Art Reviews

One of the most important aspects in mixed martial arts fighting, and one that is often overlooked and taken for granted when learning how to fight, is that of footwork. The fighter with exceptional footwork and movement skills has a notable advantage in any fight whether boxing, Muay Thai, MMA or streetfighting.

Some of the most renowned fighters we have seen in boxing have all demonstrated tremendous footwork and movement; Jack Dempsey, Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Prince Nassim and the incomparable Mohammed Ali all employed incredible foot work and movement skills to evade and attack their opponents.

One of the major difficulties that the early kickboxing scene was plagued with was that fighters came from the karate disciplines. Many early kickboxers, coming from karate backgrounds, complimented their karate kicks with the superior punching techniques taken from boxing but most were slow to subscribe to the highly mobile boxing footwork.

The classical karate disciplines focussed on flat-footed “stand your ground tactics” with inadequate footwork and maneuverability. This often led to fighters from predominantly boxing backgrounds and token kicking skills defeating high ranking karatekas that had taken up full contact kickboxing to demonstrate the power of karate.

Those fighters that came from a boxing background or who realized that maneuverable footwork and strategic positioning were an integral part of the boxers’ game plan demonstrated a pronounced advantage by including it in their training.

Muay Thai fighters, however, not tainted by the classical karate systems, have always demonstrated a very fine sense of footwork and position, such that that they move in and out just out of range to make the opponent miss and then back in to range to hit with power and precision.

We saw a repeat of the kickboxing era in the early days of mixed martial arts fighting, with the grapplers ruling and it appeared that fighters that mainly relied on their standup skills were not going to be competitive.

The fighters that relied heavily on standup were very unsuccessful at stopping the takedowns of the grapplers, allowing themselves to be put in positions that limited their movement and ultimately to be taken down.

However, this was all to change (as we who have embraced experimentation and shunned dogma have come to expect) when Maurice Smith, a world champion kickboxer of the time, showed that with good footwork and ring (cage) generalship the grapplers could be stopped with an essentially striking focussed game. Harmony was restored to the universe and the evolution of the emerging mixed martial arts fight game continued with predominant strikers appearing again.

The mixed martial arts fighters that mainly relied on their takedown game were now under the selective pressure of having to adapt their takedown methods to contend with the evasive maneuverability and adapted striking methods of the standup specialists.

The principal characteristics that set the successful mixed martial arts fighters apart from those that failed were their footwork and ring (cage) generalship that permitted them to neutralize the takedowns.

We now see mixed martial arts fighters who have adapted and developed there movement and positioning to the cage, such that the fights are more dynamic and evenly balanced between the grapplers and strikers. The latest exponent of excellent footwork and generalship, in mixed martial arts, is Lyoto Machida who demonstrates very powerful hit and move skills that are the key to the strikers’ game against a grappler.

It is therefore critical that when we train we include fast and maneuverable foot work into our mixed martial arts training drills.

Once a new standup striking or takedown setup technique is learned, and has been adequately drilled for effectiveness, we must combine it with effective footwork and movement so that we can move in to execute it, and out again, if it is countered or if on execution we need to move away because it did not finish the job and the opponent covers up; a hit and run strategy of fighting.

Here are some of the main points that must be addressed in your footwork whether fighting mixed martial arts, Muay Thai, or boxing:

1) Learn to move on the balls of the feet with bent knees to facilitate rapid and precise weight transfer.

2) Keep the feet spacing about shoulder width apart, i.e. avoid wide stances.

3) When moving make the steps small; better to take a series of smaller steps, then one large one that upsets balance.

4)Practice quick changes in direction always ensuring to maintain good balance.

5) Practice constant movement.

6) Develop a keen sense of position in relation to your opponent; this must be acquired to the level of unconscious competence so that you can concentrate on the fight.

7) When you step in to strike train for speed, explosiveness and accuracy.

8) Train sprawling and angular changes for takedown avoidance.

