MMA, or mixed martial arts, is a very popular full-contact sport, especially with the rise in followers of the UFC. MMA allows competitors to use many different types of fighting styles and disciplines. To be a successful fighter in MMA, one must be fairly competent in most of them.
While most fighters will specialize in one discipline, like Brazilian jiu jitsu, they’ll also spend lots of time working on their stand up game by training in Western Boxing or something similar. Training in these various fighting styles will allow a fighter to work on many weaknesses while also honing in on their strengths.
In today’s post, we’re going to cover the most common fighting styles used in MMA. Did you know that Gracie offers a great alternative to traditional kickboxing classes in Raleigh? Call us today and ask us about our muay thai classes!
MMA Fighting Styles
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – For the modern MMA enthusiast, a strong BJJ game can make all the difference in your success. Even from the guard, you have many offensive options such as submission holds, chokes, joint locks, and even strikes. Jiu jitsu can also help a smaller competitor compete against bigger individuals.
Collegiate Wrestling – Lots of successful collegiate wrestlers have found their way in professional MMA organizations thanks to their ability to clinch and take their opponents down. NCAA wrestlers that have found success include Randy Couture, Ryan Bader, Darrion Caldwell, Dan Severn, Cain Vasquez, and more.
Submission Wrestling – This fighting style combines parts of collegiate wrestling with elements of other martial arts, like judo and BJJ, along with lots of head and arm holds with various mounts.
Judo – Maybe the most famous judoka currently fighting in the UFC is Ronda Rousey. Even though she is most famous for her quick armbars, judo brings along with it the hip toss and other throws.
Muay Thai – This fighting style is commonly known as the “Art of Eight Limbs.” It combines the use of hands, elbows, knees, shins, feet, and more to extensively strike their opponents.
Western Boxing – Most successful MMA fighters will throw strikes, such as the jab, uppercut, cross, and hook. These were all learned from training in Western style boxing.
We hope that today’s post will help you better understand all the different fighting styles that are involved with MMA. Granted, there are others but these are the most commonly used. Be sure to visit back with our blog really soon to learn more about self defense and all things martial arts. If you’re ready, or looking for a challenge, be sure to call Gracie Raleigh today.
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If you are looking for affordable kickboxing classes in Raleigh, why not try muay thai instead? Gracie Raleigh offers the best muay thai classes in the Triangle area. At our martial arts gym in Raleigh we’ll teach you how to use your fists, elbows, knees, and shins to become a full-contact fighter, defend yourself, or just get in really good shape. Muay thai is also a very efficient workout and you’ll reap many health benefits, so call Gracie Raleigh today and schedule your free class.