Department: MMA
World MMA & Combat Sports Organisation
WHAT IS MMA?
The evolution of martial arts has given rise to hybrid styles that seek to combine the best of several arts to give the student knowledge in all ranges of combat. Traditional styles would often concentrate on certain elements of combat: Karate, Taekwon Do or Muay Thai would concentrate on standing combat.
Jiu Jitsu, Judo and Sambo would concentrate on a closer range of taking down and submission. Mixed Martial Arts use elements from a selection of these to enable a skill set to be used in competition that is arguably the most exciting and diverse combat sport on the planet today.
CODE MMA host regular seminars in no-gi BJJ, wrestling and submission wrestling with highly skilled black belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), and Judo.
All classes are run by PROFESSIONAL and QUALIFIED instructors in a FRIENDLY and NON INTIMIDATING environment.
(All egos are left at the door when training.)
WHY CODE MMA?
CODE Combat Arts was founded as a school which strives to offer a diverse and comprehensive style to those looking to study self protection which is practical, challenging and is built on an ethos of making life safer, healthier and more positive.
After studying traditional martial arts we decided to start looking into arts which had different ranges and techniques than those which he has studied previously. After a relatively short period of time we realized the benefits of cross training for any martial artist: whether strong as a stand up, close range or ground stylist, it would ultimately benefit all of those involved in combat arts to at least understand the basics of those other ranges. We are still working to expand our knowledge in all ranges and will continue to do so for as long as we practice martial arts.
The CODE MMA syllabus was not designed to be a new martial art that professes to be better than the rest. It isn’t. It was designed as a framework for a combat art that concentrates on keeping the practitioner standing up (the last place anyone wants to be in a real combat situation is on the floor) but also provides some understanding of those other ranges that might also be encountered.
CODE MMA provides concepts for the student based on experience and study and an environment to pressure test techniques in whichever ways the student is comfortable.
There are currently CODE MMA Combat classes and there are more planned for the future.
CODE TAEKWON-DO is currently for adults to attend.
We look forward to welcoming you to the school and working with you.
CODE PRINCIPLES
CONCISE
Keep techniques succinct and to the point. Minimize unnecessary expenditure of energy and aim to achieve impact as soon as possible with speed and power.
OBJECTIVE
Be uninfluenced by emotion or personal prejudice. You have a task to complete so remain objective in thought when considering the task and desired outcome. Emotions will cloud your judgement and inhibit fluid movement.
DECISIVE/ DIRECT
Remaining objective should allow you to be able to make a decision quickly and efficiently. One should train until movements are natural and just happen (moving from the unconsciously incompetent beginner to the unconsciously competent expert.) Learn to make your movements decisive and produce a definite result. It does not have to look pretty!
EFFICIENT
Efficiency consolidates the other three principles of CODE. If one is concise, objective and decisive then one should be efficient in practice and methodology. One should strive to achieve maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. Ne should strive to be well organized and competent.
CODE CONCEPTS
Although the principles behind C.O.D.E. are conceptual and will change from student to student, the following key points are noted:
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The art essentially functions from an open handed style to incorporate grabbing, holding and grappling and for versatility. Looseness and relaxation in the muscles will encourage loose, quick muscle movements
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There is strong emphasis on the student finding what works for them and learning to listen to their body, understand how to recognize strengths and realize the potential of their ability. For example: the syllabus includes high level kicks but this does not mean that the student must employ that technique simply to please their ego if their body does not allow it. Listen, learn, understand and use what is useful to YOU.
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C.O.D.E. focuses on remaining standing up. The concepts and techniques within are for self-protection as well as fitness or sport and standing up is accepted as the better place to be in a real fight compared to being on the ground. However, the art also includes closer ranges, clinching, take down and groundwork, albeit to a fairly basic level as a back-up- understanding and practice in all ranges is sensible.
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Regardless of the amount of techniques available in the syllabus, emphasis of self-expression is key to avoiding the possible onset of the ‘log jam’ effect. There is a story which summarizes this point perfectly:
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“Two cats were talking about how to avoid being caught by a fox. One cat said “I know 50 different ways to avoid being eaten by a fox.” The other cat said “I only know one.” At that moment they saw a fox close by stalking them. The cat who knew one way to escape ran up the nearest tree and was safe. The other cat, whilst pondering which of his 50 ways of escape to use, was eaten by the fox.”
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The term ‘self-protection’ is used instead of ‘self-defense’ because one cannot only defend themselves in a live situation and expect to triumph. Sooner or later they must escape or attack. Therefore to ‘protect’ oneself is a more correct phrase. The self-protection aspect of CODE will always follow three principles which must be demonstrated in practice and during a grading:
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DISTRACT the opponent to create opening or buy required time to attack/ escape
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DEAL with the opponent as required. This may be via escape or by swift and hard attack.
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DISAPPEAR or DETAIN. Do not hang around to admire your work. Do not continue to attack if opponent is no longer a realistic threat or unconscious (we must consider the law). Only detain and call police if sufficiently skilled, safe and confident to do so.
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NOTE: Use only those techniques with which you are familiar. Remember the principles of C.O.D.E. We practice to simulate live situations and anything goes as long as it can be justified as reasonable force: stamping, shin kick, groin kick, eye gouge etc.
