. Drills working on how to deliver various strikes when in the clinch.
• Throwing Technique - A wide variety of throws, different grips and entries. (We include throwing in our clinch syllabus because you have to grip before you throw.)
• Take Downs - Foot sweeps, Single/Double leg and various body take downs. (Some take downs involve the use of a technique called the 'shoot'. The term describes changing level and rushing in at an opponent.) Techniques for sprawling and defending the shoot are also practiced.    

What is Ground Fighting?

SAMMA use the term ground fighting to describe striking and submission/ finishing holds when kneeling or on the ground. Many real fights end up on the ground and so it is important for our students to be comfortable and knowledgeable if or when it happens. SAMMA ground fighting techniques come from:

• Jujitsu (Japanese) - It is a comprehensive system that includes strikes, kicks, throws, joint locks, chokes/strangles and weapons training. It was developed and used by ancient Japanese warriors for use in war. Jujitsu training differs depending on the organisation and instructor teaching it. Some use a more defensive system using blocks and counter attacks while some strike and lock (or potentially break) joints. SAMMA use the throwing and restraining aspects of Jujitsu in our syllabus. We also train a variety of break falls and specific self-defence escapes e.g. from head locks, bear hugs, wrist/collar grabs and rear chokes/grabs. We do not include weapons training. Mr Ward (SAMMA instructor) is a Black Belt in Japanese Jujitsu.
• Submission Fighting - This is a relatively new form of fighting that uses submission techniques to subdue an opponent rather than strikes or blows. The techniques consist of arm bars (arm locks), chokes, leg and ankle/foot locks. Wrestling, clinch work and take downs are also practiced. Emphasis is placed on controlling the opponent at all times when either standing or on the ground. The 'tap' method is used when training. This means that when a technique is put on hard enough the opponent 'taps out' ending the fight without injury. Submission techniques give students an alternative response in self defence situations. Controlling, restraining or subduing an opponent may be a more appropriate response to punching and kicking. The only difference between training and self defence is that any tap could be ignored depending on the situation. The result would be varying degrees of damage to joints or unconsciousness.

Training Methods and Equipment

During our classes we use different training methods and equipment to help improve technique and application.

• Pad Work describes the use of different focus mitts and strike shields when practicing Stand Up techniques. This equipment is used to develop and improve timing, speed, focus and power. It also provides a safe way to practice full power techniques with a partner without causing them injury.
• Circuits are used to improve cardiovascular fitness and striking endurance. A circuit will consist of 6-10 different pieces of Pad Work equipment. These will be stationed around the gym and students will work their way around through them with their training partner. Each piece is timed and will work on various strikes both standing and on the ground. The circuits can be made harder or easier by varying the number of stations, the duration of each piece and the actual techniques used in the circuit.
• Stand Up Sparring is included as part of the SAMMA syllabus. Only Green Belts and above will spar in group classes. Anyone not yet this grade with SAMMA or new to training will not be allowed to spar. This rule stops certain people from trying to use us a testing ground for their ego. It also gives SAMMA students time to work fitness and technique rather than going in at the deep end! The term sparring describes using the different techniques that have been taught against different training partners whilst using full safety equipment. Sparring is done with different rules or limitations applied e.g. just hand techniques or just clinch sparring.
• Drills are used extensively throughout training. A drill is a repetitive action or application of a technique or movement. We use 2 types of training drill. The first is a Technique Drill in which only the movement or action is practiced. The second is a Live Drill were the action is practiced against a resisting or un-cooperative partner. Drills are a great way to improve technique and develop the proper application of it under pressure.
• Submission Sparring is similar to Stand Up Sparring but it uses submission techniques and chokes instead of strikes. It helps to give our students a more all round fighting ability and provides them with an alternative response to striking out. All sparring is controlled and supervised.