Despite being an amateur competition, the competitors don't pull their punches.Photo: Cui Nan

Here, in a basketball-court sized basement in Beijing, some 92 amateur Mixed Martial Art (MMA) fighters have gathered to "prepare to be splattered with blood."

One weekend in March, eight boxing clubs in Beijing held an amateur competition. The winner was not awarded with cash, but instead received a "golden-belt" made by the club.

"Amateur fighters usually get beaten into pulp 'like watermelons' when fighting against the professionals," said Xu Xiaodong, an MMA promoter in China, as he recalled a competition attended by both professional and amateur fighters. As a result, the competition in March was only open to amateurs.

In a room fully occupied by men, a female fighter drew extra attention. Yu Chang, a senior high school student and the youngest fighter, was accompanied by her father.

The other fighters did not show mercy because she is a woman. Her face was beaten repeatedly during the fights. However, she made it to the end and won an award.

The competition attracted a hundred audience members, including teenagers who are interested in MMA. They excitedly watched the fights and imitated their moves from time to time.

MMA is becoming popular in Asian countries such as Japan and Singapore, but it is relatively unknown in China. When it comes to martial arts, the first thing that comes to mind is kung fu.

Chinese fighters are rarely seen in international MMA competitions. Many believe it is because Chinese fighters are too busy preparing for the National Games.

To continue promoting MMA in China, Xu is planning to have another competition in October this year. "I believe MMA will have a promising future in China," he said.

Amateur fighter Wu Di's coach helps him to put on a mouth guard.Photo: Cui Nan

An enthralled audience watches the fight.Photo: Cui Nan

An amateur fighter plays with a little fan.Photo: Cui Nan

 

The left side of female fighter Yu Chang's face is covered with bruises.Photo: Cui Nan

A fighter jumps for joy after he won the competition.Photo: Cui Nan