In addition, footwork should be developed for both offensive and defensive tactics. The use of evasive angular stepping that is the basis of the “make ’em miss, make ’em pay” strategy, combined with fast bridging the gap techniques and good ring generalship must be developed to provide the complete fight game plan in mixed martial arts.

Where else would you expect to find the greatest amount of lethal force possible but in the military; after all, it is in the job description for any member of the armed forces to be able to live and let die, and kill anyone that interferes with routine operations. The marines, in particular, have to be particularly skilled at getting in, inflicting harm, and getting out alive being the front of the line task force. As the relative bumper of the entire military, they need to be specially equipped, beyond the basic ability to fire a gun, to survive head-to-head combat. They are often considered either the bravest or craziest living specimens for their willingness to undertake such a risky task. The hope is to keep risk as minimal as possible by way of special military self-defense training.

Living with a rifle like its a prosthetic limb is the least intense part of a marines training. Being a body part primarily used for violent purposes, it is used as maximally as possible, both as a bullet-discharging object with extreme accuracy and as a blunt object with the same amount of accuracy. Part of the military self-defense training is strictly dedicated to letting a rifle be all the weapon it can be, as the single aide to a marine beyond his own raw might. Additionally, the marine learns other highly lethal martial arts styles to allow his own body become a self-defense vessel that can be intricately trained to bring swift death in times of desperation and minimal options.

This is only part of a universal tradition of military-based martial arts. Other countries have a variety of martial arts styles that were developed as a means to defend against invading forces. Muay Thai, for instance, came about in Thailand as the result of such a repeated history of invasion; this particularly exceptional example of worldly martial arts styles, sometimes referred to as the Art of Eight Limbs, has a technique called the Throwing Buffalo Punch which is capable of subduing a buffalo in a single strike. You dont want to get in the way of someone with this kind of training. The imagery created by such a powerful form of martial arts evokes the likeness of a Dragon Ball Z character, complete with fire-ball-blasting palms and legs that kick faster than the speed of optical perception.

Of course the described forms of military self-defense are just that: meant for military usage, not for scaring or beleaguering younger siblings. If any civilian plans on learning a form of military-based martial arts, the implications must be considered, being capable of wreaking early departure upon the recipient of any of the inclusive techniques. It would be most acceptable for use against armed aggressors and ones with cruel intensions; in such instances, power blasts would be deemed permissible as a fair means of retaliation. Irreversible pain should only be experienced by those that truly deserve it, and it takes a lot to deserve it.

As soon as you initial start training MMA, you get by with limited training equipment. Standard T-Shirts and also shorts will suffice for Muay Thai and additionally even no-gi grappling. The vast majority of gyms have mitts and shin protectors which you can borrow, but sooner or later {you will need to invest in the own compounded martial arts clothing. The following is a fast physical appearance at a few of the basic gear which you should choose upwards when you decide that you are serious about the training.

Rash Guards

Whether you train BJJ in a gi, or perhaps focus on top of stand-up and no-gi grappling, it is a good idea to purchase in a tall quality rash protect. Different from obviously t-shirts, rash guards are really manufactured a technical cloth that wicks sweat away from your system and also enables you to regulate your body heat. This excellent will mean which you remain cool and additionally dried out when you are really training. Long-sleeved rash protections help to shield your elbows from mat burns up too.

Thai Shorts

Thai shorts are really a needs to have for any Muay Thai or kickboxing professional. When you can train Muay Thai in normal work out center shorts, when you choose upwards a group of Thai shorts you can expect to ask themselves the way you ever trained with no them. Thai shorts are cut somewhat different to normal shorts. The couple are baggier, and also manufactured an even more breathable information. The baggy cut means it is easier to help you throw round kicks, teeps and additionally knees. Mobility is definitely an essential component of Muay Thai, and when you begin sparring it is a great move to have the ideal gear a possibility.

