MMA Family Tree

KumiteClass.com, the official website of the Annual Kumite Classic, published this infographic titled “Mixed Martial Arts Family Tree.” Based on information compiled from MMAHistory.org, it shows the history of MMA and how it has evolved over time. At the bottom of the tree, you’ll find the “roots” of MMA in indigenous forms of hand-to-hand combat around the world. In 648 BC, Pankration is the first rung on the family tree. Around the turn of the 20th century, karate and judo spread. From there, you’ll read about various milestones where martial arts were combined to create new forms, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing vs. wrestling, kickboxing, and the official sport of MMA.