You’re about to embark on an exciting journey into the diverse and adrenaline-fueled world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the various fighting styles that make up the foundation of this intense sport. Whether you’re a casual fan, an aspiring fighter, or just curious about the different techniques, this beginner’s guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the unique martial arts disciplines that converge in the octagon. Get ready to uncover the secrets behind the powerful strikes, elegant submissions, and strategic tactics that shape the thrilling and dynamic world of MMA.
Striking Styles
Boxing
Boxing is one of the oldest and most popular striking styles in MMA. Known for its precision, footwork, and hand speed, boxing focuses on striking with the fists. In boxing, you’ll learn various punches such as jabs, hooks, uppercuts, and crosses, and how to effectively defend against your opponent’s strikes. With its emphasis on technique and strategy, boxing can help you develop power, speed, and accuracy in your punches. It also teaches you how to move around the ring and maintain your balance.
Muay Thai
Hailing from Thailand, Muay Thai is a striking style that utilizes a wide range of strikes, including punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai focuses on using all parts of the body as weapons. This style emphasizes powerful strikes and clinching techniques. Muay Thai training often involves intense conditioning, as fighters need to develop endurance and toughness to withstand the physical demands of the sport. Learning Muay Thai can provide you with a wide range of striking techniques and improve your overall physical fitness.
Karate
Karate is a well-known traditional striking style originating from Japan. It emphasizes strong, fast strikes and fluid movement. Karate practitioners learn various punches, kicks, and knee strikes, as well as blocks and evasive maneuvers. Karate also teaches discipline and mental focus, as practitioners strive to improve their technique and develop their character. Karate can enhance your speed, agility, and coordination, and can be an excellent foundation for MMA fighters looking to improve their striking abilities.
Grappling Styles
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) originated in Brazil and is a highly effective grappling style in MMA. It focuses on ground fighting and submission techniques. BJJ practitioners learn how to control their opponents on the ground, neutralize their attacks, and apply joint locks and chokeholds to force a submission. BJJ is often referred to as the “gentle art,” as it emphasizes using technique and leverage rather than brute strength. Learning BJJ can give you the ability to neutralize stronger opponents and be effective on the ground.
Wrestling
Wrestling is another essential grappling style in MMA. Originating from various cultures around the world, wrestling emphasizes takedowns, takedown defense, and controlling your opponent’s position on the ground. Wrestlers learn to use their strength and leverage to overpower their opponents, pin them to the ground, and gain dominant positions. Wrestling develops strength, explosiveness, and body control, making it an ideal style for MMA fighters who want to dominate the wrestling aspect of the sport.
Judo
Judo, developed in Japan, is a grappling style focused on throws and takedowns. Practitioners of Judo learn how to use their opponent’s movements against them and efficiently bring them to the ground. Judo emphasizes timing, balance, and leverage, allowing smaller fighters to overcome larger opponents. Judo training enhances agility, flexibility, and body awareness, making it a valuable style for MMA fighters looking to improve their takedowns and dominate in the clinch.
Hybrid Styles
Kickboxing
Kickboxing is a hybrid striking style that combines elements of boxing and traditional martial arts kicks. Known for its fast-paced and high-energy fights, kickboxing incorporates punches, kicks, knees, and sometimes even elbows. Kickboxing focuses on maintaining a balance between striking techniques and defense. It can improve your cardiovascular fitness, agility, and reaction time. With its wide range of striking techniques, kickboxing can be a valuable addition to any MMA fighter’s skill set.
Sambo
Originally developed in Russia, Sambo is a hybrid martial art that combines elements of wrestling and judo, with an emphasis on ground fighting. Sambo practitioners learn to take down and control their opponents, as well as apply submission holds and strikes. Sambo training also focuses on defense against strikes, making it suitable for MMA fighters who want to improve their grappling and ground skills while maintaining an ability to strike effectively.
Combat Sambo
Combat Sambo is a variation of Sambo that incorporates striking techniques, making it a hybrid style suitable for MMA. In addition to throws and grappling techniques, combat Sambo practitioners learn strikes such as punches, kicks, and knee strikes. This style also incorporates defensive techniques against strikes, making it a well-rounded combat system. Combining the elements of striking, wrestling, and submission techniques, combat Sambo can enhance an MMA fighter’s versatility and effectiveness in the cage.
