Combat Sports encompass a wide range of disciplines that involve physical contact with an opponent under specific rules. Whether it’s boxing, wrestling, MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), or one of the many other forms of martial arts, these athletic endeavors require discipline, strategy, and mental toughness. They’re also incredibly entertaining, keeping fans on the edge of their seats with fast-paced action that blends technique with instinct.
The most popular modalities of Combat Sports include boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling. Each has its own unique philosophies, techniques, and style. The nuances of each sport allow athletes to tailor their training to fit their personal goals and preferences, while enhancing their overall fitness and physical development.
In fact, a recent study showed that kids who participate in combat sports improve their motor competence and muscular fitness significantly more than those who don’t practice these high-contact activities. The research involved 120 healthy eight-year-olds divided equally into two groups. One group practiced combat sports for at least a year, while the other did not participate in structured physical activity. They were evaluated on a number of measurements, including the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 and a variety of strength tests—standing broad jump, grip strength, 30 s sit-ups, bent arm hang, and medicine ball throw.
When compared to a self-defense engagement, which is often a rock-and-sock ’em robots affair with variables such as age, size, weight, and physical prowess playing significant roles in the outcome, a sport fight is an opportunistic, calculated battle where the combatants can suss out each other’s tendencies, responses and reactions through footwork, single strikes, combinations, fakes and feints.