[2023] The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Fighting Styles

Your go-to resource for understanding the diverse world of martial arts

Are you curious about the various types of fighting styles out there? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, our team at MMA Ninja™ will take you on a journey through the fascinating world of martial arts. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fighter, this article will provide you with valuable insights into different fighting styles, their techniques, and their origins.

So, tighten your belt and get ready to explore the exciting realm of martial arts!

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

There are numerous types of fighting styles, each with its own unique techniques, philosophies, and origins. Some popular fighting styles include:

  • Striking or Stand-Up Martial Arts Styles
  • Grappling or Ground-Fighting Styles
  • Throwing or Takedown Styles
  • Weapons-Based Styles
  • Low-Impact or Meditative Styles
  • Hybrid Fighting Styles
  • Self-Defense Styles
  • Competitive Styles
  • Other Unique Styles

Now, let’s dive deeper into each of these fighting styles and explore their characteristics, techniques, and benefits.

Quick Tips and Facts

Before we delve into the different types of fighting styles, here are some quick tips and interesting facts to keep in mind:

  • Fighting styles vary greatly in their techniques, philosophies, and purposes.
  • Each fighting style has its own unique set of techniques and training methods.
  • It’s important to choose a fighting style that aligns with your goals and interests.
  • Many martial arts styles have ancient origins and rich historical backgrounds.
  • The effectiveness of a fighting style depends on various factors, including training, physical attributes, and experience.
  • Cross-training in multiple fighting styles can enhance your overall skills and adaptability.

Now that you have a general idea, let’s explore each type of fighting style in detail.

Striking or Stand-Up Martial Arts Styles

Striking or stand-up martial arts styles primarily focus on striking techniques using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. These styles are often associated with high-energy, fast-paced combat and are commonly seen in competitive combat sports such as boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai.

Boxing

Boxing is a popular striking martial art that utilizes punches and footwork to outmaneuver opponents. It emphasizes quick and accurate hand strikes, head movement, and defensive techniques. Boxing is known for its intense cardiovascular workout and its ability to improve coordination and reflexes.

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Kickboxing

Kickboxing combines elements of boxing and various kicking techniques. It allows both punches and kicks, making it a versatile striking style. Kickboxing is an excellent choice for those looking to improve their overall fitness, flexibility, and striking abilities.

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Muay Thai

Muay Thai, also known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is a traditional Thai martial art that utilizes punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. It focuses on powerful strikes and clinching techniques. Muay Thai training is renowned for its intensity and its ability to develop strength, endurance, and mental toughness.

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Karate

Karate originated in Okinawa, Japan, and emphasizes powerful strikes, blocks, and evasive maneuvers. It incorporates both hand and foot techniques, making it a well-rounded striking style. Karate training promotes discipline, focus, and self-defense skills.

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Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art known for its dynamic kicks and fast-paced sparring. It emphasizes high, jumping, and spinning kicks, as well as fast and precise hand techniques. Taekwondo training enhances flexibility, agility, and self-discipline.

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Kung Fu

Kung Fu encompasses a vast array of Chinese martial arts styles, each with its own unique techniques and philosophies. Kung Fu training focuses on developing strength, flexibility, and coordination. It is often characterized by fluid and intricate movements.

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Capoeira

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. It is characterized by its fluid and rhythmic movements, often performed to the sound of traditional instruments. Capoeira training improves agility, balance, and creativity.

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Grappling or Ground-Fighting Styles

Grappling or ground-fighting styles focus on close-range combat and submission techniques. These styles are particularly effective in self-defense situations and are commonly seen in sports such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a ground-fighting martial art that emphasizes submissions, joint locks, and chokeholds. It focuses on using leverage and technique to overcome larger opponents. BJJ training enhances body awareness, flexibility, and mental resilience.

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Wrestling

Wrestling is a combat sport that involves grappling techniques such as takedowns, throws, and pins. It emphasizes strength, agility, and strategy. Wrestling training develops physical conditioning, mental toughness, and effective control of opponents.

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Judo

Judo is a Japanese martial art that focuses on throws and grappling techniques. It emphasizes using an opponent’s strength and momentum against them. Judo training improves balance, coordination, and self-confidence.

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Sambo

Sambo is a Russian martial art that combines elements of wrestling, judo, and other grappling styles. It focuses on throws, takedowns, and ground-fighting techniques. Sambo training enhances agility, explosiveness, and adaptability.

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Throwing or Takedown Styles

Throwing or takedown styles primarily focus on offensive and defensive techniques to control and manipulate an opponent’s body. These styles are often seen in combat sports such as judo and wrestling, as well as in self-defense scenarios.

Judo

As mentioned earlier, judo is a martial art that emphasizes throws and takedowns. It focuses on using an opponent’s momentum and leverage to gain control. Judo training enhances balance, coordination, and self-confidence.

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Wrestling

Wrestling, as previously mentioned, also incorporates various takedowns and throws. It is a physically demanding sport that requires strength, agility, and quick reflexes. Wrestling training improves overall athleticism and mental toughness.

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Aikido

Aikido is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes blending with an opponent’s energy and redirecting it. It focuses on throws, joint locks, and pins. Aikido training promotes harmony, fluidity, and self-defense skills.

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Hapkido

Hapkido is a Korean martial art that combines elements of striking, joint locks, and throws. It emphasizes redirecting an opponent’s force and using their energy against them. Hapkido training enhances self-defense skills, flexibility, and mental focus.

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Weapons-Based Styles

Weapons-based styles involve the use of traditional weapons such as swords, staffs, and knives. These styles require precision, coordination, and discipline. While weapons-based styles are less common in competitive combat sports, they hold great historical and cultural significance.

Kendo

Kendo is a Japanese martial art that focuses on swordsmanship. It emphasizes discipline, respect, and the development of a strong spirit. Kendo training improves focus, agility, and mental resilience.

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Eskrima

Eskrima, also known as Arnis or Kali, is a Filipino martial art that incorporates various weapons such as sticks, knives, and bladed weapons. It emphasizes fluid and efficient movements. Eskrima training enhances coordination, reflexes, and self-defense skills.

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Iaido

Iaido is a Japanese martial art that focuses on the art of drawing and cutting with a sword. It emphasizes precision, control, and mindfulness. Iaido training enhances concentration, discipline, and self-awareness.

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Low-Impact or Meditative Styles

Low-impact or meditative martial arts styles prioritize mind-body connection, breathing techniques, and mental well-being. These styles are popular among individuals seeking stress relief, improved flexibility, and meditation.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that focuses on slow, flowing movements and deep breathing. It promotes relaxation, balance, and internal energy cultivation. Tai Chi training enhances flexibility, coordination, and overall well-being.

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Qigong

Qigong is a Chinese practice that combines movement, breathing techniques, and meditation. It aims to cultivate and balance the body’s vital energy (Qi). Qigong practice promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and overall health.

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Yoga

While not traditionally considered a martial art, yoga incorporates physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It improves flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. Yoga is widely practiced for its numerous health benefits.

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Hybrid Fighting Styles

Hybrid fighting styles combine techniques and principles from multiple martial arts disciplines. These styles aim to create a well-rounded approach to combat, incorporating both striking and grappling techniques.

Jeet Kune Do

Jeet Kune Do is a hybrid martial art developed by the legendary Bruce Lee. It emphasizes simplicity, directness, and adaptability. Jeet Kune Do training combines techniques from various martial arts styles, allowing practitioners to develop a personalized approach to combat.

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Krav Maga

Krav Maga is a self-defense system developed for the Israeli military. It incorporates techniques from various martial arts, focusing on real-world scenarios and practical self-defense. Krav Maga training enhances situational awareness, physical fitness, and self-confidence.

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Self-Defense Styles

Self-defense styles prioritize practical techniques that can be used in real-life situations. These styles focus on quickly neutralizing threats and escaping dangerous encounters.

Krav Maga

As mentioned earlier, Krav Maga is a self-defense system known for its practicality and efficiency. It teaches techniques to defend against various types of attacks, including strikes, grabs, and weapons. Krav Maga training enhances self-confidence, situational awareness, and physical fitness.

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Wing Chun

Wing Chun is a Chinese martial art that emphasizes close-range combat and simultaneous attack and defense. It focuses on efficient techniques that can be used in tight spaces. Wing Chun training enhances speed, reflexes, and sensitivity to an opponent’s movements.

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Keysi Fighting Method

Keysi Fighting Method (KFM) is a self-defense system developed by Justo Dieguez and Andy Norman. It incorporates techniques from various martial arts and focuses on realistic street fighting scenarios. KFM training enhances situational awareness, adaptability, and mental resilience.

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Competitive Styles

Competitive martial arts styles are specifically designed for sports and tournaments. These styles focus on scoring points or achieving a submission within a set of rules and regulations.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that combines techniques from various martial arts disciplines. It allows both striking and grappling techniques, making it a highly versatile and dynamic sport. MMA training enhances overall fitness, mental toughness, and adaptability.

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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

As previously mentioned, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a ground-fighting martial art that focuses on submissions and control. It has gained significant popularity in competitive combat sports, particularly in MMA. BJJ training enhances ground-fighting skills, endurance, and mental resilience.

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Taekwondo

Taekwondo, mentioned earlier, is not only a traditional martial art but also a competitive sport. It is an Olympic sport known for its high, jumping kicks and fast-paced sparring. Taekwondo training enhances agility, speed, and competitive spirit.

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Other Unique Styles

There are countless other unique martial arts styles that may not fit into the traditional categories mentioned above. These styles often have cultural or historical significance and offer practitioners a distinct approach to combat.

Silat

Silat is a Southeast Asian martial art known for its fluid and explosive movements. It incorporates strikes, joint locks, and takedowns. Silat training enhances agility, coordination, and self-defense skills.

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Eskrima

As mentioned earlier, Eskrima is a Filipino martial art that focuses on weapons-based techniques. It incorporates various weapons such as sticks, knives, and bladed weapons. Eskrima training enhances coordination, reflexes, and self-defense skills.

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Kalari Payattu

Kalari Payattu is an ancient Indian martial art that combines strikes, kicks, grappling, and weaponry. It emphasizes flexibility, strength, and mental discipline. Kalari Payattu training enhances overall fitness, focus, and self-awareness.

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FAQ

types of fighting styles MMA Ninja

What martial arts does John Wick use?

In the popular film series “John Wick,” the title character is portrayed as a highly skilled assassin with a diverse set of martial arts skills. The martial arts showcased in the movies include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Sambo, and Gun Fu (a fictional martial art combining gunplay and close-quarters combat).

Bold text: John Wick utilizes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Sambo, and Gun Fu.

What are the 4 elements fighting styles?

The concept of the “four elements” in fighting styles is often associated with fictional martial arts depicted in movies, TV shows, and video games. These styles are inspired by the classical elements of earth, water, fire, and air. While these styles may not exist in real-life martial arts, they serve as creative expressions of combat techniques in various forms of media.

Bold text: The “four elements” fighting styles are fictional and serve as creative expressions in media.

What type of martial arts does Goku use?

Goku, the iconic character from the “Dragon Ball” series, utilizes a fictional martial art called “Kamehameha”. This technique involves channeling energy into a powerful blast using the hands. While Goku’s fighting style draws inspiration from various martial arts, his signature move is unique to the Dragon Ball universe.

Bold text: Goku uses a fictional martial art called “Kamehameha”.

Are there any martial arts that combine striking and grappling techniques?

Yes, several martial arts combine both striking and grappling techniques, offering practitioners a well-rounded approach to combat. Some examples include:

  • Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): MMA incorporates techniques from various martial arts disciplines, allowing both striking and grappling techniques.
  • Jeet Kune Do: Jeet Kune Do, developed by Bruce Lee, combines techniques from different martial arts, including striking and grappling.
  • Sambo: Sambo is a Russian martial art that combines elements of wrestling and judo, incorporating both striking and grappling techniques.

Bold text: Yes, several martial arts combine striking and grappling techniques, such as MMA, Jeet Kune Do, and Sambo.

Conclusion

In this ultimate guide to different types of fighting styles, we’ve explored a wide range of martial arts, each with its own unique techniques, philosophies, and benefits. Whether you’re interested in striking, grappling, weapons-based styles, or low-impact meditative practices, there’s a martial art out there for everyone.

Remember, choosing a fighting style is a personal journey. Consider your goals, interests, and physical attributes when selecting the right martial art for you. Cross-training in multiple styles can also enhance your overall skills and adaptability.

So, whether you’re looking to compete in the ring, learn self-defense, or simply improve your fitness and well-being, martial arts offer a world of possibilities. Embrace the discipline, challenge yourself, and embark on a martial arts journey that will transform both your body and mind.

For more articles and resources on mixed martial arts, visit MMA Ninja™.

Note: The information in this article was obtained from the following sources:

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