How to Choose the Right Martial Art for You
Signing up for a martial arts class can be very rewarding, to not only your fitness, but your overall well-being. It is crucial that you choose the right martial arts system for you to study. This will help to ensure that you enjoy it and actually commit to it. Use this quick guide below to help you choose the right martial art for you:
How to Choose the Right Martial Art for You
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is known as “The Gentle Art”. It is designed to enable a smaller weaker person to defeat larger, stronger and more athletic opponents by using leverage, body mechanics and technique. This sport was transformed from the ground aspect of Judo (a modern Japanese martial art), but unlike Judo, it generally takes place on the ground. The goal with this martial art is to submit your opponent by the several different leverage techniques. If there’s no submission performed throughout, then the match may either be deemed a draw or appointed a winner to whoever collects the most points.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training typically involves wearing the traditional uniform known as the “Gi”. The Gi is used to control your opponent and is instrumental in helping develop fundamental skills for new practitioners. At Ground Control Owings Mills, we also offer No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. In these classes, attendees practice Jiu-Jitsu without the Gi. This style of grappling has become more popular in recent years since it more closely relates to MMA and UFC style grappling.
Boxing
Boxing is perhaps the world’s most popular combat sport and therefore doesn’t really need much of an introduction. Boxing isn’t technically a strict martial art, but it’s still a combat sport that includes engaging with another person. Boxing combines movements such as footwork, head movement and feigns to deliver powerful strikes. Proper footwork allows the boxer to keep their balance at all times and never be caught unexpectedly. By maintaining balance, boxers can block and avoid incoming strikes and set their opponent up for counter-strikes that the opponent never sees coming until it is too late.
Boxing also provides a fantastic, heart-pounding cardio workout. The boxer’s movements work and train the major and minor muscle groups in the lower body, the strikes give the upper body a full workout, and the twists and dodges engage the body’s core muscles. Boxing will keep your whole body finely tuned while also giving you the tools needed to protect yourself in most situation.
Muay Thai
This martial art is possibly the greatest striking art. Many people consider it to be one of the most effective striking styles in the world. It blends striking with stand up grappling and clinch work. Mauy Thai Kickboxers are known for their unique style and the art is trained by many top UFC fighters and combat athletes. It is a good martial art style to train for beginners and has become quite popular now.
Many people use this sport to learn self-defense or get in really good shape. It is a high intensity cardio sport. Muay Thai will teach you how to execute jumping and spinning kicks. You’ll also be doing a ton of exercises and cardio workouts that are sure to improve your upper and lower body strength. By practicing often, you’ll be able to throw fast kicks from unbelievable angles, maintain healthy muscles and improve your balance. These classes are very fun and safe to train and you will quickly see the physical and mental results.
MMA
Mixed Martial Arts have drastically changed since the earlier times of UFC, and have evolved into a more mature, popular sport with tons of variation. This sport is typically best for individuals who have had previous experience training in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. With all the work you’ll be doing, you’re sure to get a superior workout as well. MMA isn’t specifically meant for self-defense, however, it can teach you to handle many diverse situations. Watching UFC will become much more exciting once you familiarize yourself with all the basics of Mixed Martial Arts.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this quick guide was able to inform you a bit about the different types of Martial Arts and help you choose the right one for you. Ground Control is considered one of the premier Martial Arts Schools in Maryland where you can learn from highly-trained world-class instructors. We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Boxing classes for all ages. Visit our website or contact us today for more information.