DIFFERENT STRIKING STYLES FOR MMA
Exploring Striking Martial Arts for MMA: Boxing, Muay Thai, and More
What's up, everyone? Today, we're diving deep into the world of striking martial arts and their effectiveness in mixed martial arts (MMA). As a passionate practitioner, I've been asked to share insights on different martial arts styles, such as Taekwondo, karate, and Muay Thai, including how they can mix to elevate your striking game. Specifically, I'll highlight why boxing is considered king in MMA and examine the role of other martial arts.
Why Boxing Reigns Supreme in MMA
Boxing has long been hailed as the cornerstone of striking within MMA. The use of small gloves accentuates the importance of precision and speed. This isn't just speculation; we've seen evidence in fighting arenas worldwide, such as One FC, where experienced Muay Thai fighters with hundreds of fights sometimes find themselves knocked out due to the switch from big gloves to little gloves. These gloves drastically change the dynamics of a fight, making boxing, with its crisp punches and defensive maneuvers, incredibly potent.
Understanding Glove Dynamics
The difference between big gloves and little gloves isn't merely size; it impacts defense, strike power, and fighting style. Little glove fighting requires a higher level of technical proficiency, seeing more successful knockouts and techniques adapted from boxing.
Getting Started in MMA
If you're new to the world of MMA and want to focus on striking, starting with boxing is a wise choice. This is especially true if you're starting later in life, as striking techniques can be honed relatively quicker than grappling skills.
The Challenges of Grappling
While grappling is a fundamental component of MMA, the learning curve can be steep, especially if you're aiming for high levels like the UFC. Fighters like Georges St-Pierre (GSP) are exceptions, often being freak athletes with unique attributes such as unprecedented grip strength. For most, becoming proficient in grappling takes longer due to fewer repetitions compared to striking.
Developing Striking Skills Quickly
Striking, particularly boxing, allows for rapid skill development. To illustrate, consider the number of jabs you can throw in a three-minute round versus the number of double-leg takedowns. Striking techniques offer more opportunities for practice, making boxing an ideal starting point for aspiring MMA fighters.
Enhancing Your Game: Dealing with Low Kicks
After establishing a solid boxing foundation, you'll need to adapt to low kicks, a prevalent technique in combat sports. Dutch kickboxing and Muay Thai offer invaluable strategies for dealing with and utilizing low kicks effectively.
Dutch Kickboxing vs. Muay Thai
While Muay Thai is renowned for its clinch game and intricate techniques, Dutch kickboxing presents a brilliant alternative with its focus on hand setups and seamless integration of kicks and punches. Throw a punch before launching a kick to keep your opponent guessing and open up more avenues for attack.
The Role of Clinch in MMA
Often misunderstood, the clinch game in MMA differs from traditional Muay Thai due to the threat of being taken down. Fighters frequently neutralize the clinch by controlling their opponent's hips, thereby removing the option to throw knees effectively.
Analyzing Its Effectiveness
MMA has evolved to incorporate a blend of artistic techniques, leading to a shift away from clinch dominance. Unless the clinch is used by a taller or more athletic fighter, its effectiveness is limited.
Comparing Martial Arts: Muay Thai, Karate, and Taekwondo
Leg kicks are integral to Muay Thai, contributing to its perceived superiority over karate and Taekwondo. Removing the clinch from Muay Thai emphasizes the potency of leg kicks, which are relatively easier to execute than high waist kicks seen in karate and Taekwondo.
Mastering Karate and Taekwondo Techniques
When considering karate and Taekwondo fighters like Wonderboy or MVP, their point-style techniques stand out. Moves such as spinning back kicks and lead leg hook kicks require significant practice and athleticism, but they're worthwhile investments for fighters with natural agility. Incorporate these over time for a diversified striking toolkit.
Crafting Your Path in MMA
Here’s a step-by-step guide for aspiring MMA strikers:
- Start with Boxing: Spend at least a year honing your boxing skills. Mastering punch techniques and defense gives you a strong basis.
- Incorporate Dutch Kickboxing or Muay Thai: Spend another year practicing kickboxing to blend kicks with punches effectively. Dutch kickboxing is optimal here due to its strategic hand setups.
- Expand to Karate and Taekwondo: Once you’ve established solid striking fundamentals, explore specific karate and Taekwondo techniques, adding flair to your arsenal. Tailor this based on your fighting style—pressure fighters may prefer other styles over Taekwondo.
Conclusion
Striking martial arts offer invaluable skills for aspiring MMA fighters, with boxing providing a robust foundational discipline. Integrating elements of kickboxing, Muay Thai, karate, and Taekwondo can enhance your approach, but it's essential to tailor your exploration based on your attributes and goals.
Whether you're a counter-striker leveraging karate's finesse or a powerhouse utilizing Muay Thai's explosive kicks, the striking universe is a labyrinth of opportunity for those willing to master it. Keep training, embrace the diversity of techniques, and watch your MMA game evolve to new heights. Stay tuned for more insights, including a video on effective Taekwondo kicks!
"Boxing is the cornerstone of effective striking in MMA, but mastering additional martial arts like Muay Thai, Dutch kickboxing, karate, and Taekwondo can elevate your game to new levels."
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.