Traditional Martial Arts Styles
Taekwondo
Originating from Korea, Taekwondo is a striking style known for its dynamic kicks and fast-paced spinning techniques. It emphasizes agility, flexibility, and precise kicking techniques. Taekwondo practitioners learn a variety of kicks, punches, and jumping attacks, as well as blocking and evasion techniques. Training in Taekwondo can improve your speed, flexibility, and balance, making it a valuable addition to your MMA arsenal.
Kung Fu
Kung Fu encompasses a wide range of Chinese martial arts styles, each with its unique techniques and philosophies. Kung Fu includes various strikes, kicks, throws, and joint locks, as well as training in traditional forms (“katas”) and meditation. Kung Fu training emphasizes discipline, focus, and fluid movement. It can help you develop strength, coordination, and mental clarity, providing you with a solid foundation for MMA.
Capoeira
Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of martial arts, acrobatics, and dance. Known for its fluid and athletic movements, Capoeira incorporates strikes, kicks, and sweeps, all performed in a rhythmic and dynamic manner. Capoeira also emphasizes evasion and deception techniques, making it a unique and visually impressive style. Training in Capoeira can improve your agility, coordination, and creativity in combat situations.
Specialized Styles
Jeet Kune Do
Jeet Kune Do, developed by the legendary Bruce Lee, is a philosophy-driven martial art that encourages adaptability and versatility. It is not a specific style but rather a framework for personal combat. Jeet Kune Do teaches practitioners to intercept and counter their opponents’ attacks efficiently, using a blend of techniques from various martial arts styles. By emphasizing fluidity, speed, and economy of motion, Jeet Kune Do aims to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in combat.
Krav Maga
Krav Maga is a self-defense and hand-to-hand combat system developed by the Israeli military. It is designed to be practical and efficient, focusing on real-life scenarios and rapid neutralization of threats. Krav Maga incorporates strikes, kicks, knee strikes, and grappling techniques, combined with aggressive and explosive movements. It also emphasizes situational awareness and mental toughness. Krav Maga training can equip you with essential self-defense skills and help you develop a warrior mindset.
Silat
Silat is a Southeast Asian martial art that emphasizes fluidity in motion and simultaneous attack and defense techniques. It incorporates strikes, kicks, joint locks, and takedowns, making it a versatile and practical style for self-defense situations. Silat training also includes traditional weapons training, enhancing versatility and adaptability. The fluid and flowing nature of Silat movements make it a visually captivating and effective martial art for self-defense and MMA.
Knee Strikes and Elbows
Clinch work
Clinch work is a crucial aspect of MMA fighting, involving close-quarters combat and controlling your opponent from the clinch. In the clinch, fighters aim to gain control over their opponent’s body, limiting their striking and takedown opportunities. Clinching allows for various techniques such as knee strikes, elbow strikes, and throws. It requires strength, balance, and awareness of your opponent’s movements. Developing solid clinch work can give you an advantage in both striking and grappling exchanges.
Muay Thai clinch
The Muay Thai clinch, also known as the “plum,” is a specific form of clinch used in Muay Thai. It involves securing an opponent’s head and neck with your arms, enabling you to deliver powerful knee strikes and elbow strikes. The Muay Thai clinch requires strong grip and upper body strength, as well as the ability to control your opponent’s movements. Mastering the Muay Thai clinch can give you a significant edge in close-range fighting and allow you to deliver devastating strikes.
Knee strikes
Knee strikes are a versatile and powerful weapon used in various striking styles, including Muay Thai and kickboxing. Knee strikes can be thrown from different angles and heights, targeting an opponent’s body or head. They are effective in close-quarters combat, especially in the clinch or against an opponent trapped against the cage. Knee strikes require proper technique, timing, and balance to generate maximum power and accuracy.
Elbow strikes
Elbow strikes are another devastating weapon in the arsenal of MMA fighters. Elbows can deliver significant damage due to their sharp and hard surface. Elbow strikes are effective in close-range combat, allowing fighters to strike swiftly and with precision. Elbow strikes require good coordination, accuracy, and the ability to close the distance between you and your opponent. Learning how to effectively use elbows can turn the tide of a fight and potentially lead to a knockout victory.
Takedowns and Takedown Defense
Double leg takedown
The double leg takedown is a fundamental takedown technique used in wrestling and MMA. It involves shooting in on your opponent’s legs, grabbing both legs, and driving forward to take them down to the ground. The double leg takedown requires explosive speed, timing, and coordination to successfully execute. Mastering this technique can give you a strong advantage in controlling the fight and taking the fight to the ground where you can utilize your grappling skills.