Give Wraps

Give wraps are long strips of fabric that wrap around the wrist and also knucles, providing assistance and also padding. They are designed to be used under boxing mitts. When you are doing technical work, you could get away without wrapping the hands, however should you decide do bag work, power work or perhaps sparring you risk damaging your wrists should you decide attempt to punch with no proper help. Hand wraps are really especially important if in case you have small hands, because classique boxing hand protection could have also big of the give compartment to provide any assistance for you.

Gis

There are really many different kinds of gis. Karate gis tend to feel very slim and also have softer collars and light pants. They are really generously cut to let many versatility of movement. Judo gis are really much larger, have powerful collars, padded knees and additionally long coats. Judo gis are designed to be strong enough to deal with being useful for throws and also distribution. Karate gis are really usually plain processed, while Judo gis may be processed or perhaps bluish. BJJ gis are really manufactured strong fabric, and even while these are lighter when compared to Judo gis (because BJJ players weigh in sporting their gis) the couple continue to have powerful collars and protected joins. BJJ gis have lesser jackets when compared to Judo gis, and are cut to get a a bit tighter put.

Hoodies

Hoodies are a really popular form of compounded martial arts clothing. Numerous MMA clinicians dedicate wearing a hoodie that bears the icon of the work out center to tv show off their allegiance and also promote the work out center in their neighbourhood. Hoodies are not just aesthetic, however. They are even a very useful form of clothing. Inside the winter months, a hoodie is a handy accessory which keeps you warm on top of your morn run, and stops you from feeling cold whenever you are looking for a bus after a hard training session.

Indeed there are lots of companies which makes mixed martial arts clothing today. Brands like Fairtex, Boon, Hayabusa and also Rev Equipment are really popular with professional fighters. Everlast and additionally Tap Out produce reasonably priced MMA essentials and also have become house-hold names now. The clothing keeps you low risk and also pleasurable inside the gym, so it pays to purchase the greatest gear you really can afford.

Get into the best shape of your life while learning one of the coolest martial art techniques in the world. The art of Muay Thai fighting can make you a fit and formidable fighter, the envy of your training partners and feared by your opponents!

Are you frustrated because you are out of shape? Are traditional forms of exercise boring for you? Do you think you could protect yourself and your loved ones from a brutal attacker?

Get confident and get fit using martial arts workouts designed to teach you Muay Thai. Not only will you get stronger, leaner and more confident -but you will be learning the martial art techniques that will enable you to easily handle yourself in any self-defense situation.

Muay Thai fighters have always been respected and even feared by many of the more familiar fighting disciplines. Modern fighters like Wanderlei Silva, Mirko “Cro Cop”, Anderson Silva, BJ Penn, Rich Franklin and many others have dominated their opponents using their superior Muay Thai fighting skills.

Muay Thai training is one of the best martial arts workout you can do for cardiovascular fitness. It is physically demanding, athletically challenging and will build your conditioning to MMA fighting standards.

You can develop fantastic fitness, supreme confidence, deadly striking power and you will gain the security and respect that comes from practicing the dominant martial art of Muay Thai.

Through the power of Muay Thai training, you will learn how to overcome your fears, smash through personal barriers and take charge of your life.

Imagine how happy you will feel when you tell your friends that you have lost 3 inches from your waist and developed a bone shattering Thai kick in the process! Now that is something to be proud of.

Muay Thai training will give you a leaner, more muscular body and some fantastic self-defense skills too.

Best of all, this kind of MMA workout doesn’t take years of practice before seeing any improvements. You can begin making positive changes to your body and your self-defense skills right away.

*Learn excellent self-defense skills

*Get fantastic MMA conditioning

*Become more flexible, coordinated and disciplined

*Get leaner while building muscle

*Improve your health and look younger

*Build your self-confidence

*Earn respect from opponents and sparring partners

Muay Thai Training Has The Power To Change Your Life!

For more information about how you can get fit enough to fight, visit our website at Thai-Clinch.com. Watch FREE MMA conditioning videos and martial arts workouts.

