All Mma Styles
There are many different types of martial arts, including taekwondo, karate, and jiu jitsu, as well as MMA (mixed martial arts). Below are definitions of some of the most popular styles.
MMA legend Georges St-Pierre explained what makes UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman so good, saying “he’s the best at what he does.” GSP was a guest on Sportsnet’s “Good Show” and praised Usman for his incredible performance against Gilbert Burns at UFC 258, where he knocked out the No. 1 contender in the third round of their main event fight for his 13th straight win in the UFC. According to the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles there are four types of wrestling internationally, all of which have influenced the sport of mixed martial arts. In addition, there are two lesser known styles of grappling that have found their way into MMA that must be mentioned.
With this information, the next time someone asks, “What’s the difference between the different types of martial arts?” you’ll have an answer.
- Aikido: considered a grappling art, aikido is a Japanese martial art performed by flowing with the motion of the attacker rather than opposing it straight-on. This requires much less physical strength, as the practitioner directs the attacker’s momentum with entering and turning motions, followed by various throws or joint locks.
- Hapkido: a Korean martial art which uses joint locks, kicks, punches, and other striking attacks. Weapons such as sword, nunchaku, rope, cane, and staff are also used, although their emphasis varies. Hapkido focuses on using circular motions, non-resisting movements, and control of the opponent, using footwork and body positioning to gain leverage and avoid strength against strength. Although aikido and hapkido are thought to share a common history, they differ significantly in philosophy, range of responses, and execution of techniques.
- Judo: a relatively modern Japanese martial art (created in 1882). The goal of judo is to either throw or takedown one’s opponent to the ground and immobilize or subdue them with a grappling maneuver, joint lock, strangle hold, or choke. Strikes and thrusts by hands and feet or weapons are only allowed in pre-arranged forms (kata), and are not allowed in competition or free practice.
- Jiu Jitsu (Jujitsu, Jujutsu): a Japanese martial art for defeating an armed and armored opponent in which one uses no weapon, or only a short weapon. Practitioners neutralize an enemy with pins, joint locks, and throws by using an attacker’s energy against him, rather than directly opposing it (as with other martial arts such as karate). There are five main areas or arts of training: blocking, fulcrum throw, non-fulcrum throw, escaping, and striking.
- Karate: a martial art developed in Okinawa, Japan that stresses striking techniques, such as punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands (karate chop). In comparison to tae kwon do, karate tends to focus more on hand strikes, whereas tae kwon do emphasizes kicking techniques. The major traditional styles of karate are Shotokan, Shito Ryu, Goju Ryu, and Wado Ryu.
- Krav Maga: a hand-to-hand combat system developed in Israel that involves wrestling, grappling and striking techniques, mostly known for its extremely efficient and brutal counter-attacks used to keep the practitioner safe and incapacitate the opponent by any means necessary. Generally, there are no rules in krav maga, and it has no sporting federation. In addition, there is no official uniform, although some organizations recognize progress with rank badges, levels, and belts.
- Kung Fu (Chinese martial arts): a number of fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in China. There are common themes to the various styles (which are usually classified by families, schools, or sects). Some styles include physical exercises that mimic animal movements, while others are inspired by Chinese philosophies, religions, and legends. Internal styles focus mainly on harnessing of qi, while external styles concentrate on improving muscle and cardiovascular fitness. Some of the more common styles include Eagle Claw, Hung Gar, Five Animals (Shaolin Kung Fu), Monkey, Praying Mantis, and Wing Chun. (The term kung fu is often used in the west to refer to Chinese martial arts, however its original meaning refers to one’s expertise in any skill, not just martial arts.)
- MMA (Mixed Martial Arts): a full contact sport that allows a variety of fighting styles to be used (including martial and non-martial arts techniques). Striking and grappling techniques, either standing or on the ground, are allowed. The early years of the sport saw a wide variety of traditional styles, but as the sport evolved many styles were shown to be ineffective. It is now common for fighters to train in multiple styles, creating a more balanced skill set.