Single leg takedown
The single leg takedown is another commonly used takedown technique in wrestling and MMA. It involves shooting in on one of your opponent’s legs, grabbing it, and driving forward to bring them down. The single leg takedown requires good timing, balance, and the ability to isolate your opponent’s leg effectively. It can be an effective technique to counter your opponent’s strikes or set up your ground game.
Sprawl technique
The sprawl technique is a defensive technique used to defend against takedowns. It involves sprawling your legs backward and using your hips to prevent your opponent from getting in on your legs. The sprawl technique requires quick reflexes, agility, and the ability to anticipate your opponent’s takedown attempts. By effectively sprawling, you can create distance, maintain a better position, and potentially counter-attack with strikes or submission attempts.
Submission Techniques
Rear-naked choke
The rear-naked choke is a highly effective submission technique used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. It involves wrapping your arm around your opponent’s neck from behind and applying pressure to cut off their blood supply to the brain. The rear-naked choke can lead to a quick submission if applied correctly and can be a fight-ending move. To execute the rear-naked choke, you need proper positioning, technique, and control over your opponent’s body.
Armbar
The armbar, also known as the straight arm lock, is a submission technique that targets your opponent’s arm joint. It involves controlling your opponent’s arm, while hyperextending their elbow joint by applying pressure with your legs or body. The armbar can be executed from various positions, such as the guard or mount. Proper technique, timing, and flexibility are essential for executing the armbar effectively.
Triangle choke
The triangle choke is a versatile and powerful submission technique commonly used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It involves trapping your opponent’s head and arm between your legs, creating a triangular shape, and applying pressure on their carotid arteries to cut off blood flow to the brain. The triangle choke can be executed from the guard position or from various other positions on the ground. It requires proper setup, control, and flexibility to effectively apply.
Strategies and Tactics
Striking vs Grappling
One of the key strategic decisions in MMA is whether to focus on striking or grappling. Striking emphasizes punches, kicks, and knee and elbow strikes, while grappling focuses on takedowns, ground control, and submissions. The choice between striking and grappling depends on your strengths, weaknesses, and the style of your opponent. Some fighters prefer to keep the fight standing and utilize their striking skills, while others aim to take the fight to the ground and utilize their grappling prowess. Developing a well-rounded skill set in both striking and grappling can give you more options and make you a well-rounded fighter.
Range management
Range management is crucial in MMA to control the distance between you and your opponent. Different styles excel at different ranges, so understanding and managing the distance is essential to determine where you can effectively strike or apply grappling techniques. Strikers prefer the kicking and punching range, while grapplers aim to close the distance for takedowns and submissions. Effective range management involves footwork, striking combinations, and evasive techniques to control the distance and capitalize on your strengths.
Counter striking
Counter striking is a strategic approach where fighters aim to capitalize on their opponent’s attacks by quickly countering with their own strikes. It requires strong defensive skills, anticipation, precise timing, and the ability to react swiftly. Counter striking can be an effective strategy against aggressive opponents or those who telegraph their attacks. By patiently waiting for your opponent’s openings, you can catch them off guard and deliver devastating counter strikes.
Fighters Known for Their Style
Demian Maia – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Demian Maia is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and one of the most accomplished grapplers in MMA. Known for his exceptional ground game, Maia has submitted numerous opponents using his superior technique, control, and submission abilities. He showcases the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in MMA and the importance of mastering grappling skills to dominate opponents.
Conor McGregor – Striking
Conor McGregor is known for his explosive striking style and knockout power. He utilizes a mix of boxing and Taekwondo techniques to overwhelm his opponents with precise and powerful strikes. McGregor’s striking ability and accuracy have led to numerous knockout victories, demonstrating the effectiveness of a well-developed striking game in MMA.
Georges St-Pierre – Wrestling and Striking
Georges St-Pierre, often referred to as GSP, is a well-rounded fighter known for his wrestling and striking abilities. He combines his exceptional takedown defense and wrestling skills with precise striking techniques to dominate opponents. GSP’s ability to mix his wrestling and striking has allowed him to control fights and become one of the most successful fighters in MMA history.
In conclusion, understanding the various fighting styles in MMA is essential for any beginner looking to embark on their martial arts journey. Whether you choose to focus on striking, grappling, a hybrid style, or a traditional martial art, each style offers its unique set of techniques, strategies, and advantages. By studying and training in these diverse styles, you can develop a well-rounded skill set, adapt to different opponents, and succeed in the dynamic world of mixed martial arts.