Watch any mixed martial arts competition, such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and you’ll witness a number of different fighting techniques. Thre are countless fighting styles, as many geographical regions have developed their own distinctive forms of combat. The best martial artists blend multiple techniques, taking the best of each to create their own personal styles.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was popularized by Brazil’s Gracie family. It features grappling and intricate ground fighting techniques. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners use leverage and skill to achieve a dominant position on the ground or to apply choke holds and joint locks that subdue their foes. Because it relies on leverage, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu allows smaller, weaker individuals to take down much larger opponents, with a quick arm bar or rear naked choke bringing a sudden end to many fights.
Judo
Judo originated in 19th century Japan. The word judo translates to “the gentle way,” and the fighting style attempts to subdue opponents without an abundance of strikes. In its strictest sense, judo utilizes throws, grappling, chokes and joint locks to immobilize foes. A trained judo practitioner uses leverage, weight transfer and his opponent’s momentum to perform body throws, with the fighting style’s technique making up for any differences in size and strength.
Karate
Karate, which means “empty hand,” has its roots in both traditional Chinese and Japanese fighting styles. While it may incorporate throws, grappling and joint manipulations, karate is notable for its explosive striking techniques, including kicks, punches, elbows, knees and open-handed chops. Karate teaches discipline and restraint. Its practitioners are often reluctant to use their skills unless it’s a life-threatening situation.
Muay Thai
Thailand’s preferred fighting style, Muay Thai, is a punishing, even vicious, form of boxing. Considered the science of eight limbs, Muay Thai utilizes the hands, elbows, knees and shins to deliver powerful strikes. The knee and elbow strikes make Muay Thai particularly effective as a combat style, as many opponents expect only punches and kicks. Muay Thai boxers often clench opponents behind the neck, pulling the head into devastating knee strikes.
Taekwondo
South Korea’s national sport, taekwondo features kicks and punches. Its name translates to “the way of the fists and feet.” Taekwondo practitioners fire their kicks from all different angles, even while moving, using the movement to add power and distance to the strikes. Taekwondo’s array of spinning kicks and back fists distinguishes it from other martial arts, such as karate.
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