experimental fighting style

Archaeologist discovers a new style of Viking combat

Experimental archaeologists donned their armour and took to the battlefield to test out shield fighting techniques..

Sunlight bounces off the sword blade as an archaeologist clad in chain mail smashes it down upon his opponent’s shield. It strikes with a loud thud, but a swift tilt of the shield quickly defects the blow. The opponent is safe, for now.

Playing through many more variations of such combat scenarios has helped combat archaeologist Rolf Warming, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, to “rediscover” Viking fighting techniques.

Wearing 12 kilos of armour, Warming allowed himself to be attacked by a professional martial arts instructor to figure out how the Vikings used their shields to fend off attacks.

“It turns out that the Vikings may have used their shields much more actively than previously thought,” says Warming, who has been studying shield construction and Viking fighting techniques as part of his master’s thesis on the martial practices of the Viking Age.

It is the first time that Viking fighting techniques have been scientifically tested using sharp swords and realistic shields, he says.

Read More:  ’Twas dangerous to insult a Viking

Archaeologist took a sword to the head

Warming’s methods were pretty brutal, but caused some initial nervousness.

“It was fun but I was also a little nervous because we had to really hit hard, with both force and intent, for it to be realistic,” says Warming.

During the experiment, Warming took a hit on the head. Fortunately he was wearing a helmet and the event only served to strengthen his theory.

“It happened when I was was using the shield in a passive way. This illustrates the futility of passive shield use and suggests that they didn’t use the shield in that way,” says Warming.

See how Warming tested the shields in the video below.

In the name of science, experimental archaeologist Rolf Warming donned armour, shield, and sword and discovered a new way to fight (Video: Rolf Warming, Combat Archaeology)

Shields used more actively than previously thought

Warming produced a Viking shield known as a “round shield” for the experiment. The design was based on various archaeological discoveries throughout Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

The shield is approximately one metre in diameter and made of pine planks, covered in treated pig leather, and trimmed in ox rawhide. On top of that, it has a whole lot of battle scars.

“The deep cut here on the edge is from when I used the shield as passive protection. The shield clearly worked better when I used it more actively,” he says.

This observation led to one of the main conclusions of Warming’s thesis: the Vikings may have used their shields to actively fend off blows. Otherwise, they would have quickly broken, he says.

Warming does not suggest that there was one single fighting style used by all Vikings. But this active technique was probably an important aspect of their fighting repertoire, he says.

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Functioned almost as a weapon itself

Active shield use means that the Vikings probably not only hid behind the shield, but also used it actively to parry and strike their opponent.

Warming tested seven different shield-sword scenarios. He switched shield positions from a crooked angle and a right angle, and switched between different variations of active and passive postures. Afterwards, he analysed the shields to see which technique worked best.

“When I actively moved forward with the shield at both angles, it seemed almost like a weapon, because you could both avoid the battle and also deliver forceful blows to the enemy with the shield edge,” he says.

No blood was shed during the experiment, but certain blows may well have been fatal if it had been a real Viking battle.

Read More:  What Vikings really looked like

Need to review current knowledge of Viking combat

Along with the experimental shield tests, Warming also studied the literature on Viking combat techniques and analysed remains of past shields collected from sites around what was then the Danish territory.

Based on this, Warming concluded that Vikings had used their round shields almost as actively as their swords in combat.

It is a strong and well-founded conclusion, says archaeologist Henriette Lyngstrøm, associate professor at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, who supervised Warming’s project. She is “incredibly impressed” with his work.

“We’ve never seen the Viking round shields as something that they used actively in battle. But based on Rolf’s studies, we can now say how the Vikings used them and no longer base it on assumptions,” she says.

Read More:  Don’t underestimate Viking women

Mysterious shield damage can now be explained

The results are in line with previous research, and the findings are undoubtedly important for other archaeologists, says Lyngstrøm.

“It solves a problem for us archaeologists in connection with investigations of shields,” she says.

For the most part, only the shield boss remains, that is, the metal dome that sits in the middle of the shield. And they often have some nicks and damage that archaeologists have not been able to explain previously.

“But knowing that shields have been used actively to ward off blows, it suddenly makes sense,” says Lyngstrøm.

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Results are consistent with experience

Archaeologist Anne-Christine Larsen is interested in the new results. Larsen is the chief investigator at the Trelleborg Viking castle, part of the National Museum of Denmark.

She and her colleagues have often discussed Viking fighting styles and techniques, and often have to make some assumptions about it.

“Many of the warriors in Trelleborg’s fighting groups and in our annual re-enactment of a Viking battle use their shields actively. So it’s fantastic to finally have some scientific evidence that matches these observations,” says Larsen.

Read More:  What colour did the Vikings paint their houses?

Controlled experimental archaeology

The conclusions are particularly robust, because they include real data from an actual test of the shield, says Larsen.

“It’s not enough to just write about it, you need to actually test these hypotheses in practice. This is what he’s done and it’s led to some really interesting results that we can certainly use at Trelleborg,” she says.

Lyngstrøm is also a big fan of this kind of experimental archaeology.

“He’s combined the best of two worlds by putting himself in the actual situation and being beaten with swords. That’s what experimental archaeology is all about,” says Lyngstrøm.

Read More:  Replica Viking ship will recreate Norse voyages in Greenland

Next stage: experiment with axes and arrows

Warming is not yet done with the violent world of experimental Viking battle techniques.

He now plans to expand the shield experiment and find out exactly how much this piece of weaponry could withstand during a battle.

“I hope to get funding to conduct similar studies, but with axes and arrows,” he says.

-------------

Read the Danish version of this article on Videnskab.dk  

Translated by: Catherine Jex

External links

• Rolf Warming
• Henriette Lyngstrøm
• Anne-Christine Larsen

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What's Your Fighting Style?

Understanding how people argue can help you resolve conflicts in a useful way..

Posted May 30, 2024 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

• Why Relationships Matter
• Find a therapist to strengthen relationships
• People in conflict with others tend to behave in several discrete ways.
• The four main types of conflict style are appeasement, avoidance, aggression, and alliance.
• Understanding the conflict style of someone close to you can help you resolve arguments more productively.

You’ve probably heard all about the five love languages (Chapman, 2015) and you may even know the five types of attraction . But if it’s possible to count the ways in which people show love for each other, perhaps it’s also possible to understand conflict—the ways in which people clash—in the same manner. In other words, is there a small, knowable number of styles that people resort to when they argue? The question has been studied in a number of ways, from popular to experimental to psychoanalytic . You won’t have any trouble finding a variety of answers with Google: People have divided the most common “fighting styles”—not to be confused with the 16 basic types of martial arts—into four, or five, or six, or even more. These patterns of behavior, however, come down to four main responses to interpersonal challenge: aggression , avoidance, appeasement, and alliance.

1. Aggression. I’ll start with the aggressor, whom you’ll recognize as a person whose first instinct is to argue—the one with a very short fuse, who immediately fights back and ratchets up the stakes. Aggressors come to be seen as hot-headed, sensitive, or easily triggered to anger. In the best-case scenario, they’re competitive and assertive, although they don’t easily cooperate. An aggressor may speak up impulsively and quickly resort to anger—in a frightening way, sometimes—or may even try so hard to win a fight that they’ll dispense with fairness and say things they do not mean. What an aggressor says in the heat of the moment may cause long-term damage to the bonds between friends or family. Inside, though, aggressive people may be terrified. Even if they want an argument resolved, they still must struggle with an upwelling of inner feelings that they can’t easily express. They may be exquisitely aware of their own vulnerability; they may believe, at some level, that if they do not win an argument then their internal fragility will be revealed. This creates a chronic sense of anxiety and a quick, defensive response to a perceived threat. Aggressors believe they can only win when you lose, so they try very hard to tilt any game in their direction—which gives the impression that they value their own private needs over those of a relationship.

2. Avoidance. Other people are prone to retreating at the first hint of an argument. They prefer to ignore problems, hoping they’ll go away, rather than to manage them openly; this habit may lead them to dodge potentially productive conversations. As such, they will often be seen as something less than assertive, and they can give the impression of not caring about a given issue (or the people involved). Avoiders sometimes come across to others as emotionally cold, distant, or silent. The disagreements in which they find themselves embroiled may go own simmering for years without bursting into open conflict. Avoidant people tend to project an attitude of not caring about the personal needs of others, or even about their own; continually avoiding conflicts generally results in a lose-lose outcome, in which nobody ever wins and progress is never made.

• 2a. A prominent subtype of avoidance is intellectualization —the perceived need to look for “rational” answers, or to make efforts to solve problems using “logic.” Even when winning a debate like this will deepen a conflict, intellectualizers may continue to press their points; in addition, people who insist on intellectualizing their conflicts will likely completely ignore the feelings of the people with whom they argue. Consequently, their personal style may come across as not only cold, but also arrogant.
• 2b. Another type of avoider has been called the “defector”—a person who physically disappears when conflict rears its head. They’re so non-confrontational that they prefer to leave the room entirely, or even depart from a relationship, rather than to communicate dissent. Outside, they’ll seem blank or cold as they stonewall you, fall silent, or decline to engage; inside, they may be churning with discomfort that they do not know how to express.

3. Appeasement. Not everyone made physically uncomfortable by conflict is likely to vanish at the mere hint of it; others will try to resolve conflicts as quickly as possible, even if such a resolution is premature or superficial. Appeasers do their best to accommodate anyone who challenges them, and in “rolling over” this way, may even make a significant sacrifice of their own needs in favor of promptly ending an argument. Argue with an appeaser and you will undoubtedly “win” at their expense, which may not feel terribly satisfying: Their self-sabotage can convey a lack of assertiveness or even a sense of martyrdom. Solutions reached this way may be frivolous or inappropriate, and can ultimately lead to resentment, which often produces long-term negative consequences for a relationship.

• 3a. A more useful subtype here is the compromiser —a person who seeks to resolve an issue by finding a quick and mutually acceptable solution. If everyone is partially satisfied, they seem to believe, no one really has to lose. Compromisers value your goals as much as they appear to value their own, and they will make concessions in an effort to reach results. However, in their efforts to end the conflict quickly, the adjustments made may fall short of full satisfaction. This type of participation in a conflict may well save time and will preserve the harmony in a relationship, but an outcome produced this way will fully satisfy no one.

4. Alliance. The last style of conflict tends to be the most effective. Some people prefer to find ways to cooperate rather than to reach a zero-sum solution, in order to keep their relationships healthy. These people may be able to manage their own emotional discomfort so as to avoid becoming defensive in the midst of an argument, and they can often muster their empathy at difficult times in order to see past such heated moments. Negotiating with unusually assertive, strategic, and moderate people like this means that everyone may have a chance to “win” simultaneously, even if the outcome is not realized quickly. With this type of solution, long-term relationships are prioritized, while momentary victories are not seen as important.

If you recognize your personal style of argument here, and you don’t particularly like what you see, you should remember that styles of conflict can change. With insight and patience, you can choose to modify your behavior patterns to keep your relationships healthy. And just as you can learn the “love language” of your partner, you can begin to better understand their “fighting style” as well: Perhaps you don’t have to take seriously the things they say when an argument is at its peak, or maybe you can allow your partner to spend a few minutes alone when a conversation runs the risk of becoming unproductive. No matter what, though, please remember that arguing with your partner is not unusual or abnormal, and always remember to ask yourself if it is really more important to be “right” than to be happy.

Benoliel, B. (n.d.) What’s your conflict management style? Retrieved from https://www.waldenu.edu/news-and-events/walden-news/2017/0530-whats-your-conflict-management-style

Chapman, G. (2015). The 5 love languages: The secret to love that lasts (Reprint ed.). Northfield.

Martin, M. S. (2021). What's your conflict style? Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brave-talk/202103/whats-your-conflict-style

Rossler, K. (n.d.). The art of arguing: The 4 argument styles. Retrieved from https://katierossler.com/the-art-of-arguing-the-4-argument-styles

Sherman, J.E. (2022, August 9). What is your argument style? Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ambigamy/202208/what-is-your-argument-style

The University of Texas. (n.d.) Understanding conflict handling styles. Retrieved from https://www.utsystem.edu/offices/human-resources/current-employees/manager-resources/employee-relations/understanding-conflict-handling-styles

Loren Soeiro, Ph.D., ABPP , is a psychologist in private practice in New York City, specializing in helping people find success, fulfillment, and peace in their relationships and their work.

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At any moment, someone’s aggravating behavior or our own bad luck can set us off on an emotional spiral that threatens to derail our entire day. Here’s how we can face our triggers with less reactivity so that we can get on with our lives.

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Star wars: all 7 lightsaber combat forms explained (& who used which).

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Every Canon Lightsaber Color In Star Wars (And Their Meaning)

Star wars just set up a permanent evolution of the jedi's powers, star wars: 10 best sith stories in comic history, ranked.

• There are seven major lightsaber combat forms, each with their own specific strengths and weaknesses.
• Form I is probably the oldest form of all, but Form VII may be almost as old.
• All the different combat forms can be seen in the Star Wars movies and TV shows, demonstrating their effectiveness - and limitations.

Star Wars ' lightsaber is the traditional weapon of the Jedi and the Sith, and there are seven different lightsaber forms in canon. When Luke Skywalker first saw his father's lightsaber, he was fascinated by it. " This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight, " Obi-Wan Kenobi explained to him. " Not as clumsy or as random as a blaster. An elegant weapon for a more civilized time. " The lightsaber is a symbol of Jedi traditions as well as a reflection of one's mastery of the Force , and that extends into Star Wars' various lightsaber types .

During the prequel era, Padawans were encouraged to experiment with all lightsaber forms in order to find the one that suited them the most. Some forms are better suited to combat, while other forms rely on defense. The Clone Wars saw many Jedi switch to combative forms while the galaxy was at war, whereas characters like Luke and Leia use Vader's form since it's what they have experience with. The best Jedi in the galaxy master multiple lightsaber forms and switch between them when the need arises, something that could be further explored in upcoming Star Wars movies .

Lightsabers in the Star Wars galaxy aren't only blue and red – there are 8 canon lightsaber colors in Star Wars (so far). Here's what they all mean.

1 Form I: Shii-Cho

A common lightsaber form seen throughout the star wars prequel trilogy.

Shii-Cho is generally regarded as the oldest and most elementary lightsaber form; as a result, almost every Jedi begins by learning Shii-Cho, and will often fall back on this fighting style in the case that all other techniques have failed. Practically all the Jedi seen in Star Wars: The Clone Wars resort to Shii-Cho on occasion. This can also be observed when Jedi were cornered during Order 66's execution.

a Jedi only really becomes a master of Form I when they have attained inner peace

Form I is basic but effective, and it can appear quite brutal and aggressive because it involves a fast flurry of strikes. While Sith learn Shii-Cho, they usually abandon it in favor of more aggressive forms. However, the basic appearance of Shii-Cho can be misleading because a Jedi only really becomes a master of Form I when they have attained inner peace, which enables Jedi to utilize the lightsaber blade as an extension of their being.

2 Form II: Makashi

Count dooku's preferred lightsaber form.

First developed when lightsabers started becoming more common among both the Jedi and the Sith, Makashi - or Form II - is a graceful lightsaber style suited to only the most skilled of duelists . Relying on careful and controlled strikes instead of power and strength, Form II is dedicated to getting the upper hand in one-on-one duels. Makashi has also been designed to accommodate more experimental lightsaber designs.

These designs include the crossguard lightsabers common during the Hundred Years of Darkness or even the use of a second shoto blade, as exemplified by Ahsoka Tano. Makashi fell out of fashion when the Sith were believed to be extinct, yet there were still some Jedi who practiced it, including Ki-Adi-Mundi. Count Dooku was another who was a master of Makashi, gaining a galaxy-wide reputation as a fearsome lightsaber duelist. His pride in this may well have been one of the things that led Dooku to the dark side.

3 Form III: Soresu

Obi-wan kenobi was considered the master of soresu.

Form III is named Soresu, and was generally believed to have been developed in response to the growing number of blasters in the galaxy . Form III being the style that accounts for how Jedi reflect blaster bolts using lightsabers. By the time of the prequel trilogy, all Jedi were trained in Soresu in part because this is actually a tremendously useful exercise.

Luke Skywalker notes in the in-universe guidebook Secrets of the Jedi : " At first, [Padawans'] primary focus was defense, learning to block laser blasts while wearing special helmets that obscured their sight. By doing so, they could learn to let the Force be their guide. " Obi-Wan Kenobi was renowned for his use of Soresu and Kanan Jarrus was also skilled in the form. Luke Skywalker was also well-versed in Form III considering Obi-Wan was his Master and his first lightsaber usage in the Skywalker Saga comes from deflecting blaster bolts aboard the Millennium Falcon in the first Star Wars movie .

4 Form IV: Ataru

Master yoda's fearsome lightsaber form almost wore even palpatine down.

Ataru is one of the most aggressive forms of lightsaber combat , relying heavily on Force-assisted acrobatics. As such, Form IV has only been mastered by Jedi who are strongest in wielding the Force. Similar to Makashi, Ataru is at its best during one-on-one duels, when the master of Form IV attempts to conclude a duel as swiftly as possible.

The best Ataru masters ricochet around their environment, launching sweeping strikes that seem to come out of nowhere and thus forcing an opponent to be on the defensive. Ataru was used by Yoda in his duel with Count Dooku in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones as well as the Jedi Grand Master’s climactic conflict against Darth Sidious in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Many of its masters have proved susceptible to the seduction of the dark side, accounting for Form IV's popularity among the Sith.

5 Form V: Shien & Djem So

Anakin skywalker & ahsoka tano's preferred lightsaber forms.

Shien and Djem So were developed by practitioners of Form III who saw the need for a more offensive edge. Shien is designed for distance, allowing practitioners to swat back blaster bolts, while Djem So is designed for blade-on-blade combat. It uses an unconventional reverse grip, which is why Ahsoka Tano favored Djem So. Shien and Djem So incorporate many of Form III's strengths, including the use of solid blocks, parries, stronger counterattacks, and ripostes.

Many Jedi felt that Shien and Djem So were not faithful to the Jedi way

Form V's adaptiveness led to it becoming Anakin Skywalker’s favorite form. Interestingly, many Jedi felt that Shien and Djem So were not faithful to the Jedi way as it came perilously close to using the Force for offense rather than defense. This fits with another user of Form V within Star Wars canon: Ahsoka 's Baylan Skoll. Baylan's unusual Great Lightsaber required a modified version of Form V to account for its weight.

6 Form VI: Niman

A surprising lightsaber form used by darth maul.

Form VI, Niman, is often viewed as a synthesis of previous forms. It was the last form to gain widespread acceptance among the Jedi and emphasizes balance in the Force. According to the Knights of Fate sourcebook, the Jedi who developed Niman wanted to triumph without dominating their opponent .

They wanted to defend themselves and even deliver justice without the temptation of power. It is surprising, therefore, that Darth Sidious' apprentice, Darth Maul, depended on Niman in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace , suggesting that his teacher deliberately subverted the Jedi's favored combat style. Indeed, a Niman practitioner frequently blends lightsaber combat with the use of the Force itself and, as such, this form became popular with many Jedi who were disinterested in the art of combat alone.

7 Form VII: Juyo (or Vaapad)

Mace windu is one of the few form vii practitioners.

The final lightsaber combat form, Juyo, is the most controversial. According to various sourcebooks, it probably originated millennia before the Skywalker Saga as an outgrowth of Form I. Unlike other forms, Juyo encouraged Jedi to embrace their emotions and use them to fuel a relentless assault .

Consequently, Form VII was outright banned by the Jedi for a long time. However, Jedi Master Mace Windu took it upon himself to refine Juyo into an offshoot known as Vaapad: the perfection of Form VII. Windu developed Vaapad to control his inner darkness , bridging the gap between light and dark. Nevertheless, he was wary of teaching others Vaapad, lest they fail to master it as he had done and thus succumb to their emotions rather than control them as the Jedi Master could. It remains to be seen whether Star Wars will show Vaapad again.

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32 interesting and incredibly futuristic weapons and modern fighting vehicles.

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Apple Watch Series 10: Rumors, leaks, and what we know

I changed these 5 iphone settings and it instantly made dialogue clearer, how to turn your old tablet into a smart home display hub for free.

Warfare has always lead to the biggest leaps forward in technology, which each Country constantly striving to have the most advanced and capable armaments to protect their interests at home and abroad. Seemingly drawing inspiration from science-fiction, the latest and greatest advancements in military hardware and future weaponry paint a scarily accurate and dangerous view of the world of warfare in coming years.

Join us on the battlefield as we take a trip across the globe to find the biggest, brightest and best weaponry and military hardware from recent years, as well as predictions of the future.

• Weird and wonderful life-changing technologies from around the world
• 30 of the best tanks and armoured vehicles of all time

ADAPTIV camouflage

The enemy can't shoot what they can't see. That's the goal of BAE Systems ADAPTIV camouflage; to mask a military vehicle's infrared signature and shield them from detection by allowing them to blend in with its surroundings.

ADAPTIV camouflage on helicopters

This technology essentially renders thermal imaging systems obsolete and ensures friendly fighting vehicles are offered some protection from initial detection.

The same system can also be used to highlight allied vehicles to friendly forces and prevent blue-on-blue incidents.

ADAPTIV camouflage in action

The ADAPTIV camouflage is made up of a honey-comb like system that can be installed in modules on any vehicle and heated or cooled as necessary to match the surrounding environment.

The Swedish T Ghost is a camouflaged tank that uses BAE's ADAPTIV camouflage to make it invisible to enemy thermal imaging systems.

The Ghost tank also uses a high-calibre 120mm compact main cannon with new technology designed to reduce recoil and lower overall vehicle weight.

The result is a nimble and powerful medium fighting tank. The bleeding edge technology on this tank, in theory, allows the users to strike first before the opposing forces even realise they're there.

Magneto Hydrodynamic Explosive Munition (MAHEM)

The MAHEM weapons system by DARPA uses a magnetic flux generator to fire a projectile without the traditional use of chemical explosives creating a more efficient and precise launch system.

This projectile weapons system also uses molten metal to penetrate enemy armoured vehicles increasing lethality and effectiveness on the battlefield.

Taser Shockwave

The TASER Shockwave is a large-scale area denial system designed to help assist with riot control situations. Essentially a large modular system for firing numerous TASER X26 stun guns in a 20-degree arc with a 25-foot range. Not something you'd want to be anywhere near when it went off.

The TASER Shockwave is also capable of being daisy chained with multiple other units increasing area coverage and presenting an even bigger threat to violent rioters. A shocking piece of riot control weaponry for sure.

Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System

The Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System is a heavily armed bot designed to save lives and handle situations too dangerous to send real people into.

Why send men to do a job when a robot can do it just as well? While most of us live in fear of being replaced by robots, soldiers on the battlefield are probably grateful to see this tracked monster rock up alongside them.

The MAARS robot can be armed with a 400-round M240B machine gun, a grenade launcher or even used to drag injured soldiers out of danger. Capable of a top speed of just 7 mph, it's just about fast enough to keep up with the troops and has the staying power too - with a battery system capable of running up to 12 hours. Luckily there's no AI involved, so we're not going to see the robot uprising just yet.

Black knight arcv.

The Black Knight Unmanned Combat Vehicle is a prototype unmanned combat vehicle with the appearance of a small tank and the firepower to match.

