HOW TO PICK A FIGHTING STYLE FOR YOUR BODY TYPE!! 🥊🥋😎
What's up, guys? Today we're diving into a pretty intriguing question that I often get asked: how do you pick a fighting style that suits your body type? It might seem straightforward, but the answer is quite layered, especially when we talk about mixed martial arts (MMA) or any fighting discipline for that matter.
Understanding Your Body Type in Martial Arts
Each body type has potentials and limitations, which profoundly impacts the style of fighting one should adopt. For instance, if your physique mirrors that of Jon Jones – tall and wiry with long reach – trying to mimic Mike Tyson's swarming boxer style could prove inefficient. Tyson, known for his explosive power and shorter, stockier build, fights from a very different center of gravity.
Study fighters with a similar body type and observe what works for them. This will give you a foundational blueprint on how to model your technique.
Key Considerations in Choosing Your Style
1. Analyze Fighters Who Share Your Body Dynamics
Regardless of whether it's in MMA or another martial art, you should focus on analyzing fighters that share not only your body type but also your physical strengths. This doesn't mean you can't learn from fighters who are different from you. However, for a fundamental grounding, those similar to you will provide the most directly applicable insights.
2. Boxing and Kickboxing in MMA
While many forms of martial arts contribute to what we see in an MMA fight, boxing still reigns supreme when you're on your feet – all thanks to the minimalistic gloves that dramatically intensify the force of each punch.
In MMA, a well-placed punch can easily be a game changer, making it crucial for fighters to be proficient in boxing irrespective of their body type. This dominance of boxing is a result of its adaptability in the MMA format and its essential nature in a fighter’s arsenal.
3. Flexibility and Movement-Based Styles
Styles like karate and taekwondo are sometimes underrated in fighting circles. This misconception primarily arises due to the prevalence of commercialized training centers ('McDojos') rather than the actual effectiveness of the styles themselves. For those with increased agility and the ability to maintain flexibility, incorporating elements from these martial arts can be quite beneficial.
4. Grappling and Height Advantage
If you're taller, leverage your height for upper body wrestling instead of constantly aiming for lower body takedowns. This strategic advantage allows you to maintain distance control and leverage your limbs' length.
5. Incorporate Techniques Based on Both Body Type and Temperament
Your fighting style isn't solely dictated by your physical attributes; your psychological makeup plays a significant role too. An aggressively natured fighter might gravitate towards pressure-based fighting techniques while a more calculative mind might find counterpunching more suitable.
Practical Tips for Implementing What You've Learned
Study High-Level Fighters: Choose elite athletes as your benchmarks. Analyze their fights meticulously and try to understand the nuances of their techniques.
Video Analysis: Record clips or pull videos of techniques you aspire to learn. Review these with a seasoned coach who can provide feedback tailored to your physique and capabilities.
Adapt and Experiment: Constantly refine your technique based on practical sparring sessions and feedback from trainers and peers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can body type determine which martial art I should pursue? Yes, while you can learn any martial art, certain styles will maximize the natural advantages of your body type.
Is it too late to start martial arts if I'm already an adult? Absolutely not! Many fighters and martial artists begin their training well into adulthood. The key is to adapt your training to suit your current physical condition and progress gradually.