Types of Martial Arts Styles
There are several hundred variations of martial arts, but nearly all fall under certain broad categories: Striking techniques, grappling techniques, weapon based fighting, and noncombat oriented martial arts.
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Striking Martial Arts
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Striking martial arts focus on striking, attempts to incapacitate or disable an opponent with blunt force trauma. Boxing exclusively focuses on using one's fists. Kickboxing uses feet and fists. Muay Thai and karate-based techniques use knees, elbows, feet and fists.
Grapping Martial Arts
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Grappling-based martial arts attempt to grapple or throw opponents to the ground, then use submissions and ground striking to disable an opponent. Wrestling, judo, jiu jitsu and Russian sambo are examples of grappling based martial arts.
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Weapon-Based Martial Arts
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Weapon-based martial arts is a discipline that focuses on close combat weaponry. A variety of weapons can be used such as swords, staffs, nunchucks and knives. Kali, fencing, kendo and European sword fighting are a few examples.
Noncombat Martial Arts
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Noncombat martial arts styles focus on meditative well being or physical fitness instead of actual fighting. This includes Tai Chi, Tai Bo and some variations of kung fu.
Mixed Martial Arts
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Most martial artists who compete must learn and combine different styles to be well rounded. A typical fighter might use Muay Thai striking when standing up but utilize jiu jitsu grappling when engaged on the ground.
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