Like the MAARS robot, the Black Knight Unmanned Combat Vehicle is designed to be sent into high-risk situations to avoid unnecessary danger to human troops. The current technology is not without limitations and issues with GPS, wireless communication and sensors still need to be worked out but apparently, it is a combat vehicle that shows plenty of promise.

A 30mm cannon and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, combined with the ability to be deployed from a military transport aircraft make this a combat vehicle to be reckoned with.

Thunder Generator

A few years ago the Israeli Army, alongside PDT Agro was experimenting with a weapon known as the Thunder Generator.

This machine was designed to detonate an explosion in its barrel, then release that as a high-speed shockwave that could be used to deafen (temporarily) and push back people up to 100 feet away. Useful for a variety of situations no doubt.

Active Denial System (ADS)

Another non-lethal energy weapon designed to help with crowd and riot control. Also known as the "heat ray" this system works by heating the target's surface on the same principles as a microwave oven.

Under continued exposure, people have experienced several burns to the top layer of their skin. The idea is simple enough - things get so hot you wouldn't want to stick around.

Hypersonic Missile - X51A Waverider

Since the 1990s, the American Air Force Research Laboratory has been involved in the design, development and testing of a hypersonic propulsion system with a view to creating a missile capable of Mach 6 (4,000mph).

Still a work in progress, the X-51 Waverider has shown plenty of promise during testing reaching speeds of over 3,000 mph.

The result is the boeing x-51 waverider, an unmanned scramjet aircraft designed to be launched from a b-52 bomber or f-35 fighter., armatix smart pistol.

The Armatix Smart Pistol is a .22 calibre pistol with smart technology designed to ensure it can only be fired by an authorised user. Unlike designs from the movies, this gun doesn't function by a fingerprint reader on the grip, but instead requires the use of an accompanying smartwatch.

This watch operates as a RFID key to the lock allowing it to fire. The watch itself also holds other real-time data on the gun including battery charge levels and the number of shots fired within a given timeframe.

Laser Weapon System (LaWS)

The Laser Weapons System is essentially exactly what it sounds like - a ship-mounted laser cannon. This laser system allows for pinpoint targeting and destruction of enemy assets including everything from small ordinance to enemy craft engines.

You only need to see the laser in action to appreciate its benefits. It also has the advantage of being much more cost-effective and efficient when compared with traditional projectile weaponry as it only requires sufficient power to fire. Where missiles need to be built, transported, stored and maintained in order to be used.

Boeing Laser Avenger

The Boeing Laser Avenger is an aerial defence weapon that can be mounted to a vehicle and used to shoot down enemy UAVs.

Unlike conventional anti-aircraft weaponry, the Boeing Laser Avenger system doesn't create a muzzle flare or smoke trail when it fires. This means it can be fired from concealed positions keeping friendly troops safe and out of harm's way.

High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator (HEL MD)

Boeing is working on improving the High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator's power to increase it to more tactically significant levels for use against incoming rockets, mortar and artillery strikes.

Human Universal Load Carrier (HULC)

The Human Universal Load Carrier is a hydraulic-powered exoskeleton suit intended to support soldiers on the battlefield and allow them to transport heavy loads for extended periods of time without the usual exhaustion that would come with such a task.

Hybrid Insect Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (HI MEMS)

Another weapons system straight out of science fiction, this time in the form of bugs.

Though it might look like someone's just strapped a circuit board to the back of a beetle, it's actually a basic representation of a technology that's been worked on for decades. Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) have been in the works since the 1940s and are essentially cyborg bugs and winged creatures that have been enslaved to do man's bidding.

A freedom of information request to DARPA revealed some interesting truths behind this military hardware that included the implanting of technologies into insects at the larva and pupae stage for the greatest chance of viability. Cameras and tracking devices obviously provide perfect tracking capabilities that no one would expect - ideal for surveilling enemy bodies or even a Government's own citizens.

XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement (CDTE)

The XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System is a semi-automatic airburst grenade launcher with a laser rangefinding system allowing soldiers to calculate the distance to target for most effective combat use.

The XM25 has almost quadruple the effective range of standard grenade launchers but is also heavy and cumbersome to use. Budget cuts delayed entry into service and other issues have called development and deployment into question. Nonetheless, this is one dangerous weapon on the battlefield.

Fostech Origin 12 Shotgun

The Fostech Origin 12 shotgun is pitched as the World's fastest-firing shotgun.

Although not fully automatic, this shotgun is capable of firing 30 rounds in under eight seconds.

Fostech Origin 12 Shotgun with a suppressor

It's also capable of working with a SilencerCo Salvo 12 sound suppressor, making it a menacing weapon in anyone's hands.

Being able to shoot around corners is the military operator's dream - meaning they can fire at a target without exposing themselves to risk.

The Cornershot device itself is capable of working with a range of pistols which makes it flexible, but due to the nature of the weapon its range is effectively limited to 100 metres.

KRISS Vector

This compact submachine gun is an extremely capable and flexible weapon that's compatible with a range of different ammunition calibres including .22, .40, .45 and 9mm Parabellum.

But what makes it interesting is the KRISS Super V Recoil Mitigation System which pushes expended energy from fired rounds downwards to keep the gun on target and dramatically reduce recoil.

Mile Maker - Precision-Guided Firearms

Precision-Guided Firearms are designed to take the missile lock-on system from fighter jets and apply them to traditional long-range rifle systems.

These firearms use target tracking, advanced fire control and heads-up display technologies to help guide a bullet to its target and account for human error to ensure a higher probability of hitting the target first time, even at long range.

This exoskeleton suit is built to transfer the weight to the frame and reduce the risk of injury to the user. The design has also been developed to allow the individual wearer to retain a full range of motion while also being compatible with other technology such as armour, heating and cooling systems as well as a range of custom attachments.

This is the first taste of cybernetics on the battlefield and shows the potential for more to come.

Personnel halting and stimulation response (phasr) rifle.

This crazy-looking weapon first appears like an alien technology or something out of a science fiction flick.

It's actually a non-lethal incapacitation device designed to temporarily blind and disorient targets. The PHASR rifle fires a low-intensity laser beam with a blinding effect and is perfect for a variety of situations where the aim is to disable the target.

The first Precision-Guided Firearm system was developed by TrackPoint, an American company that developed a bolt-action system capable of engaging targets accurately at 1,280m, even when moving. The result is a scarily accurate rifle with a hefty price tag.

Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance

DARPA’s Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance is essentially a self-steering, guided bullet designed for military snipers to support improved accuracy over long-range in unfavourable conditions (such as high winds).

Essentially a "smart" bullet, this ammo has the ability to home in on targets and even change course in mid-air to compensate for target movement or changes in wind speed.

The result is a round that can even be fired by novice shooters and still hit their target with near-pinpoint accuracy at long range. scary stuff., obrum pl-01 stealth tank.

PL-01 is a Polish light tank with a modular ceramic-aramid shell and additional armoured plating capable of providing a full range of protection against a variety of projectiles, improvised explosive devices and landmines.

Equipped with a 940hp engine it's capable of a top speed of just under 45 mph with a range of 310 miles. The highlight of this tank though is the stealth technology.

As a fifth-generation stealth tank, it's the world's first armoured vehicle that's practically invisible to both infrared and radar detection systems. The various technologies here make this the most advanced stealth tank in the world which is surprising considering it's come out of Poland and not Russia or the United States.

Quantum stealth camouflage.

Straight out of science fiction comes a light-bending technology called "Quantum Stealth" that provides active camouflage to the user and mimics the surrounding environment.

Pictures of the actual technology haven't been released for security reasons, but these mockups give an idea of how effective the camouflage is.

Military testing has demonstrated that the Quantum Stealth material is effective against both infrared and thermal scopes and works as one of the most efficient camouflage systems currently in military use.

Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD)

The Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) is a piece of modern military technology with two different applications.

Firstly, it can be used as a hailing device - allowing users to send messages over a longer distance than is normally possible with loudspeakers. Secondly, it is also capable of being used as a so-called "sonic weapon" for riot control, crowd dispersion or other in situations that require a non-lethal solution to hostile action.

The LRAD has been deployed by various police forces, but is even in use on several luxury cruise liners and has been effectively used against armed pirates to prevent them boarding.

Zumwalt Class Destroyers

Although it looks like some sort of bonkers submarine, this is actually a multi-role battleship with stealth capabilities. The low-radar cross-section and a wave-piercing hull combined with a range of other technologies make this destroyer a ship far less capable of detection by enemy radar than its comparable counterparts.

Backed by $9.6 billion in research and development costs, the Zumwalt Class Destroyer is possibly the most expensive vessel of its kind. The design apparently gives the destroyer a radar profile similar to a fishing boat and make it 50 times harder to spot than standard destroyers.

The Zumwalt Class Destroyer also boasts an Advanced Gun System which comprises of a 155mm naval gun capable of firing a Long Range Land Attack Projectile (LRLAP) over 80 nautical miles. A controversially expensive destroyer with plenty of interesting technologies that demonstrate the power of the modern American Navy.

Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout

This unusual-looking helicopter is an unmanned aerial vehicle designed to provide reconnaissance, aerial fire support and targeting for ground troops. It is the latest in a line of similar craft that has been in development as part of $3.06 billion programme in operation since 2010.

Electromagnetic Rail Gun

This monster cannon is actually the culmination of over a decade's worth of development and testing. An electromagnetic rail gun capable of firing projectiles at over 4,500mph and smashing through concrete structures 100 miles away.

The result is a longer-range weapon with much greater accuracy. They do, however, require a great deal of power and scientists are still working on perfecting the output for maximum performance without actually tearing the weapon apart when it fires.

The High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator (HEL MD) is another laser cannon capable of blasting enemy drones out of the sky. This 10-kilowatt laser can be vehicle mounted for easy transport to where it's needed.

Powered by lithium-ion batteries and a diesel generator, it's easy to use and maintain but provides the army with the firepower they need to keep enemy eyes out of the sky.

Hololens for soliders.

A while back Microsoft won a multi-year contract to supply the US Army with Hololens devices. Since then the company has collected 80,000 hours of user data from soldiers.

The data has been used to improve the technology (known as Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS)) in order to assist soldiers in combat like never before.

This augmented reality system would do all sorts of things. It could make it so soldiers can see through smoke, they can also use it to see around corners without putting themselves in danger and get information on the surrounding environment too.

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Home » Guides

18 Different Types of Martial Arts

Explore different styles in this comprehensive guide..

Welcome to a world where every punch, kick, and stance tells a story – welcome to the diverse and captivating universe of martial arts. As a fellow enthusiast who has tread the paths of dojos around the world, I understand the blend of excitement and uncertainty that comes with choosing the right martial art. This guide is not just a collection of facts; it’s a window into the soul of over 180 martial arts styles , each with its unique rhythm and heartbeat.

Here, you will not just read about martial arts; you’ll feel the fiery spirit of Muay Thai from Thailand, the disciplined elegance of Korean Taekwondo, and the tranquil flow of Chinese Tai Chi. We’ll journey together through various disciplines:

• Muay Thai : Feel the strength and resilience in every strike.
• Taekwondo : Discover the harmony of swift kicks and inner discipline.
• Tai Chi : Embrace the tranquility and balance in its slow movements.
• Kickboxing : Experience the adrenaline rush of agile and rapid strikes.
• Karate : Learn the power of controlled movements and precision.
• Kung Fu : Dive into the diversity of styles that form this ancient art.
• Aikido : Understand the art of peace and energy redirection.
• Judo : Grasp the technique of throws and ground-based strategies.
• Kendo : Step into a world of discipline and mental focus with bamboo swords.
• Krav Maga : Equip yourself with practical self-defense skills for real-life scenarios.
• Wing Chun : Master the art of close-range combat with rapid-fire strikes.
• Jeet Kune Do : Explore Bruce Lee’s philosophy of efficiency in motion.
• Hapkido : Learn to harness and redirect the energy of your opponents.
• Capoeira : Immerse yourself in the rhythmic blend of fight, dance, and music.
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu : Delve into the world of ground grappling and submission techniques.
• Jiu-Jitsu : Experience the traditional Japanese art of grappling and submission.
• Ninjutsu : Discover the ancient Japanese art that combines stealth, tactics, and discipline, originally practiced by the famed ninja warriors.
• Escrima : Engage with the dynamic and rhythmic Filipino martial art known for its use of sticks, knives, and improvised weapons for self-defense.

This guide is your companion on a journey to find not just a martial art, but a part of yourself. It’s about the thrill of learning, the joy of movement, and the journey towards self-mastery. Whether you’re seeking physical fitness, mental discipline, or a deeper cultural connection, let’s embark on this journey together and discover the martial art that resonates with your heart and soul.

Understanding Martial Arts

Martial arts are  fighting styles  from around the world. Each style trains people to fight or defend themselves. Some martial arts use  strikes with fists, elbows, knees, and shins  like Muay Thai.

Tai Chi helps find inner peace by using  slow movements . Other styles stress  fast moves and powerful kicks  such as Taekwondo.

Anyone can learn martial arts to get fit or for self-defense. These training techniques help with  balance, speed, strength  and mental focus too! From Japan’s Karate to China’s Kung Fu, each practice has its own set of  rules and techniques .

Various Types of Martial Arts

There are numerous types of martial arts, including Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Tai Chi, Kickboxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Aikido, Judo, Kendo, Krav Maga, Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do, Hapkido, Capoeira, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Ninjutsu, and Escrima.

1. Muay Thai

• Dynamic and Versatile : Known as the “Art of 8 Limbs” for its use of various body parts in combat.
• Culturally Rich : Deeply embedded in Thai culture with roots tracing back to ancient Siamese warriors.
• Physically and Mentally Challenging : Emphasizes endurance, power, and mental resilience through rigorous training.

Originating in Thailand, Muay Thai, often referred to as Thai Boxing, is a powerful martial art and combat sport recognized for its dynamic use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Historically rooted in the techniques of Siamese warriors on the battlefield, it has evolved from a necessity for close-quarters combat and self-defense into a globally respected sport and a key component of Thai culture.

Muay Thai fighters display a blend of strength, speed, agility, and tactical brilliance in the ring. Their aggressive and intense fighting style is complemented by clinch holds and devastating clinch techniques. Training in Muay Thai is demanding, aiming to foster endurance, power, precision, and mental resilience, making it a captivating discipline for enthusiasts worldwide.

2. Taekwondo

• Historically Rich : Evolved from traditional Korean fighting styles with a history dating back to 37 BC.
• High Energy and Athletic : Known for its high kicks and rapid strikes, paralleling the intensity of kickboxing.
• Values-Driven Training : Emphasizes self-discipline, respect, and mental strength.

Taekwondo, originating from Korea, is a vibrant and fast-paced martial art with roots in traditional Korean styles like Taekkyeon and Subak. It’s renowned for its high and rapid kicks and meticulous hand techniques, gaining worldwide admiration. Evolving in the 1940s and 50s, post the Japanese occupation of Korea, Taekwondo is exhilarating and action-packed.

While sharing similarities with Karate, Taekwondo is unique with its iconic high-kicking methods. Training fosters values like self-discipline, respect, and mental strength. It covers self-defense, forms, sparring, and board-breaking techniques, presenting a harmonious blend of beauty, athleticism, and practicality.

• Philosophically Grounded : Rooted in Taoist principles, focusing on harmony and balance.
• Fluid and Graceful Movements : Emphasizes slow, interconnected sequences that enhance physical and mental health.
• More Than Just Martial Art : A reflection of Chinese culture and a practice for cultivating internal energy and promoting health.

Origins from China, Tai Chi is steeped in Taoist philosophy, striving for a harmonious balance between body, mind, and spirit. Its historical accuracy may be debated, but its essence has been consistent across generations. Characterized by slow, graceful, and fluid movements, Tai Chi promotes relaxation , balance, and inner harmony.

These sequences, performed continuously, cultivate internal energy and physical health. The emphasis on mindful movements, regulated breath, and mental focus elevates awareness, enhancing stamina and endurance. Tai Chi involves “tui shou” or partner work, aiding in developing responsiveness to an opponent’s motions, making it popular worldwide for its subtle power and tranquility.

4. Kickboxing

• Blend of Multiple Disciplines : Incorporates elements from boxing, karate, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Aikido, and Judo.
• Dynamic and Agile : Known for its fast kicks, quick punches, and fluid movements.
• Balanced Training : Focuses on both self-defense skills and physical conditioning.

Kickboxing, a globally popular combat sport, emerged in the 1960s as a fusion of boxing’s striking elements and karate’s disciplined techniques. Its influences extend beyond these two disciplines, absorbing aspects from a variety of martial arts including Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Aikido, and Judo.

Characterized by a full-contact fighting style, kickboxing showcases a blend of fast kicks, quick punches, and in some styles, the use of elbows. Practitioners benefit from a comprehensive approach to self-defense , while also engaging in intense physical conditioning.

Training regimes in kickboxing typically involve pad work and heavy bag drills, crucial for developing accuracy, speed, and timing. The use of mitts or Thai pads by coaches is commonplace, providing targeted practice for fighters. Moreover, sparring sessions are integral, offering a realistic environment to apply and refine techniques. Kickboxing stands out for its combination of power, technique, and agility, making it a favorite for those seeking fitness and self-defense skills.

• Historically Rich : Originated in Okinawa, Japan, reflecting traditional values and discipline.
• Powerful and Diverse Techniques : Known for its strikes, kicks, knee and elbow strikes, and open-hand techniques.
• Holistic Approach : Focuses on self-improvement, discipline, respect, and inner strength.

Originating from Okinawa, Japan, during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, Karate is a testament to the rich tapestry of Japanese martial arts. Traditionally practiced in secret for self-defense, it is renowned for its powerful strikes, kicks, knee and elbow strikes, and open-hand techniques, reflecting deep-rooted discipline and honor.

Karate’s influence can be seen in martial arts like Muay Thai, Capoeira, and Taekwondo, sharing a particular kinship with Muay Thai due to their focus on robust strikes. Despite these similarities, Karate retains its unique essence and techniques.

Today, Karate is a journey of self-improvement, fostering discipline, respect, and inner strength. The training encompasses basic techniques (kihon), forms (kata), sparring (kumite), and self-defense. It emphasizes refining posture, balance, coordination, speed, and mental acuity, embodying both physical and spiritual growth.

• Culturally Deep : Rooted in Chinese philosophy and military combat techniques, with a legendary origin linked to the Shaolin Temple.
• Diverse Styles : Includes Shaolin Kung Fu, Wing Chun, Tai Chi, Baguazhang, and Xingyiquan.
• More Than Physical Training : Emphasizes fluidity, quick strikes, and a philosophical pursuit of balance and self-cultivation.

Kung Fu, deeply embedded in Chinese heritage, is more than a martial art; it’s a reflection of ancient Chinese philosophy and legends. Its introduction to the Shaolin Temple marks a significant moment in its evolution, with legends tracing its roots back to an Indian monk named Damo.

Kung Fu encompasses a vibrant array of styles, each emphasizing fluidity, quick strikes, kicks, throws, and in some styles, acrobatics. The training goes beyond physical prowess, encapsulating a pursuit of balance, harmony, discipline, and self-cultivation.

The holistic training journey in Kung Fu includes mastering stances, footwork, strikes, kicks, and weaponry. It aims to refine timing, distance management, and defense while nurturing the mind, urging practitioners towards continuous physical and mental self-improvement. Kung Fu’s enduring legacy and influence are a testament to the rich history of the Chinese martial tradition.

• Philosophy of Peace and Unity : Focuses on harmonizing with an opponent’s energy rather than direct confrontation.
• Fluid and Dynamic Techniques : Utilizes joint locks, throws, and pins to neutralize attackers without undue harm.
• Self-Discovery and Harmony : Training is not just about self-defense, but also personal growth and understanding.

Hailing from Japan in the 20th century, Aikido beautifully merges martial techniques with a philosophy centered on peace, unity, and personal growth. Drawing influence from Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu, Aikido advocates for blending with and redirecting an opponent’s energy, rather than relying on brute strength.

Practitioners, known as Aikidoka, employ fluid, circular techniques to neutralize attackers. This approach is deeply rooted in the core principles of Aikido: harmonizing with the attacker, maintaining a centered posture, and redirecting their force effectively.

Training in Aikido encompasses more than self-defense; it’s a journey of self-discovery. Aikidoka engage in roles as uke (attacker) and nage (defender), practicing kata (forms), ukemi (falling and rolling techniques), and randori (freestyle practice). Traditional weaponry like wooden swords and staffs also play a role, adding depth to this art. For practitioners, Aikido offers a path to self-understanding and harmonious connection.

• Practical Self-Defense and Efficiency : Integrates elements of traditional jujutsu and other martial arts.
• Leverage and Technique : Focuses on using an opponent’s energy against them through skillful throws and grappling.
• Olympic Sport and Personal Growth : Emphasizes physical conditioning, mental discipline, and mutual respect.

Judo, originating from Japan, is more than a martial art; it’s a legacy and philosophy, founded by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century. It synthesizes traditional jujutsu with various martial arts, focusing on practical self-defense and efficiency.

At its core, Judo emphasizes strategic leverage and technique over brute force. Practitioners master throws, grappling, sweeps, reversals, counters, and combinations, aiming for maximum efficiency in movement and strength.

But Judo transcends mere technique. As an Olympic sport, it demands physical conditioning, technique repetition, dynamic randori sessions, and mental discipline. Training in Judo hones self-defense skills and fosters personal growth, instilling values of mutual respect and sportsmanship. In the dojo, the journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about learning defense.

• Rooted in Tradition : Emphasizes discipline and mental focus, following the principles of Bushido.
• Precision and Technique : Focuses on swordsmanship using bamboo swords (“shinai”).
• Character Development : Goes beyond physical training to instill values of respect and humility.

Kendo, deeply ingrained in Japanese history and Bushido traditions, is a martial art centered on swordsmanship using bamboo swords, known as “shinai”. Emerging from the ancient kenjutsu, it was formally recognized as a distinct martial art in early 20th century Japan.

The essence of Kendo lies in discipline, mental focus, and character development. Practitioners learn precise strikes, thrusts, and defensive techniques, mirroring real sword combat. Beyond physical skills, Kendo cultivates respect, humility, and the embodiment of Bushido principles.

Training encompasses more than swordplay; footwork, body movement, and agility are crucial, allowing for stable and graceful movement. Kata (forms) refine techniques and strategies, while keiko (sparring sessions) provide a platform for skill application in controlled settings. Kendo is thus a journey of personal growth, physical rigor, and deep connection to Japanese warrior traditions.

10. Krav Maga

• Practical and Efficient : Designed for real-world self-defense, prioritizing swift and efficient movements.
• Diverse Techniques : Incorporates elements from various martial arts for a comprehensive defense system.
• Real-World Scenarios : Focuses on scenarios like close-quarters combat and defense against weapons.

Originating in Israel, Krav Maga is a practical martial art developed by Imi Lichtenfield in the 1930s, initially to empower Jewish communities against anti-Semitic violence. It uniquely combines techniques from diverse martial arts into an efficient self-defense system.

Krav Maga’s primary goal is rapid threat neutralization, emphasizing conditioning, endurance, and meticulous technique execution. Its training is deeply rooted in real-life scenarios, equipping practitioners for close-quarters combat and defense against weapons, including knives, sticks, and firearms. The art emphasizes targeting an opponent’s vulnerable points with strikes, punches, kicks, and elbows, underlining its effectiveness in real-world situations.

Globally recognized and respected, Krav Maga’s adoption by military and law enforcement agencies highlights its status as a formidable and adaptable martial art, tailored to contemporary challenges.