- Muay Thai: a martial art from Thailand which uses stand-up striking and clinching techniques. It makes prominent use of punches, kicks, elbow strikes, and knee strikes, using eight points of contact, in contrast to the hands and feet (four contact points) more often relied upon in other martial arts. Numerous techniques associated with Muay Thai can be found in MMA.
- Taekwondo: the Korean art of self-defense, one of the oldest forms of martial arts (reaching back over 2,000 years), and the most widely practiced martial art in the world. Training involves learning a system of blocks, kicks, punches, and open-handed strikes, as well as varying forms of take-downs, throws, and joint locks, all of which develop strength, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina. Taekwondo is known for its emphasis on kicking techniques, as compared to other martial arts such as karate. In addition to self-defense training, students learn prearranged sequences of techniques known as forms or poomsae (known in other martial arts as kata). Tae kwon do and judo are the only two martial arts included in the Olympic Games.
- Tai Chi: an internal Chinese martial art practiced for both its defense training and its health benefits. A multitude of training forms exist, including the westernized, standardized version of tai chi (tai chi chih) which has visual similarities to the Chinese tai chi (tai chi chuan), but no martial arts aspect. Some forms are particularly well known because of their slow movement.
Getting involved in MMA can be very exciting since you’ll be able to explore a variety of fighting styles. Nevertheless, you’re only going to have time to focus on a handful of them so you’ll want to choose wisely. Which styles are the most effective in combat situations? Which styles are going to provide you with the most benefits and the fewest negatives?
10 Best MMA fighting styles so you can find the ones that suit your needs
1. Boxing
Ultimately, boxing is one of the oldest forms of martial arts. Some may refer to this as western boxing. Nevertheless, western boxing is the technique comprising of punches. This art will require you to learn a handful of punches including jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts.
If you’ve managed to master the art of boxing, you will be able to avoid punches while delivering hard blows of your own. While this martial art is very effective on the feet, you’re going to be left vulnerable on the ground.
Advantages
- You’ll be able to hold your own on the feet
- You can mix up your punches to catch your opponent off guard
- You’ll gain addition power
- Your cardio will improve
Disadvantages
- You’re not going to be good on the ground
Is It For Me?
At the end of the day, boxing is one of the most exciting combat sports on the planet. However, you need to make sure it is suitable for your MMA venture. Do you like punching people in the face? Do you want to learn how to slip punches and deliver painful counter blows? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, boxing is for you. It is one of the best MMA fighting styles for brawlers. If you want to stand up and fight, you’ll want to learn how to box.
The only downside is that you’re going tofind yourself in a world of hurt once the fight hits the mat. With that beingsaid, it is wise to learn a combination of styles so you’ll be ready to protectyourself no matter where the fight goes.
2. Submission Wrestling
Submission wrestling is one of the most effective styles for mixed martial arts. While submission wrestling is similar to collegiate wresting, it is much different. The submission wrestler will have a clear advantage over its opponent so they’ll be able to lock onto submissions while taking advantage of their wrestling prowess. This may enable them to end the match quickly so they don’t have to worry about taking any punishment. However, the wrestler will need to get the fight to the mat as soon as possible.
Advantages
- You can get the fight to the mat very quickly
- You’ll be able to control your opponent while you catch your breath
- Nullifying your opponent will be easy
- You can pull off submissions to end the fight quicker
Disadvantages
- Your stand-up skills will be limited
- Your takedowns might not be as good as a collegiate wrestler
Is It For Me?
Being a wrestler is tough since you’ll haveto get the fight to the ground first. When you’re dealing with a skilledopponent with good takedown defense, you may have to take a few shots first.With this in mind, submission wrestling is only suitable for tough individuals.Make sure you can take a few shots without quitting before agreeing to selectthis style as your primary MMA fighting style.
3. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
There is nothing more exciting or beautiful than watched a BJJ artist submit an opponent. They’ll quickly work their opponent to the mat before looking for a submission. Whether they’re going for an arm, leg, or neck, you can guarantee that it is going to be quick and painful. BJJ practitioners are one of a kind. They’ll be able to secure unique submissions that others cannot. When everything goes your way, you’ll be able to take your opponent down and secure a submission win without getting hit in the face.
However, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not good onthe feet. If you cannot get the right to the ground, you’re going to findyourself in a lot of trouble.
Advantages
- You’ll be able to submit your opponents more often than not
- You can nullify the fight on the ground
- In perfect situations, you’ll be able to win without getting hit or hitting your opponent
Disadvantages
- Your stand-up game will suffer
- You may have trouble getting your opponent to the ground
Is It For Me?
BJJ is amazing and it can be used in thereal world. If you run into a dangerous individual, you can take them to theground and hold them there using your BJJ skills. Nevertheless, MMA fightersare professionals. They’ve discovered ways to counter BJJ fighters. Therefore,you may find it difficult to get your opponent to the ground. If this happens,you’ll be out of your element and that can be frightening. Adding BJJ to yourarsenal is a good idea. However, you should not rely solely on this martial artsince it is going to leave you vulnerable on the feet.
4. Kickboxing
Kickboxing is similar to boxing but there are notable differences. With kickboxing, you’re going to be adding your elbows, knees, and shins to the equation. You’ll also develop a unique stance so you can defend from these attacks. Kickboxers have deadly kicks but their punches may lack power. Nevertheless, any kickboxer will be able to do exceptionally well in combat sports. Their success will depend on the type and skill of opponent they’re fighting. If they’re fighting a newbie with limited wrestling skills, they’ll thrive.
If they’re fighting a skilled wrestler, thekickboxer may find himself on the ground without a chance of getting up.Therefore, it is an excellent art to train but it might not be suitable foreveryone.
Advantages
- You’ll have more tools to work with
- You can use kicks to keep your opponent away
- You might be able to KO your opponent right away
- You can mix it up and catch your opponent off guard
Disadvantages
- Your ground game is limited
- If your opponent catches your kick, you’re headed for the ground
Is It For Me?
Kickboxing is a great addition for anymixed martial artist. Nevertheless, it is limited on its own. You’re going tohave a tough time fighting off of the mat. You may end up finding herself pinnedto the mat for 4 of the 5 minutes. Therefore, it is not suitable for everyone.If you cannot stand the thought of being put into a situation where you’rehopeless, you’ll want to learn a different martial art. If you’re interested inknocking people out, kickboxing will be a good option for you.
5. Judo
Judo has grown in popularity and it is easy to see why. The founder of the combat art also practiced jiu jitsu. So, it has elements of BJJ added into the equation. Nevertheless, judo was designed for people small in stature. This means that you can toss people around even if you’re slightly smaller than them. Over the years, Judo has established itself as one of the most dominant martial arts.
It was added to the Olympics in 1964. With that being said, you can see that Judo is legit. It can be a great martial art for anyone who wants to get the fight to the canvas.
Advantages
- It works great for smaller fighters
- You can toss around bigger opponents
- You’ll be able to get the fight to the ground quickly
- There are several submissions to enjoy
Disadvantages
- Your options for ending the fight as limited
- You’re going to be a duck out of water on the feet
Is It For Me?
Judo is not suitable for everyone. Ifyou’re a bigger guy who can toss people around, you may want to go with BJJsince it’ll give more options to end the fight much sooner. Judo is suitablefor smaller fighters who want to nullify their opponent on the ground asquickly as possible. You can also use Judo in the real world. Whether you needto stop an attacker or prevent a thief from fleeing the scene, Judo will do thetrick. Just remember that you’re going to have a tough time defending yourselfon the feet. You’ll need to get the fight to the mat as quickly as possible.
6. Greco-Roman Wrestling
When it comes down to it, Greco-Roman Wrestling is one of the most effective forms of wrestling. It has been used in the Olympic Games since 1896. The wrestling style has been featured in every summer Olympics since 1904. When compared to freestyle wrestling, you will see that there is one minor difference. When you’re involved in a Greco-Roman Wrestling competition, you will not be able to grab your opponent below the waist. This makes things much tougher and places more emphasis on throws. You won’t be able to trip your opponent.
One of the most popular Greco-Romanwrestlers of all time is Randy Couture. He excelled in MMA and you’ll be ableto do the same with this style.
Advantages
- You’ll learn throws that enable you to get the fight to the ground quickly
- You will get very strong
- You can learn a lot about fighting in the clinch
- You’ll learn how to use underhooks and that will make a huge difference in MMA
Disadvantages
- Your striking ability will not be impressive
- You’ll need to use the cage or mat to find success
Is It For Me?
Greco-Roman Wrestling has been used by someof the world’s top MMA fighters including Randy Couture, Matt Lindland, and DanHenderson. There is a good chance you’ve heard of these individuals. If youlike and want to emulate Couture’s fighting style, you’ll want to learnGreco-Roman wrestling. It is a good choice since you’ll be able to hold youropponent against the cage or ground. You’ll be able to slam your opponent tothe ground and immediately take control of the situation. You’ll be able topunish your opponent in the clinch too. Greco-Roman wrestlers have a greatchance of excelling in MMA.
7. Sambo
It is rare to see someone use Sambo in MMA. Nevertheless, it is one of the most effective martial arts for combat sports. With this skill, you’ll learn how to defend yourself. Sambo stands for “self-defense without weapons”. It was developed by the Russian SFSR in the Soviet Union and has been around since the 1920s. There are several big name MMA fighters who practiced Sambo including Fedor and Andrei Arlovski. The latter didn’t use it very much but Fedor did. Current UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, practices Sambo as well.
The only downside to Sambo is the fact that many strikes have been outlawed. While Sambo allowed soccer kicks, groin strikes, and headbutts, MMA does not. Nevertheless, Sambo is an effective technique that will prove to be great for any MMA fighter.
Advantages
- You’ll be able to get your opponent down quickly
- You can use a range of strikes to punish your opponent
- You’ll also be able to submit your opponent at will
Disadvantages
- Your opponent may have an advantage on the feet
Is It For Me?
If you’re a big fan of the Russianfighters, you may like Sambo. It is similar to wrestling but it takes things toa new level. Sambo is a little more violent making it good for street fighters.Just remember that you won’t be able to soccer kicks, headbutts, and groinstrikes in MMA. You can use them in combat sambo but you’ll have to remove themfrom your arsenal before being involved in an MMA contest. Either way, Sambo isa good option for many people. If you like wrestling but want somethingdifferent, you should give it a try.
8. Shoot Wrestling
Next, you have shoot wrestling. This style of wrestling combines aspects of catch wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling, Muay Thai, and so much more. Shoot wrestling attempts to rely on more realistic moves. When you learn shoot wrestling, you’re going to experience full contact moves. This will increase the excitement for the fan while ensuring that you’re able to control your opponent. Shoot wrestling has become very popular. It was trained at the Lion’s Den and the Shamrock Martial Arts Academy.
Bas Rutten worked with Masakatsu Funaki whois a legendary shoot wrestler. This technique can be very effective in MMA aslong as it is used properly. Some forms of shoot wrestling place more emphasison submissions than others. Therefore, you’ll need to find a trainer who isoffering what you’re after.
Advantages
- You’ll be able to combine various wrestling disciplines
- You can submit your opponent
- Getting the fight to the ground won’t be tough
- You can expand on this form of wrestling to make it more effective
Disadvantages
- Standing and banging is not a good idea
- You may gas out early on
Is It For Me?
Ultimately, shoot wrestling is not suitablefor everyone. It can be tough and you struggle at first. After all, you’relearning various techniques from many different wrestling disciplines.Nevertheless, it’ll pay off in the long run. With shoot wrestling, you canprevent your opponent from hurting you. You’ll also be able to score points andwin. Remember that your fight might be considered boring. Therefore, this styleof wrestling is not for everyone.
