Syllabus
AAMMA’s syllabus has been designed around the IMMAF (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) and the BJJA (British Ju-Jitsu Association) rule set to ensure that the techniques included are relevant, progressive and safe. The aim of the syllabus was to increase student retention by providing structure to classes and setting goals for the students. There are a total of 9 individual grades progressing White – Black
The testing and refining of the syllabus was conducted over the past year. The syllabus was implemented and tested in September 2021 in a newly established venue and has been the most significant reason for student retention and club growth. The syllabus provides a progressive framework for lesson structure.
Gradings
We at AAMMA have taken a slightly different approach to gradings compared to more established/commercial martial arts (e.g. Taekwondo and karate). We have not adopted a pay to progress system that sees children racing through the grades. Children grade when their coach/coaches feel they are ready and it is explained to children that there is a real possibility to fail. MMA is not a theoretical martial art so our scheme of work includes competition experience to further challenge students and help develop them into martial artists.
The Grading days are a very positive event for both students and coaches. We have found that the students will be completing anywhere between 2 – 3 gradings a year ensuring the integrity of the syllabus. During testing we found that anywhere between 3 – 6 months gaps between gradings worked well keeping progression steady and not diluting the product. At the end of the grading the students will get awarded with a certificate and if the gym decides they can attach a badge to their students team uniform.
Competitions
The competition format is progressive and supportive. Students will start with no submission grappling competitions and progress to full MMA no headshot competitions. The entry level contests are exhibitions where everyone’s a winner, the more experienced students will have the option to compete in tournaments with opportunities to win medals and trophies. In order to keep competition fair students are matched on weight and ability (e.g. white grades vs white grades/yellow grades vs yellow grades). AAMMA affiliated clubs and students will get a discounted entry to all competitions held with the support of AAMMA. The future of AAMMA is to hold competitions regionally and eventually nationally. A full rule set is available on request.
Coaching Courses
Coaching is a skill that can be learnt and improved upon. Other sports for a long time have been producing level 1/level 2 coaching qualifications (e.g. swimming, football and netball). MMA has been lacking in this area so AAMMA have been developing their own bespoke coaching qualifications to provide the coaches with the tools to help them coach. All the material presented within the courses has been taken from peer reviewed resources (scientific literature). These qualifications are not designed to teach you how to throw a punch but to help teach you how to coach children and retain members.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a scary topic for many martial arts coaches, and we have all heard the horror stories from children in sport. We are here to help protect the coaches and the students. We act as an independent impartial body for your members to approach us with any concerns as well as provide the coaches with the confidence to coach without fear of prosecution. We can provide coaches with advice on how to keep yourself safe and students safe.