11. Wing Chun

• Tradition and Strategy : A form of Kung Fu designed for close-range combat and self-defense efficiency.
• Economy of Movement : Focuses on rapid, targeted strikes and the intelligent use of an opponent’s energy.
• Mental and Physical Training : Enhances speed, precision, anticipation, and counter-strategies.

Wing Chun, a specialized branch of Kung Fu, emerged from southern China during the Qing dynasty, surrounded by folklore. Allegedly developed by a Buddhist nun, Ng Mui, it was designed to enable smaller individuals to effectively defend against larger adversaries.

Wing Chun excels in close-range combat, combining physical techniques with a deeper philosophical approach. It emphasizes rapid, targeted strikes, focusing on an opponent’s vulnerabilities, and is distinguished by its efficient movement economy and the simultaneous execution of attack and defense.

Training in Wing Chun is as much about mental agility as physical prowess. It cultivates speed, precision, and coordination, enhancing reflexes and the ability to anticipate and counter an opponent’s moves. From rapid-fire punches to balance-disrupting low kicks, each technique reflects Wing Chun’s strategic genius, making it a martial art of resilience and empowerment.

12. Jeet Kune Do

• Fusion of Styles : Developed by Bruce Lee, combining elements from Wing Chun, boxing, fencing, and more.
• Simplicity and Efficiency : Emphasizes using the most efficient and direct techniques in combat.
• Philosophy of Growth : Fosters open-mindedness and continuous personal improvement.

Jeet Kune Do, created by Bruce Lee in the 1960s, is a martial art that embodies simplicity and directness. Translating to “the way of the intercepting fist”, it is a fusion of techniques from Wing Chun, Western boxing, fencing, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, and Kickboxing.

The philosophy of Jeet Kune Do is about more than just combat techniques; it’s about employing the most efficient and direct approach tailored to each moment. This principle minimizes unnecessary movements, allowing practitioners to maximize speed, power, and adaptability, and fluidly switch between ranges and techniques.

Training in Jeet Kune Do encompasses drills, sparring, and scenario-based exercises, all designed to develop agility, timing, and a seamless flow of actions. Beyond physical training, it instills a mindset of open-mindedness, personal growth, and a relentless pursuit of self-improvement. Jeet Kune Do is not just a fighting style; it’s a journey towards self-mastery.

13. Hapkido

• Integration of Diverse Techniques : Combines joint locks, throws, strikes, and traditional weapons.
• Principle of Energy Redirection : Uses an opponent’s momentum against them, emphasizing adaptability.
• Holistic Development : Focuses on achieving harmony between mind and body, enhancing physical and mental discipline.

Hapkido, hailing from Korea, is a comprehensive martial art that elegantly integrates various techniques, drawing inspiration from Taekwondo, Judo, and Aikido. It offers a holistic approach to self-defense, incorporating joint locks, throws, striking techniques, pressure points, and traditional weapons.

A key principle of Hapkido is redirecting an opponent’s energy. Practitioners learn to use an adversary’s momentum against them, a method that relies on adaptability and technique rather than brute strength. This approach makes Hapkido effective against opponents of varying sizes and strengths.

Choi Yong-Sool is often credited with introducing Hapkido in the mid-20th century. Under his and subsequent practitioners’ guidance, it evolved into a versatile art form. Training in Hapkido not only builds physical strength and flexibility but also focuses on mental discipline and achieving a harmonious balance between mind and body. The journey through Hapkido includes mastering structured forms, stances, footwork, and combination drills, fostering a philosophy of agility in both combat and life.

14. Capoeira

• Unique Fusion : Blends dance, acrobatics, and music, rooted in Brazilian culture and African heritage.
• Rhythmic and Fluid Movements : Characterized by strikes, kicks, sweeps, and acrobatic maneuvers.
• Cultural and Social Experience : Emphasizes camaraderie and cultural expression through music and song.

Capoeira, a distinctive martial art from Brazil, is a vibrant amalgamation of dance, acrobatics, and music, tracing its roots back to the 16th century. Developed by enslaved Africans, it combined combat techniques with dance to camouflage their training and preserve cultural ties.

The essence of Capoeira lies in its fluid, rhythmic movements. Capoeiristas perform a symphony of strikes, kicks, and acrobatic moves, imbuing their routines with evasion tactics and dynamic flips. Beyond the physicality, the acrobatic elements add flair and spectacle, distinguishing it as both an art form and a combat technique.

Training in Capoeira is an immersive cultural experience. Sessions often resemble harmonious gatherings, with capoeiristas engaging in partner drills against a backdrop of rhythmic music and songs. This not only enhances skill development but also fosters a sense of community, making Capoeira a unique blend of martial artistry, cultural celebration, and social bonding.

15. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

• Technique Over Strength : Emphasizes leveraging technique and leverage, suitable for all sizes and genders.
• Groundwork and Grappling Focus : Specializes in ground positions, joint locks, and chokeholds.
• Comprehensive Training : Combines partner drills, rolling sessions, and combat simulations for sport and self-defense.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, known as BJJ, evolved from Japanese Jujutsu, influenced significantly by the Gracie family in Brazil. It champions the power of technique and leverage over brute strength, making it an effective martial art for individuals of all sizes.

BJJ’s distinct approach lies in its emphasis on groundwork and grappling. Integrating techniques like sweeps, takedowns, joint locks, and chokes, practitioners aim to gain dominant ground positions for effective control. Training in BJJ, often conducted in a traditional ‘gi’, is not limited to technique execution. It includes partner drills and realistic combat simulations, ensuring practitioners are well-versed in both sport and self-defense scenarios. With its effectiveness in MMA (mixed martial arts), BJJ is a testament to the importance of safety, skill, and strategy in martial arts.

16. Jiu-Jitsu (Japanese Jujutsu)

• Leverage and Precision : Utilizes leverage, precision, and technique over force.
• Comprehensive Combat Approach : Focuses on grappling, submissions, and close-quarters combat.
• Holistic Training Experience : Includes partner drills, rolling sessions, and ‘ukemi’ (falling and rolling techniques).

Jiu-Jitsu, or Japanese Jujutsu, hails from the ancient tactics of samurai warriors. This martial art is centered on grappling, submissions, and efficient self-defense in both standing and ground scenarios. It empowers practitioners, regardless of size, to effectively handle larger adversaries by redirecting their force.

Training in Jiu-Jitsu is a holistic experience, blending partner drills with rolling sessions and the crucial practice of ‘ukemi’—the art of falling and rolling safely. This martial art encompasses a diverse range of techniques, including throws, joint locks, pins, and strangleholds. It caters to both experienced martial artists and beginners, offering a deep dive into the synergy of mind, body, and technique, and showcasing the rich history and versatility of traditional Japanese martial arts.

17. Ninjutsu

• Diverse Martial Art Techniques : Incorporates striking, grappling, throwing, and joint locking.
• Weapon Proficiency : Ninjas are skilled in various weapons like swords and shurikens.
• Stealth and Mental Discipline : Focuses on blending with the environment and employing stealthy tactics.

Ninjutsu, a unique style of Japanese martial arts , was historically developed and practiced by ninjas. It is characterized by a diverse combination of martial techniques, including striking, grappling, throwing, and joint locking.

Ninjas are known for their skill in using various weapons such as swords, shurikens (throwing stars), and rope darts. Ninjutsu training is not limited to physical combat techniques; it also includes meditation to enhance focus and mental discipline. Endurance exercises form a part of the regimen, building physical strength and stamina. The essence of Ninjutsu lies in blending with the environment, employing stealth, and utilizing deception to gain an advantage over opponents, embodying the cunning and adaptability of the traditional ninja.

18. Escrima

• Filipino Martial Art : Known for its practical and efficient combat techniques.
• Versatile Weaponry and Hand-to-Hand Skills : Teaches both armed and unarmed combat skills.
• Real-World Application : Emphasizes practicality in various situations, enhancing agility and alertness.

Escrima, originating from the Philippines, is a martial art that stands as a testament to Filipino combat prowess. Known locally as Arnis or Kali, Escrima encompasses a comprehensive range of techniques, from effective stick and blade handling to an intricate blend of strikes, blocks, joint locks, and throws.

Its training emphasizes practicality and efficiency, making it highly applicable in real-world scenarios, including close-quarter combat and weapon disarms. Whether armed or unarmed, Escrima equips practitioners with a versatile skill set suitable for various self-defense situations. Training in Escrima not only hones combat skills but also sharpens hand-eye coordination, enhancing agility and alertness in daily life. It’s a martial art that offers more than just fighting techniques; it’s a discipline that cultivates practicality, responsiveness, and adaptability.

How to Choose the Right Martial Art to Learn

Choosing the right martial art to learn can be a daunting task with so many options available. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision. First, think about your goals and what you want to achieve through learning martial arts.

Do you want to  focus on self-defense, physical fitness, or personal development ? Understanding your motivations will help narrow down the choices. Second, consider your  physical abilities and limitations .

Some martial arts styles place more emphasis on strength and power, while others focus on agility and flexibility. Choose a style that aligns with your natural strengths or one that challenges you in areas where you want to improve.

Third, research the different styles and their training methods. Each martial art has its unique techniques and approaches to combat or self-defense. Find a style that resonates with you and matches your preferred learning style – whether it’s striking techniques like punches and kicks or grappling techniques like throws and submissions.

Finally, try out different classes or schools before committing to one style. Many places offer trial sessions or introductory packages that allow beginners to experience the training firsthand.

This way, you can get a feel for the instructor’s teaching style, the atmosphere of the class, and see if it’s something you enjoy.

Remember: It’s important not only to choose a martial art but also find an instructor who is knowledgeable, experienced, patient (especially for beginners), and creates a safe environment for training.

Keep these considerations in mind when choosing the right martial art for yourself – understanding your goals, assessing your physical abilities, researching different styles, and trying out classes – as they will guide you towards finding an art form that suits both your interests and capabilities.

• Top 21 Deadliest Martial Arts In The World According To Experts
• 13 Best Martial Arts For Self-Defense
• Best Martial Arts For Streetfight  

1. What are some different types of martial arts?

Some different types of martial arts include karate, taekwondo, judo, and jiu-jitsu.

2. Which martial art is best for self-defense?

Krav Maga is often considered one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense as it focuses on practical techniques for real-life situations.

3. Can children learn martial arts?

Yes, many martial arts schools offer classes specifically designed for children to learn self-discipline, respect, and basic self-defense skills.

4. How do I choose the right type of martial art to learn?

When choosing a martial art to learn, consider factors such as your fitness level, goals (self-defense or competition), location availability, and personal preferences in terms of striking versus grappling techniques.

5. Can an adult still learn martial arts?

Definitely! Age is no barrier to learning martial arts. Whether you’re a beginner or revisiting a childhood passion, martial arts offer adaptability to different fitness levels, skill sets, and objectives. Instructors are skilled at customizing training to individual capabilities, prioritizing safety and enjoyment.

For adults, engaging in martial arts provides numerous benefits, including physical conditioning, self-defense proficiency, stress reduction, and overall personal growth.

In conclusion, martial arts offer a  wide range of styles and techniques  for  self-defense , fitness , and personal growth . From the powerful strikes of Muay Thai to the graceful movements of Tai Chi, there is something for everyone.

Whether you want to compete or simply improve your physical and mental well-being, exploring different types of martial arts can be a rewarding journey filled with discipline, respect, and lifelong learning.

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Combat experiments reveal fighting techniques of Bronze-Age warriors

Bronze Age swords make for impressive museum displays, but how were they used? To find the answer, scientists teamed up with history enthusiasts to combine laboratory studies with staged experimental fights using replica weapons to generate marks on the soft metal to learn more about prehistoric combat techniques.

The European Bronze age, which ran from about 3200 BCE to 600 BCE, gets its name from the invention and widespread use of bronze – an alloy of copper and tin. During this time, a surprisingly large number of bronze swords were made and they are routinely being found in archaeological excavations of ancient burial sites or during river-dredging operations.

Despite this large number of finds, there is still controversy over how Bronze Age swords were used or if they were used at all. Some scholars believe that these weapons were too easily damaged to be practical and were made for ceremonial purposes, such as displays of status, burial offerings, or sacrifices to the gods.

While this may be true in some instances, researchers led by Dr. Andrea Dolfini at Newcastle University have found evidence that many of these swords were used in combat and have even begun to learn how they were used. By combining laboratory work by Leicester and Durham universities, the British Museum, and the Great North Museum: Hancock with field experiments conducted by members of the Newcastle-based Hotspur School of Defence, the Bronze Age Combat Project (BACP) learned how soft bronze weapons could be used practically.

The researchers used material analysis to develop an insight into how the bronze alloy in the swords behaved and, with the aid of skilled artisans using bronze tools, were able to produce sets of uniform replica swords, spears, and wooden shields. However, standard engineering-style lab tests couldn't reproduce the kind of body movements that a human being can execute, so the Hotspur club members were recruited.

Using fighting techniques derived from medieval and renaissance European sword combat manuals, the participants wore protective clothing and carried out a series of weapon blows aimed at various parts of the body, which were parried. The damage caused and the marks left behind were carefully recorded and compared to 2,500 wear marks found on 110 ancient swords collected from Britain and Italy.

They found that ancient fighters were very careful about exposing their swords to heavy, direct blows or making such blows that might break or bend the soft metal themselves. Instead, they engaged in close quarters to dominate their opponent's sword. The marks showing this were consistent, suggesting that the swordsmen were highly trained and practiced before going into battle. In addition, the wear patterns could be grouped by geography and time, showing changes in technique over time.

"The Bronze Age was the first time people used metal specifically to create weapons they could use against other people," says Dolfini. "People understood that these weapons could be very easily marked so sought to use them in ways that would limit the amount of damage received. It is likely that these specialized techniques would have to be learned from someone with more experience, and would have required a certain amount of training to be mastered."

However, the Newcastle team emphasized that these findings are more of a first step than a final answer. The fighting techniques used in the experiment were from an era of steel weapons and employed fighting skills developed for a different society with different needs and goals. This means that the key accomplishment of the research lays in opening up new avenues of inquiry.

"You can’t just give two people replicas of ancient weapons, tell them to fight and then say ‘we know how they were used’," says Dolfini. "What we did with the Bronze Age Combat Project is creating a meaningful blueprint for carrying out future experimental research into prehistoric combat, building a much greater understanding of how ancient weapons were used and the role of warriors in Bronze Age societies."

The findings were published in the Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory .

Source: Newcastle University

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7 Types of MMA Fighting Styles: A Complete Guide

The American martial arts studio industry was worth $9.7 billion in 2022 . Countless people train in MMA fighting styles, for fitness, sport, and self-defense.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has propelled the industry to stardom. The blend of fighting styles in MMA makes an efficient, effective fighting system. But which styles does it include?

You might want to start training in MMA fighting styles. Or you might want to train in a specific martial art that you’ve seen in MMA.

But where do you start?

We have a guide to types of MMA fighting styles. Take a look and see which ones interest you the most.

1. One of the Most Effective MMA Fighting Styles: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-jitsu was an unarmed samurai martial art developed somewhere between the 3rd and 8th centuries. There is evidence of jiu-jitsu practices in India and China too, but the Japanese style is the most famous.

Jiu-jitsu uses locks, throws, pressure points, and levers to submit an opponent. Back on the Japanese battlefield, jiu-jitsu was essential for combat against armored enemies; hand strikes were futile.

Instead, samurai choked, pinned, and locked their opponents. The weight of armor became a liability when on the ground. This method of overpowering larger, heavier foes is still present in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

But how did jiu-jitsu cross the Pacific?

Mitsuyo Maeda, a jiu-jitsu champion, took the martial art to the world stage. He traveled the globe demonstrating its effectiveness. In Brazil, he attracted the attention of Carlos Gracie, who studied under Maeda for years.

Gracie became the grandmaster of Brazilian jiu-jitsu . Through his family, honed the martial art into what we know today. It is a complete grappling system, teaching students to defend on the ground and take down foes.

2. Muay Thai

The art of eight limbs is Thai-style kickboxing taken up a few notches. Muay Thai fighters hit with elbows, knees, shins, and of course, fists. They use grappling, sweeps, and clinches to defend and attack.

Fighters strike with shins rather than feet. The roundhouse technique differs from kickboxing and karate. These styles raise the knee and strike in a snapping motion; Muay Thai roundhouse kicks are like the swing of a bat.

Fighters score points for knockouts, hits, style, and knocking the opponent down. In live combat, Muay Thai is brutal and effective. It tends to have less head movement than western boxing and uses high guards for defense.

For self-defense, Muay Thai is one of the best martial arts. For those with no striking experience, kicks can be tough to master, but the basics will help you in a rough spot.

Tremendous power, skill, and stamina are present in the best Muay Thai fights. Many types of MMA fighting styles use Muay Thai as a base.

3. Wrestling

Perhaps the oldest combat sport , wrestling equips fighters with takedown and submission skills. Wrestlers learn how to outmaneuver an opponent standing and on the ground. They vie for the dominant position.

Throws, like the suplex, can be devastating, knocking the wind out of an opponent or KO’ing them. Old-school wrestling in Greece and Egypt sought to throw down a foe to win the match. Now submissions are key, too.

Fighters learn to pin down opponents for a set amount of time. You can see this is entertainment wrestling too, although these fights are staged.

Coupled with a striking style and BJJ submissions, wrestling can take MMA fighters to the top. Many of the famous middle and heavyweight MMA fighters had wrestling backgrounds.

Boxers use their fists only, and there are strict rules they must follow. Grappling, throws, and elbows are all banned. But there is an arsenal of punches: hooks, jabs, uppercuts, and body shots.

Boxers learn how to hit and avoid being hit. Head movement and skillful footwork let them dodge foes and move into a counter position. Some of the most successful MMA fighters had boxing backgrounds.

For self-defense, boxing is effective, but fists are easily damaged without gloves. The defensive styles let boxers evade strikes, and it is excellent for fitness. But the lack of leg strikes can leave boxers with limited options.

5. Kickboxing

Kickboxing takes techniques for boxing and adds in leg strikes too. This makes it more effective in most cases as fighters have greater striking options. Footwork is essential, and fighters must have excellent stamina.

Unlike Muay Thai, kickboxers use only their fists and feet to strike. Grappling is banned, as are throws and sweeps. This makes kickboxing less versatile than Muay Thai, but nonetheless a powerful fighting style.

Together with a grappling art, kickboxing helps MMA fighters win against most opponents . For self-defense, kickboxing is a powerful system. Fighters learn to strike hard and avoid hits.

Known as the way of the empty hand, karate is a traditional system of unarmed combat. Karate fighters use elbows, fists, feet, and knees to strike opponents. Locks, throws, and sweeps complete the system.

There are countless styles of karate, but Shotokan, Wado Ryu, and Kyukushin are among the most popular. Kyokushin is championed by Stephen Wonderboy Thompson, and Lyoto Machida uses Shotokan methods.

MMA fighters with a base in karate show unique styles in the octagon. The wide stance and bouncing style are eye-catching. Karate fighters are powerful opponents, and it is a popular Olympic sport.

Judo is one of the most popular martial arts in the world. People practice judo on almost every continent. It became an Olympic sport in 1964 at the Tokyo Olympics.

Judo started as an educational system for young students based on samurai techniques. It embodies discipline, style, and effective techniques. Sweeps, throws, locks, and even chokes let judo fighters win matches.

The weight of the opponent helps defeat them. Momentum lets smaller students defeat larger opponents , using their own movements against them. Judo techniques are effective in MMA, letting fighters take down foes.

Want to Get Started With Mixed Martial Arts?

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An Experimental Approach to Prehistoric Violence and Warfare?

• First Online: 19 July 2018

Cite this chapter

• Rachel J. Crellin 10 ,
• Andrea Dolfini 11 ,
• Marion Uckelmann 12 &
• Raphael Hermann 11  

Part of the book series: Quantitative Methods in the Humanities and Social Sciences ((QMHSS))

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5 Citations

Despite the wealth of recent research into prehistoric warfare, our knowledge of how early weapons were handled and used in combat encounters remains limited. The Bronze Age Combat Project aims to investigate the problem through a combination of wear analysis of prehistoric swords, spears, and shields from various UK museum collections and through extensive, rigorous field tests with purpose-built replica weapons. The chapter discusses the multidisciplinary research approach devised by the team. The focus is on the development of our research methodology and experiments. We review our experimental methodology in the light of previous tests with replica weapons and highlight the advantages and shortcomings of our own approach to weapon testing.

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More information about the project can be found here: https://sites.google.com/site/bronzeagecombat/ .

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Uckelmann, M. (2011). The function of Bronze Age shields. In M. Uckelmann & M. Mödlinger (Eds.), Bronze Age warfare: Manufacture and use of weaponry (British Archaeological Reports, International Series, Vol. 2255, pp. 187–200). Oxford: Archaeopress.

Uckelmann, M. (2012). Die Schilde der Bronzezeit Nord-, West- und Zentraleuropa. (Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Vol. III.4). Stuttgart: Franz Steiner Verlag.

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Uckelmann, M., Crellin, R. J., Dolfini, A., & Hermann, R. (in preparation). Experiments and wear-analysis with wood, leather and bronze shields .

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Acknowledgements

We wish to thank all the contributors to the session on Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches to Warfare in Prehistory  at the European Association of Archaeologists  conference 2015 for fruitful discussions about our research methodology and results. We wish to acknowledge financial, logistical and research support from the following institutions: Newcastle University, University of Leicester, Durham University, the British Museum, the Leverhulme Trust, the Great North Museum: Hancock, the Museum of London, the Yorkshire Museum, the Hotspur School of Defence, Durham University Botanic Garden, and Bede’s World, Jarrow. We also wish to thank Neil Burridge for supplying the weapons used in the experiments, Jake Newman for building the wooden shield, Giovanna Fregni and John Cruse for the bronze tools, Jon Allison for assistance with the weapon tests, Quanyu Wang for metallurgical analysis, Bob Brooks for historic fighting research, Ben Roberts and Kate Anderson for advice, David Horan and Geoff Lowe for photographs, Pearl Saddington and Val Walter for logistical support and Thea Ravasi for web design.

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Crellin, R.J., Dolfini, A., Uckelmann, M., Hermann, R. (2018). An Experimental Approach to Prehistoric Violence and Warfare?. In: Dolfini, A., Crellin, R., Horn, C., Uckelmann, M. (eds) Prehistoric Warfare and Violence. Quantitative Methods in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78828-9_13

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• Who’s Who in European Swordfighting Groups and Styles Today
• How to get Started in Armored Combat
• Acquiring Your First Real Armor (Getting Started, part 2)

I’ll probably go through this and clean it up some day, but this is a quick run down of terms you might hear and not know about. The order is kind of random, but I’m trying to show the broad categories first but also some sort of chronological order from there, with individual organizations mostly at the end. .

Sport Fencing / Olympic Fencing – The modern sport descended from historical sword play. While this is the only modern European sword fighting style with an unbroken line back to antiquity, it is also very different from actual medieval sword fighting. It is an intense and fun modern sport.

Reenactor/Reenactment – A reenactment of an actual historical event and the people who do them. The kits are usually extremely authentic and the fighting is as safe as they can manage.

Living History – Similar to reenacting, but without the actual event to recreate. More than just fighting, this includes camping, living situations, etc. This sometimes includes training displays attempting to simulate historical training techniques. This is often more academic than reenactment.

