How a skinny Brazilian in a Gi changed fighting forever in 1993.
Most people discovered the UFC through stars like Conor McGregor or Khabib Nurmagomedov. But to understand why we train the way we do, you have to look back to 1993. The first Ultimate Fighting Championship had no weight classes, no time limits, and barely any rules. It was created to answer one question. Which martial art is actually the best?
The Skinny Guy in the Gi
The early UFC tournaments were terrifying. You had massive kickboxers and sumo wrestlers. Then there was Royce Gracie. He looked like a normal guy wearing a pyjama. He was not big. He was not intimidating. Yet he took every single opponent down, controlled them, and forced them to submit.
He proved a fundamental truth to the world. If you do not know how to grapple, you cannot fight. A pure striker is helpless once they are on their back. That night in 1993 changed martial arts history forever.
The Base of Modern MMA
Today, mixed martial arts has evolved. Fighters are well-rounded athletes. However, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu remains the non-negotiable base. If you watch any UFC card this weekend, you will see the influence of BJJ. You will see rear-naked chokes. You will see guard passes. You will see submission defence.
If you want to train MMA, you must start with grappling. You can have the best hands in the world, but if a wrestler takes you down, your boxing is useless. You need the anti-grappling skills that only BJJ provides.
Learn the Source Code
At Checkmat Orpington, we teach the same fundamental principles that Royce used to shock the world. Whether you are an MMA fan who wants to understand what you are watching, or you want to compete in the cage yourself, it all starts on the mats. Come and learn the art that started it all.