CODE MMA SYLLABUS
The C.O.D.E GRADING syllabus is below for you to see how you might need to perform should you choose to work towards your Level 10 (1st degree black belt equivalent)
C.O.D.E. is designed to be incredibly subjective. Each student will be expected to grade TO THEIR ABILITY and it would be unfair to expect an older, less fit student to perform the same as a 20 year old athlete. This could mean that some students will decide to stop grading at a certain level as standards will need to be maintained to a decent level. On that premise the C.O.D.E. technical syllabus is available to every student whether they choose to grade or not- so a ‘Level 1/ white belt’ has access to the same range of techniques as a ‘Level 10/ black belt’. Consider how MMA lessons might work- no one HAS to take a grading. A grading should NOT dictate what you are ‘allowed’ to learn. Your ability and desire to learn should dictate your progress.
‘So why would I bother grading then?!’
Personal Pride? Working towards a respectable goal? C.O.D.E. Combat Arts have been designed to allow you to work towards this goal if that is what you would like to do. Anyone who works towards a black belt should be commended as it is an arduous but worthy task. Be aware that this is YOUR CHOICE though. You will be given every support to pass a grading if you choose to take them but equal support to progress as you would like if you do not grade.
One other reason for grading is that CODE MMA allows you access to a variety of competitions and tournaments. Some of these will require that you wear a gi (white outfit with a belt) and therefore have a grade. Competitions can be split into grade levels and therefore it is sensible that one enters at their correct level so that they are tested accordingly. There is no point remaining at white belt for several years and competing as such. This would simply result in a pointless and cheap victory.
C.O.D.E. Combat Arts (CCA) and the CCA Grading system is a nationally & internationally recognized and regulated style and has been registered as such with WMMA FC (World MMA & Combat Sports Organization)
Anyone who starts CCA is a Level 10 practitioner. There are some things that will be considered for grading’s that are not rigid or quantified:
Legitimate belts achieved in other arts (proof required and will be checked with awarding body)
Attendance to competition and tournaments for higher level grades
Attitude and behavior towards martial arts, colleagues and self on and off of the mat.
Attendance to certain seminars and programmers hosted by CODE Combat from external instructors will be required for higher levels
There must be a minimum amount of time on the mats in between grading dates. Live training and experience are key.
LEVEL 9
STANCES
Salute
Front
PUNCHES
Jab
Cross
BLOCKS
Block jab-cross
Block kick with shin
KICKS
Front kick
Combinations of punching and kicking as requested
Takedown
×1
Sprol
Ground
Open the guard
Pass from the guard
Side control
SPARRING
1 x 1 minute round displaying CODE
LEVEL 8
STANCES
As per Level 9 + sitting/ based stance and basic sparring stance (explain concepts)
PUNCHES
As per Level 9 + hook
BLOCKS
As per Level 9 + midsection side block
Block of punches with elbows
KICKS
As per Level 9 + lower and midsection turning/ roundhouse kicks
WORK IN CLINCH
demonstrate clinch escape/ reversal/ defense
demonstrate clinch and striking
Take down
×3
Ground
As per level 9+ mound position
COMBINATIONS
As requested. For example:
Jab, Cross, Hook
Low turning kick, mid section turning kick.
SPARRING
1 x 2 minute round displaying learned techniques
LEVEL 7
STANCES
As before + back/ defensive stance
PUNCHES
As before + uppercut and back fist
BLOCKS
As before + Defense from hook
KICKS
As before +side kick
CLINCH WORK as before with standing grappling.
TAKE DOWN
×4
Ground
As before +submission from side ×2
CLINCH
Demonstrate clinch/escape/reversal/defense
+standing grappling
LEVEL 6
STANCES
As before + standing stance (with techniques performed)
PUNCHES/ STRIKES
As before + over hook
BLOCKS
As before + high kick defense
KICKS
As before + turning kick
Knees
Strait knee
Elbows
Strait elbow
CLINCH WORK as before with clinch control and movement.
Standing grappling
Takedows
×5
Ground
As before +submissions from mount ×2
SPARRING
LEVEL 5
STANCES
As before + looking at center line significance
PUNCHES
All hand techniques+ uppercut to the body
KICKS
As before + front rising, axes, reverse turning kick
Knees
All
Elbows
All
CLINCH WORK AS BEFORE
×1 min
Grappling fro 1 min
Takedown
×5
Ground
As before + 4 submissions from the guard
Sparring for 2 min.
LEVEL 4
STANCES
All stances
PUNCHES
All hand techniques
BLOCKS
All blocks
KICKS
All kicks + spot, slide, jump as requested by examiner
Knees
All
Elbows
All
CLINCH
For 2 min
Grappling
For 2min
Ground
As before + back mount
SPARRING
×2 min all
LEVEL 3
Any previously learned technique
Combinations as before as requested by the examiner
All as before
+ REVERSAL IN THE GROUND
Escape from all positions
+ground and pound strategic
Sparring ×2 min all
LEVEL 2
Demonstration of all previous techniques as requested by examiner
Combinations as previously done as requested by examiner.
All as before
+Takedows for 2 min
Sparring start in ground from open guard
+4 reversal
Escape from all positions
Sparring ×3 min mma
THESIS
Minimum 1000 words entitled “What does a black belt mean to me?”
LEVEL 1
Demonstration of all previous techniques as requested by examiner.
Combinations as previously done as requested by examiner.
Punches
× 1 min sparring only box
Blocks
×1 min only defense
Kicks
×1 min only kicks sparring
CLINCH
×1 min sparring only clinch
Grappling
×1 min sparring only standing grappling
Takedows
×1 min only Takedows
Ground
×2 min sparring only ground with ground and pound
Submissions
For 2 min only submissions from all positions
THESIS
Minimum of 3000 words entitled: “My journey from white belt to black belt”