Historical Re-creation – A term used by the SCA (see below) to refer to recreation of historical items and actions. “Recreating the good parts of the middle ages”. While less academic than reenactrment, this still encourages historical authenticity as much as is reasonable, feasible, and fun.

LARP – Live Action Role Play. This is a catch-all term for many groups and games where participants play a role and act it out usually in real time. Occasionally maligned as fantasy, complex drama, and often the lightest form of sword fighting as they usually use light, padded swords and hit with minimal impact. For those just beginning, a local LARP is a great way to build field awareness and have fun. With the right mentor(s) it can also teach the basics of fighting with real swords.  A lot of hard core sword fighters also play in LARPs because they are fun and can serve as extra training with less impact on the body while building cardio fitness.

HEMA – Historical European Martial Arts. This is a catch all term for historical martial arts specifically based on contemporary texts and strictly adhering to those techniques.

Buhurt/Bohurt – A style of fighting on foot using armor and steel weapons, full contact, full force, no thrusting. Often used within the steel fighting community to more specifically refer to mass battles rather than one on one. The word is a corruption of the French béhourd, spelled in older texts as behort, behourt, behourd, beort, baort, bohort, bohurt, bouhort, bouhourd.  Originally it referred to a mounted melee.

Harnisfechten – Armored fighting under HEMA philosophy.

Experimental Archeology – Living History with an eye towards experimental techniques to learn about live in the past. This often has a more academic feel than living history.

Rattan – Named after the material the weapons are made from, this is a style of fighting on foot pioneered and primarily done in the SCA.  Fighters swing relatively hard shots and it is up to the recipient to acknowledge the blows as good. Often referred to as SCA fighting, armored combat (within the SCA), and Heavy List.

Renaissance Faire – A type of historically themed fair popular in the USA that blends a county fair with a historical market fair. These often include themes, actors, shows, vendors, etc. It is becoming more common for these fairs to invite armored steel fighters to do demonstrations or tournaments at these fairs.

Dekoven Concord – A rules set used in Harnisfechten. It includes rules for thrusting and more strict armor requirements as well as historical authenticity than other combat forms listed here. This is the latest version I could find: https://chivalricfighting.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/dekoven-concord-revision-2.pdf

SCA – Society of Creative Anachronism. Arguably the oldest extent recreation group, the SCA began in 1966 and is now an international non-profit educational organization.  It is known for armored fighting with rattan staves, but they also offer a lot more including rapier, armored steel duels, a plethora of arts and crafts, and their own internal structure loosely based on medieval nobility.  Their college of heralds is well developed and more closely regulated than many. The SCA is often called a LARP and could be considered as such, but is very different from most medieval fantasy LARPs. https://sca.org  

IMCF – The International Medieval Combat Federation, the second oldest international governing body for bohurt style fighting. They publish a rules set used by many national and local groups and hold an annual world championship at a location usually at a castle in Europe. https://www.medieval-combat.net/  

AMCF – American Medieval Combat Federation – The organization in the USA that represents the IMCF.  https://www.amcfederation.com/  

BOTN – Battle Of The Nations. This is an annual tournament, the oldest in modern bohurt. It uses HMB rules and takes place at a castle somewhere in Europe. This was the first in the major bohurt tournaments in the 21st century and remains the largest and most violent. https://botn.info/  

HMB – Historical Medieval Battles. This is the descriptor for the bohurt rules set used by many national and local groups. It was the original of the modern bohurt styles.

HEMAA – HEMA Alliance. The organization that is one governing authority on HEMA practices. https://www.hemaalliance.com/

HMBIA – The HMB International Association.  This is the organization that regulates HMB events.  https://hmbia.info/  

HMB USA – The HMB organization representing the United States. https://usahmb.com/  

Authenticity Committee – The committee inside the HMBIA that issues regulations for historical authenticity for HMB participation. 

ACL – The Armored Combat League.  This was the main representative of the IMCF in the USA until its dissolution, after which the AMCF represented the USA. They originated as a split from the HMB USA and did a lot to grow the sport in the USA. Many people have heard of the ACL and still use the outdated term as a catch all for armored steel combat sports in the USA. This organisation does not exist any more. ACW and ACS have replaced it.

ACW – Armored Combat Worldwide. The spinoff of ACL headed by Andre Sinou. They tend to focus on events where fighters can get paid and new fighters are often encouraged to purchase their armor from Andre’s company, Ice Falcon Armory. https://www.acwknights.com/  

ACS – Armored Combat Sports. The spinoff of the ACL headed by Jaye Brooks Sr. They tend to focus on making armored steel combat more of a modern sport.  They focus on fairness and sportsmanship. http://armoredcombatsports.com/  

EMP – Empire of Medieval Pursuits. An alternative to the SCA.  Some say it was done to escape the internal drama and politics of the SCA. http://empiremp.org/  

Adrian Empire – An alternative organisation to the SCA, covering much the same activities and time period, but purportedly less interpersonal drama. The Adrian Empire was the first major US based organisation to allow steel based competitive combat. Most of their activities are focused on the Western USA. https://www.adrianempire.org/

Soft Kit – 1. (common in the USA) Padded armor and weapons for practice fighting. “Boffer” combat. Many steel fighters practice with padded armor and foam padded weapons to build field awareness, communication, teamwork, and cardio while having a lot of fun. These practices can also be an excellent recruiting mechanism as there is a low barrier to entry. 2. (common in Europe) The cloth garments that go with the armor including arming cloths and historical clothing and accessories one might wear at a reenactment when not fighting in armor. 

Duels – A style of one on one armored combat where hits are counted and grappling is discouraged or forbidden. 

Melee – A group fight.  In bohurt the winning team is the one where the last fighters are standing. Fighters are out when they are no longer standing on their feet – when something other than the soles of the feet supports the fighter. 

Knight Fights – A style of one on one armored combat where the winner is determined by dominance and grappling is allowed. Fighting ends when one fighter goes down.

Pro Fights – A style of one on one armored combat where the winner is determined by dominance and grappling is allowed. Fighting ends 10 seconds after one fighter goes down, in which time the fighters attempt to assert dominance over the other. 

The Knights Hall – A training facility in Nashua, NH run by Jaye Brooks Sr.  It is the only full time training facility fully dedicated to bohurt in the USA (maybe the world). It is associated with ACS. https://theknightshall.com/  

Warlord Academy – A bohurt training facility located in Dallas, TX. https://www.warlordcombatacademy.com/  

Ironhide Academy – A training facility in Leesburg, VA that trains armored combat as well as other martial arts. https://www.ironhideacademy.com/  

Pennsic – An annual “war” event run by the SCA. It runs two weeks in the summer in western Pennsylvania. This is the largest medieval event in the USA and often has the largest mass battles in the USA. http://www.pennsicwar.org/  

Armistice – With Pennsic not happening in 2021, Armistice is an independent event at the location where Pennsic usually happens.  It is a one time event in the summer of 2021 with the dual purpose of having an event anyway and of making sure the campground that hosts Pennsic does not go out of business. https://www.cooperslake.com/clchome/eventdetails.php?clceventid=3a1d242a-9dfb-11eb-88ad-10ae3c21f154  

Valhalla, VBB – Valhalla Battle and Beer Fest. A new event hosted by The Knights Hall featuring many kinds of armored tournaments as well as multiple opportunities to socialize and enjoy the weekend. The first one was 25-29 August, 2021 and this is expected to be an annual event, with VBB 2022 already planned. https://theknightshall.com/events/valhalla-battle-beer-fest/

Chulukua-Ryu: Native American Fighting Art

Introduction

The world of martial arts has been dominated by Asian fighting styles for decades. However, there is one fighting system that stands out as the first original American martial art- Chulukua-Ryu. This unique fighting style was developed by Harley SwiftDeer Reagan, who combined techniques from over 175 Native American tribes to create a system that is both physically and spiritually disciplined.

Chulukua-Ryu has a rich history that dates back to Native American fighting traditions. The word "Chulukua" is taken from the Cherokee/Mayan word "Chuluaqui," which means primordial life-force energy from which everything is created. This energy, also known as "Ki" in Japanese martial arts, is at the heart of Chulukua-Ryu. Chulukua-Ryu owes its origins to Adrian Roman, a martial arts expert and member of the Choctaw Nation. To preserve his people's fighting heritage, Roman developed Falammichi, the world's only fighting system that can trace its roots to North America. After meeting Roman, Harley SwiftDeer Reagan spent 25 years visiting different Native American tribes to learn their unique martial arts techniques. He weaved all of these systems together to create Chulukua-Ryu, which was later accredited by the International Society of Black Belts in 1970.The significance of Chulukua-Ryu lies in its ability to preserve and honor Native American fighting traditions. This new fighting system encouraged people to connect with nature and the energy of the universe, adding a spiritual dimension to martial arts. Chulukua-Ryu emphasizes physical and spiritual discipline, believing that a strong warrior spirit is necessary to master the system. Chulukua-Ryu is also unique in its techniques, with its influences from over 175 Native American fighting styles. Use of weapons such as tomahawks, and unique skills such as fighting from the ground make Chulukua-Ryu an experimental and exciting system to learn.

Overall, Chulukua-Ryu's significance lies in its preservation of cultural heritage and the unique fighting techniques that form its system. Its impact on modern martial arts and the spread of Native American fighting traditions make it an important addition to the world of martial arts.

Origins of Chulukua-Ryu

The history of Chulukua-Ryu can be traced back to its roots in Native American fighting styles. Soke Harley SwiftDeer Reagan , who is of Cherokee and Irish descent, spent 25 years visiting different Native American tribes and learning their unique warrior arts. From Apache hand throws to tomahawk techniques, SwiftDeer received a staggering 175 techniques, which he synthesized into an entirely new martial art. Adrian Roman, a martial arts expert and member of the Choctaw Nation, played a significant role in creating Chulukua-Ryu. Roman developed Falammichi, a Native American fighting system, as a way of preserving his people's fighting heritage. Falammichi is the world's only fighting system that can trace its roots to North America. It requires physical discipline, with a strong emphasis on applying spiritual principles to martial arts and everyday life. These principles heavily influenced the creation of Chulukua-Ryu.

The spiritual principles behind Chulukua-Ryu are rooted in connecting with nature and the energy of the universe. Chulukua, which means primordial life-force energy in Cherokee/Mayan, represents the energy from which everything is created. The incorporation of spiritual discipline into martial arts sets Chulukua-Ryu apart from other fighting styles.One of the unique things about Chulukua-Ryu is its incorporation of over 175 Native American fighting styles. Techniques range from simple but effective Apache hand throws to fighting from the ground. The use of weapons is also an essential aspect of Chulukua-Ryu. Geronimo, one of the greatest warriors to have ever lived, used some of the Chulukua-Ryu techniques in battle.

In conclusion, the origins of Chulukua-Ryu lie in the Native American warrior arts and spiritual principles. The synthesis of 175 techniques from 175 Native American tribes and the incorporation of spiritual discipline make Chulukua-Ryu a unique fighting style. Adrian Roman's influence and the insights passed down through the generations of Native American warriors have undoubtedly helped shape Chulukua-Ryu into a distinct and effective martial art.

Philosophy of Chulukua-Ryu

Chulukua-Ryu is not just a fighting system but also a way of life. It places a strong emphasis on being connected with nature and the energy of the universe. Practitioners of Chulukua-Ryu believe that everything in the world is connected, and that the key to mastering the art is to be in tune with these connections. This includes having a deep understanding of one's own body, as well as the surrounding environment. Physical and spiritual discipline is another key element of Chulukua-Ryu. The art requires not just physical prowess but also a strong focus on mental and emotional control. It’s not just about being skilled in combat, but also having the discipline and determination to achieve success in all aspects of life.

Finally, the warrior spirit dominates Chulukua-Ryu philosophy. Practitioners are taught to embrace their inner warrior, to be fearless and have an unbreakable will, to never give up even when the odds are against them. The spirit of the warrior requires that one be willing to make personal sacrifices and to face challenges head-on. It is a way of life that emphasizes purposeful action and resilience.Chulukua-Ryu’s philosophy involves more than just combat and physical prowess. It has a holistic approach to life which can benefit practitioners in all facets of their existence. The system’s deep respect for nature and spiritual principles make it unique among martial arts. Its emphasis on discipline and the warrior spirit can empower practitioners to take control of their lives and achieve great things.

Techniques of Chulukua-Ryu

One of the most unique aspects of Chulukua-Ryu is the incorporation of over 175 Native American fighting styles into its repertoire of techniques. This vast array of techniques ranges from simple hand throws to tomahawk strikes to scissor kicks while on horseback. The roots of this fighting system are truly indigenous and steeped in history, making it a one-of-a-kind martial art.

Another distinctive feature of Chulukua-Ryu is its focus on ground fighting. Unlike other martial arts that primarily focus on standing techniques, Chulukua-Ryu teaches students how to fight while lying on the ground. This technique is useful in scenarios where a fight has gone to the ground, offering new ways to defend oneself and defeat an opponent. Chulukua-Ryu also utilizes a wide variety of weapons in their fighting style. From tomahawks to knives to bows and arrows, the use of weapons in Chulukua-Ryu is both varied and practical. The incorporation of weapons into the fighting style adds an extra layer of complexity and skill needed to master the art.

Perhaps what sets Chulukua-Ryu apart is its emphasis on practical self-defense. The techniques used in Chulukua-Ryu are meant to be simple and effective, with an emphasis on close-range combat. This makes it a valuable martial art for anyone looking to learn self-defense in real-world scenarios.Overall, Chulukua-Ryu is a unique and effective martial art that incorporates history, indigenous fighting techniques, and practical self-defense. Its focus on ground fighting, use of weapons, and practical techniques make it a valuable addition to anyone's martial arts repertoire.

Training in Chulukua-Ryu

Training in Chulukua-Ryu is a unique and intense experience that requires both physical and spiritual discipline. The martial art emphasizes the importance of meditation and visualization in training to cultivate the mind-body connection. Through meditation, practitioners can learn to focus their minds and visualize themselves performing techniques with precision and accuracy. This mental training helps to enhance a practitioner's reaction time and adaptability in combat situations.

Physical conditioning is also a crucial part of Chulukua-Ryu training. Practitioners must develop strength, flexibility, and endurance to perform the martial art's challenging techniques successfully. This physical preparation involves various exercises, including cardio, strength training, and yoga. The martial art also incorporates traditional Native American practices, such as running and swimming, to build physical endurance.

Chulukua-Ryu has a rank system that reflects a practitioner's level of expertise and commitment to the martial art. The rank system begins with white belts and progresses through various colored belts, ultimately leading to the level of black belt. Earning a black belt in Chulukua-Ryu requires significant dedication and training, both physical and mental.

Overall, training in Chulukua-Ryu is a transformative experience that requires both physical and mental discipline. It is an opportunity to connect with Native American traditions while pushing oneself to new limits. Whether practitioners aim to attain a rank or to improve their overall physical and mental health, Chulukua-Ryu offers a unique and rewarding journey towards self-improvement.

Impact of Chulukua-Ryu

The impact of Chulukua-Ryu has been significant both inside and outside of Native American communities. Its unique approach to martial arts has influenced modern practice and preserved traditional fighting styles. With a focus on spiritual and physical discipline, Chulukua-Ryu has spread beyond its roots to become a respected and sought-after martial art.

While traditional fighting styles have been adapted and altered over the years, Chulukua-Ryu remains true to its origins. The emphasis on over 175 Native American fighting styles and the use of weapons like tomahawks sets it apart from other martial arts.

Despite being created by a member of the Choctaw Nation, Chulukua-Ryu has influenced modern martial arts far beyond the Native American community. The use of meditation and visualization techniques, as well as the incorporation of spiritual principles, has found its way into many martial arts practices today. Perhaps most importantly, Chulukua-Ryu has helped to preserve Native American fighting traditions. Its incorporation of styles passed down through generations has ensured that they are not lost to history. For those looking to connect with their heritage or learn more about the history of indigenous peoples, Chulukua-Ryu is a valuable resource.

In short, Chulukua-Ryu has had a profound impact on the world of martial arts and the preservation of Native American culture. Its unique blend of traditional fighting styles, spiritual principles, and weapons training has made it a sought-after practice for those looking for something different.

Discover the art of physical mastery in Native American cultures - dive into this article to learn more .

Chulukua-Ryu has undoubtedly left a significant impact in the world of martial arts. It's the first genuine American Martial Arts System accredited by the International Society of Black Belts. Chulukua-Ryu's significance in the preservation of native American's fighting heritage is essential, and it has influenced modern martial arts.

Chulukua-Ryu embodies unique techniques that make it stand out in the world of martial arts, such as fighting from the ground and the use of over 175 Native American fighting styles in its teachings. It's a testament to the rich history and culture of Native Americans and their contribution to the world of martial arts.As for the future of Chulukua-Ryu, it's essential to keep the spirit of the martial arts system alive. The spread of Chulukua-Ryu outside of Native American communities is a promising sign of its longevity. Additionally, the focus on physical and spiritual discipline, along with a strong emphasis on connection with nature and the energy of the universe, is a philosophy that can benefit practitioners of all ages and backgrounds.

In conclusion, Chulukua-Ryu will continue to play a significant role in the world of martial arts. Its unique techniques, cultural heritage, and philosophical principles make it a martial arts discipline that should be celebrated and preserved. With the spread of Chulukua-Ryu outside of Native American communities and its continued influence on modern martial arts, we can expect to see its impact extend for generations to come.

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The Architypes of Fighting

Here is an unusual and very interesting analysis of different fighters and their fighting styles by an ex Bellator fighter Schyler Sootho . He looks at their styles from a Jungian psychology standpoint:

Sootho writes in the description of his video: Why is it that certain fighters gravitate toward specific fighting styles? How should YOU chose your fighting style? The answers may lie within the psychological phenomenon of Archetypes.

What is an Archetype?

The archetypes in this video are based on those presented by Carl Jung in his work: “The Archetypes of the Collective Unconscious.” Jung described archetypes as images or themes (symbols) that derive from the collective unconscious and have universal meanings across cultures.

He likened archetypes to: instinctual patterns of behavior.

Plato also described this phenomenon with his concept of the Idea: which the Princeton University Press summarized as a “Primordial disposition that preforms and influences thoughts.” So in the context of fighting, an archetype is the manifestation of the all conscious and unconscious forces that guide a fighter, in and out of the ring.

These forces include: Their martial arts background and training styles. Their personality and temperament. Their purpose and values. And literally any other subconscious motivation you can think of. This video also introduces the eight different fighter archetypes, from Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and Boxing – which include:

The Trickster – Saenchai, Lerdsila, Sean O’Malley, Michael Venom Page, Prince Naseem Hamed, Tyson Fury, etc.

The Brawler – Rodtang, Justin Gaethje, John Lineker, Michael Chandler, Roberto Duran, Joe Frazier, etc.

The Technician – Israel Adesanya, Giorgio Petrosyan, Alexander Volkanovski, Kamaru Usman, Islam Makhachev, Floyd Mayweather, etc.

The Artist – Yair Rodriguez, Lyoto Machida, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, Dany Bill, Vasily Lomachenko, etc.

The Bully – Jon Jones, Colby Covington, Petr Yan, Conor McGregor, Mike Tyson, etc.

The Warrior – Forrest Griffin, Dustin Poirier, Daniel Cormier, Julio Cesar Chavez, Rocky Marciano, John Wayne Parr, etc.

The Crusader – Khabib Nurmagomedov, Muhammad Ali, Beneil Dariush, Yoel “The Soldier of God” Romero, etc.

The Monk – Jiri Prochazka, Zabit Magomedsharipov, Bruce Lee, Alex Caceres aka Bruce Leeroy, etc.

MMA Coach’s Thoughts

I really liked Sootho’s take on how fighter’s psychological outlook informs their fighting styles. I would only add that not all fighters are a clear cut case of one architype or the other. While fighters can possess one architype predominantly, I believe there can exist more than one in a person. For example, Jon Jones is not just a “Bully” but also an “Artist” and a “Technician”.

We can actually choose which one we can express and to what degree. I do however agree that one is dominant in each of us. And I subjectively believe that “the Technician” is the best and safest architype to embody. Although I’m not well acquainted with Jungian psychology, at a glance it seems to me that these fighting archetypes correlate to Jungian ones as follows: The Monk correlates to the Magician. The Artist to the Artist. The Warrior and the Crusader correlate to the Warrior(Hero). The Bully and the Brawler to the Shadow. The Trickster to the Trickster. The Technician to the King. The Crusader might also correlate to the King.

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7 Best Fighting Styles in the World – Showdown!

Today, martial arts are more popular than ever before; you may get confused when deciding which one to learn since you can choose from a wide range. Because of that, knowing which martial art to learn is critical. If you choose one that doesn’t suit you, you’ll quit after a short period.

Learning a fighting style is one of the wisest choices you can make. Not only will it provide drastic physical benefits, but it’ll also boost your mental health and well-being.

The following list is the best fighting styles:

This article will help you choose one that’ll suit you best. For example, you may fancy learning punching techniques. As such, boxing is the most suitable martial art for your desires.

On the other hand, you may wish to study the art of ground grappling . As a result, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) will be most suitable.

However, you may think this article doesn’t apply to you if you solely want to learn self-defense . In that case, it does apply, and it’ll help you learn the one that you’ll stick with and, therefore, learn self-defense quickly while, of course, having a lot of fun.

Before diving in, I want to emphasize how beneficial learning martial arts is. You’ll drastically improve your life by constantly involving yourself in these types of training , as you’ll gain both mental and physical benefits, such as confidence, self-esteem, and better physical shape.

#7 – Karate

The first fighting style and the one I ranked #7 is Karate.

I’ll bet that you’ve heard the name Karate once somewhere. However, you may not understand what exactly you learn in Karate .

Karate is a fast-paced martial art that teaches kicking , punching , and grappling . As a result, advanced Karate trainees will become dynamic and capable fighters. Moreover, it’s an Olympic sport, and thus, it has a large following. Therefore, it’s likely that you’ll find a local Karate gym.

If you decide to study the art of Karate, you’ll find that there are many choices to choose from. For instance, one of its versions is named Kenpo .

Therefore, don’t be hesitant when you see all these weird names. Instead, begin researching what you want to learn. If, for instance, you stumble upon Kenpo, a version of Karate, search on YouTube for some videos demonstrating this style .

To save you some time, I did just that.

Finally, if you practice Karate, you’ll notice immediate physical benefits. For example, after your first session, you’ll wake up with sore muscles, a sign that you worked hard the day before.

Because of that, I have no doubts that you’ll enjoy both the training and the results of Karate training.

So now, let’s move to the number 6.

#6 – Boxing

In #6—we have the art of punching: boxing . Although I ranked it at #6, it’s the most popular martial art globally . Therefore, you may prefer to learn it over any other style, as it has the most extensive following and the number of trainees.

Boxing is a fighting style that teaches punching for offense and defense. Additionally, you’ll learn many movements and combos that’ll assist you in winning fights and knowing self-defense. Boxing is suitable for many purposes, such as fitness, self-defense, and bettering your mental state.

From my perspective, more people will enjoy practicing boxing , as it’s the simplest fighting style. For example, many martial arts will require plenty of time only to learn the basics.

On the other hand, boxing is different. It won’t require weeks or even months to study the basics. Instead, you’ll learn the fundamental moves in about 3-5 sessions, a low amount compared to its peers.

Finally, boxing will benefit you mentally and physically. For instance, you can expect to increase your confidence and self-esteem, lower your aggression and stress levels, and better your well-being. As such, learning boxing is a wise move.

