The Sports Archives – Who’s Tough Enough For Tough Mudder?

Posted on December 6, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Tough MudderThere are many arduous sporting challenges and activities out there but Tough Mudder certainly provides a unique battle to complete.  When the winter time is getting into full flow in the UK one of the toughest assault courses around comes to the North West of England in November. Tough Mudder is not for the faint hearted though as this 1-12 mile assault course has been designed to be both mentally and physically challenging by the British Special Forces. The challenge is one that will give participants the ultimate sense of pride at the finish line and you will also experience great camaraderie with fellow participants that will help you through the battle.

Tough Mudder is all about having fun and enjoying yourself, as well as putting yourself through a huge physical test. Along the way you will encounter interesting obstacles and you will certainly see enough mud to last you a lifetime. The 5000 participants will line up at the start and set off with a traditional war cry and head straight into the Swamp Stomp, which involves wading through waist-deep mud before you hit Bale Bonds. At this stage you will be throwing yourself over huge hay bales. These are just the first 2 of 30 obstacles dotted along the course and it is fair to say that they get a lot worse.

You will have to navigate your way through the Black Forest, climb the Berlin Walls, encounter the Kiss of Mud as you crawl under barbed wire, face the Fire Walker with four-foot flames and finish off with a bit of Electroshock Therapy. After all of this you will be greeted by cheering supporters, and a live band to go with a well-deserved beer.

As the event is in November it is sure to be cold and there is the potential of ice in the water. In the Canadian Tough Mudder some people got hypothermia and some also had cardiac troubles at the obstacle Arctic Enema. You can take precautions by wearing under armour heat gear which is designed to hold moisture away from the skin, keeping you drier and more comfortable.

Tough Mudder is a great event if you want to test yourself and it is all for a good cause. The Tough Mudder raises money for the charity Wounded Warrior Project who serve wounded service men and women who have had an injury, wounds or illness since September 11th 2001. The charity will contribute towards improving battlefield medicine and body armour amongst other things, so get involved and do something great for yourself and for others.

Article written by Warren Thomas representing http://www.performancesportsstuff.com/ who offer all kinds of activity wear and sports protection clothing.

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The Sports Archives – The History And Basics Of Wheelchair Basketball

Posted on December 5, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Wheelchair BasketballThe History And Basics Of Wheelchair Basketball

With the popularity of this year’s Paralympic Games, we think it’s time to take a closer look at one of the most watchable sports: wheelchair basketball. Developed by American World War II veterans, this activity became much-loved, not just as a rehabilitation program, but as a competitive sport across the world. Tellingly, more than 80 countries now have a wheelchair basketball teams.

Wheelchair basketball first appeared at the Rome Games in 1960 and was followed by women’s wheelchair basketball in 1968, two Paralympics later.

In the Paralympic Games, 12 teams competed in the men’s and 10 in the women’s groups. Each team has 12 athletes – 5 players and 7 subs. Every participating country is only allowed one men’s and one women’s team.

Classification

Of course, every person in a wheelchair has varying levels of disability, and this is reflected in the classification of athletes. The points range between 1 and 4.5 – 1 for the lowest physical function and 4.5 for the highest. In total, a team can’t exceed 14 points for their players.

The Court

The field of play is 28 metres long and 15 metres wide. The baskets are 3.05 metres above ground. The court is split down the middle, with the three-point line 6.75 metres away from each basket and the free-throw line a little closer at 5.8 metres.

The Basics

Generally, wheelchair basketball is no different to basketball: the court size, the basket height, and the scoring are all identical. You get 2 points for a regular shot, 1 point for every successful free throw, and three points when you score from a distance. Athletes also pass and dribble the ball – wheelchair players have to throw or bounce the ball every 2 turns of their wheels or they will be accused of traveling. The game lasts a total of 40 minutes, which is split into 10 minute quarters and players can call for time-out for one minute, if they like.

How to Win

Every wheelchair basketball player needs to be strong, fast, and high in endurance. Not only that, but they need to have fantastic skills with a basketball and a tactical mind. It also helps to have a fantastic chair like the products available at disability specialists, Allabilitycycling.

Officials

Like most sports, a referee presides over the game, as well as two umpires. There will be timers and scorers on hand to take care of the play’s statistics.

