Posted on March 15th, 2023.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) has exploded in popularity over the past few decades, but did you know that the UK has a rich history in the sport? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the evolution of British MMA, and how London Grappling School has played a pivotal role in shaping the sport in the UK.

Early Days of British MMA

While MMA has only gained mainstream popularity in the UK in recent years, the roots of the sport can be traced back to the early 20th century. In the 1920s and 1930s, there were several "mixed" matches that pitted fighters from different disciplines against each other, but these were often banned due to safety concerns.

Fast forward to the 1990s, and the first organized MMA events began to emerge in the UK. These events were often held in secret, with fighters from different martial arts backgrounds competing against each other in an attempt to determine which discipline was the most effective. These events were often brutal and lacked many of the safety regulations that are now commonplace in the sport.

The Rise of British MMA

Despite the controversies and safety concerns surrounding early MMA events in the UK, the sport continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. In 2002, the UFC held its first event in the UK, and the sport began to gain mainstream attention.

London Grappling School and the Growth of British MMA

One of the key players in the growth of British MMA has been London Grappling School. Founded in 2005 by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Marco Canha, London Grappling School has played a pivotal role in shaping the sport in the UK.

Under Canha's leadership, London Grappling School quickly became one of the top martial arts academies in the UK. The school's focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and Muay Thai, combined with its expert coaching staff, has helped produce some of the top fighters in the country.

London Grappling School has also played a key role in promoting the sport of MMA in the UK. The school has hosted several MMA events over the years, including the popular Ultimate Challenge MMA (UCMMA) series. These events have helped raise the profile of the sport in the UK, and have provided a platform for up-and-coming fighters to showcase their skills.

The Future of British MMA

Thanks in large part to the efforts of schools like London Grappling School, MMA has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. With the sport now firmly established in the mainstream, there's no doubt that British MMA will continue to grow and evolve in the years to come.

At London Grappling School, we're proud to be a part of the history and evolution of British MMA. If you're interested in learning more about our programs or signing up for classes, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!