And again, I hope I save you some time with the following video.

#5 – Kickboxing

In the fifth place, we have Kickboxing . First, I want to clear up some potential tension with my rankings. Yes, I ranked Kickboxing lower than boxing, which may cause controversy as more people prefer boxing. However, I encourage you to read this section to understand my reasoning.

Kickboxing is a fighting style that teaches punching and kicking. As a result, its trainees will have a relatively broad skill set. Because of that, they’ll be more dynamic and capable than trainees of other fighting styles, such as boxing.

Kickboxing is a bit more complicated than boxing since it also includes kicking. That said, once you learn the basics, you’ll be on your way to learning self-defense .

Kickboxing is one of the most suitable fighting styles for fitness because it involves more muscles, primarily the legs. As a result, you’ll burn more calories and thus shed more body fat.

Fitness experts note that you can burn upwards of  900 calories  for every hour of kickboxing. According to Harvard Health, a 125 pound person will burn 300 calories in 30 minutes of straight kickboxing, whereas a person who weighs 185 pounds will burn 444 calories in the same session. Source

If you’re familiar with calories and what they represent, 900 calories are more than enough to change your body composition entirely. Because of that, those who begin doing Kickboxing will reap many physical results.

For my 4th pick, I chose Judo , an Olympic, widespread martial art. You’re likely familiar with Judo, but I’ll explain it anyway.

Judo is a fighting style that teaches throwing grappling, a highly effective way of throwing and pinning your opponent to the ground. Essentially, all fights start from a standing-up position. As a result, if you can knock your opponent to the ground first, you’re more likely to win.

I believe all grappling techniques are superior to punching and kicking since you can finish a fight in seconds if you land a grappling technique on your opponent.

For instance, picture the following scenario; a fight is about to break out between you and someone who wants to attack you. As such, you must use self-defense. So, in that case, picture yourself and the opponent brawling while standing up, and you land a fantastic Judo move to pin the opponent to the ground.

Who has the advantage? Who is more likely to win?

You’re standing up, and the opponent is on the ground after you landed a fatal throwing grappling move.

Let me tell you a secret – if you successfully land a Judo technique in a real fight or any other self-defense scenario, you’ll win since these are fatal. In fact, you can expect to finish a fight in under 10 seconds if you land a throwing grappling move.

#3 – Muay Thai

I decided to list Muay Thai, a fantastic martial art at #3, as a well-respected spot. Honestly, it deserves this spot for many reasons. Nonetheless, the primary reason is the change its trainees undergo.

Muay Thai is a fighting style that teaches punching, kicking, and clinching. It teaches these movements so that you cannot help but become an incredibly skilled fighter. Moreover, it ranges from Thailand. Today, it’s their national sport.

If you decide to study Muay Thai , you’ll gain countless physical and mental benefits. Because of that, I don’t doubt that you can reap many benefits from this fighting style.

Previously, I mentioned that Muay Thai trainees undergo drastic changes from long-term training. So, what is this change, and why should it bother you?

Those who train in Muay Thai and become advanced trainees will notice themselves learning to control their emotions. Let me explain.

You’ll become peaceful after the training session when you have a platform to release all your built tension and aggression. Nonetheless, Muay Thai emphasizes being aggressive when you need to be in such a state.

Consequently, you’ll train your abilities to build aggression levels and be peaceful at other times. This ability is highly valuable in today’s world, as controlling your temper is crucial.

At #2, I decided to list Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in this spot because it’s an incredibly suitable martial art for self-defense. As a result, its trainees are competent in this sense.

BJJ is a fighting style that teaches ground grappling techniques, which are highly effective for self-defense and can finish a fight in a few seconds. As a result, advanced Jiu-Jitsu trainees can swiftly execute ground grappling to win fights.

BJJ trainees are scary. Honestly, if I were to go back in time and learn a martial art , I would choose Jiu-Jitsu. That’s because now I know how effective ground grappling can be in many situations, primarily self-defense and fighting scenarios.

Some people think that punching and kicking are more effective than grappling . To that, all I have to say is that can’t be further from the truth. In fact, grappling in all of its forms can finish a fight in under a few seconds.

Moreover, once you land a BJJ technique, your opponent has no chance of escaping.

In a roll (practice fight) , you win once your opponent taps out. However, you’ll drop your opponent unconscious in a real fight , as you won’t stop your technique when your opponent can return to the fight.

Because of that, BJJ is highly effective for such scenarios. Eventually, if you land a grappling technique, you win the fight, which is different than other martial arts , such as Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai.

And finally, my pick for the best martial art in the entire world is MMA (mixed martial arts). But, again, this may cause some controversy. So, I encourage you to read this section to understand my reasoning.

MMA combines many fighting styles that create a better way of fighting. As a result, elite MMA fighters are the pinnacle of fighters. For instance, some of them combine BJJ with Boxing, a deadly duo; thus, they manage to dominate their competition effortlessly.

MMA is the most dynamic fighting style you can learn because it combines many martial arts. Additionally, different MMA schools will teach different fighting techniques. So, while some may focus on punching and kicking, others may emphasize throwing and ground grappling.

At first, you may think that because it involves many martial arts , it’s more complicated. While that may be slightly accurate, it’s not as bad as you think.

Rather, MMA isn’t as complicated as other fighting styles, such as Muay Thai or even BJJ . As a result, if you want to learn the ultimate fighting style, I encourage you to research more about MMA .

Finally, the more dynamic you are, the more capable of a fighter you’ll be. For instance, if you only know how to punch, you’ll be capable of returning a fight. On the other hand, if you master numerous pillars such as grappling, kicking, and punching, you’ll be a part of the elite.

In this video, you notice how the most experienced fighters manage to beat each other using odd combinations. I highly encourage you to watch this video to understand MMA and why it’s the most effective martial art .

Finally, I’ll include a study proving that MMA training boosts mental health and overall well-being.

All participants reported the program had a positive impact on their mental health. They reported an improvement in their overall sense of well-being and coping skills, and increased confidence. Source

Deadliest fighting style

The deadliest fighting style is MMA because it teaches many styles and ways of fighting. As a result, advanced MMA trainees become fantastic fighters because they can punch, kick, grapple, and even force their opponents to submit. Additionally, MMA is highly suitable for self-defense and other fighting purposes.

In my eyes, the deadliest martial arts are those that teach you various fighting techniques. As a result, boxing won’t be as effective as Muay Thai since the latter teaches more techniques.

Moreover, all martial arts provide some value. For instance, Tai chi won’t make you the most aggressive in dangerous situations. As a result, it won’t be as suitable for fighting purposes.

On the other hand, you’ll learn to fight if you study the art of Thai Boxing (Muay Thai), which includes many drills where you need to unleash your inner beast.

What is the most effective fighting style?

The most effective fighting style is MMA because it teaches many fighting techniques, such as kicking, grappling, and punching. As a result, advanced MMA trainees will be more capable of adapting to dangerous situations. As such, they’ll be able to come out on top in many risky scenarios.

Thus MMA is solid for all fighting purposes, which is the metric I decided to follow.

Eventually, other martial arts may be more effective for other purposes. For instance, BJJ may be more suitable for cops, as they use ground grappling more often than punching and kicking.

On the other hand, you want to be an active fighter if you desire to learn self-defense.

Hence in most people’s cases, learning MMA will be most suitable, as it’s the most dynamic martial art and its trainees become incredible fighters.

Should I learn a martial art (fighting style)?

You should learn a martial art because it provides its trainees with numerous physical and mental benefits, such as confidence, self-esteem, and lower stress levels. As a result, your overall well-being will increase, and most importantly, you’ll learn to fight fiercely.

Yet, there are numerous fighting styles that you can learn. Hence some may be more suitable than others. Thus to know which one’s most suitable for your needs, I encourage you to reread this article.

The following list is the reasons and benefits one should  learn martial  arts.  Source

• better physical shape
• increase self-confidence
• improve pain tolerance
• teach you to use self-defense
• decrease overall stress
• assist you in controlling aggressiveness
• shorten reaction time
• improve your performance under stress
• enhance self-esteem
• better  social life
• martial arts  are a form of self-help

As you can see, the list is long and goes way further. Therefore, I don’t see a reason why you shouldn’t learn a fighting style, even if it’s not the one that’ll be most suitable for you.

Final words

Today, you can choose between various martial arts, as plenty exist. Consequently, you may get confused regarding which one will be most suitable for you.

As a result, I presented the best martial arts worldwide to give you a platform to choose one to learn.

Eventually, I believe that starting to train is the hardest yet most beneficial step in every trainee’s life. As a result, I hope I have granted you the platform to better understand the different fighting styles.

If I did, I encourage you to read about the martial arts with the best kicking techniques .

You can also sign up for our Email Newsletter to keep up with our blog posts and gain access to free martial arts/self-improvement courses!

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Here are other articles you’d enjoy reading:

7 Most Powerful Grappling Martial Arts (For Self-Defense)

5 Best Fighting Styles for MMA – Full Guide

5 Martial Arts With The Best Kicking Techniques – Guide

7 Best Martial Arts for MMA | Which Is the Best?

The 5 Best Martial Arts to Learn at Home – List

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5 Best Martial Arts for Fitness | Burn More Calories

Why Martial Arts is a Form of Art | Helpful guide

I've served in the military as a special forces operator for 4-years. In that period, I've trained in many martial arts, including karate, MMA, BJJ, boxing, and even Krav Maga. I want to share my passion with you, so here it is!

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The Deadliest Fighting Style: Unveiling the Ultimate Martial Arts Powerhouse [2024]

• February 6, 2024
• Mixed Martial Arts Philosophy

Quick Answer: If you’re searching for the deadliest fighting style, look no further. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll reveal the top 15 deadliest martial arts in the world. From bone-crushing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to lightning-fast Muay Thai, we’ll explore the most lethal combat techniques and their origins. Whether you’re a martial arts enthusiast or simply curious about the deadliest fighting styles, this article will provide you with all the information you need. So, buckle up and prepare to enter the world of ultimate martial arts power!

Quick Tips and Facts:

• Martial arts have been practiced for centuries and have evolved into various styles and disciplines.
• The deadliest fighting styles prioritize efficiency, speed, and technique over brute force.
• Each martial art has its own unique techniques, strategies, and philosophies.
• Safety is paramount in martial arts training, and proper equipment and supervision are essential.
• Martial arts can provide physical fitness, mental discipline, self-defense skills, and personal growth.

Table of Contents

Background: the evolution of deadly martial arts, the top 15 deadliest martial arts in the world, the unparalleled power of brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay thai: the art of eight limbs, krav maga: the ultimate self-defense system, silat: the lethal martial art of southeast asia, kung fu: the ancient art of inner and outer strength, boxing: the sweet science of devastating punches.

• Taekwondo: The Art of Swift and Powerful Kicks
• Karate: The Way of the Empty Hand
• Combat Sambo: The Russian Martial Art of Aggression
• Capoeira: The Deadly Dance of Brazil
• Wing Chun: The Close-Range Combat System
• Jeet Kune Do: The Philosophy of Bruce Lee
• Ninjutsu: The Art of the Ninja
• Hapkido: The Korean Martial Art of Harmony

The Deadliest Martial Arts: A Closer Look

Recommended links, reference links.

Martial arts have a rich history that spans centuries and continents. From ancient civilizations to modern combat sports, the evolution of martial arts has been shaped by culture, warfare, and the pursuit of personal mastery. In this section, we’ll delve into the origins and development of deadly martial arts, setting the stage for our exploration of the deadliest fighting styles.

In this section, we’ll unveil the top 15 deadliest martial arts in the world. These combat systems have earned their reputation for their lethal techniques, devastating strikes, and unparalleled effectiveness in real-world combat situations. Each martial art on this list has its own unique characteristics and strategies, making them formidable forces to be reckoned with. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of ultimate martial arts power!

Rating: 9.5/10

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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a ground-based martial art that focuses on grappling and submission techniques. Developed by the Gracie family in the early 20th century, BJJ has revolutionized the world of martial arts with its emphasis on leverage, technique, and strategy. In this section, we’ll explore the unparalleled power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and why it’s considered one of the deadliest martial arts in the world.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Rating Table

Technique (9.5/10)

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is renowned for its technical precision and emphasis on leverage. By utilizing joint locks, chokes, and positional control, BJJ practitioners can neutralize larger and stronger opponents. The intricate techniques of BJJ require years of practice and dedication to master, making it a deadly martial art in the right hands.

Effectiveness (9.5/10)

In real-world combat situations, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has proven its effectiveness time and time again. By focusing on ground fighting and submission techniques, BJJ allows practitioners to control and incapacitate their opponents without relying on brute force. This makes BJJ a valuable skill for self-defense and mixed martial arts competitions.

Speed (9/10)

While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu may not rely on explosive speed like some striking martial arts, it requires a high level of technical speed and agility. BJJ practitioners must be able to quickly transition between positions, anticipate their opponent’s moves, and execute submissions with precision. Speed is a crucial element in the deadly effectiveness of BJJ.

Power (8.5/10)

Although Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not primarily known for its striking power, it does incorporate joint locks and chokes that can cause immense pain and damage to an opponent. By applying leverage and technique, BJJ practitioners can generate significant power in their submissions, making it a formidable martial art in close-quarters combat.

Defense (9/10)

One of the key aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is its focus on defense. BJJ practitioners are trained to defend against various attacks, including strikes, takedowns, and submissions. By utilizing proper positioning, timing, and technique, BJJ practitioners can neutralize their opponent’s offense and turn the tables in their favor.

Overall Rating (9.5/10)

With its emphasis on technique, effectiveness, and defense, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu earns a well-deserved overall rating of 9.5 out of 10. This deadly martial art has proven its worth in real-world combat situations and continues to be a dominant force in mixed martial arts competitions.

Rating: 9/10

Muay Thai, also known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is a striking-based martial art from Thailand. Utilizing punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, Muay Thai practitioners are known for their devastating power and relentless aggression. In this section, we’ll explore the lethal techniques of Muay Thai and why it’s considered one of the deadliest martial arts in the world.

Muay Thai Rating Table

Technique (9/10)

Muay Thai is a highly technical martial art that requires precision and timing. From the intricate footwork to the devastating clinch techniques, Muay Thai practitioners must master a wide range of techniques to be effective in the ring or in self-defense situations. The technical proficiency of Muay Thai makes it a deadly fighting style.

Muay Thai’s effectiveness is well-documented in both professional fighting and real-world self-defense scenarios. The combination of powerful strikes, devastating clinch work, and relentless aggression makes Muay Thai a formidable martial art. Muay Thai fighters are known for their ability to deliver devastating blows that can incapacitate opponents with a single strike.

Speed (9.5/10)

Speed is a crucial element in Muay Thai. Fighters must be able to deliver lightning-fast strikes and combinations while maintaining proper technique and balance. The speed of Muay Thai strikes can catch opponents off guard and overwhelm them, making it a deadly martial art in the right hands.

Power (9.5/10)

Muay Thai is renowned for its devastating power. The strikes in Muay Thai, especially the kicks and knees, are delivered with full force and can cause significant damage to an opponent. The training and conditioning required to generate such power make Muay Thai fighters formidable opponents in any combat situation.

Defense (8.5/10)

While Muay Thai is primarily known for its offensive capabilities, it also incorporates defensive techniques to protect against incoming strikes. Fighters are trained to block, evade, and counter their opponent’s attacks while maintaining their own offensive pressure. However, the defensive aspect of Muay Thai is not as emphasized as its offensive techniques.

Overall Rating (9/10)

With its lethal combination of technique, effectiveness, speed, power, and aggression, Muay Thai earns an overall rating of 9 out of 10. This deadly martial art has proven its worth in the ring and on the streets, making it a force to be reckoned with.

In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the remaining deadliest martial arts on our list. From the ultimate self-defense system of Krav Maga to the ancient art of Kung Fu, we’ll explore the unique characteristics and lethal techniques of each martial art. So, let’s continue our journey into the world of ultimate martial arts power!

Krav Maga is a self-defense system developed for the Israeli military. It combines techniques from various martial arts, including boxing, Muay Thai, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu, to create a practical and effective fighting style. In this section, we’ll explore the lethal techniques of Krav Maga and why it’s considered the ultimate self-defense system.

Krav Maga Rating Table

Krav Maga incorporates techniques from various martial arts, making it a versatile and effective fighting style. From strikes and kicks to joint locks and chokes, Krav Maga practitioners are trained in a wide range of techniques to neutralize threats quickly and efficiently. The emphasis on practicality and simplicity makes Krav Maga a deadly martial art.

Krav Maga’s effectiveness lies in its focus on real-world self-defense situations. The techniques and strategies taught in Krav Maga are designed to neutralize threats quickly and decisively. Krav Maga practitioners are trained to identify and exploit an opponent’s vulnerabilities, making it a highly effective martial art for self-defense.

Speed is a crucial element in Krav Maga. Practitioners must be able to react quickly to threats and deliver strikes with precision and speed. The fast-paced nature of Krav Maga training prepares practitioners for real-world encounters where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death.

Power (9/10)

While Krav Maga may not rely on brute force, it emphasizes delivering powerful strikes to vulnerable targets. By targeting an opponent’s weak points, such as the eyes, throat, or groin, Krav Maga practitioners can incapacitate their attackers quickly and effectively. The combination of technique and power makes Krav Maga a deadly martial art.

Defense (9.5/10)

Krav Maga places a strong emphasis on defense. Practitioners are trained to defend against various attacks, including strikes, grabs, and weapons. The techniques taught in Krav Maga focus on neutralizing threats while minimizing the risk of injury to the practitioner. The defensive capabilities of Krav Maga make it a highly effective self-defense system.

With its emphasis on technique, effectiveness, speed, power, and defense, Krav Maga earns an overall rating of 9.5 out of 10. This ultimate self-defense system has proven its worth in real-world situations and continues to be a top choice for those seeking practical and effective self-defense skills.

Silat is a deadly martial art that originated in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Known for its lightning-fast strikes, joint manipulation, and weaponry, Silat is a formidable combat system. In this section, we’ll explore the lethal techniques of Silat and its rich cultural heritage.

Silat Rating Table

Silat is a highly technical martial art that encompasses a wide range of techniques, including strikes, kicks, sweeps, joint locks, and throws. The techniques of Silat are designed to be efficient and effective, allowing practitioners to neutralize threats quickly and decisively. The intricate footwork and fluid movements of Silat make it a deadly martial art.

Effectiveness (9/10)

Silat’s effectiveness lies in its practicality and adaptability. The techniques of Silat are designed to work in real-world combat situations, making it a highly effective martial art for self-defense. Silat practitioners are trained to exploit an opponent’s weaknesses and use their own body mechanics to generate maximum power and efficiency.

Speed is a defining characteristic of Silat. Practitioners are trained to deliver lightning-fast strikes and combinations, overwhelming their opponents with a flurry of attacks. The speed of Silat strikes can catch opponents off guard and leave them little time to react, making it a deadly martial art in close-quarters combat.

Silat may not rely solely on brute force, but it emphasizes delivering powerful strikes and joint manipulations. By utilizing proper body mechanics and targeting vulnerable areas, Silat practitioners can generate significant power in their techniques. The combination of speed and power makes Silat a formidable martial art.

Silat places a strong emphasis on defense. Practitioners are trained to defend against various attacks, including strikes, grabs, and weapons. The defensive techniques of Silat focus on redirecting an opponent’s energy and neutralizing their attacks while minimizing the risk of injury to the practitioner. The defensive capabilities of Silat make it a highly effective martial art.

With its emphasis on technique, effectiveness, speed, power, and defense, Silat earns an overall rating of 9 out of 10. This lethal martial art has a rich cultural heritage and continues to be a formidable combat system in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Rating: 8.5/10

Kung Fu, also known as Wushu, is an ancient martial art that originated in China. With its rich history and diverse styles, Kung Fu encompasses a wide range of techniques, philosophies, and training methods. In this section, we’ll explore the deadly techniques of Kung Fu and its emphasis on inner and outer strength.

Kung Fu Rating Table

Technique (8.5/10)

Kung Fu is renowned for its diverse range of techniques, including strikes, kicks, throws, joint locks, and weapon forms. The techniques of Kung Fu are often characterized by their fluidity, precision, and grace. Each Kung Fu style has its own unique techniques and training methods, making it a versatile and deadly martial art.

Effectiveness (8.5/10)

Kung Fu’s effectiveness lies in its emphasis on practicality and adaptability. While some Kung Fu styles focus on acrobatic movements and aesthetic forms, others prioritize realistic combat techniques. The effectiveness of Kung Fu depends on the style and the practitioner’s ability to apply the techniques in real-world combat situations.

Speed (8/10)

Speed is an important aspect of Kung Fu, but it varies depending on the style and the practitioner’s training. Some Kung Fu styles emphasize explosive speed and quick footwork, while others focus on internal energy cultivation and slow, deliberate movements. The speed of Kung Fu techniques can be deadly when executed with precision and timing.

Kung Fu places a strong emphasis on generating power through proper body mechanics, breath control, and energy cultivation. By utilizing the entire body and focusing on core strength, Kung Fu practitioners can deliver powerful strikes and techniques. The combination of technique and power makes Kung Fu a formidable martial art.

Kung Fu incorporates various defensive techniques, including blocks, evasions, and redirections. The defensive strategies of Kung Fu focus on using an opponent’s energy against them and neutralizing their attacks. However, the defensive capabilities of Kung Fu can vary depending on the style and the practitioner’s training.

Overall Rating (8.5/10)

With its emphasis on technique, effectiveness, power, and defense, Kung Fu earns an overall rating of 8.5 out of 10. This ancient martial art has a rich history and continues to be practiced and revered around the world for its deadly techniques and philosophies.

Rating: 8/10

Boxing is one of the oldest and most popular combat sports in the world. Known as the “sweet science,” boxing focuses on punches and footwork to outmaneuver and overpower opponents. In this section, we’ll explore the deadly techniques of boxing and why it’s considered one of the deadliest martial arts.

Boxing Rating Table

Boxing is a highly technical martial art that focuses on punches, footwork, and defensive maneuvers. From the jab to the uppercut, boxers must master a wide range of techniques to be effective in the ring. The precision and timing required in boxing make it a deadly martial art when executed with skill and strategy.

Boxing’s effectiveness lies in its simplicity and focus on punches. By honing their punching technique and footwork, boxers can deliver devastating blows to their opponents. The effectiveness of boxing is evident in the sport’s long history and its dominance in professional fighting.

Speed is a crucial element in boxing. Boxers must be able to deliver lightning-fast punches while maintaining proper technique and footwork. The speed of boxing punches can catch opponents off guard and overwhelm them, making it a deadly martial art in the ring.

While boxing may not rely on flashy kicks or complex grappling techniques, it emphasizes delivering powerful punches. By utilizing proper body mechanics and generating power from the legs and hips, boxers can deliver devastating blows that can knock out opponents. The combination of speed and power makes boxing a formidable martial art.

Defense (7.5/10)

Boxing incorporates defensive techniques such as blocks, slips, and evasions. However, the defensive capabilities of boxing are not as emphasized as its offensive techniques. Boxers rely on footwork, head movement, and reflexes to avoid incoming punches. While boxing provides some defensive skills, it may not offer the same level of defense as other martial arts.

Overall Rating (8/10)

With its emphasis on technique, effectiveness, speed, and power, boxing earns an overall rating of 8 out of 10. This deadly martial art has proven its worth in the ring and continues to be a popular choice for those seeking physical fitness, self-defense skills, and the thrill of combat.