Rule Breaking

Some violations that aren’t tolerated on a wheelchair basketball court are traveling, going out-of-bounds, or rising out of the seat to achieve an advantage over other players. Usually, this results in the ball going to the opposition.

For fouls against other athletes like blocking, pushing, or charging, the opposition team gets a throw-in, but if the victim was close to scoring, then more than one throw-in may be awarded.

 

The Lingo

An ‘assist’ is when a pass goes directly to a teammate and they score. ‘Downtown’ is the area outside the three-point boundary. Finally, ‘shot clock’ is the 24 seconds awarded after a shot to get another rim-touch, or the ball turns over to the other team.

Article written by Jamie Knop on behalf of Allabilitycycling.

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History of the Paralympics!
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The Sports Archives – The Benefits of Belly Dancing!

Posted on December 4, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Belly DancingBelly dancing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you consider taking up exercise, but it is certainly worth consideration. Belly dancing is a dance that originated in the Middle East, and generally conjures up images of scantily clad women gyrating to some exotic music. Yet belly dancing is much more than just a spectacle to view, it has a number of unexpected health benefits for those that perform this ancient form of dance.

Physical Benefits

Belly dancing is a great fat burning activity, you can move all of your body and burn the fat without ever having to step foot inside a gym. Because belly dancing incorporates such a lot of physical activity those looking to lose the fat and improve their body shape can see results in next to no time. But the best part of choosing belly dancing for exercise is that it is fun, it doesn’t feel like exercising at all. Alongside the fat busting belly dance also works to improve other areas of the body. Many of the movements involved in the dance involve arm movements and shaping of the upper body. Because a lot of the movements are of a shaking, wiggling and twisting kind it also helps with flexibility and can help to strengthen bone.

Confidence Building

Not only is belly dancing good for the physical body, it is also good for the inner self. Learning to belly dance makes you very aware of your body, and as you continue to practice and develop your dancing skills, you will notice your body changing. Muscle tone will improve, as will posture and stamina. You will develop a new sense of confidence within yourself. Your coordination will have improved as will your balance and core body strength. All of this does wonders for your self-image and sense of self.

Stress Busting

Belly dancing is also a great way to burn off any unnecessary stress. While lost in the rhythm and motion of the dance your mind and body are transported away from your worries and cares for a while. It is also useful for working out all of the toxins in your body. It’s a kind of escapism that frees your mind and body from the restrictions of daily life. Not only is belly dancing good for you it can be enjoyed by the whole family. There are no age restrictions or stringent physical requirements and there is no expensive equipment to buy. It is a form of enjoyable exercise that can be done in the privacy of your own home or in a social setting with others. There are a number of different places that run belly dancing classes, such as social and community centres and local leisure centres. It would be worthwhile checking online to see where your nearest class is. If you don’t feel up to joining a class there are a number of learn at home DVD’s available so you can practice your belly dancing moves in the living room while the kids are at school.

Are you looking to teach your kids how to dance? Visit Imovesdance.com now.

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The Sports Archives History Lesson – The Business of Sport – Fred Perry

Posted on December 3, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Fred Perry StatueIt is strange to look back at the life of a tennis legend and consider that his greatest achievement may actually have come in the business arena not on the Tennis Court. Fred Perry won an incredible 10 tennis grand slam tournaments including three consecutive victories at Wimbledon and was the first player to win all four Grand Slams, but perhaps his greatest legacy is the iconic sportswear brand that bears his name.

Early Years

Fred Perry was born in Stockport in 1909. He was from a working class background and this proved troublesome during his tennis career. At that time the sport was the domain of the privileged classes who jealously guarded the principles of amateur sport and the traditional etiquette of the game. Perry was a feisty competitor whose antics on and off the court met with disapproval and he was not a popular figure with the British tennis authorities. He eventually turned professional to complete his alienation and spent much of his time out of the country playing on the professional circuit in the United States.

Business Idea

As a player Fred Perry was given to wrapping a piece of gauze around his wrist to wipe away sweat and keep moisture away from his racquet handle. In the 1940’s he was approached by Austrian footballer Tibby Wegner with an idea for a sweatband fashioned in towelling. Perry liked the idea and together they evolved a prototype which was too heavy but showed great promise. They developed a lighter, more practical model and went in to production. Perry showed himself to be an astute marketeer by giving free samples of his fledgling product to the players, asking them to wear them at tournaments. The sweatbands were a great hit and Fred Perry Sportswear was born.

