Unarmed Combat Training
Physical combat was once a necessity for survival. Since those ancient times, many different styles of combat have been created and mastered. These styles are used for both self-defense and sporting purposes. Unarmed combat as a sport, known as mixed martial arts, has become a fast-growing sporting event across the world. Many techniques are available to those interested in competition or self-defense.
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What is Unarmed Combat?
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Unarmed combat is fighting between two individuals with the purpose to establish and maintain dominance over the other. Unarmed combat is also called melee or hand-to-hand combat. This combat can occur between two individuals or multiple groups. Unarmed combat can be broken down into three areas of discipline: stand up, clinch and ground fighting. While some fighting styles may focus on one realm of fighting, many others incorporate techniques from each discipline. To become more proficient in their sports, mixed martial artists work at mastering multiple forms of unarmed combat.
Boxing
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Boxing is a combat sport in which two individuals battle using gloved fists. This sport's origins have been traced back to many civilizations across the world. Today's modern sport can be attributed to England, where bare-knuckle fighting became a major sport. Fighters are trained to use a number of punches such as jabs, hooks and uppercuts to defeat their opponent. These punches are also thrown in combination or as a counter to the opponent's attack. Practitioners also focus on defense and body motion to avoid strikes. Boxing has become a major component to mixed martial arts training.
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Wrestling
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Wrestling is another sport whose roots can be traced to ancient civilizations. Accounts in ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations all show wrestling contests between two individuals. Wrestling has continued as a sport that is practiced at many high schools and colleges. When engaged in wrestling, combatants use body control and leverage to gain dominance. They may also use takedowns or throws to overcome their opponent. Other forms, such as shoot or submission wrestling, allow for the use of joint locks to force an opponent to submit or give up.
Jujutsu
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Jujutsu, also known as Jiu Jitsu is a Japanese martial arts style that uses a variety of unarmed techniques. This style can be traced to the 17th century and Samurais who practiced this form for self-defense. This style uses combat arts, such as striking, along with throws or joint holds to win the battle. Jujutsu practitioners are taught the five areas of the art; fulcrum throws, blocking, non-fulcrum throws, escapes and striking. The popularity of Jujutsu has led to branching styles such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which was created in South America.
Other Fighting Styles
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Many other martial arts form can be used for the purpose of unarmed combat. These styles include Judo, Kickboxing, Kung Fu and Sambo, to name a few. Research the training schools in your area and sign up for practice classes to find the fighting style that best suits your abilities.
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References
- Photo Credit Shadow boxing image by Andrei vishnyakov from Fotolia.com
