Most people's traditional view of martial arts comes from movies, with Bruce Lee or perhaps the Karate Kid. With these classical references, today's martial arts would seem rather foreign. What was once obscure has now become mainstream with millions of martial artists of one degree or another. The violence of the sport goes far beyond what boxing or football could ever accomplish; While these sports often result in concussions and the occasional broken bone, some martial arts expect their students to break their opponents' bones if the fight gets out of control or simply by accident. This brutality, usually shunned by civil society, instead served to enhance the sport's reputation. The popularity of mixed martial arts has soared over the past couple of years primarily due to the emergence of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) as a rapidly growing sport in America. With this popularity of the sport, mixed martial arts gyms are emerging across the country. I visited a local gym to study fighters, with the intention of understanding the mentality that accompanies this profession. When I arrive at High Altitude Gym, located in a mediocre-looking strip mall, I'm greeted by Brian Eastman, who has set up the meeting with some fighters and instructors. We enter a gigantic open space of over 4000 square feet. The room is well lit by rows and rows of fluorescent lights. Looking towards the back of the room, there is a raised floor a few meters in front of the door and just beyond the tatami-covered viewing area, a soft floor whose length is exactly double its width. Brian explains that "old tires are used under the floor to provide more elasticity" (p...... middle of paper ....... Each individual has their own reasons for learning Muay Thai or love for martial arts throughout their lives to someone who was just looking for a positive way to focus their energy. High Altitude Gym has created an inviting atmosphere that has brought people from all walks of life together and created lasting friendships Some, like Miguel, will continue to teach Muay Thai and start a new subculture of their own, while others aspire to become professional fighters and test their skills against the best in the world. Works Cited The History of Muay Thai - The Complete Details of the History of Muay Thai (2008, February 15). Retrieved April 4, 2014, from http://www.muaythai-fighting.com/the-history-of-muay-thai.htmlUnited World Muay Thai Association (2013) Ranking systems for schools of Muay Thai, 2014, from http://uwmta.org/ranking.html