Signature Shirt

The second product for the new brand was a slim fitting white cotton pique shirt. The shirts were as skilfully merchandised as the sweatbands. Perry offered them to the players and the BBC cameramen at Wimbledon. He even wore one himself whilst commentating. The players loved the new slimmer fit and Perry had a huge success on his hands. This shirt became the signature garment of the brand and remains so today. The iconic laurel wreath emblem that adorned the shirts was the suggestion of Wegner who thought it perfect because it signified victory in ancient Greece. Perry had wanted a cigar!

Fashion

The shirts had been popular with sportsmen but met with even greater success as fashion statements. The arrival of the Mod movement was the defining moment for the brand. The Mods were big on their image and sought a sharp suited look with a modern twist. The Fred Perry shirt with its quality,comfort, collar and slim fit was the perfect partner for the single breasted suits they favoured. Eventually Mods wanted to put a stamp of individuality into their outfits with the addition of colour and Fred Perry Sportswear responded with an expanded colour palette for the shirts.

Moving Forward

Over the years the Fred Perry brand expanded to include jackets, knitwear, bags and even ladies wear. It has evolved and been enhanced by collaborations with designers and the input of fans like Amy Winehouse, but has always retained a retro style representing British cool. The brand has been kept in the spotlight by celebrity followers whose images fit perfectly with the retro cool brand. Damon Albarn, Paul Weller and Amy Winehouse have all been enthusiastic wearers of the clothes but the company have always refused to pay for celebrity endorsement. It does now have a signature range of Bradley Wiggins cycling apparel. The brand that started with a simple sweatband became an empire founded on quality, style and sticking to its principles.

Moving On

Fred Perry died in 1995 and in that year Fred Perry Sportswear was sold to the Japanese company Hit Union. Perry left an amazing legacy of sporting success, his career in the spotlight more than ever in 2012 because of the achievements of Andy Murray as he became the first British player to win a tennis grand slam since Perry. It is possible, however, that many will think fashion before sport when you mention the name Fred Perry.

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Sally S writes on a wide range of subjects including fashion and sports. A tennis fan, Sally enjoyed researching this article about one of the all-time greats of the sport.

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The Sports Archives – How Much Does It Cost To Train An Olympic Athlete?

Posted on December 1, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Team CanadaFor a select few world-class athletes, 2012 was the year when they realized their full potential, and stood on the podium with an Olympic gold medal around the neck.

At that specific moment, they may well have contemplated how the help they have received from outside funding sources had ensured that they could have their moment of glory.

The games of summer 2012 represented the culmination of 15 years of funding programs provided by the UK’s National Lottery, so every time you play the lottery you are indirectly helping our athletes take steps towards fulfilling their potential.

The Lottery funding is only part of the story though, as in the six years leading up to the 2012 Games, the coordinating and governing body of British official athletics, UK Sport, received £300million of funding, a large proportion of which, of course, came from the pockets of us, the taxpayers.

In a change from past policy, UK Sport devised a program called Mission 2012 in the years leading up to the Games, which encouraged individual sports to assess how their training and development programs were performing, and to find creative solutions to problems in securing such funding.

Under these programs, 900 athletes, participating in 46 sports, were given support to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics.

Official figures show that the amount spent on funding Team GB participants has risen sharply over the last two Olympic Games. At the Sydney games in 2000, the athletes were funded to the tune of £60million, and were rewarded with 28 medals. Four years later, in Athens, the medal tally rose slightly, to 30, achieved with the help of £70million in funding.

But it was ahead of the 2008 Beijing games that funding took a quantum leap forward. At those games, Team GB earned 47 medals – 19 of them gold – but funding had increased more than three-fold, to £235million.

Of course, as soon as it was announced that the Olympics would be staged in London, seven years before the actual dates, it was clear that funding would have to be looked at afresh, with the hope that the country could be among the leaders in the medals table – the customary position which the hosts have come to enjoy.

However, there was an extra factor to consider in the run-up to the 2012 Games – namely, the state of the British government’s finances. As it was forced to cut spending deeply as part of a medium-term plan to put the country back on an even keel, some promised support had to be cut, leaving outside sources, such as the National Lottery, to pick up the baton, to use an athletics-related phrase.

Early suggestions are, however, that total funding for athletes sporting Team GB colours who competed in the Olympic Games reached a new high, of £264milliion. That helped produce a net result of 65 medals, while the total number of Team GB competitors was 542.

From a few basic calculations, we can see that this meant that each medal cost £4.6million, but if this calculation is extended to all athletes, it shows that the cost of training each of our competitors was just under £500,000. Of course, there will be some whose sports necessitate much higher funding than others because of the equipment and infrastructure required. But one thing that is for sure is that, at the moment when our medal-winning athletes stood on their podia, the amount it cost for each of them to reach that stage was immeasurable in terms of the pride which it brought to the nation.

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Sheena Williams is a freelance writer specialising in sports related topics such as football insurance and personal trainer insurance.

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The Sports Archives – UEFA Champions League Matchday 5 best-playing teams!

Posted on November 30, 2012 by thesportsarchives

The fifth round of Champions League matches in 2012 was not full of good news as far as English and Scottish teams were concerned.

Juventus LogoOne of the biggest pieces of news was surely the 3-0 defeat of defending champions Chelsea by Italian giants Juventas. The Londoners were soundly beaten 3-0 in Turin and now must rely on other results to clinch a place in the last-16 of the competition. Blues manager Roberto Di Matteo was sacked in the wake of the game, perhaps indicating how the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge feel about their fading chances of reaching the knock-out stages.

The biggest disappointment for English teams was probably the performance of Manchester City. The Sky Blues were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Spanish giants Real Madrid, despite the Spaniards being reduced to 10 men when Alvaro Arbeloa sent off in the 73rd minutes for a second bookable offence. This incident had resulted in a penalty, from which Sergio Aguero scored. But that effort only cancelled out Karim Benzema‘s 10th minute strike for the visitors. Now Roberto Mancini‘s City must look to the Europa League to extend their stay in European competition.

The third English representative to lose was Manchester United, who had already clinched a spot in the knock-out phase thanks to a 3-1 win over Braga in the fourth round of matches. As it turned out, it was a good job they had result in the bag, as they lost 1-0 in Turkey at Galatasary on Match Day Five. A 54th minute header from Burak Yilmaz proved enough to send the Red Devils home disappointed.

Arsenal sealed their place in the next phase of the competition with a 2-0 over Arsenal LogoFrench outfit Montpellier. England international midfielder Jack Wilshere, returning from a very long period out with injury, netted his first goal since his comeback. German international Lukas Podolski also netted, to ensure that the north London outfit would be in the knock-out phase of the competition yet again, despite recent criticism of manager Arsene Wenger among some sections of the club’s support.

Scottish champions Celtic could also have clinched a place in the last 16 with a 1-1 draw at Benfica of Portugal. After Giorgios Samaras had cancelled out Ola John‘s seventh minute strike it looked as though they might be on their way. Ezequiel Garay‘s 71st minute winner meant that the Hoops could not try tailgating on the heroism of their home win over Barcelona on Match Day Four.

The Glaswegians can still qualify though, if results go their way in the concluding round of games. That would be a massive achievement not just for the Bhoys, but for Scottish football, so often derided in the recent past, as a whole.

Guest post submitted by Brian Sullivan

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The Sports Archives – Giving the Gift of Fandom!

Posted on November 29, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Giving the Gift of Fandom this Holiday!

Fandom, or the act of supporting one’s team, is rarely something that can be given. Fathers can pass along the love of a sport to his kids, respect of a university is often earned while earning a degree. Otherwise, one’s support has to be earned by a team – no matter how impressive they may be. But once said connection has been made, overtaking that respect is a hard-earned battle.

When it comes to supporting that fan-ish behavior, however, the idea can more than be given – as a Christmas present, birthday gift, or just a thinking-of-you memento. Think about it, how often has a Packers fan not rejoiced at the thought of a cheese hat? When do Kansas State fans not love the sound of “EMAW”? And when do Bronco followers hate the combination of orange and navy? The more merchandise that is obtained, the stronger this bond becomes.

However, there is a large-scale of what fans will and will not consider sacred. Clothes come and go, and posters become outdated. But those items that truly served part in historic events, they are priceless – unless you’re giving as a gift, that is. In which case, make your best offer. This holds true for thousands of historic pieces sold each year, including James Naismith’s founding rules of basketball, which date back to 1891 and were obtained for more than $4 million in recent times.

Items such as these, floorboards from the Lakers’ former home court, a signed Andre Agassi tennis ball, the bat which caused George Brett’s infamous Pine Tar Incident – are all ones sports fans hold dear. Even if one wasn’t there for the event, who can forget the game in which a two-scoring home run was negated because of gripping assistance? Taking place in 1983, the game was eventually replayed, allowing the Royals to overcome the Yankees in a 5-4 game.

George Brett's Pine Tar Bat

George Brett’s Pine Tar Bat

And while not every piece can be obtained, Christmas present or not, chances are there’s a book or brochure outlining the event. To some, this is just as important as the item, as it explains the importance behind it.

While fandom is something that can rarely be forced, memorabilia is a great way to grow and support one’s love of a game. Consider giving the gift of nostalgia the next time a sports fan comes to mind.

Brought to you by St. Patrick’s Guild, your source for holiday shopping.

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The Sports Archives – NFL Champions’ Secret to Success!

Posted on November 28, 2012 by thesportsarchives
Bill Belichick - 8/28/2009

Bill Belichick – 8/28/2009

At the NFL level, everyone has talent and athletic ability but to rise above and be successful takes a little bit more. Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots know what it takes to be NFL champions.  They’ve won three Super Bowls. They have the longest winning streak in the NFL with 21 games. They hammered the New York Jets on Thanksgiving Day 2012 49-19. The Patriots put up 35 points in the second quarter; 21 of the points came in under 60 seconds.

Tim Tebow knows what it takes to be a champion. He helped turn around the Denver Broncos’ 2011-2012 season, and led them to the playoffs. After the season they traded him to the Jets where he is having difficulty. He fractured two ribs against the Seattle Seahawks, and did not play in the game against the Patriots.

As quarterback at the University of Florida he won the Heisman Trophy his sophomore year, 2007. He helped the Gators win the BCS National Championship in 2006. As the starting quarterback in 2008, he led them to another National Championship. He holds 5 NCAA, 14 SEC and 28 University of Florida records. He did great in college, but he hasn’t reached his full potential in the NFL.

To be successful in the NFL, players and teams need to know success. The Patriots know they can win. This gives them confidence to overcome obstacles. They don’t doubt themselves at pivotal points during the game. The Detroit Lions haven’t grasped this concept yet. They lost on Thanksgiving Day to the Houston Texans in overtime 34 to 31. The Lions had a number of opportunities to win the game, but couldn’t lock it in.

In the third quarter a bad call by the officials helped the Texans get a touchdown. It’s part of the game. A successful team overcomes obstacles. The Lions have had many difficult seasons, including 2008 with a 0-16 record. Three years later they made the playoffs. To make it to the Super Bowl, they need a successful attitude. They haven’t figured out yet, they actually can beat their opponents. They need to mentally see themselves successful on each and every play, and not tailgating in the parking lot.

Tim Tebow with Denver.

Many players like Tim Tebow, have trouble making the transition from college to the NFL. In order to succeed, players must be willing to learn. Tebow can succeed and be an NFL champion. He has a winning attitude, rigorous work ethics, and tremendous athletic ability. To do it, he must listen to the coach and try new things.

NFL Champions’ secret to success is confidence in knowing they can complete the play successfully. It also involves learning, working hard and listening to the coach.

Article by Wayne Wolfe.

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The Sports Archives – MMA – Everything That Boxing Isn’t!

Posted on November 27, 2012 by thesportsarchives

MMA UFC 131 Carwin vs. JDSOver the last few years it would be fair to say that boxing had literally gone into hiding. This is the result of two things, the rise of other sports such as MMA and the lack of big names materialising in boxing. There has admittedly been a small handful of world-class and truly great boxers over the past few years such as Floyd Mayweather, Jr.,  Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao, but it doesn’t extend to many more than them.

It seems that the new generations of fighting fans are now far more interested MMA whilst the older guys amongst us are traditionalists and prefer boxing. If we are honest about the reasoning behind the popularity of the newer fighting sports, it is simply because they are better, more exciting and technically more difficult.

So Why Is It Better?

When attempting to compare the two sports it is always a good idea to look at the negatives of both of them first off. Fans of boxing will always claim that MMA is a barbaric sport, whilst on the flip side MMA fans will claim that assumption is made simply through a lack of knowledge about the sport and rules.

