Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques, from a mixture of martial arts traditions and non-traditions, to be used in competitions. The rules allow the use of striking and grappling techniques, both while standing and on the ground. Such competitions allow martial artists of different backgrounds to compete.

Modern mixed martial arts competition emerged in American popular culture in 1993 with the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Initially based on finding the most effective martial arts for real unarmed combat situations, competitors of various arts were pitted against one another with minimal rules for safety. In the following decade, MMA promoters adopted many additional rules aimed at increasing safety for competitors and to promote mainstream acceptance of the sport. The name Mixed martial arts was coined by one of the developers of these rules Jeff Blatnick a former Greco-Roman wrestler and Olympic gold medallist. Following these changes, the sport has seen increased popularity with pay per view reach rivaling boxing and professional wrestling.

Instructor

Drew Montgomery

Drew Montgomery, a native of Rancho Cordova, CA was a multi-talented athlete at Cordova High School lettering in football, basketball and baseball. After graduating in 2000 he attended American River College for the next 2 years where he was a tight end on the football team. In the spring of 2005 he finally earned his AA degree in Social Science from Sac City and then went on to finished his education at Central Washington University in the fall of 2006. He joined Team X by the Summer of 2006 which was located only a few blocks from where Drew grew up. After only a few months of MMA training, Drew stepped into the cage for the first time October 14, 2006 against a much bigger opponent in a Gladiator Challenge event. He emerged victorious with a 12 second TKO in the 1st round. In 2007 Drew fought a total of 6 times, willing to fight on the shortest of notices regardless of his opponent. Some of his more seasoned opponents that year included 2006 Super Heavyweight NAGA winner Jon Brokowske, Former boxer Richard Blake and Division I All-American wrestler Tony Rubalcava.

In June of 2008 Rumsey scored Drew a 4-fight contract with Elite XC/Showtime. Drew won the first fight of his contract at the Stockton Arena July 26, 2008 against big heavyweight Brandon "Bolo" Tarns on the under card of the Robbie Lawler/Scott Smith rematch.

In the summer of 2009 Drew captured the Gladiator Challenge Heavy Weight Championship. Since then he has become the newest member of the WarriorMMA family heading up our MMA dept and fight team.

Drew's accomplishments includes the following: