When you talk about martial arts, the names like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan come to mind. Bruce Lee was considered one of the best of all time martial artist. It’s not a surprise that both these names are from China, which is the country believed to be the originators of some of the most powerful forms of combat sport. However, the modern day MMA involves Wrestling, Kickboxing, Karate, Boxing, Brazilian Jui-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai, and Judo.

To identify, here is a brief introduction to all forms of fighting and what makes them special.

Judo

Originated from japan, the main objective in Judo is to take down your opponent for points. The only weakness of this form of fighting is the lack of striking techniques, this is due to the fact it was created for sport and exercise. Now Judo has become an effective part of MMA in close combat because it achieves maximum efficiency with minimum of effort.

Kickboxing

The modern day MMA combines most of the kickboxing striking techniques like kicks, punches, knees etc. to knockout an opponent. All these strikes if implemented with precision, speed and agility, they can easily knockout the opponent.

Karate

Like Judo, Karate also originated from Japan, and both have quite a few similarities. The main difference is that Karate incorporates open hand techniques, which is not the case in Judo. Its focus is primarily on deflecting and controlling opponent’s attacks.

Aikido

Some people have translated Aikido as “The Way of Harmonious Spirit”. This form of martial arts from Japan, is designed mainly for self-defense without causing injury to the attacker. The person attached has to detect the vulnerability and respond accordingly to neutralize the threat. The key is to use attacker’s momentum and use it against him, rather than fighting against it.

Taekwondo

It’s a Korean art of martial art fighting that combines both attack and defense. In Taekwondo, focus is mostly on high kicks and hand movements.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

In modern day MMA, BJJ is considered a very important part. Originated from Brazil, this form of combat sport is considered extremely aggressive and vicious, as it involves moves such as biting, choke holds, eye gouging, hard striking, and joint locks.

Traditional Boxing

Boxing only involves throwing punches. Using any other means to attach is strictly prohibited. Even there are certain rules applied, like you cannot hit below the waist and on back of the head. Certain type of boxing gloves are used by the boxers which are worn over hand wraps. There are many techniques used in boxing like Jab, uppercut, power punch, and body shot etc.

Muay Thai

Muay Thai style which is also know as the “Art of Eight Limbs” was born in Thailand. These days it has become almost compulsory to master this fighting technique in order to be a successful MMA fighter. Muay Thai fighters aggressively use their kicks, knees, elbows, and punches to form an attack.

All these forms of combat sports if learned by a fighter can make him a destructive force in MMA.