Korean Job Discussion Forums

[drdst122]

I'm really into MMA and I know it's a big thing in Japan. Is there a big MMA scene in S. Korea? Are there a lot of events held there regularly?

Thanks!

[drdst122]

There is a fight tonight where a guy who has no arms or legs, just arms to the elbow and legs to the knees who is fighting tonight. His story is very inspirational, although him fighting does cause a bit of controversy.

Here is a story about his fight tonight if anyone is interested.

http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/1/saturday-mma-blog-17181

[drdst122]

I guess by the overwhelming responses that it's not very popular in SK.

In case you are wondering and don't know, MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts. Think UFC, Dream, Pride, K-1, any of those organizations sponsors MMA.

[DrOctagon]

Sorry, I live under a rock. I have NO idea what MMA is even though it's very popular and fights are broadcast on Korean TV.

[Golem]

Yes, all the people I know who study Jiu Jitsu watch MMA and about half of them plan to compete in MMA either professionally or as an amateur for fun.
There are many BJJ gyms. I'd gladly introduce you to any of the decent MMA gyms I know here in Seoul. There are only a handful I'd recommend if you dont speak Korean though.

[drdst122]

Well I am not in S. Korea yet. I am planning on being there come August/September as long as everything goes according to plan.

I don't really practice MMA as much as I enjoy watching and following it. I would love to go to some live events if they are held often.

[BrassMonkey]

Hey Bro

I'm no longer in Korea but short answer "yes!" there is definitely an MMA scene in Korea. Follow this link to the sherdog forums http://www.sherdog.net/forums/f61/ then click on the Korean MMA thread. Somebody on there will be able to give you more specific advice than I can and the thread is in English.

Whilst you will find plenty of "McDojos" in Korea you will some good gyms too. If you can't find a good MMA gym in your area, chances are you will be able to find Muay Thai, BJJ, boxing or possibly even sambo.

The main promoter in Korea is Spirit MC. I believe they have a good system for allowing MMA practitioners to gain experience as they operate both pro and amateur circuts. Fighters can gain experience relatively early under a more forgiving set of MMA rules (padding worn, early stoppages and no high risk subs like Kimuras and ankle locks) and progress to a less protected rules once experience has been gained.

All the UFC events air for free on normal cable TV. I paid 30 000 won for cable TV and unlimited broadband and could watch every UFC without being hit for pay per view charges as in most western countries.

Good luck with your teaching and your training!

[BrassMonkey]

Sorry for saying "Bro" in the previous message. I assumed you were a bloke. Maybe you're not. Sorry if my gender based sporting prejudicisms inadvertently caused offence.

[drdst122]

Haha, no worries. I am indeed a male and I appreciate your response. I read sherdog religiously, even though it's sometimes a huge headache. I'll check out the section on Korea. Never knew about it.

Thanks

[Papa Smurf]

it's pretty big.

the biggest korean organization is Spirit. almost every night of the week, they show re-runs on SBS (i think).

Dream, UFC and k1 are always live on cable (dont have to ppv). affliction is also shown. fedor is quite famous here. ive seen him on talk/game shows.

They have a ufc express show. kind of chat and highlights. the ufc is getting more famous here because koreans like denis kang, akiyama and dong hyun kim are competing.

[chris_J2]

I'm surprised that no-one has yet mentioned Taekwondo:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taekwondo

[pec5002]

Im not a figher, but I would like to see a fight or two is there anywhere to watch them?

Edit: Watch them in person, not on TV.