Ende, Ezra J.2022-12-072022-12-072021-06-11https://hdl.handle.net/1794/2788497 pagesMartial arts are deeply rooted in many cultures throughout the world. In ancient Greece and ancient Sumeria, boxing and wrestling competitions were common and wildly celebrated (The History of MMA, 2019). Martial arts spread throughout the world, branching into a wide variety of grappling and striking styles that garner competition between one another to find out which is the most effective. As a sport, martial arts can be aggressive and violent while simultaneously rooted in respect and the mutual pursuit of growth (Jeet Kune Do, 2020). Modern mixed martial arts (MMA) continue to pursue that growth alongside the following question- What is the most effective blend of these arts to submit or subdue an opponent? The search for the answer to this question pits competitors against one another in one of the most dangerous sports in the world-Competitive MMA (Health Fitness Revolution, 2020). Competitive MMA demands relentless training to insure the highest level of skills and conditioning possible (Fitnescity, 2020). The training itself requires a certain level of risk, and the equipment used to train needs be as finely tuned as the athletes who use it. This paper will investigate how MMA athletes train by explaining the history of the sport, athlete needs, the current product environment, and the potential for innovative improvement in this product area. This research will lay the foundation for the design and creation of innovative training equipment and footwear that will improve safety in MMA training. The purpose of this design innovation is to look to the future of equipment and footwear for the elite male MMA athlete to optimize training and reduce injuries. This will be the first project to apply additive and generative design techniques to customize fit and function in MMA equipment, and focus on footwear that adapts to the needs of the elite MMA athlete. The physical ability of the elite MMA athlete is improving faster than the equipment that they use, in order to protect them properly their equipment needs to catch up and improve at the same rate.enCreative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0-USSports Product DesignProduct DesignMixed Martial ArtsFootwearThesis / Dissertation