What is the number 1 deadliest martial art?

The number 1 deadliest martial art is subjective and depends on various factors such as the practitioner’s skill level, the specific situation, and the context in which the martial art is being used. However, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is often considered one of the deadliest martial arts due to its focus on ground fighting, submissions, and joint locks. Its effectiveness in real-world combat situations and mixed martial arts competitions has earned it a reputation as a lethal martial art.

What is the deadliest combat in the world?

The deadliest combat in the world is a difficult question to answer definitively. Various factors such as weapons, tactics, and training can influence the lethality of combat. However, military combat, particularly in war zones, can be considered some of the deadliest combat due to the presence of firearms, explosives, and advanced weaponry. The risks and dangers associated with military combat make it one of the most lethal forms of combat.

Read more about “… The Ultimate Guide: 25 Types of Martial Arts Around the World”

What is the deadliest combat sport?

While combat sports are regulated and have safety measures in place, they can still be dangerous and potentially lethal. Mixed martial arts (MMA) is often considered one of the deadliest combat sports due to its combination of various martial arts disciplines. MMA fighters are trained in striking, grappling, and submissions, making them formidable opponents in the ring or cage. The potential for serious injuries and knockouts in MMA makes it a dangerous and deadly combat sport.

Read more about “MMA Founder: The History, Early Days, and Modern Sport …”

What is the hardest combat style?

The hardest combat style is subjective and can vary depending on individual preferences and physical abilities. However, combat sports such as MMA, boxing, and Muay Thai are often considered some of the hardest combat styles due to their physical demands, intense training regimens, and the level of competition involved. These combat styles require a high level of athleticism, skill, and mental toughness, making them challenging for even the most dedicated practitioners.

How many deaths occur annually from martial arts-related activities?

The exact number of deaths from martial arts-related activities is difficult to determine as it varies from year to year and depends on various factors such as the type of martial art, training methods, and individual circumstances. However, according to estimates, there are around 500 deaths annually worldwide from martial arts-related activities. It’s important to note that the majority of these deaths are attributed to pre-existing medical conditions, accidents, or rare occurrences rather than the martial arts themselves.

In conclusion, the world of martial arts is filled with deadly combat styles that have been honed and perfected over centuries. From the bone-crushing techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the lightning-fast strikes of Muay Thai, each martial art on our list offers its own unique set of lethal techniques and strategies. Whether you’re interested in self-defense, physical fitness, or the pursuit of personal mastery, there’s a deadly martial art out there for you.

Remember, martial arts should always be practiced with respect, discipline, and a focus on safety. Proper training, supervision, and equipment are essential to minimize the risk of injury. So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey into the world of ultimate martial arts power, choose a martial art that resonates with you and start your training today!

• Fighter Profiles : Get to know the world’s top fighters and their martial arts journeys.
• MMA History : Dive into the rich history of mixed martial arts and its evolution over the years.
• Mixed Martial Arts Philosophy : Explore the philosophical aspects of martial arts and their impact on personal growth.
• MMA Industry News : Stay up to date with the latest news, events, and developments in the world of MMA.
• Top 10 World’s Deadliest Martial Arts 2024 Ranked : Explore the rankings and analysis of the top deadliest martial arts in the world.
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Amazon : Find a wide range of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu products and training resources on Amazon.
• Muay Thai on Amazon : Discover a variety of Muay Thai equipment, gear, and training resources on Amazon.
• Krav Maga on Amazon : Explore a selection of Krav Maga training resources, gear, and equipment on Amazon.
• Silat on Amazon : Find books, DVDs, and training resources on Silat on Amazon.
• Kung Fu on Amazon : Discover a wide range of Kung Fu books, DVDs, and training resources on Amazon.
• Boxing on Amazon : Explore a variety of boxing gloves, equipment, and training resources on Amazon.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified martial arts instructor or professional before attempting any martial arts techniques or training.

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Experience, Training Preferences, and Fighting Style Are Differentially Related to Measures of Body Composition, Strength, and Power in Male Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Athletes—A Pilot Study

Christian g. almeda.

1 Exercise Science, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

Gerald T. Mangine

Zackary h. green.

2 American College of Sports Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA

Duncan N. French

3 Ultimate Fighting Championship Performance Institute, Las Vegas, NV 89118, USA

4 Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne 3065, Australia

5 Medical and Health Science, Edith Cowen University, Perth 6027, Australia

Associated Data

All data will be made available by the corresponding author upon request.

To examine relationships between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) descriptors (belt rank, experience, gi preference, and fighting style), resistance training (RT) experience, and measures of body composition, strength (maximal handgrip, 3-5-repetition maximum [RM] in barbell glute bridge [GB], prone bench row [PBR], and bench press [BP]), and velocity (GB, PBR, and BP at 7 kg and 30–60% 1-RM), 13 experienced (4.3 ± 3.4 years) BJJ athletes were recruited for this cross-sectional, pilot study. Significant ( p < 0.05) Kendall’s tau and Bayesian relationships were seen between belt rank and body fat percentage (τ = −0.53, BF 10 = 6.5), BJJ experience and body fat percentage (τ = −0.44 to −0.66, BF 10 = 2.6–30.8) and GB velocity (τ = −0.45 to −0.46, BF 10 = 2.8–3.1), RT experience and strength (τ = 0.44 to 0.73, BF 10 = 2.6–75.1) and velocity (τ = −0.44 to 0.47, BF 10 = 2.6–3.3), gi preference-training and relative PBR strength (τ = 0.70, BF 10 = 51.9), gi preference-competition and height and lean mass (τ = −0.57 to 0.67, BF 10 = 5.3–12.4) and BP velocity (τ = −0.52 to 0.67, BF 10 = 3.5–14.0). The relevance of body composition and performance measures to sport-specific training and research interpretation are differentially affected by a BJJ athlete’s experience (BJJ, belt rank, RT), gi preferences, and fighting style.

1. Introduction

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on neutralizing an opponent [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Matches begin with both athletes standing but quickly progress to ground combat [ 4 ] where fighters attempt to score points or cause their opponent to submit from various strangulation (i.e., chokes), joint locks, or pressure techniques [ 3 ]. Athletes are generally active throughout an entire 5–10 min contest, alternating between low intensity efforts lasting 27–33 s, pauses (5–44 s), and shorter high-intensity efforts lasting 2–4 s [ 1 ]. Though athletes spend the majority of the match fighting for grip and holding opponents to set up a move, the higher intensity efforts may be considered “decisive” because their successful execution often allows an athlete to advance or preserve an important position (e.g., takedown, guard pass, mount or back mount, side control, knee on belly) [ 1 , 5 , 6 ]. A thorough understanding of the factors that contribute to successful execution of these moves might allow coaches and athletes to develop effective training regimen and competition strategies.

Beyond expected “technical skills”, fitness and flexibility, BJJ success is thought to be impacted by an athlete’s anthropometric characteristics and strength-power profile [ 2 ]. Most BJJ tournaments clearly acknowledge the influence of body mass on fighting ability by categorizing athletes according to weight class [ 3 ]. However, less is known about body composition. Comparative studies have either reported no differences in body fat percentage among athletes of different levels of skill and experience [ 7 , 8 , 9 ], differences based on fighting style [ 10 ], or lower body fat percentage in elite athletes [ 11 ]. The lack of consensus might be explained by inconsistent methods of estimating body fat percentage across studies, inconsistent study controls (e.g., whether the athlete is rapidly cutting weight leading up to a competition), the lack of comparisons between body compartments, and possibly the modulating effect of weight class (i.e., body composition may be differentially relevant across weight classes). Still, a more favorable ratio between functional (e.g., skeletal muscle) and non-functional (e.g., adipose tissue) mass might allow a fighter to better sustain effort [ 12 , 13 ] and having more lean mass generally translates to greater strength and power [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Indeed, isometric [ 9 , 17 , 18 ] and dynamic [ 11 , 17 ] assessments have been used to demonstrate greater strength in higher ranking or more experienced BJJ athletes [ 9 , 11 ], but not always [ 11 , 17 , 18 ]. Andreato and colleagues [ 2 ] proposed that the relevance of isometric grip strength might be affected by the stimulus’ angle (i.e., grip angle while fighting) and whether an athlete trains or competes with a kimono or gi (i.e., the traditional BJJ uniform). The collar, sleeves, belt, and pants of the traditional BJJ uniform provides more “gripping” opportunities compared to no-gi competitions, which are typically fought in tight-fitting compression clothing [ 3 ]. The tighter clothing used in no-gi competitions necessitates the use of more wrestling-style grips and a greater reliance on hip positioning. The athlete’s preference and training habits on this matter might influence the importance they place on developing grip strength, but this has been left mostly unexplored. Likewise, resistance training experience is also well known to affect maximal testing performance [ 19 ] but without its consideration, any observed differences among athletes may simply be coincidental. Still, in grappling sports, stronger fighters are considered to have an advantage when combat progresses to the ground (e.g., performing and escaping immobilization techniques) [ 20 , 21 ].

Successful execution of decisive moves, where the fighter attempts to advance on or defend against a resisting opponent, requires precise expression of strength and speed (i.e., power) [ 2 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Although this need is acknowledged, few have studied high-velocity movements in BJJ athletes and most have limited their analysis to jump performance [ 2 ]. Jumping performance is an accepted proxy for describing lower-body power and has been shown to distinguish between novice and expert BJJ athletes [ 9 ]. However, the majority of a BJJ match is spent in ground combat [ 4 ] and jumping may not adequately represent the qualities a fighter needs to execute decisive techniques. With this in mind, recent attention has been given to the importance of (and lack of research about) horizontal kinetic expression to sports performance [ 23 , 24 ], which might be assessed via a barbell glute bridge (or hip thrust). Like more commonly recommended traditional resistance training (e.g., squat, deadlift) and weightlifting techniques (e.g., clean, snatch), the glute bridge and hip thrust exercises train musculature relevant to ground combat but in a more sport-specific direction [ 21 , 23 ]. Thus far, and to the best of our knowledge, no study has examined this exercise in BJJ athletes. In fact, very limited attention at all has been placed on characterizing kinetics in exercises besides a vertical jump in BJJ athletes [ 2 ]. Da Silva and colleagues [ 22 ] examined bench press power at 30–60% of maximal strength but found no differences between more and less experienced BJJ athletes. Rather, their main finding was that peak power expression occurred when using a load approximately equal to 42% of maximal strength. A later study reported that peak power expression occurred at a similar relative intensity load (45–50%) for the prone bench row [ 25 ], but made no comparisons between athletes or related these efforts to BJJ performance.

Successful belt progression prioritizes the development of technical and strategic skills through practice and study of the sport [ 26 ]. Accordingly, BJJ tournaments typically divide competitors by belt rank to facilitate fair competition between fighters of similar skill and expertise. The assumption is that a higher-ranking athlete will have been exposed to a greater number of techniques and had more time to master learned skills and strategies that could provide a competitive advantage [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. However, a fighter’s superiority in one or more relevant physiological traits [ 1 , 2 , 30 ] could modify whether an advantage still exists between similarly skilled opponents, and aptitude in such traits may not occur comcomittantly with belt progression. Belt progression from white to black may take between 5 and 10 years, with 6 months to 3 years separating individual belt ranks, depending on a BJJ academy’s specific federation affiliation and the criteria set forth by the academy instructor [ 26 ]. Meanwhile, a number of factors (e.g., age, sex, training status, prescription) differentially affect the developmental timeline for the various physiological characteristics relevant to BJJ [ 19 , 21 , 31 , 32 ]. Thus, there may be a disconnect between belt rank, BJJ training experience, and the combative skill of the athlete. Conversely, superiority observed in any measure derived from a resistance training exercise may simply reflect the athlete’s experience and familiarity with that modality. The question of whether these descriptive factors are differentially related to the measures often cited as being relevant to the sport has not been answered.

The purpose of this pilot study was to begin examining differences in relationships between belt rank (a proxy of ‘sporting expertise’) and metrics of training experience (BJJ and resistance training), and the physiological measures often assessed in BJJ athletes (i.e., body composition, strength, and power). A secondary aim was to examine the influence of gi preference (during training and competition) and fighting style (i.e., defensive, guard/pulling guard or offensive, take down/pass the guard) on these measures. Regarding body composition, it may be hypothesized that higher ranking athletes and those with more training experience (BJJ and/or resistance training) would also possess a more ideal ratio between lean (greater) and fat mass (less) due to the assumption that these descriptors would reflect longer periods of being physically active. However, body composition may also be modified by fighting style where defensive fighters can be expected to possess greater lean and fat mass [ 10 ]. Strength and power are often assessed via traditional resistance training exercises and athletes with greater resistance training experience are likely to be more familiar with these movements and outperform those with less experience. In contrast, because greater emphasis is placed on technical skill advancement [ 26 ] BJJ belt rank and experience are not expected to be related to most measures of strength and power. An exception is possible with hand grip, where fighters who rely on grip during training and competition (i.e., those who prefer a gi) may also possess greater grip strength. The findings of this study will be useful for helping coaches and athletes determine the most relevant training targets, and to help guide future studies on the phyisiological predictors of BJJ performance.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. experimental design.

Recreationally trained men in both BJJ and resistance training were recruited for this study via word of mouth, social media, and flyers posted at training facilities located throughout the local metropolitan area. Participation required two visits to the exercise physiology laboratory, and each visit required athletes to abstain from vigorous exercise for at least 48-h, avoid alcohol consumption for 24-h, and maintain their normal hydration and dietary habits throughout the 1-week study. This included their normal supplementation and caffeine intake habits, all of which were verified via 24 h food recalls completed on each visit. Athletes were also asked to arrive fasted for 8 h on the first visit to complete body composition assessments. Afterwards, athletes were then given the opportunity to consume a light snack (granola bar, fruit, etc.) and were then familiarized with all strength and performance testing procedures. The familiarization protocol provided athletes an opportunity to practice and verify all technical standards for a maximal isometric handgrip strength (MIHS) test, the barbell glute bridge (GB), prone bench pull (PBP), and bench press (BP). The first visit concluded maximal strength assessments. Athletes returned to the Exercise Physiology Laboratory within 2–7 days to complete all velocity-based performance tests. The University’s Institutional Review Board approved all testing procedures and protocols (IRB #19-444).

2.2. Participants

A convenience sample of thirteen men (26.5 ± 5.1 years, [20–36 years]; 176.5 ± 9.2 cm [158.1–194.3 cm]; 78.7 ± 12.7 kg [58.6–96.7 kg]) with BJJ (4.3 ± 3.4 years [0.5–13 years]) and resistance training (7.0 ± 3.7 years [0.5–14 years]) experience volunteered for this study. To be consistent with previous studies, individuals from the ultra-heavyweight division (>100 kg) were excluded from this investigation [ 6 , 33 ]. At the time of enrollment, all participants were required to have been training with both modalities on at least two sessions per week. The sample included white belts (n = 4), blue belts (n = 3), purple belts (n = 5), and a black belt (n = 1). Athletes reported practicing BJJ on 3.9 ± 1.4 days per week and completing 1.6 ± 0.7 sessions per day. Eight athletes reported preferring to practice with a gi, while 2 preferred practicing without a gi and 3 had no preference. All but 2 athletes had reported having competed in 1.7 ± 0.8 BJJ tournaments per year, with 4 having competed in a tournament within the 6 months prior to this study. Additionally, athletes possessed 7.0 ± 3.7 years of resistance training experience. Seven athletes reported training with the BP exercise, six incorporating grip strength specific exercises, and three utilizing the PBP exercise. All athletes were free of any cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease, as well as any musculoskeletal impairments that could affect performance (determined a health and physical activity history questionnaire), and each provided his written informed consent to participate.

2.3. Training and Competition Preferences

During enrollment, all athletes were asked questions about their training experience and preferences, as well as their fighting style preferences (via health and physical activity history questionnaire). Athletes were asked to indicate their current belt rank and these were codified for analysis using the following values: 1 = white; 2 = blue; 3 = purple; 4 = brown; 5 = black. Likewise, athletes were asked about their gi preference during training (1 = gi; 2 = no preference; 3 = no gi), and during competition (1 = gi; 2 = equal; 3 = no gi). For athletes who had not participated in a BJJ competition, no value was given (i.e., the cell was left blank) because any value would have affected the statistical analysis. Athletes were also asked about their preferred fighting style. Those who preferred the guard/pulling guard were assigned “1”, whereas those who preferred to take down/pass the guard were assigned “3”; those who had no preference were assigned “2” for statistical analysis.

2.4. Body Composition Assessments

Initially, height (±0.1 cm) and weight (±0.1 kg) were assessed using an electronic physician’s scale (Tanita WB 3000, Arlington Heights, IL, USA) with the athletes standing barefoot, with feet together, in their normal daily attire. Subsequently, body composition was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA; General Electric Lunar iDXA, Boston, MA, USA). Briefly, athletes removed any metal or jewelry and laid supine on the scanning table. An entire body scan in “standard” mode was used to estimate body fat percentage (BF%), total fat mass (kg), total and regional non-bone lean mass (NBLM, kg), bone mineral density (BMD, g⸱cm −2 ), and total and regional bone mineral content (BMC, kg) using the company’s recommended procedures and supplied algorithms. Quality assurance was assessed by daily calibrations performed prior to all scans using a calibration block provided by the manufacturer. All iDXA measurements were performed by the same researcher using standardized subject positioning procedures. Obtaining total and regional estimates via DXA had been previously reported to be reliable (ICC’s > 0.94) in 10 healthy, recreationally active adults (25.1 ± 2.4 years; 81.1 ± 18.5 kg; 175.7 ± 6.8 cm) [ 34 ]. The body composition characteristics of the present study’s sample are presented in Table 1 .

Body composition and strength characteristics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes.

2.5. Strength Assessments

Strength assessments were completed on the first visit and began with MIHS testing. Since the MIHS assesses strength in small muscle groups, it did not require an extensive warm-up protocol [ 31 ]. After being familiarized with testing procedures, athletes immediately progressed to three submaximal warm-up sets at 25%, 50%, and 75% of their perceived maximal effort before completing three maximal trials on each hand (a total of six maximal trials) beginning with their self-selected dominant (i.e., preferred writing, throwing) hand. Each maximal trial was separated by 2 min of rest and athletes alternated hands between maximal attempts [ 5 , 31 ]. All maximal trials were performed using a handgrip dynamometer (Jamar Plus+, Greendale, WI, USA) and athletes were instructed to squeeze the dynamometer as forcefully as possible for 3 s while holding it alongside their body at 90° [ 31 , 35 ]. The highest value from 3 trials (±0.1 kg) was retained for the dominant (identified by athlete) and non-dominant hands [ 36 ]. Additionally, total grip strength (dominant + non-dominant) and bilateral strength asymmetry ([stronger hand–weaker hand]/stronger hand × 100) [ 37 ] were calculated for statistical analysis.

Athletes then progressed to a standardized warm-up for strength assessment of the GB, PBR, and BP. The standardized warm-up began with five minutes of cycling on a stationary bike at a self-selected pace before progressing to a series of dynamic exercises made specific to each tested movement. That is, a series of dynamic stretches and then three sub-maximal warm-up sets were completed immediately before each tested movement. Athletes performed 10 repetitions of each dynamic exercise prescribed for the GB (walking toe touches, air squats, walking lunges, and bodyweight glute bridges), PBR (arm circles, banded face pulls, and barbell bent over rows) and BP (arm circles, arm swings, and push-ups). Then, they completed one set of 8 repetitions at 25% of their estimated one-repetition maximum (1-RM), a second set of 5 repetitions at 50% of their estimated 1-RM, and then a final warm-up set of 3 repetitions at 75% of estimated 1-RM. Each athlete was then allowed up to 3 maximal trials to find his 3–5 repetition-maximum, which was then used to estimate their 1-RM for each exercise [ 32 ]. Athletes were given 2–3 min between and after warm-up sets and 3−5 min of rest between maximal attempts. All warm-ups and subsequent maximal testing were completed using a standard Olympic barbell and bumber weights (Promaxima Manufacturing, Houston, TX, USA) under the supervision of a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS).

Technical standards for each exercise were enforced by the CSCS and any attempt that failed to meet these standards was discarded. Athletes initiated the GB with their feet (approximately shoulder-width apart), upper back, buttocks, and head placed firmly on the testing surface, and knees bent at approximately 90°. The athletes used their hands to support a loaded barbell placed across their hips. On their ready, athletes were instructed to lift the barbell vertically by raising their hips to full extension before returning to the starting position under control and repeating for 3–5 repetitions. Repetitions were discarded if the athlete failed to maintain contact between the testing surface and their head, upper back, and feet. For the PBR, athletes were laid prone on an elevated bench that placed them approximately four feet from the ground. They were instructed to grasp a loaded barbell located directly beneath them on the ground and hold it just above the ground with their arms at full extension. Researchers assisted the athlete in lifting the barbell to the starting position when it too far out of their reach. On their ready, athletes pulled the barbell vertically towards their body until it touched the bottom of the bench before lowering it to the starting position under control. Repetitions were discarded if the athlete’s torso did not maintain contact with the bench. For the BP, athletes were required to maintain contact between their feet and the floor, and between the bench and their buttocks, shoulders, and head. All repetitions began with the athlete holding the loaded barbell over their chest, arms extended, and hands slightly wider than shoulder-width. Athletes then lowered the bar to their chest under control and immediately pressed it back to the starting position. Repetitions that involved excessive bouncing of the bar, arching of the back, or failure to maintain 5-point contact were discarded. All BP trials were performed with the CSCS as a spotter and within a standard weightlifting rack with safety bars set at a height that would prevent an uncontrolled barbell from making full contact with the torso, neck, or head. The start and finishing positions for each exercise are portrayed in Figure 1 , while strength characteristics are presented in Table 1 .

Starting and finishing positions for the ( a ) Glute Bridge, ( b ) Prone Bench Row, and ( c ) Bench Press.

2.6. Velocity-Based Performance Assessments

Velocity-based assessments for the GB, PBR, and BP were completed on the second visit. Prior to testing, athletes completed the same standardized warm-up described for the first visit. Following the warm-up, athletes were asked to complete on set of 3 repetitions at 7 kg to simulate an “unloaded” movement (i.e., <5% of body mass and <10% of 1-RM in each lift), and then 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% of the 1RM obtained on visit 1 for each exercise. These percentages have been previously used to examine barbell velocity within this population [ 22 , 25 ]. Barbell velocity was monitored during each repetition using a linear position transducer (Tendo Weightlifting Analyzer, TENDO Sports Machines, Trencin, Slovak Republic). The transducer was placed on the ground directly beneath the barbell’s starting position and connected to the barbell via an extended cable. The positioning of the transducer was such that the extended cable’s angle was approximately 90° to the ground, which helped to minimize its horizontal displacement during each repetition. Data from every repetition was collected via the TENDO Unit Computer Software Version PA (v6.06, TENDO Sports Machines, Trencin, Slovak Republic) and it provided estimates of peak (V PK ; ±0.01 m⸱s −1 ) and average (V AVG ; ±0.01 m⸱s −1 ) velocity. The average V PK and V AVG across all 3 repetitions at each load was calculated and retained for statistical analysis. The TENDO has previously been reported to be reliable for measuring barbell velocity across multiple resistance training lifts and intensities (ICC’s > 0.91) in 10 active, resistance-trained men (26.8 ± 3.5 years; 92.6 ± 6.5 kg; 180.5 ± 6.6 cm) [ 38 ]. Barbell velocity expression at each sub-maximal load for each exercise is illustrated in Figure 2 .

