Mixed martial arts: Full-contact combat training in Federal Way

It's 100 degrees outside — and students of Northwest Kickboxing and MMA haven't even begun to sweat. Rich Parker's mixed martial arts class has just ended, and many of his students stayed behind to catch the next class.

Mixed martial arts, known as MMA, is a full-contact combat sport that uses a mix of martial arts techniques.

Disciplines such as judo, karate and kickboxing are some of the techniques used, according to the Ultimate Fighting Championship's official Web site. That means fighters with different training backgrounds are allowed to compete against one another.

Northwest teaches a CSW style of MMA, which means "combat submission wrestling," as Parker explained. They use CSW to teach fundamental movements and defenses. Students learn how and when to attack, defend, escape and submit. Students learns at their own pace and all levels are welcome.

America started to notice MMA with the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and the tournament's availability on pay-per-view channels in the early 1990s.

"Media brings everything into the mainstream," Parker said.

The sport was soon met with criticism for its lack of regulation, and was even banned in some states, Parker said.

The UFC responded by implementing stricter mandates including weight classes, time limits and drug testing, but still retaining core elements such as striking (hitting) and grappling (grabbing or handling).

Parker also notes that MMA has become more Westernized. While some students take classes to train, many come for the workout.

"There's been a change of students. It's turned to a gym-like mentality," Parker said.

Parker had more traditional training, but said overall it was an "eclectic blend" of styles. Although the trend has broken away from traditional teaching, Parker doesn't seem to mind. He likes having fun in the class, and it keeps the students coming back.

Parker teaches class in the evening, after working his regular job in construction. He's been teaching for five years, though he admits his schedule can be exhausting.

"It's a passion," Parker said.

Owner Chris Clark has been teaching in Federal Way for 11 years. Besides the school, Clark also offers private instruction and works with police training in defensive tactics. That is how he met one of his newest students.

Police officer Marcella Fogg first met Clark while in the academy. She decided to continue working with Clark, or "Sifu" (the Chinese word for teacher) upon finishing her training.

"I've been here less than two weeks. I really like it," Fogg said.

Fogg, 26, recently graduated from the academy and now works for the Redmond Police Department.

Northwest Kickboxing and MMA offer other classes such as Muay Thai kickboxing and Kali. Classes are held daily at 34310 9th Ave., #102, near St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. To learn more, visit www.nwkickboxing.com or call (866) 986-9147.