To newcomers’ martial arts language and terminology can seem confusing and intimidating. We want to help you walk into your next martial arts class feeling confident that you can understand what your instructor is talking about. Learn some common Martial Arts lingo and feel even more confident stepping into your gym for training.
Striking is a term used to refer to the various forms of stand-up fighting employed in MMA. It includes punches, kicks, elbows and knees, as well as open hand strikes such as palm strikes and backfists. Such techniques are generally used from a distance, with practitioners attempting to close the gap before delivering a strike. The goal of striking is to cause enough damage or disruption that the opponent either cannot continue or cannot effectively counterattack.
Grappling in mma refers to any technique that involves controlling and manipulating an opponent's body or limbs for the purpose of establishing a superior position. It is most commonly employed from a distance, where practitioners attempt to close the gap before executing grappling techniques. Grappling includes clinching, takedowns, throws, sweeps, guard passes, and submission holds. The goal of grappling is to gain a positional advantage or submission over an opponent by pinning them in a particular position or by controlling their joints and limbs.
Clinching is a grappling technique used by fighters to control their opponents in close range. In MMA, clinch techniques are often employed as a way of setting up strikes or takedowns, or simply to make the opponent uncomfortable. Clinching is initiated when one fighter grabs onto another's body and holds them in close quarters while attempting to control their movement or posture.
A takedown in mma is a technique used take the fight from standing to the ground. Common takedown techniques include double-leg take downs, single-leg take downs and hip throws. Takedowns are typically executed by first grabbing hold of the opponent’s body and then using leverage to cause them to lose balance and land on the mat or floor.
Sparring is a form of practice or training between two or more partners, where each partner wears protective gear and engages in simulated combat. Sparring sessions involve a lot of controlled striking and minimal grappling or submission attempts so that the participants can focus on perfecting technique instead of risking injury. This type of training allows fighters to develop and refine the necessary skills for actual competitions.
A hook is a punch used in the sport of boxing. It is a powerful, circular punch that pivots off the lead hand and can be thrown with either arm. The hook utilizes the rotational force of the upper body and core muscles to deliver maximum power into its intended target. When you throw the hook correctly, it has an immense amount of power behind it due to the wind-up motion from your back foot.
In mixed martial arts (MMA), a hold is an action used to restrain an opponent by controlling their movement with the body. It is a form of grappling, which involves two fighters competing on the ground and attempting to gain superior positioning in order to gain an advantage or submit the opponent. Holds can be used to control an opponent's limbs, secure a mount position, or even to initiate a submission.
Shadow boxing is an exercise that involves a boxer throwing punches and kicks into the air without actually making contact with anything. It's a form of physical, mental, and tactical training to help boxers build muscle memory, technique, speed, agility, accuracy, power, and endurance. Shadow boxing is typically done alone or in conjunction with a partner, coach, or another boxer. It can also be used as a warm-up to improve the body's overall coordination and flexibility before an intense workout.
Submissions are one of the most important aspects of MMA. A submission is when a fighter forces his or her opponent into a position where they must either tap out or suffer physical harm if they do not submit. This usually involves joint locks or chokeholds but can also include other maneuvers such as leg locks and neck cranks.
A gi is a type of garment worn in martial arts such as Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is usually constructed of cotton but can also be made from polyester or other materials. Gi's are typically designed to provide protection and flexibility while practicing martial arts techniques. They often feature reinforced seams for increased durability, as well as drawstrings for a secure fit.
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