| Also known as | XMA |
|---|---|
| Focus | Hybrid |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Creator | Michael Chaturantabut[1] |
| Famous practitioners | Matt Mullins, Leo Howard,[2] Taylor Lautner |
| Parenthood | Karate, Wushu, Taekwondo, gymnastics, acrobatics, Capoeira. |
| Olympic sport | No |
| Official website | XMA official website |
Xtreme Martial Arts or XMA is a brand name owned by Michael Chaturantabut. Chaturantabut's XMA is a combination of elements from martial arts, acrobatics, and gymnastics,[3] with an emphasis on showmanship.[4][5]
The concept of adding gymnastics-like tumbling moves to elements of traditional martial arts is otherwise known as "tricking". XMA makes these exhibition moves the focus of the sport. Open hand and weapons choreography are often accompanied by dramatic dance or programmatic music. The goal is to command the attention of the audience.[6]
Currently there are schools of martial arts or similar XMA styles based in the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, the World Headquarters being in North Hollywood, California.[6] Many of the moves are high-flying aerial acrobatic maneuvers. These stunning movements attain the goal of capturing the crowd, improving physical agility, balance, strength, coordination, and endurance, as well as performing an artistic display of talent.[7]
There are also many basic moves that can be specialized to be more acrobatic, flashy, and artistic so as to give the impression of complexity and difficulty for showmanship purposes. It is for this reason that even the basic athlete or beginner can learn the progression from basic moves to highly complex acrobatic sequences.[6]