Mixed martial arts, or MMA, means using a mix of fighting styles together in a single match. In particular, what makes it unique is the combination of strikes (punches, kicks etc) with grappling (throws, takedowns, ground work etc). This makes it especially realistic for self-defence, which is a leading motivation for the average person to take up martial arts.
The mixing of styles also multiplies the potential complexity and variety of the fighting, making it intellectually stimulating to follow. Furthermore, this complexity, combined with the relative newness of MMA as a mass participation sport, means that new moves are still being refined and invented, far more than in almost any other sport.
Personally, although I’ve done some karate, and dabbled in boxing, I’m not really into participating in the striking side of MMA. I prefer the grappling – the main reason being that you can train a lot of the moves in realistic fighting without anyone getting hurt. You simply tap if a submission hold gets too tight.
In striking, by contrast, the training has to focus mainly on simulating moves, given that doing them realistically would involve repeated strikes to the face! I find that the pretending becomes boring after a while. But I also have no interest in actually striking another person, let alone being struck by them.
At the same time, I recognise that it is the mixing of striking and grappling together that has brought grappling to a much wider audience, via the UFC. Also, it’s led to a rapid evolution of grappling itself, transcending the original distinctions between wrestling, judo and jiu-jitsu. Hence modern grappling is all about what is most effective in a realistic fight, regardless of the origins of any particular move or hold.
As a small guy (around 145 pounds or 65 kilos) I have limited my own grappling training over the years, due to the risk of injury from the larger and more aggressive/reckless guys that often gravitate towards the sport. At the same time, my gentler approach turned out to have its own benefit, as I was popular as a training and sparring partner for the higher-level juniors.
Because of this, I’ve become quite knowledgeable about kids’ mma training, and I’ve been able to combine elements of this into my existing work as a kids’ personal trainer. I think modern grappling in particular is great for kids, and this has become increasingly well recognised in recent years. Even the US President’s daughter and grandchildren now train!
Kids’ grappling has also been brought to a wider audience by real kids’ mma matches. These matches have carefully controlled rule sets (e.g. no head shots), so that safety is comparable to that of other contact sports. They can be a great showcase for high-level youth grapplers, as in the video below which already has 1.7 million views for some very young competitors at only 25 kg!
Just to add, even though the macho mma setting is not quite my cup of tea, I have a lot of respect for those who put on such events safely, and for the various positive role models (coaches, parents, referees etc) who support kids through the whole process to gain a uniquely positive experience.
For further insight into the training of the boy who won the match, you can visit https://www.instagram.com/siblingfighters/
Chris Gibbs Fitness 
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