The Negatives

Many do not know for instance that in much the same way as boxing, low blows, gouging and other dirty types of moves are forbidden. In fact the two sports are similar in many ways; both allow punches to the face with the only difference being that MMA throws wrestling moves into the mix. So in reality if MMA is barbaric then boxing certainly is too.

Another hypocritical claim made by boxing fans is that the promotion for the fights is over the top with all of the pre-fight trash talking that occurs between fighters. In fact many put it in the same bracket as what you would see on WWF, acting for the sake of promotion.

However, boxers have been doing the same ever since its inception. Two fighters in any sport will trash talk; a certain Muhammad Ali was the king in that regard. Do they all do it to sell their fight to their public? Possibly, but in most cases it is about the ego of the two fighters clashing.

I am often told by boxing fans that they think some MMA fights are purely staged much like in the WWF too; however my quick response to those questions is to ask whether they have any proof to back that accusation up and whilst they are at it do they have any proof to suggest that boxing is not staged? There is no answer and the argument goes absolutely nowhere, MMA like boxing is not staged and is a full contact sport that is taken very seriously by its fighters.

The Positives

The positives relate to one thing, MMA is the natural evolution of boxing. In much the same way that the cheese pizza was improved by the addition of pepperoni, boxing was improved by the addition of new ingredients.

In fact MMA is so much more technically demanding, there are more moves to master, more to avoid, whilst MMA includes so much more strategy. You are not only looking for a weakness in speed, strength or stamina from your opponent, you are also looking to see if they are weaker on the floor than on their feet, whether your opponent is more susceptible to a certain fighting style or not.

In summary, MMA has taken boxing to the next level both in entertainment and in terms of the skill and technique required to be the best at it. It also appeals to fans as it is cheaper to watch, has more fighters to follow and many more classic fights.

For that reason I can only see the popularity of MMA rising, whilst who knows how boxing will fare in the next ten or twenty years.

With the incredible speed at which MMA is growing there are plenty of websites dedicated to the sport, such as www.tapout101.com which can keep you up to date with it at all times.

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The Sports Archives – Philadelphia’s Long Tradition of Sports Welcomes Another Member!

Posted on November 26, 2012 by thesportsarchives

MMA Types of CombatWhether we like to acknowledge them or not, we are currently living in uncertain times. Depending on your exact location there may be political or other concerns dominating your local news headlines. In a world full of uncertain times, people will certainly want to find a way to distract themselves. This distraction does not have to be permanent, it could even last a mere couple of hours if the person wants. The types of distractions one may become involved in can vary as much as we do from person to person. Some may turn to working on their homes. Some may turn to working on a project automobile or something in their workshop. Others turn to the expansive world of sports. This world allows people to become enthralled in whatever their passion is. Some sports fans focus on more traditional sports like football, basketball, etc. Others tend to focus on large events like the Olympics. Still others may turn their attention to sports that are not necessarily main stream. An example here would be MMA in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia’s Rich Sports History

The City of Brotherly Love is famous for many things. Its historical significance cannot be denied. It is also famous for more modern items such as cheesesteaks and certain snack food companies. Another area of pride for the city and many of its residents is their rich sporting history. It is home to teams that represent the four major professional sports in the United States. Between these four teams, sports fans in the city have a rich history of champions they can call their own. Collegiate fans also have plenty of success to hang their hats on. Away from team sports the city has produced many individual champions in sports such as boxing. While boxing may not have quite the following that the team sports do, it does still have an impact on the city.

The Newcomer

MMA

While more main stream sports tend to dominate the headlines there are other sports working on gaining much-needed attention too. Many of these sports focus on the individual athlete as opposed to a team mentality. When people think of individual sports, things like boxing or even competitive wrestling may come to mind. There is another individual sport quickly gaining in popularity though. This sport tends to combine elements found in a few different types of sports into one. It has gained quite a following in the less than twenty years it has been in the United States.

The sport in question is Mixed Martial Arts. MMA in Philadelphia as a sport is brought to the masses in many forms. There is of course the sport itself and its legion of dedicated followers. Another approach to the sport is as a method of personal training. Some have taken to using the techniques taught as a good physical work out. No matter what your interest in the sport is you can follow it on the go with apps such as MMA fan.

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Stephen Craig is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. Follow him @SCraigSEO.

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