Physical fitness is a growing concern around the world, but for many people, a gym based solution simply does not engage their mind and emotions to the extent that they will keep up with it over time. New Years resolutions are made and broken year after year as people attempt to find the right way to stay in shape. However, some people are being advised to seek out physical exercise that engages more than just their body. This is why martial arts have been more popular as of late, they have the ability to combine both mental and physical energies because they are a form rather than a simple set of exercises. The benefit of having a purpose makes them superior for those who would like to be able to do more than simply 'go through the motions. For those who are just getting started in a martial art, the ability to find a wider selection of sparring gear is making a big difference because this used to be something that could not be easily shopped for. The web is changing things for the martial arts crowd because a growing number of people are sharing information about their chosen form of martial arts, ranging from training trips to teacher recommendations to where to find the very best gear.

The birthplace of mixed martial arts.

That's the distinguished portrayal the UFC affixed to Brazil in a press release sent out earlier this summer to trumpet Saturday night's fight card in Rio de Janeiro (9 p.m. ET, PPV).

You can quibble with the factuality of the "birthplace" label. The Ultimate Fighting Championship actually was first contested in 1993 in Denver, the which-martial-art-is-toughest? event dreamed up by a family living in southern California. But that family has deep roots in Brazil, where for decades the Gracies built their renown in underground "anything goes" fighting events known as vale tudo.