Combat Sports are a wide variety of disciplines that involve physical combat in specific rules. They are practiced both recreationally and professionally, with local, national, and international competitions that showcase athletes’ skills and techniques.
They are highly regulated, designed to minimize permanent or severe injuries to the competitors though organized officiating, use of protective equipment, and safety protocols. These include the use of a ring, which provides a defined combat area, and rules that limit the number of strikes and grappling techniques allowed in each match. In addition, participants wear padded gloves and mouthguards, and wrestle on a tatami mat to absorb the impact of falls.
The sport’s allure comes from its fast-paced action that keeps spectators on the edge of their seats. Athletes display years of training in every move, blending technique with instinct. Their skill and strategy engage a global audience and appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Choosing the right discipline to practice depends on many factors, including what you like and your goals. For example, if you want to defend yourself, disciplines that teach punching and kicking will be more suitable than those that focus on grappling. Moreover, your morphology will also play a role in your choice: short and agile athletes may prefer a more explosive sport such as boxing or taekwondo. MMA is a good example, as it combines all the different techniques that exist today. However, you should always try a few modalities before you choose which one to train in.