Peak (solid line) and average (dashed line) barbell velocity during the ( a ) glute bridge, ( b ) prone bench row, and ( c ) bench press exercises at sub-maximal loads.

2.7. Statistical Analysis

Relationships between belt rank, training experience (BJJ and resistance training), gi preference (in training and competition) and physiological measures of body composition, strength, and power were analyzed by using both a frequentist and Bayesian approach. Since several variables of interest were ordinal by nature, relationships were examined by calculating Kendall’s tau (τ) correlation coefficients. The strength of observed relationships were interpreted using the following criteria: Trivial (<0.10), small (0.10–0.29), moderate (0.30–0.49), high (0.50–0.69), very high (0.70–0.90), or practically perfect (>0.90) [ 39 ]. Meanwhile, the Bayesian approach assessed the likelihood of observed relationships under the alternative hypothesis compared to the null hypothesis (i.e., no relationships between variables) by calculating Bayes factors (i.e., BF 10 ) for each comparison using default prior scales [ 40 ]. These were interpreted according to the recommendations of Wagenmakers et al. [ 41 ] where a correlation was interpreted as evidence in favor of the null hypothesis when BF 10 < 1. Otherwise, evidence in favor of the alternative hypothesis was interpreted as “anecdotal” (1 < BF 10 < 3), “moderate” (3 < BF 10 < 10), “strong” (10 < BF 10 < 30), “very strong” (30 < BF 10 < 100), or “extreme” (BF 10 > 100). All statistical analyses were performed using JASP 0.16.1 (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) with a criterion alpha set at p ≤ 0.05. All data are reported as mean ± standard deviation.

3.1. Body Composition

Except for belt rank and BF% ( p = 0.020), and BJJ experience and BF% ( p = 0.002) and fat mass ( p = 0.041), evidence was either anecdotal or in favor of measures of body composition not being related to belt rank or training experience (BJJ and resistance training). Likewise, gi preference during training was not related to any measure of body composition. However, moderate evidence suggested negative relationships between gi preference during competition and the athletes’ height ( p = 0.027), trunk NBLM ( p = 0.042), trunk BMC ( p = 0.027), and total BMC ( p = 0.027). Negative relationships in this context imply that a preference towards using a gi in competition is associated with being taller or possessing more NBLM and BMC. Strong evidence also suggested a negative relationship between leg BMC and gi preference in competition ( p = 0.011). Relationships with measures of body composition are presented in Table 2 , while the strong relationships observed between BJJ experience and BF%, and between leg BMC and gi preference in competition are illustrated in Figure 3 .

Strong relationships between ( a ) BJJ experience and body fat percentage, and ( b ) bone mineral content of the legs and gi preference in competition.

Relationships between measures of body composition, training experience, and BJJ preferences.

* = Significant ( p < 0.05) relationship.

3.2. Maximal Strength

Evidence favored the null hypothesis, that belt rank, training experience (BJJ and resistance training), gi preference (training and competition), and fighting style were not related to any MIHS measure. Likewise, evidence favored no relationships between BJJ experience (belt rank, years of experience) and 1-RM strength (absolute and relative) in the GB, PBR, and BP exercises. Evidence was also either anecdotal or in favor of 1-RM strength measures not being related to gi preference (training and competition), except for very strong evidence suggesting a positive relationship between gi preference during training and relative PBR strength ( p = 0.003); implying that those with greater relative strength preferred not to use a gi during training. Meanwhile, except for PBR relative strength, evidence ranged from anecdotal to very strong for positive relationships between resistance training experience and all measures of 1-RM strength (absolute and relative); the strongest being absolute GB strength ( p < 0.001). Relationships with measures of strength are presented in Table 3 , while the very strong relationships observed between measures of strength, resistance training experience, and gi preference during training are illustrated in Figure 4 .

Very strong relationships between measures of strength and ( a ) resistance training experience and ( b ) gi preference during training.

Relationships between measures of strength, training experience, and BJJ preferences.

3.3. Velocity-Based Performance Assessments

Evidence was also either anecdotal or in favor of belt rank, gi preference during training, and fighting style not being related to barbell velocity in any exercise at any load. Anecdotal to moderate evidence favored negative relationships between BJJ experience and peak GB barbell velocity expressed at 60% 1-RM ( p = 0.040) and average GB barbell velocity expressed at 50–60% 1-RM ( p = 0.035). Anecdotal to moderate evidence favored a negative relationship between resistance training experience and peak BP barbell velocity expressed at 40% 1-RM ( p = 0.037) and positive relationships to average GB barbell velocity expressed using 7 kg ( p = 0.037) and peak PBR barbell velocity expressed at 60% 1-RM ( p = 0.027). Moderate to strong evidence favored negative relationships between gi preference in competition and average BP barbell velocity expressed at 30% ( p = 0.048), 50% ( p = 0.026), and 60% 1-RM ( p = 0.010). Relationships with measures of barbell velocity are presented in Table 4 , while the strong relationship between gi preference in competition and BP barbell velocity at 60% 1-RM is illustrated in Figure 5 .

Strong relationship between gi preference in competition and BP barbell velocity at 60% 1-RM.

Relationships between measures of barbell velocity, training experience, and BJJ preferences.

4. Discussion

This study examined the influence of BJJ athletes’ training background and training-competition preferences (fighting style and gi) on measures of body composition, strength, and power. Athletes were classified by belt rank, training experience (BJJ and resistance training), gi preference (during training and competition), and fighting style. Total and regional estimates of body fat, NBLM, BMC were then collected before athletes’ maximal handgrip strength, and strength and power in GB, PBR, and BP were assessed. Relationship analysis suggested that higher ranking (i.e., belt rank) BJJ athletes possessed lower body fat percentages, but a stronger relationship was seen with BJJ experience. To a lesser extent, more experienced BJJ athletes possessed less fat mass and interestingly, performed high-load GB (50–60% 1-RM) at slower velocities. In contrast, athletes with more resistance training experience were stronger in each lift and performed GB and PBR at greater velocities with select loads. Meanwhile, body composition and strength also appeared to be distinguished by gi preference. Athletes who preferred training without a gi possessed greater relative PBR strength, while those who competed with a gi were taller, possessed more trunk NBLM and more BMC, particularly in the legs and trunk. No other significant relationships were observed in this group of recreationally trained athletes. Although the influence of body composition, strength, and power measures have been previously documented in BJJ athletes [ 1 , 2 , 30 ], this appears to be the first study to examine how experience and training habits influence these measures and distinguish belt rank, years of BJJ training experience, and years of resistance training experience.

Higher ranking (i.e., belt rank) BJJ athletes possessed lower body fat percentages, but a stronger relationship was seen with BJJ experience. Previous studies examining the role of body composition on BJJ performance lack agreement [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Marinho and colleagues [ 11 ] observed lower body fat percentages among black and brown belt BJJ medalists in national and/or international competition compared to non-medalists. Meanwhile, a similar comparison was performed between black belts who either competed or did not compete in the 2010 World Championships [ 7 ], and no differences were found. No differences in body compositions have also been reported when the sample only included national/international competition medalists [ 8 ] and when groups were formed by arbitrary delineations based on years of experience (greater or less than 4 years) and belt rank (higher or lower than blue belt) [ 9 ]. The lack of agreement cannot be currently explained but may involve the several methodological differences that exist across each of these studies. Each study utilized a different method for defining groups, BJJ skill, and experience, and then used different methods for assessing body composition. One study did not report its method of body composition assessment [ 7 ] and two estimated it via skinfold thickness with one measuring 3 sites [ 11 ] and the other measuring 7 sites [ 8 ]. Though a historically common and accessible method, the validity and reliability of skinfold analysis is influenced by the number of sites assessed, based on several assumptions about body density, heavily dependent on the practitioner’s technique, and subject to interindividual variation [ 42 ]. Many of these limitations are overcome when using technology. For instance, Diaz-Lara et al. [ 9 ] used bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to compare novice and expert BJJ athletes. However, BIA devices rely on nutritional and hydration status being well controlled and their accuracy is dependent on the sophistication of their programmed algorithms [ 42 ]. In that study, novice and expert BJJ athletes were enrolled and assessed on the day of a tournament (prior to their first match), making it highly unlikely (not reported in methodology) that pre-assessment criteria about nutrition and hydration status were met, while the specific device used in that study (BC-418. Tanita Corp, Japan) was discontinued within a year of the study’s publication. The present study attempted to overcome these limitations by verifying participant consistency with factors that would impact hydration status and using a more advanced and comprehensive technology. Our findings support the idea that body composition and BJJ skill are related, regardless of whether skill was defined by years of experience or belt rank. It might be hypothesized that experience and rank progression emphasizes the need to gain or maintain a healthy ratio of lean to fat mass to better sustain effort [ 12 , 13 ] or express force and power [ 14 , 15 , 16 ] during decisive moves. Future studies seeking to confirm or refute this hypothesis are encouraged to utilize consistent and standardized methods to facilitate generalized conclusions.

Athletes in this study were asked whether they preferred to ‘guard’ or ‘pass the guard’ during a match, but their preference was not related to their body composition, strength, or barbell velocity expression. This finding is not consistent with the findings of Báez et al. [ 10 ], who noted differences in somatotype traits in BJJ athletes who preferred one of these fighting styles over the other. In that study, pass fighters were shorter and exhibited greater mesomorphic traits than guard fighters who possessed more ectomorphic traits. Pass fighters attack more often and thus, might require greater strength, speed, and power to successfully execute their strategy. Mesomorphs are more muscular than other somatotypes and greater muscle mass positively affects force and power expression force [ 15 , 16 ]. Meanwhile, a taller ectomorph might better be able to create space and defend against a pass fighter’s attack. However, neither the present study nor that conducted by Báez et al. [ 10 ] could adequately confirm these suppositions. Báez et al. [ 10 ] estimated body composition characteristics from circumference and skinfold measurements and did not see any differences in muscle mass between fighting styles. It is possible that such differences were missed due to the sophistication of these assessment methods, as they rely on several assumptions and introduce multiple sources of error between their actual measurement and then being placed into several estimation equations [ 42 ]. Although our study used a more advanced method for obtaining body composition estimates, as well as strength and power, our participants were given the additional option of stating that they did not have a fighting style preference. That combined with a smaller sample size may have limited our statistical power to observe a relationship.

An important finding demonstrated by this study that should be accounted for in future investigations that intend on using traditional measures of strength and power to explain BJJ performance was the role of resistance training experience. Amongst all strength/power variables, only three instances were observed where BJJ experience was related to performance (peak GB velocity at 60% 1-RM, average GB velocity at 50–60% 1-RM), and these were negatively related. At this time, it cannot be explained why a more experienced BJJ athlete would perform the GB exercise more slowly at these specific loads. A recent study noted a lack of comcomitant horizontal jumping (i.e., broad jump) performance following 14-weeks of hip thrust training and related strength increases [ 24 ]. It is possible that more experienced athletes might find themselves in this position less, and even when they do, they rely more on their technical skill than their physical attributes. A kinematics-based study would be useful to confirm whether the velocity profile of specific fighting movements related to GB are technically optimized when performed in a more slow and controlled way. Alternatively, since the GB testing position is seen more often in guard fighters during a match, it is possible that fighting style could have impacted the observed relationships between BJJ experience and measures of strength and power. BJJ experience was different among the fighting styles examined in this study (guard = 4 years, pass guard = 2.8 years, and no preference = 5.6 years), but these values are representative of 2, 6, and 5 athletes, respectively. A larger and more evenly distributed sample would have been necessary to adequately assess the partial effects of a third variable on the examined relationships. Regardless, it appears to be anecdotally accepted, and strongly implied by common belt progression criteria [ 26 ], that strength and power may be of secondary importance compared to technical skill and fighting strategy. If so, any relationships between BJJ experience and measures of strength and power would be highly individualistic at best or simply non-existent among those who do not value these traits (i.e., selection bias). In contrast, athletes who historically placed more importance on these traits and thus, possessed greater resistance training experience, consistently performed better in most measures examined in this study.

Though athletes may prefer to guard or pass the guard in a match, doing so is based on opportunity and the actions of one’s opponent. Meanwhile, years of participation in BJJ, resistance training, or any sport/art does not necessarily equate to aptitude since the quality of those experiences may vary considerably across individuals. Athletes might attempt to place themselves in various situations that could expose them to certain types of experiences, but ultimately, how these experiences play out cannot be controlled. More control is accomplished when athletes clearly define the context of a fight by training or competing with or without a gi. This decision forces a change in strategy because it influences the availability of certain grips and associated techniques. The findings of this study indicate that gi preference was related to body composition and strength. Athletes who prefer to train without a gi also possessed greater relative strength in the PBR exercise, an exercise was meant to resemble the athlete’s ability to control an opponent’s center of mass by pulling them out of position. Interestingly, this did not coincide with other relevant pulling motion attributes (i.e., grip strength or barbell velocity). An athlete’s grip on the barbell is likely to be a limiting factor for PBR, while successfully moving one’s opponent requires a combination of strength, speed, and positioning. On one hand, no-gi fights present less “gripping” opportunities [ 3 ] and thus, it may be less necessary to grip an opponent when executing similar techniques (to those used in gi fighting). Alternatively, the isometric maximal handgrip strength test used in this study may have simply lacked specificity [ 2 ]. Likewise, it is unlikely that a fighter will execute a pulling move by simultaneously pulling their opponent with both arms in the fashion PBR was performed in this study. However, evidence supporting or refuting these ideas is non-existent. Aside from the present investigation, only one other study examined PBR in BJJ athletes and it aimed to identify the load in which peak power is expressed [ 25 ]. Future studies may better understand the role of these movements in no gi fighting by incorporating a variety of conditions (e.g., dynamic and isometric grip at different wrist/hand positions) when assessing grip.

Comparatively, the only velocity-based measure related to gi preference involved average barbell velocity during BP. Athletes who preferred to compete with a gi executed this movement with greater speed at 30%, 50%, and 60% 1-RM; there was anecdotal evidence for 40% as well. Previously, bench press power at these loading ranges was found to be similar amongst BJJ athletes of varying levels of experience [ 22 ]. Though our data supports that outcome, it also presents a potentially different lens through which BP velocity may be related to BJJ performance. Gi fighters in this study were also taller and possessed more NBLM (trunk) and BMC (legs and trunk). Along with there being no significant relationships to other velocity-based measures, it is possible that this specific combination of measures may be related to tactical strategies that are unique to gi fighting. Greater skeletal and NBLM mass imply a greater ability to produce force [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 43 ], while being tall and being able to explosively “punch” might have something to do with strategically creating space. However, this study’s sample was not large enough to examine the combination of gi preference and fighting style and how various combinations might relate to body composition, strength, and power.

5. Conclusions

Previous studies have attempted to determine the physiological relevance of various measures to BJJ amongst BJJ athletes of different levels of skill [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 22 ], but the findings have not been consistent. The lack of uniformity may have been caused by various methodological shortcomings, some of which we have attempted to overcome in this study. Instead of comparing formed groups based on arbitrary thresholds for defining experience and skill (e.g., belt rank above or below a specific color; success or failure at specific competitions), we viewed experience as a continuous variable and observed that relationships differed when defining skill by years of experience versus belt rank. Years of experience was negatively related to body fat percentage and, interestingly, GB barbell velocity, whereas no relationships were observed with belt rank. Previous studies have also failed to account for the role of resistance training experience on measures of strength and power. Here, we observed greater strength in nearly all measures of dynamic strength in athletes who were more experienced with resistance training, suggesting that the importance that individual athlete’s place on this training modality will affect associated performance outcomes and accompanying relationships to BJJ performance. Finally, we examined the roles of both fighting style and gi preference, and used a more comprehensive assessment of body composition (i.e., DXA) compared to somatotype, skinfold thickness, and BIA methods used by others. With these we we noted that gi preference was a better indicator of body composition (measured via DXA), strength, and power than fighting strategy itself. An unfortunate limitation to this study, however, was that our sample size was blunted because data collection initiated immediately prior to a global pandemic and conditions were too variable across athletes upon their return to continue the study. Future investigations are encouraged to expand our findings and include several of the important methodological considerations highlighted by this pilot study.

Outside of sport-specific practice, athletes and coaches will utilize a strength and conditioning regimen to develop physical and physiological characteristics known to impact performance, and periodically test their progress. The findings of this study suggest that several population characteristics among BJJ athletes will affect the results of such tests. How BJJ athlete’s skill and experience are defined (i.e., belt rank or years of experience), their familiarity with resistance training, their gi preference during training and competition, and fighting style were all found to impact relationships to measures of body composition and performance. Thus, the importance of training for different body composition characteristics, types of strength, and movement pattern velocity may vary across population subsets. Careful consideration should be given to the relative importance of each targeted characteristic when developing a sport-specific training regimen. Meanwhile, these characteristics should be accounted for in future investigations into the factors that impact BJJ performance.

Funding Statement

This research received no external funding.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, C.G.A., G.T.M., Y.F. and D.N.F.; methodology, C.G.A., G.T.M., Y.F. and D.N.F.; formal analysis, C.G.A. and G.T.M.; investigation, C.G.A. and Z.H.G.; resources, G.T.M., Z.H.G. and Y.F.; writing—original draft preparation, C.G.A. and G.T.M.; writing—review and editing, Y.F. and D.N.F.; supervision, G.T.M., Y.F. and D.N.F. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kennesaw State University (IRB #19-444, November 2019).

Informed Consent Statement

Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Data Availability Statement

Conflicts of interest.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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4 great books written in a wildly experimental style

• Every now and again, an innovative novel overhauls the very definition of the art form.
• There are novels written as letters and puzzles, novels without named characters, and even novels that are formatted like screenplays.
• Here are four books whose experimental style opened up new opportunities for future generations of writers.

According to a thought experiment known as the infinite monkey theorem, it would only be a matter of time before a million monkeys randomly hitting away at a million typewriters accidentally produce any given text, including a complete work of William Shakespeare. Initially, the theorem was placed in a purely mathematical context to discuss probability. From a literary perspective, it helps us think about what literature is, where it comes from, and whether it could be replicated by a nonhuman, be that a primate or artificial intelligence. But the theorem also does something else: illustrate the near-infinite possibilities of the art form.

The vast majority of novels are incredibly similar in both style and structure. They tell their stories in chronological order and use standard literary tools like metaphor, alliteration, and hyperbole. But when writers don’t restrict themselves to tradition and convention, they can do much more than simply compare one’s loved one to the Sun, as Shakespeare does in Romeo and Juliet , or frame a mysterious green light across the bay of Long Island as the manifestation of desire, as F. Scott Fitzgerald does in The Great Gatsby .

In truth, there are no rules in literature, and novels can be whatever their creators want them to be. They can be written from multiple perspectives, like Ryūnosuke Akutagawa’s famous story Rashōmon (adapted into an even more famous film by Akira Kurosawa), or the much more recent Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson. They can be written in the form of letters, like Fyodor Dostoevsky’s debut novel Poor Folk , about the passionate but tragic relationship between a store clerk and a seamstress, or Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous , from a son to a Vietnamese mother who will never be able to read what he wrote. Charles Yu’s Interior Chinatown is formatted like a screenplay, complete with set descriptions and dialogue boxes. There are novels without named characters ( Portrait of a Man Unknown ), novels written in the second person ( Earth and Ashes ), and even novels with their own instruction manuals ( House of Leaves ).

Many experimental novels are experimental simply for the sake of experimentation, but the very best ones employ a unique style because it serves the particular story they’re trying to tell. Rashōmon explores the concept of justice, which shifts depending on one’s viewpoint; Interior Chinatown is about a Taiwanese American actor fighting racial stereotypes in the entertainment industry. Each of the writers mentioned below has a logical rationale for their seemingly nonsensical approach to writing. Although some of them faced criticism, they ultimately helped expand the definition of the novel itself, creating opportunities for future generations.

The Human Comedy by Honoré de Balzac

The Human Comedy , known in French as La Comédie Humaine , is not a single novel but a series of novels: 91 finished and 46 unfinished texts, to be precise. They were written between 1829 and 1848 by Honoré de Balzac, who for a large part of his career made a living writing potboilers: precursors to pulp fiction that were produced quickly and sometimes hastily. Their purpose was to pay the bills, not to establish a lasting legacy, yet Balzac, as a prolific writer, managed to achieve both.

Every story in The Human Comedy takes place in the same fictional version of post-revolutionary France, making Balzac one of the first writers to craft a fictional universe. Paving the way for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth and Marvel Comics, characters introduced in one novel show up in others. Eugène de Rastignac, the main character of Le Père Goriot or Father Goriot — Balzac’s most successful novel – made his first appearance in La Peau de chagrin and went on to feature in L’Interdiction , Les Secrets de la princesse de Dadignan , and Une ténébreuse affaire , to name only a few.

Balzac’s at the time unconventional use of recurring characters — reminiscent of ancient Greek mythology — helped give The Human Comedy a sense of realism, suggesting that the characters lead a larger and more complicated life outside his selected stories. Raised in the shadow of the French Revolution, Balzac developed a keen interest in the social and economic developments that shape society — disciplines he explored in writing. When we meet Rastignac in Father Goriot , about an elderly merchant who becomes alienated from his aristocratic daughters, he is a young man from the provinces who is willing to do anything to climb Paris’ social ladder. In Les Secrets , we learn that Rastignac has become Under-Secretary of State after courting one of the merchant’s daughters. Far from pulp, The Human Comedy is an intricate sketch of France’s progress through the ages.  

Ulysses by James Joyce

No list of experimental novels would be complete without James Joyce’s Ulysses . A parody that compares a middle-aged advertising salesman’s meandering through early 20th-century Dublin to the adventures of Odysseus, Ulysses is typically remembered for the stream-of-consciousness writing style it helped popularize. Although Joyce definitely deserves credit for this, stream-of-consciousness is but one of many, many different styles he chose to play around with in his magnum opus.

Called an “encyclopedia of styles” by Arnold Goldman, every chapter in Ulysses is written in a way that reflects that chapter’s theme, many of which are rooted in Homeric parallels. From beginning to end, Joyce jumps from Dublin slang to biblical verse, from Virgil and Shakespeare to pop music and marketing slogans. In “Aeolus,” a chapter in which protagonist Leopold Bloom tries and fails to do his job, the writer incorporates newspaper headlines as well as the sensational, exaggerated language of the Yellow journalism era: choices that link back to a corresponding chapter in Homer’s Odyssey in which the titular hero receives, then accidentally uses a magical bag of winds. In the chapter “Oxen of the Sun,” which takes place inside a maternity hospital, Joyce mimics the growth of a human embryo by first writing in early Latinate followed by Anglo-Saxon alliterative verse before finally arriving at the style of his 20th-century contemporaries.

The underlying meaning of Joyce’s stylistic variety is up for debate. At a glance, it reflects the kind of narrative and thematic diversity that characterizes the Odyssey and other ancient myths. Situated in a more modern context, it reinforces the writer’s belief that the world should be observed from multiple angles and, by extension, written about with different styles because each style reveals something other styles cannot express.

Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace

Like so many postmodern masterpieces, David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest resists summarization. Set in a hypothetical future where Mexico, Canada, and the United States have combined into a single political entity known as the Organization of North American Nations or O.N.A.N., and companies sponsor calendar years, leading to “The Year of the Whopper” or “The Year of the Depend Adult Undergarment” (Y.D.A.U.), the novel revolves around the family of a director who created a movie so entertaining that everyone who watches it is doomed to view it over and over again until they die.

