Did you know there are more than 170 martial arts that people can participate in? Some are more popular than others because of their fighting styles.
With that being said, here are 3 of the best-known stand-up fighting styles that involve self-defensive tactics and combative sports.
- Boxing
- Judo
- Muay Thai
Each of these fighting styles is also known for its origin and distinct techniques. So, let’s get started by discussing what makes Muay Thai, boxing, and Judo unique.
Contents
Boxing
In the U.S. and other places abroad, standing fighting styles like boxing is common. Since it is relatively easy for virtually anyone to learn, there are always amateur boxers that fight to become the best.
Boxing involves the use of upper body strength. Therefore, when athletes are training, they may spend most of their time building up the muscles in these areas.
And, here are the 4 techniques that boxers must learn to become the best.
- Jab
- Cross or Straight Punch
- Hook
- Uppercut
Typically, the most talented boxers will use a combination of all 4 techniques with the use of good footwork moves to outsmart their opponents.
Additionally, as a boxer excels in this sport, they may also specialize in 1 of the 4 main boxing styles, swarming, slugging, boxer-punching or out-boxing.
Muay Thai
Another fighting style that has become a staple in many places around the globe today is currently known as Muay Thai.
Unlike boxing, however, it is not as easy to learn. Its place of origin is Thailand. Some people may learn these techniques for more than one reason since this style of fighting can be used in an MMA setting or for street fights.
It is also important to note that Muay Thai requires more than just upper-body strength. This is because it utilizes a variety of different parts of the body including the knees, fists, elbows, and shins.
Fighters that specialize in this fighting style are usually referred to as Nak Muay, which means “boxer”.
The techniques used in this style of fighting consist of using full-body movements, like rotating the fighter’s hip to deliver punches, and kicks. And, here are some of the main striking techniques that fighters must be skilled in.
- Shin Kicks
- Cross or Straight Punch
- Hook
- Uppercut
- Jabs
Similar to boxing, some techniques have multiple ranges of variations. For instance, the strike techniques that use the elbow can be divided into different distinct categories, including the following
- Reverse Horizontal
- Uppercut Elbow
- Jumbo Elbow Chop
Also, because these fighters are not restricted to punches only, it is a very sophisticated martial art to learn. And as a result, the people that want to learn can expect to train for several years to master it.
Judo
Judo is also known as one of the best and most popular standup fighting styles. This martial art dates back to 1882 when it was created by Kano Jigoro Shihan in Japan. However, Judo is now popular in many countries across the globe.
Unlike other types of fighting styles like boxing, Judo’s primary concentration is normally on self-defense tactics that will completely neutralize the competition.
Also, because Judo does not depend on strikes, punching, or kicking as defensive moves, anyone can learn Judo without the risk of sustaining injuries like traumatic injury brain damage.
Here are some basic techniques that people will need to learn in order to become proficient in Judo.
- Throwing techniques
- Grappling techniques
- Vital-point striking techniques
The techniques used in Judo are considered to be a lot less intense and active. This is primarily because this type of fighting style focuses on using moves that use as little energy as necessary.
This means these fighters will learn how to perform different moves that efficiently to beat their opponents.
Conclusion
Boxing, Judo, and Muay Thai are 3 of the best standup fighting styles today. Each of these styles are well known for having its own unique specialized techniques. Therefore, not all fighting styles are recommended for everyone.
Also, as a general rule of thumb, some fighting styles tend to be best suited for people who are more interested in self-defense techniques like Judo.
Other fighting styles like MuayThai tend to be much better for anyone who has a strong interest in street fighting or fights in competitions in MMA settings.
Whatever the case, each of these fighting styles should be reviewed or studied to determine which ones are best for specific individuals and their personal needs and preferences.
