As workers put the finishing touches on a giant castle battleground Sunday on the White House South Lawn, a few miles away, a professional pianist is learning how to choke someone unconscious.
On the same mat, a boxing specialist by day teaches students how to pin a struggling opponent.
They represent the roots of the American martial arts that have brought the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) from what was once despised as “cockfighting” to mainstream culture – and now the White House.
“The rise of the UFC has been amazing to watch,” said UFC fighter Ryan Hall, owner and head trainer at Fifty/50 Martial Arts Academy, where the men were training.
“The UFC event on the White House lawn – tell me that 10 years ago and I would have laughed at you!” He said.
Fighters performing in front of President Donald Trump will combine punches, kicks, grapples, chokes and joint locks in contests that frequently leave the mats covered in blood.
