Combat training regimens incorporate several disciplines in order to produce an effective fighter. It is insufficient to focus on hand combat techniques exclusively while ignoring chokes, foot techniques and general fitness. Recent trends indicate a cross-training approach in several different disciplines is gaining popularity as opposed to training exclusively in one art. A well-rounded combatant will have several skills at his disposal developed by years of training in order to effectively handle an opponent in street confrontations or combat sports competitions.
Stand-Up Fighting Techniques
The basis of most combat training systems is to learn stand-up fighting techniques involving both punches and kicks. Fighting arts focusing on these include western boxing, karate, kickboxing, tae kwon do, hapkido and kung fu. According to Stanford University's Martial Arts Program, Muay Thai is especially well suited to real-life combat, as its techniques were originally developed to be fatal to an opponent. Modifying the techniques, such as reducing the use of elbow strikes, makes it acceptable in sports and self-defense combat training systems. Skills are developed both by practicing in a repetitive manner, often using pads or heavy bags, as well as through live sparring, using protective gear.
Grappling Techniques
Submission grappling and wrestling techniques have garnered a lot of renown thanks to the popularity of mixed martial arts competitions such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Martial art styles utilized in grappling include traditional Greco-Roman wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and others. Arizona State University's Sun Devil Combat Sports Program states that learning this skill set will help in any encounter where you are involved in ground fighting, whether it is in a real-life situation or a sports competition. Grappling involves takedowns, throws, joint locks, chokes and defense from vulnerable positions on the ground, all of which are applicable to combat and necessary abilities for a well-rounded fighter. Each grappling art has its own strengths, so focus should be on taking the most effective moves from each art and incorporating them into training programs. For example, Jiu-Jitsu has many effective defenses from the ground, while Judo is better known for throws from a standing position.
Weapons Training
ASU's Sun Devil Combat Sports Program lists stick and knife fighting disciplines such as Arnis or Kali from Asia as the best in the world to train combatants. Another martial art known for its weapons techniques is Krav Maga, used to train the Israeli Defense Forces. In addition to blunt-force type weapons such as clubs or batons, single-edge and double-edge blade weapons training should be practiced. It is recommended that as skills increase, actual sparring using protective gear be utilized to develop a sense of realism, correct timing and control. Rubber knives and batons are used in sparring to minimize actual injury to participants.
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