There are many many effective arts, and they all have thier own competitions. If your looking to do MMA, I would suggest finding a good MMA gym in your area. The difference between that, and TMA (traditional martial arts) is night and day IMO. You will want to train for your goals, so if you list those we can help narrow your search down more.

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I don't do this for my family, my friends, women, accolades, pride, or ego. I do it for me and no one else, its just part of who I am.