These competitions began as a way of pitting different martial arts and fight styles against each other, with minimal rules, in an attempt to determine which system would be most effective in real combat situations. It has evolved into a sport with some rules but retains much of the original no-holds-barred concept – with no general sanctioning body for the sport, and rules varying by individual organizations and localities. Techniques used in mixed martial arts competition generally fall into two categories: striking techniques such as kicks and punches and grappling techniques such as holds, takedowns and throws. Some unarmed, hand-to-hand combat techniques such as biting and eye-gouging are illegal in most modern competitions. 

The Jackson Rancheria’s Global Knock-Out Judgment Day will feature Carl “Badwater” Seumanutafa vs. Chris Bostick, battling it out for the first Global Knock-Out Heavyweight Champion Title. Seumanutafa is a 6-foot, 240-pound member of the 3rd Street Boxing Team in San Francisco. He specializes in boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is currently 2-0. Bostick, 5 foot 10 inch and 216 pounds, is a member of the Shields Fight Team in San Francisco and specializes in wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is also 2-0. For more information on the Global Knockout event, visit jacksoncasino.com. We spoke to Anthony Hanks of the Jackson Red Dragon Karate studio about the popularity of Mixed Martial Arts competitions and he said that the philosophy of his studio is different -- The style of martial arts he teaches does not promote fighting, but rather self-defense and decision making for the future. They have tournaments, but they compete for points based on performance and skill rather than submission by knock-out or threat of harm.

Hanks said his students are more interested in life skills and being successful in life. His style promotes respect, courtesy, goal setting, keeping grades up and advancing through diligence rather than a knock-out in the ring. When asked if his students want to fight in the ring, he said he believes that that people are attracted to the style of martial arts that aligns with their own beliefs. Hanks also said Red Dragon is more family-oriented, whereas Mixed Martial Arts competitions are geared towards adults.