Published in 1996, Infinite Jest has become more and more relevant as time goes on. Wallace might not have foreseen the shift from DVD to digital, but he did predict the omnipresence and corroding influence popular entertainment can have in our current age of streaming and social media. Equally remarkable was Wallace’s use of the English language, which he pushed to its absolute limit. Many sentences span paragraphs, some entire pages. Wallace had a monstrous vocabulary, finding inventive purposes for words that, as one article from Lithub puts it, are “found only in the footnotes of medical dictionaries.”

Speaking of footnotes, Wallace used those, too. Normally restricted to scholarly articles, they enabled the writer to intentionally break up the flow of the narrative while packing in even more information. Infinite Jest has a grand total of 388 footnotes, the longest of which — a fictional filmography of the aforementioned director that takes about eight pages — has several footnotes of its own. All of this borders on ridiculous, but that’s part of the point, with Wallace stating he wanted to “mimic the information-flood and data-triage I expect’d be an even bigger part of US life 15 years hence.”

Hopscotch by Julio Cortázar

No two people will experience Julio Cortázar’s Hopscotch in the same way. This is because the novel, about an Argentinian intellectual named Horacio Oliveira, who travels around Paris with his mistress before personal tragedy sends him back to Buenos Aires, is set up as a choose-your-own-adventure story. Although the novel’s 155 chapters can be read in sequence, Cortázar also provided an alternative order in which readers can choose to navigate the chapters, allowing them to decide for themselves where to begin and how to proceed. A “Table of Instruction” at the beginning of the text outlines different ways to move through the narrative: Readers can start at chapter 1 and read until chapter 56, where one version of events concludes, or they can start at chapter 73, to name just two examples.  

Nowadays, choose-your-own-adventure stories aren’t as unfamiliar as they were in 1963 when Hopscotch or Rayuela in Spanish was first published. Today, however, the genre is mostly explored through films, TV series, and video games instead of books. There is a small market for so-called hypertext novels, electronic texts with direct readers through branching storylines with links, but these emphasize entertainment over artistic merit and cannot really be considered Literature with a capital L.

Hopscotch is the exception. According to Ariel Dorfman, a critic and close friend of the late Cortázar:

“…[the book has become] the foundation text of a generation [of Argentinians]: an earthquake of language, an assault on reality, anticipating, with its joy and radical demands on the reader, the social liberation that the youth of Latin America dreamed for our continent. ‘Hopscotch’ challenged us to drastically break out of the prison-house of consciousness and history in which we were ensnared. We need, Cortázar said, to throw reality out the window and then throw out the window as well.”

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Experience, training preferences, and fighting style are differentially related to measures of body composition, strength, and power in male brazilian jiu jitsu athletes—a pilot study.

1. Introduction

2. materials and methods, 2.1. experimental design, 2.2. participants, 2.3. training and competition preferences, 2.4. body composition assessments, 2.5. strength assessments, 2.6. velocity-based performance assessments, 2.7. statistical analysis, 3.1. body composition, 3.2. maximal strength, 3.3. velocity-based performance assessments, 4. discussion, 5. conclusions, author contributions, institutional review board statement, informed consent statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

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Almeda, C.G.; Mangine, G.T.; Green, Z.H.; Feito, Y.; French, D.N. Experience, Training Preferences, and Fighting Style Are Differentially Related to Measures of Body Composition, Strength, and Power in Male Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Athletes—A Pilot Study. Sports 2023 , 11 , 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11010013

Almeda CG, Mangine GT, Green ZH, Feito Y, French DN. Experience, Training Preferences, and Fighting Style Are Differentially Related to Measures of Body Composition, Strength, and Power in Male Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Athletes—A Pilot Study. Sports . 2023; 11(1):13. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11010013

Almeda, Christian G., Gerald T. Mangine, Zackary H. Green, Yuri Feito, and Duncan N. French. 2023. "Experience, Training Preferences, and Fighting Style Are Differentially Related to Measures of Body Composition, Strength, and Power in Male Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Athletes—A Pilot Study" Sports 11, no. 1: 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11010013

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Jun 18, 2024 | 11:38 AM EDT

Sharaputdin Magomedov, hailing from Russia, is a name that is rising in the UFC world. The fighter who considers   Khabib Nurmagomedov as his role model is all set to have a battle in Saudi Arabia against Joilton Santos. His only bout in the UFC so far came against Bruno Silva in UFC 294 where he scored a victory via decision. The 30-year-old has scored a victory in 12 fights that he has fought till now and has zero losses, and this is not only commendable because of his prowess but also because of his special condition.

He can only see properly through his left eye after his right eye lost vision because of an injury while training. Despite that, the Russian fighter is undefeated. This proves that he is a special fighter and, unlike his Russian counterparts, his fighting style includes more Muay Thai.

What martial art does Sharaputdin Magomedov use?

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Sharaputdin Magomedov is a middleweight fighter with an undefeated record of  12-0. Outside of the realm of MMA, he was in Eurasia Champion in Burmese boxing and also a Russian Muay Thai champ. The young fighter came into MMA in 2017 and started by fighting in smaller tournaments in China. Finally, in 2019, he achieved a victory over Blood Diamond in Kickboxing and then went on to show his knockout prowess in Russia for AMC fight nights. He has already defeated Bruno Silva in UFC 294 and plans to continue his undefeated record in the Saudi fight as well.

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When it comes to his fighting style, he is not someone who shoots takedowns, but he uses all angles on the feet to defeat his opponent. He has a diverse form of fighting and the Dagestani does not use one way only. Sharaputdin Magomedov uses every part of his body as a property to defeat his opponent. Another point in his fighting style is his fluidity and blending of all fighting styles together . However, he primarily likes to use Muay Thai.

Magomedov has a specialty in sidekicks, axe kicks, crescent kicks, and the like. He can also throw a right hit kick to a lift head kick effortlessly. ‘Shara Bullet’ does not need a lot of space inside the octagon to get his perfect shot at the opponent. He is agile with his legs and can get it in tight spaces and throw strong kicks.

It is hard for the opponent to guess the next move of a bullet since he blends different kinds of fighting styles. He might not have fought against very famous fighters, but his record is impeccable.

What is Magomedov’s record?

‘Bullet’ has a record of 12 victories and 0 losses, which is brilliant given the fact that he’s just rising in the game. He takes inspiration from Michael Bisping because he, too, has one eye that works perfectly well but the other that does not support him properly. The Dagestan native had picked up an injury in his right eye during one of his training sessions, and this had driven him out of competition for three years.

Going to that injury, he eventually lost vision completely in his right eye and also previously spoke about the severity of the issue. However, even with this special condition, he has a squeaky-clean record where he only had victories. He has 10 victories by knockouts and two of them are by unanimous decision. Most Dagestanis have a similar way of fighting, which is known by the fans as well, and mostly they have a ground game that very few fighters can match. 

Now he is gearing up for the Saudi Arabia fight night. Do you think he’s again going to win the fight just like he did before? Drop your views in the comments below.

EssentiallySports is a digital-first sports media house that surfaces the best stories on America's favorite sports celebrities with a fan's perspective to 30+ M average monthly readers.

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Play Dauntless for free on PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Epic Games store, all with true cross-play and cross-save compatibility. Battle ferocious Behemoths, craft powerful weapons, and forge your legend in the Shattered Isles!

Fighting styles

Now I know I know , currently the devs have a lot going on for the time being and the pike rework is much needed , but playing recently with sword made me realize how much I liked old sword ,new sword is nice and all but I thought it could be pretty cool to add more to the weapons we already have and give them different fighting styles that we can choose , I donno just a thought I’ve had a few times that I think would be a nice addition to the game

Israeli troops use medieval-style trebuchet weapon in fighting at Lebanon border

TEL AVIV — Israeli troops stationed on the Lebanese border fired a medieval-style siege weapon known as a trebuchet amid recent fighting against Hezbollah militants, an Israeli military official confirmed to NBC News.  

Video of the weapon hurling a fireball emerged Thursday, sparking equal measures of confusion and amusement in Israel, even as Israeli troops and Hezbollah were locked in some of the most intense fighting of the war. 

The six-second video shows Israeli troops looking on as the trebuchet — which largely disappeared from the battlefield in the 15th century — fires a flaming projectile over a fortified wall. One soldier is seen holding a fire extinguisher in case something were to go awry.  

An Israeli military official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said the weapon is not part of the IDF’s standard arsenal and is believed to have been built by reservist soldiers stationed on the border. 

The official said that while the weapon was not sanctioned by military leadership, the troops were fulfilling a legitimate military task of burning away thick shrubbery along the border where Hezbollah fighters sometimes hide.

The weapon will not be used again, the official added. The Israel Defense Forces did not respond to a request for a formal comment. 

Hezbollah has fired more than 200 rockets into Israel since Wednesday, according to the IDF, in what appears to be the largest bombardment by the Iranian-backed militant group since cross-border fighting flared Oct. 8. Hezbollah said the firing was in response to an Israeli strike that killed one of its senior commanders Tuesday.

The low-tech siege weapon, which appeared to be made of wood, was used as the sky above was filled with some of the warring sides’ most advanced technologies. Israeli fighter jets have been streaking over the border in one direction, while Hezbollah’s increasingly sophisticated explosive drones have been flying in the other.  

The trebuchet, to understate it slightly, does not have that level of precision targeting. 

First used in battle in the 4th century B.C., its basic design involves a heavy weight that drops and causes a long arm with a sling attached to arc skyward, hurling a stone or another projectile toward its target.  

A useful weapon for besieging medieval castles, it dwindled into irrelevance with the advent of reliable gunpowder artillery. 

Raf Sanchez is a foreign correspondent for NBC News.

F-16XL: The 'Lost' F-16 Fighting Falcon on Steroids

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The General Dynamics F-16XL was an experimental variant of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, developed in the 1980s for the Air Force's Enhanced Tactical Fighter (ETF) competition to replace the F-111 Aardvark.

Summary and Key Points: The General Dynamics F-16XL was an experimental variant of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, developed in the 1980s for the Air Force's Enhanced Tactical Fighter (ETF) competition to replace the F-111 Aardvark.

-The F-16XL featured a distinctive delta wing design known as a “cranked arrow” for better lift-to-drag efficiency at supersonic speeds.

-Despite its advanced features, including a 25% improvement in lift-to-drag ratio and 50% more range than the original F-16, the F-16XL lost the competition to the F-15E Strike Eagle.

-Only two prototypes were built, which were later used by NASA for research until 2009.

F-16XL: The Forgotten Delta-Winged Variant of the F-16

The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon has been a U.S. Air Force staple for nearly half a century. Compactly proportioned, with a single-engine, bubble canopy, and horizontal stabilizers forming a symmetrical angle, the F-16 cuts a recognizable shape. 

But the F-16’s shape was not always so fixed. One variant flew in the 1980s with a delta wing-like design. Known as the F-16XL, it was a drastic departure from the F-16 variants that the general public knows so well.

An Experimental Design

The F-16XL was one of two entries in the Air Force’s 1981 Enhanced Tactical Fighter (ETF) competition to craft a replacement for the F-111 Aardvark. The F-16XL lost the bid, of course. The ETF winner, the F-15E Strike Eagle, still flies today.

Only two F-16XL prototypes were ever made. After losing the ETF competition, the prototypes were shelved until 1988, when they were given to NASA for additional research. The aircraft flew until 2009 before retiring and moving to Edwards Air Force Base for storage.

The F-16XL began life as an experimental program within General Dynamics known as the Supersonic Cruise and Maneuver Prototype (SCAMP). A variety of different wing designs were considered for SCAMP, including a forward-swept wing. Ultimately, a delta wing-like design similar to the Saab 35 Viggen, known as a “cranked arrow,” won out thanks to its efficient lift-to-drag ratio at supersonic speeds.

The General Dynamics team coordinated with NASA’s Langley Research Center, pouring significant resources into research and development over several years. The final F-16XL design was settled in late 1980 – just in time for the ETF competition, which the Air Force announced in March 1981. 

The F-15E came into the competition with some advantages. First, it required very little alteration from its base variants. The F-16XL, on the other hand, required a significant departure from base-variant F-16s. Further, the F-15E had two engines, whereas the F-16XL had just one. This gave the F-15E a higher maximum takeoff weight, meaning the jet could carry more ordnance and fuel. It also had a redundant engine for safety’s sake.

The Air Force awarded the ETF contract to the F-15E, which has been in service ever since.

The Design of the F-16XL

Only the most discerning eye would notice that the F-16XL had a fuselage fifty-six inches longer than the original F-16. The extra length stems from the addition of two sections at the joints of the main fuselage sub-assemblies. 

To accommodate the new wing design, the F-16XL’s tail had to be canted upwards at 3.16 degrees, while the ventral fins were removed to prevent them from striking the ground during takeoff and landings.

The updated design resulted in a 25 percent improvement in lift-to-drag ratio over the original F-16 during supersonic flight (the two jets performed similarly during subsonic flight). According to test pilots, the F-16XL handled well at high speeds and low altitudes.

Notably, the F-16XL could carry 65 percent more fuel than the F-16. Its range ran 50 percent farther. The XL’s enlarged wing allowed for large ordnance payloads, which could be configured in a variety of different ways.

About the Author: Harrison Kass 

Harrison Kass is a defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.

Image: Creative Commons. 

NLAW: The Missile That Destroyed Countless Russian Tanks in Ukraine

Pride Month has started but what does that mean? A look at what it is, how it's celebrated

Pride Month has officially started as of June 1 and there’s a lot to celebrate.

Throughout history, people who identify with the LGBTQ+ community have struggled to gain equal rights within and to overcome adversity and discrimination.

But what is Pride Month exactly? Here's a look at the history of how it came to be and how it is celebrated.

Rainbow flag meaning: A brief history lesson on how the Pride flag came to be

What is Pride Month?

Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York and celebrates the LGBTQ community and the fight for equal rights. 

The Stonewall Uprising began on June 28, 1969 , when police raided the Stonewall Inn, a prominent gay bar in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. The protests that followed are credited with a shift in LGBTQ+ activism in the U.S.

The following year saw some of the first Pride parades in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. Despite the pivotal role transgender people and women of color played in the riots, including trans activist Marsha P. Johnson , they were largely excluded from early Pride celebrations. 

"The reality is that most of the folks on the front lines at the Stonewall uprising were trans women, trans women of color, other people of color, butch lesbians,” Cathy Renna, Communications Director for the National LGBTQ Task Force, told USA TODAY in 2022. “And yet somehow, the power that was coming together ... to put together Pride events was from cisgender , gay white men.”

Today, Pride Month presents an opportunity for visibility and community. In addition to celebrating LGBTQ love and joy, it’s also a time to highlight important policy and resource issues the community faces. In 2021, NYC Pride banned law enforcement presence at Pride events through 2025 because of escalating violence "against marginalized groups, specifically BIPOC and trans communities."

This year, anti-trans legislation is growing across the country. Anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric online has also lead to threats at schools and hospitals and to trans communities , USA TODAY found.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, 130 bills targeting trans rights have been filed and 325 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been proposed in 2024. More than 650 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in 2023.

When was Pride Month created?

The first Pride marches in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago happened on June 28, 1970, the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.

In New York, thousands marched from Greenwich Village to Central Park in what is widely considered the first Pride parade in the U.S. 

But even before the first Pride parades, the gay rights movement was beginning to gain traction all over the country. In 1950, for example, activist Harry Hay founded the Mattachine Society, the first national gay rights organization. And in 1955, the first lesbian rights organization, the Daught ers of Bilitis , was founded.

The year 1965 saw the first “Reminder Day,” an annual picketing event outside of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall calling attention to the lack of civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community. In 1966, the Mattachine Society staged a “sip-in” at a Greenwich Village bar after the New York Liquor Authority banned serving gay patrons because they were “disorderly,” PBS reports. And in 1966, the Compton's Cafeteria riot began when a police officer manhandled a transgender customer at a San Francisco eatery. This led to the founding of the National Transsexual Counseling Unit. As the LGBTQ+ rights movement grew, the community turned away from outdated terms like transsexual and homosexual to transgender, gay and lesbian. While many consider these terms offensive, some still use them to describe their identities.

The Christopher Street Liberation Day March on June 28, 1970 , marked a shift from politeness to pride. In earlier protests, the “Homophile Movement” of the 1950s and 1960s focused on respectability – dressing in suits and skirts and carrying signs in protest. Post-Stonewall riots didn’t come with a dress code or tone requirement. 

“A new spirit has entered the struggle for homosexual freedom – a new spirit both militant in tone and revolutionary in orientation,” a 1970 Gay Liberation Front flyer reads. “Homosexuals at last have realized that they will never be able to be liberated by politely asking the system. Freedom is never given – it must be taken.”

What does LGBTQ+ stand for?

• B: Bisexual  
• T: Transgender
• Q: Queer, or sometimes questioning
• +: Encompasses other identities under the rainbow umbrella

Major Pride parades across the U.S.

Here’s a glimpse at the dates and themes of some of the country’s biggest pride celebrations: 

• Provincetown, MA: May 31-June 2
• Washington, D.C.: June 8 ( Parade ) and June 9 (Festival). The 2024 theme is "Totally Radical."
• Los Angeles: June 9 (Parade) and June 8 (LA Pride Festival). The 2024 theme is “Power in Pride.”
• Chicago: June 30 ( Parade ), June 22-23 ( Chicago Pride Fest )
• San Francisco: June 29-30 (Parade). The 2024 theme is “Beacon of Love."
• New York: June 30. The 2024 theme is “Reflect. Empower. Unite.”

Lawmakers mark the start to Pride Month on social media

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, President Joe Biden writes a message to the LGBTQ+ community.

For generations, LGBTQI+ Americans have summoned the courage to live proudly – even when it meant putting their lives at risk. This Pride Month, we recommit to realizing the promise of America for all, to celebrating LGBTQI+ people, and to taking pride in the example they set. pic.twitter.com/d9cBiGoKCr — President Biden (@POTUS) June 1, 2024

“For generations, LGBTQI+ Americans have summoned the courage to live proudly – even when it meant putting their lives at risk,” Biden wrote in the post. “This Pride Month, we recommit to realizing the promise of America for all, to celebrating LGBTQI+ people, and to taking pride in the example they set.”

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) shares the progress that California has made regarding LGBTQ+ rights on X.

Always proud to represent San Francisco, especially during #PrideMonth as we mark our progress from Compton’s Cafeteria to City Hall, fighting HIV/AIDS to uplifting trans rights. We embrace love, advance freedoms and - when we win - will enshrine LGBTQ+ Equality into law. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ pic.twitter.com/1XqeBZSb4U — Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) June 1, 2024

“Always proud to represent San Francisco, especially during #PrideMonth as we mark our progress from Compton’s Cafeteria to City Hall, fighting HIV/AIDS to uplifting trans rights,” Pelosi wrote. “We embrace love, advance freedoms and - when we win - will enshrine LGBTQ+ Equality into law. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️”

In a X post, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) posted a video discussing Pride Month and things that have happened in recent years.

Happy Pride Month, Georgia! Let’s take the month of June to recognize the strides we’ve made for equality, as well as the contributions, resilience, and joy of our LGBTQ+ brothers & sisters. 🏳️‍🌈 pic.twitter.com/1y854C9trS — Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) June 1, 2024

“While we have made incredible progress since the Stonewall riots over 50 years ago, including codifying marriage equality law. It is important to remember that that progress isn’t linear. Over the past few years we have sadly seen terrible attacks at the state and local level towards transgender Americans. We’ve seen members of the LGBTQ community ostracized and persecuted, often by craven politicians, for short term, political purposes," Warnock said. "All the while they are simply living as their most authentic selves. But that cannot weaken our resolve to keep working to build what Dr. King called the ‘beloved community’ where all of God’s children are embraced, no matter who they are, where they come from or who they love.”

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at  [email protected] . Follow her on  Instagram ,  Threads  and  X (Twitter) .

More From Forbes

Wwe clash at the castle 2024 results: cody rhodes makes aj styles quit.

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Cody Rhodes won the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40 by defeating Roman Reigns. (Credit: ... [+] WWE/Getty Images)

Cody Rhodes entered WWE Clash At The Castle 2024 as the Universal Champion and left the same way after defeating AJ Styles in an “I Quit” match.

“The American Nightmare” won the bout after threatening to hit a handcuffed Styles with the steel ring steps as “The Phenomenal One” threw in the towel to avoid a punishing blow from the champion. The victory marked the third successful title defense of Rhodes’ championship reign and his second win over Styles.

It was just last month at Backlash that Rhodes defeated Styles in a five-star instant classic , one that seemingly set the stage for “The Phenomenal One” to transform back into a fan favorite. Instead, in the lead-up to Clash at the Castle, Styles pulled off a fantastic Mark Henry-esque fake retirement before betraying Rhodes and firmly entrenching himself as a top heel on SmackDown.

While there was a case to be made for Styles to get one last title run thanks in part to his great character shift, WWE can’t take the title off Rhodes—not right now.

Why? Well, Rhodes is on fire, even being labeled by the Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer (h/t Wrestling Inc ) as a massive draw, with “Rhodes' drawing numbers were bigger than that of John Cena's during Cena's run as WWE's top babyface.”

In other words, WWE is playing the long game with Rhodes, who has been the top fan favorite during the company’s most successful period in 25 years, if not ever. As WWE ticket sales have soared and Rhodes has been a merchandise-moving powerhouse , he’s proven why he was the right choice to dethrone Roman Reigns and end Reigns’ historic 1,300-day title reign.

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And by the looks of things, he won’t be stopping anytime soon—nor should he.

During this year’s WWE draft, it didn't go unnoticed that Monday Night Raw was loaded up with major heels, including Gunther, The Judgment Day and Drew McIntyre. That left Rhodes’ SmackDown brand without a true top heel outside of The Bloodline, which is busy with Solo Sikoa’s takeover and the group’s pending implosion.

Looking ahead, WWE is reportedly eyeing a match between Rhodes and The Rock at WrestleMania 41 next year, which makes sense given that arguably the best-built rivalry en route to WrestleMania 40 was not Reigns vs. Rhodes but actually Reigns vs. The Rock. WWE fans have seen over the course of Triple H’s tenure as the company’s creative head that he typically books with long-term goals in mind.

That should remain true for Rhodes, who is easily the No. 1 star on SmackDown right now and has a clear path to WrestleMania 41. In fact, The Rock recently hinted at major WrestleMania 41 plans , leading to speculation that Rock vs. Rhodes is the long-term plan.

Any feud Rhodes has until then? Well, those will just be placeholder rivalries, unless, of course, a star catches fire and gives WWE no choice but to change plans. Styles just so happensedto make the ideal opponent for Rhodes right now. He’s believable as a top star, stellar in the ring and doing solid character work, three necessary ingredients for a world championship contender.

In this new era, however, WWE tends to stick with lengthy title reigns—see Rhea Ripley, Gunther and Reigns—and though that doesn’t bode well for Styles, it certainly does for Rhodes. He appeared to reignite his feud with The Bloodline, who attacked him after his successful defense over Styles. In the immediate short-term, Rhodes vs. The Bloodline's current leader Solo Sikoa is the planned direction , but again, it’s the long game that really matters.

Thus, three straight successful pay-per-view title defenses for Rhodes are just the beginning. Buckle up and get ready for a long ride that isn’t ending anytime soon.

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