9. Catch Wrestling
Wrestling is one of the best techniques for winning an MMA fight. However, you need to make sure that you’re using the right style. Catch wrestling will prove to be very beneficial. This style of wrestling combines wrestling and jiu-jitsu. Therefore, it is very effective for taking the opponent to the ground and submitting them rapidly. This type of wrestling has been around since the late 1800s but it is becoming more popular in MMA. Many former UFC Champions relied on this style to achieve their dreams. For instance, Frank Shamrock and Josh Barnett implemented catch wrestling techniques into their fighting styles.
Also, Kazushi Sakuraba was a well-knowncatch wrestler and he managed to dominate the Gracies. Catch wrestling is greatbut it does have some limitations.
All Mma Fighting Styles
Advantages
- You can take your opponent down
- You’ll learn how to submit your opponent
- It has been proven successful by Frank Shamrock, Sakuraba, and Josh Barnett
All Mma Fighting Styles
Disadvantages
- You have to take your opponent down
- You may get hit in the face too much
Is It For Me?
Catch wrestling is suitable for almosteveryone. It doesn’t take long to learn the techniques but it’ll take a longtime to master them. Nevertheless, you can begin finding success in MMAimmediately. If you get good at catch wrestling, you’ll be able to take downthe top strikers and nullify their strengths. If this sounds exciting to you,it is a good idea to learn more about catch wrestling.
10. Freestyle Wrestling
Freestyle wrestling is easily one of the best wrestling styles for MMA. As a freestyle wrestler, your options will be plentiful. You’ll be able to grab your opponent anywhere so you can secure the takedown. For instance, you’ll be able to shoot in for single and double legs. This ensures that you’ll have a far better chance of getting the right to the mat. Even if your stand-up skills are lacking, your freestyle wrestling prowess will ensure success.
Tito Ortiz, Mark Coleman, and KevinRandleman have used freestyle wrestling to secure UFC Championships. There is agood chance that freestyle wrestlers will continue to dominate the sport.Others cannot find a way to get back up allowing the wrestler to nullify thefight and score points. You’ll also find ways to punish your opponent from thetop position.
Advantages
- You’ll use double leg takedowns
- You can score points on the ground
- Your opponent won’t be able to get back up
- You won’t have to worry about getting hit too much
Disadvantages
- If you can’t get them down, you’re in trouble
Is It For Me?
Ultimately, freestyle wrestling is one ofthe best martial arts for any MMA fighter. It’ll enable you to control thefight at all times. If you’re getting hit in the face too much, you can stopthat by securing a takedown. If you’re getting tired, you can snag a takedownand recover. Freestyle wrestling is the most effective martial art since nobodyhas found a way to overcome its strengthens. Just remember that you shouldn’tstop here. Once you’ve learned how to freestyle wrestle, you should add otherskills to your arsenal. Do that and you can become an unstoppable MMA fighter.
FAQs
How Many Martial Arts Are There In MMA?
At the end of the day, there are tons ofmartial arts in MMA. Simultaneously, you have to understand that mixed martialarts has evolved over the years. In the past, it was common for fighters topractice only one martial art. This allowed wrestlers to test their skillsagainst boxers. Then, submission fighters were able to do the same. Today, mostfighters are going to combine various disciplines to get the desired results.With that being said, there are hundreds of martial arts used in MMA andthey’re growing.
What Is The Most Deadly Martial Art?
Combat Jujitus is believed to be one of the most deadly martial arts in the world. This style is utilized by the United States Special Forces and it is believed to be the deadliest known to man. Some others that may rank high on the list include Krav Maga, Sambo, Muay Thai, and Silat.
What Fighting Styles Are Not Allowed InUFC?
Ultimately, most fighting styles areallowed in the UFC. However, that fighting style will need to conform to therules and regulations of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. However, Aikido isnot allowed. This is the case because this style uses illegal finger locks.