Martial Arts Styles & Technique Archives - Page 5 of 5

November 6, 2025November 6, 2025

Judo Throws That Work in MMA

Male MMA fighter performing a judo hip throw on a training partner in a gym with natural lighting. — Male MMA fighter executing a powerful judo hip throw during training, demonstrating technique and control.

From the Dojo to the Octagon

Judo’s influence on MMA is undeniable. Long before grappling became mainstream, judo practitioners were demonstrating how leverage, timing, and technique could overpower raw strength.

From Ronda Rousey’s lightning-fast armbar setups to Karo Parisyan’s hip tosses, judo has repeatedly proven that throws can change the course of a fight — fast.

Let’s explore the judo techniques that truly translate into mixed martial arts competition.

November 6, 2025November 6, 2025

What Krav Maga Teaches About Real-World Defense

Male MMA athlete practicing self-defense technique in a gym with focused expression and natural lighting. — Male MMA fighter training self-defense techniques inspired by Krav Maga to improve awareness and real-world readiness.

Beyond the Gym: The Reality of Self-Defense

Most martial arts focus on competition — rounds, points, and rules.
Krav Maga is different. Born out of necessity, it’s a real-world combat system designed for one purpose: survival.

Developed by Imi Lichtenfeld for the Israeli Defense Forces, Krav Maga combines techniques from boxing, wrestling, judo, and street fighting. It’s direct, practical, and brutally efficient — built for real-life threats, not tournament trophies.

For MMA athletes, studying Krav Maga adds a layer of awareness and adaptability that can carry over to both training and life.

November 5, 2025November 5, 2025

Tae Kwon Do Kicks Adapted for the Cage

Male martial artist in white training uniform holding a balanced stance in a gym under warm lighting. — Male martial artist posing in a balanced stance symbolizing precision, control, and adaptability in modern MMA.

From Dojang to Octagon

Tae Kwon Do is known for its speed, precision, and spectacular kicking techniques — but can those flashy moves actually work in MMA?

The answer is yes — when adapted for real fight conditions.
Modern mixed martial artists like Anthony Pettis, Edson Barboza, and Yair Rodríguez have shown that Tae Kwon Do’s explosive kicks can be just as effective in the cage as they are in competition.

Let’s break down which techniques translate best, how to modify them for MMA, and what makes Tae Kwon Do a hidden weapon for creative strikers.

November 5, 2025November 5, 2025

Karate Techniques That Translate to MMA

Male MMA athlete practicing balance and agility drills with light kicks on pads in gym under warm lighting. — Male MMA athlete training balance and agility through controlled kickwork, reflecting precision and control in martial arts.

The Return of Traditional Techniques

When MMA first exploded in the 1990s, many believed traditional martial arts like Karate had no place in the cage.

But time — and elite fighters like Lyoto Machida, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, and Georges St-Pierre — proved everyone wrong.

Karate’s emphasis on timing, distance control, and precision has made it a secret weapon in modern MMA.
It’s not about flashy kata or point fighting — it’s about translating centuries of striking wisdom into cage efficiency.

November 4, 2025November 4, 2025

Boxing for MMA: Footwork, Defense, and Combos

Female MMA fighter practicing boxing combinations with gloves on under warm gym lighting. — Female MMA fighter practicing boxing combinations and defensive movement, showing precision and focus in MMA striking training.

Why Boxing Is Essential for MMA

While mixed martial arts blends many styles, boxing remains one of the most important striking foundations.
It teaches precision, timing, defense, and controlled aggression — all crucial for both stand-up exchanges and takedown setups.

But boxing for MMA isn’t exactly the same as traditional boxing.
The stance, range, and defensive tactics must adapt to the threat of kicks, knees, and takedowns.
Learning to integrate these techniques can make the difference between a good striker and a truly complete fighter.

November 3, 2025November 3, 2025

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals for Beginners

Two beginners practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a sunlit dojo, one in a blue gi and one in a white gi. — Two beginners practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals in a bright dojo, focusing on technique and control.

The Gentle Art: Where Technique Beats Strength

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is often called “the gentle art,” but don’t let the name fool you — it’s one of the most effective and technical martial arts in the world.
Rooted in leverage, control, and precision, BJJ teaches smaller or less powerful practitioners to overcome larger opponents using skill and strategy rather than brute force.

Whether you’re training for MMA, self-defense, or pure fitness, mastering the fundamentals of BJJ gives you a foundation for life — balance, patience, and awareness.

November 2, 2025November 2, 2025

Muay Thai Basics: The Art of Eight Limbs

Muay Thai fighter performing a powerful roundhouse kick in a dimly lit gym, representing the art of eight limbs. — A Muay Thai fighter demonstrates the art of eight limbs — mastering punches, kicks, elbows, and knees for total-body power.

What Is Muay Thai?

Muay Thai, known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is a traditional martial art from Thailand that uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knees as primary weapons. It’s both a cultural heritage and one of the most effective striking systems used in mixed martial arts today.

In professional MMA, Muay Thai techniques are valued for their power, precision, and efficiency—helping fighters dominate both at range and in the clinch.