Kickboxing and Muay Thai
It is what? Kickboxing has evolved into a catch-all name for anything that involves punching and kicking, but Muay Thai has some unique characteristics. It’s a long-standing custom that originated in Thailand. It includes fists, foot, knee, and elbow strikes in addition to the clinch, a standing grappling.
Where have you seen it? None other than Jean Claude Van Damme’s portrayal of Muay Thai in the film Kickboxer is one of the most well-known. But you can check out the Tony Jaa-starring Ong Bak movies if you’re looking for something more recent with less awkward dancing. The UFC frequently employs these strategies as well.
Expectations:Â Techniques are learnt by practising combinations on Thai pads. You’ll transition into sparring once you’ve mastered the proper strike delivery. The clinch is a stern test of your core endurance, but the sparring is cruel to your shoulders and hips.
Does it suit you? This is a fantastic route if you want to compete in martial art. Muay Thai serves as the foundation for the striking style of many MMA fighters, and amateur kickboxing fights are common. You’ll start more quickly if you’re already flexible, especially with the kicks. Muay Thai is about practicality for self-defence in the centre of the pack.
Kung Fu Wing Chun
It is what? Wing Chun, a close-range style of martial arts with a focus on balance and a reasonably lengthy traditional background, originated in China. It also entails relaxation methods designed to keep the body in good condition.
Where you’ve seen it: The renowned martial arts film Ip Man is well worth watching if you haven’t already. Wing Chun is often used in action scenes in more widely watched movies. Combat on the screen is fascinating because of the quick blows.
What to expect: Wing Chun makes extensive use of visualizing. The practice emphasizes the concept of a centre line in the body that directs every action to keep the body balanced. Most attacks include quick strikes delivered while advancing toward the target. Be prepared to feel pain in unexpected areas because the stance differs considerably from those employed in other martial arts.
Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil
It is what? In the early 1900s, this ground-based grappling method split off from judo. More recently, it became well-known: Royce Gracie utilized it to win the first UFC tournaments. Putting your opponent in a submission hold with the intention of either knocking them out or inflicting enough pain to force them to submit is the goal of BJJ.
Where you’ve seen it: BJJ has been on display if you’ve ever attended a UFC event.
What to anticipate Most jiu-jitsu training centres on “rolling,” which is essentially wrestling. Either you’ll be rolling gi, where you don a conventional uniform, or no gi when you often wear a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Rolling students may appear to be merely lying there to the untrained eye, but it’s a highly rigorous full-body workout. (Consider Pilates in offensive mode.) You’ll also develop a tight grip.
