There seems to be a big division within the martial arts community at present.  It boils down to a huge difference of opinion on whether the growth of MMA through promotions such as the UFC and WEC is a good thing or a step back for martial arts.  The most recent hysteria surrounding the kids cage fighting headlines that reverberated around the world is proof (if it was required) that the general public still have a very negative perception of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).  A lot of martial artists who have grown up learning traditional art forms such as Karate, Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu view MMA also share this view (albeit from a more experienced stance).  Personally I can see the arguments for and against in this instance.  I come from a fairly hybrid background (The Freestyle Karate syllabus I learned from was essentially a mixed martial art, combining elements from a number of other styles and influences) and such feel something of a kinship with both the traditionalists (as I have always been taught to appreciate technique, self development, the importance of the belt system etc) and the more modern exponents (as I was also taught to be open to other disciplines, look at what truly works best, cross training etc).  So, where do I stand?  I think that there are some less than ideal connotations between MMA and a lot of things that do not sit well with the kind of ethos that should form the foundation of martial arts.  As such, that is why I set up Takedown MMA to try and address some of these factors, but I don't think MMA is a particularly new concept at all. However, the re packaging of it into the current form you see today is more as a result of the changes in society than it is in any ground breaking movement within the martial arts community.  I believe that MMA has a place in the broad colourful spectrum that is the world of martial arts.  Like Kickboxing, it is a modern twist on older martial art styles in forming a new sport.  I think that the next few years will see the sport become more regulated and with that hopefully will come more education.  Not just for the general public but also for everyone involved in the sport.  This is, in my opinion, the only way we can take MMA forward and allow it to fulfil its potential as a truly great sport. That is an important point though.  It is a sport.  The study of martial arts is so much more.  It can last a lifetime, not just the period of time that a person can actively compete.  So, just as in the seventies and eighties, Punk music did not spell the end of music or civil society, neither will MMA be the death of martial arts.  It is just another new chord in the music that is the evolution of martial arts...