About the Author Paul D’Arcy, NSCA, CPT is a Poliquin certified BioSignature practitioner and is the owner of Sport Fitness & Physique, LLC

In the “old days,” it was not unusual for jugs of water, bags of rice, and buckets filled with sand to be incorporated into a number of different workout programs. Nowadays, we’re fortunate enough to have access to an excellent selection of martial arts equipment. Because of the effective usage of such equipment, it becomes possible to achieve the most from a structured class or private training.

Of course, this could raise questions regarding the type of martial arts equipment is necessary for the “average” workout. Again, there’s enormous variety available. Below is a brief overview of the martial arts equipment you’ll commonly encounter. Nearly all of it is a must for virtually every martial arts practitioner regardless of style.

Certainly, the common punch bag is a clear must in a dojo or training hall. Punching bags not just give you a definitive target to direct your blows towards. Such bags enhance the possibility to develop solid endurance and cardiovascular conditioning. You can find great variety among the many different punching bags available and they include:

Standard Boxing Size: These would be traditional boxing bags that mimic the shape and size of the torso. They’re primarily for the purpose of punching but mid-line and high line kicks are generally effectively trained on these bags as well.

Banana Bags: Most are thinner punching bags which are the size of the human body. The lower region of the punch bag permits the effective training of leg kicks, knees, and also other strikes.

Light Bags: Light punching bags are low weight (about 1/3 the weight and size of a punching bag) and are designed mainly to give resistance to jabbing style punches as well as hook and uppercut line blows. Some even make use of a lightweight punch bag to train headbutts!

Punching bags may be hanging bags that are affixed to various “hooks” in the ceiling or they may be freestanding. Freestanding bags are, essentially durable base mounts. Such bags are significantly more expensive than a number of the traditional hanging bags but they are much easier to move and store.

While hitting the heavy bag is really a must for effective training, you really do need to hit it in as safe a manner as possible. This will likely require the proper protective gloves essential for hitting an impact target. Including all manner of impact targets – heavy bags, focus mitts, shields, and Muay Thai pads. The knuckles inside the hand are quite small and fragile bones. For this reason reliable gloves – whether they are traditional 12oz, 14oz, or 16oz boxing gloves, boxing bag gloves, or mixed martial arts lightweight finger free gloves – must be worn when hitting a heavy punch bag. For those that enjoy sparring with “point karate” gloves, be mindful of the fact that such gloves aren’t manufactured for hitting impact targets. They will not provide you with the adequate protection you require for such training. Stick with using them for light contact sparring instead.

As most martial artists realize, the hands are not the only area that require protection which explains why a substantial amount of martial arts equipment will provide protection to the feet. Shin pads and point fighting footwear are two of the most common. Some may assume that such equipment is only used in sparring. In actuality, wearing when hitting impact targets is advisable too since this can protect the lower extremities and nerve endings from damage. Really, the perennial running theme here is that most martial arts equipment is intended to enhance safety. Obviously, you can also get some items that serve other purposes as well and they’re well worth a look at too.

Stretching devices can be employed to help you extend the range of motion in the leg ligaments. This will definitely prove helpful for people who would like to enhance their kicking flexibility. Similarly, the “old school” Eagle Catcher is a perfect spring action handheld device designed to build up a great level of gripping stretch. The classic makiwara pad has long since been used to toughen the hands in traditional karate training. Similarly, the kung fu wall bag is a fantastic asset for developing strikes common in the Chinese martial arts. Such older and more traditional training aids definitely have their place in a modern world which is becoming more and more noted for its sportive approach to training. But, whether you are practicing for competition or traditional self-defense, you will need equipment that helps facilitate your goals.

Regardless of the type of martial arts equipment you purchase, you want to make sure it is from a reputable name brand manufacturer. Some will make the error of buying more affordable equipment from a “no frills” manufacturer. Rarely is such equipment worth much of anything. Not only will cheap equipment not deliver on expectations, it can put the user at an injury risk. Certainly, that would not be helpful in any way whatsoever. Keep with reliable name brands for your martial arts equipment needs. Such an approach will assuredly prove significantly more helpful in the end.