Martial arts have fascinated people for centuries. The ability to defend oneself and develop tremendous physical and mental fortitude has an undeniable appeal. Additionally, martial arts promote self-confidence, discipline, and respect.
However, with dozens of styles, it can be intimidating for beginners to decide where to start. By understanding a few popular styles, you can better select the one that aligns with your goals and interests.
Striking Styles
Striking styles primarily utilize punches, kicks, knees, and elbows to disable an opponent. The power and technique associated with these styles attract many enthusiasts looking to learn practical self-defenses or participate in full-contact competitions.
Boxing
As one of the oldest martial arts, boxing focuses on powerful punches supplemented by agile footwork and head movement. Competitive boxers attack with combinations of jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts, always keeping their guard up to block incoming shots.
The conditioning required for boxing is exceptional, as closing distance to strike requires tremendous endurance. Plus, absorbing hits necessitates strong neck, core, and leg muscles. Many people appreciate boxing strictly for its fitness benefits.
Muay Thai
Also referred to as the “art of eight limbs,” Muay Thai utilizes punches, kicks, knees, and elbow strikes for a versatile stand-up attack. As Thailand’s national sport, it enjoys immense popularity in Southeast Asia.
Distinct techniques like the deep push kick and devastating elbow strikes characterize the style. Students must toughen their shins, cores, necks, and forearms as Muay Thai incorporates both offensive and defensive moves with each. The full-contact sparring also separates it from most arts.
Grappling Styles
Grappling arts focus on taking opponents to the ground and submitting them through leverage, chokeholds, and manipulation of joints. They offer a proven approach to neutralizing larger, stronger attackers – making them appealing for self-defenses.
Judo
Developed in 19th century Japan, Judo center’s on throwing opponents to an unprotected floor. Students learn to off-balance adversaries with sweep techniques or big shoulder and hip throws.
Groundwork and submission complement the stand-up throwing. Judo prioritizes self-discipline and respect, reflected in the traditional uniforms and training hall etiquette. Olympians also popularized Judo through riveting full-contact competitions.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) concentrates almost exclusively on ground fighting. Using leverage, practitioners of all sizes can control, submit, and defeat larger opponents.
Students love it because technique triumphs over brute strength. A 120-pound woman can choke out a 200-pound man! BJJ has very little striking, making it safer to spar than other arts.
The style shot to prominence through early mixed martial arts competitions in which BJJ exponents consistently defeated all comers. It continues as a foundational part of MMA training today.
Traditional/Eclectic Styles
Traditional styles take a more eclectic approach by incorporating techniques from various arts. The diversity of attacks allows students to find approaches that best fit their interests and body types.
Jeet Kune Do
Bruce Lee founded Jeet Kune Do (JKD) in the 1960s to reject rigid, outdated martial arts conventions. JKD fundamentals borrow from fencing footwork with powerful strikes inspired by boxing and savagery.
Students then augment JKD concepts with techniques from other arts that suit their preferences. Muay Thai strikes, Filipino stick fighting, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu locks – all have a home in JKD. This versatility explains its growth in popularity.
Mixed Martial Arts
As the name implies, mixed martial arts (MMA) combines techniques from multiple disciplines. Participants train in boxing, muay Thai, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and other styles to prepare for full-contact fights.
Unlike traditional styles, MMA allows kicks, punches, knees, elbows, throws, submissions, and ground fighting during matches. Consequently, fighters must prepare for any scenario. MMA offers an excellent option for the sports application of martial arts.
The variety of styles available makes selecting one that fits your interests critical. This overview dispels some myths and clarifies the unique characteristics of a few popular arts. With this knowledge, you can confidently embark on your martial arts journey. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Conclusion:
The martial arts are a diverse and culturally rich set of fighting systems that offer a range of benefits. For some, the appeal lies in a no-holds-barred competition like Mixed Martial Arts. Others may prefer the traditional virtues and proof of self-defenses skills in Japanese Judo or eclectic Jeet Kune Do. Selecting the right style involves aligning personal goals and interests with what each art provides. Those new to the arts should no longer feel intimidated. Instead, openly approach clubs like Infinity Martial Arts, try introductory classes, and don’t hesitate to ask questions! Judgment-free environments encourage learning so you can begin an exciting martial arts journey.
