Be more explosive with these 10 strategies for combat sports

1. Jump Squats: Jump squats are an excellent exercise for enhancing explosiveness in combat sports. They involve a combination of lower body strength and power, making them a valuable addition to any training routine. To perform a jump squat, start by assuming a squat position with your feet shoulder-width apart. As you lower your body into a squat, drive through your heels explosively to jump off the ground. While in mid-air, focus on tucking your knees toward your chest for maximum power. Land softly by bending your knees and absorbing the impact. Jump squats help combat sports athletes by improving their ability to generate force quickly, which is crucial for explosive movements like punches, kicks, and takedowns. Integrating jump squats into your training regimen can lead to increased speed, power, and agility, giving you a competitive edge in the ring or cage.
2. Box Jumps: Box jumps are a highly effective exercise that can significantly enhance your performance in combat sports. They are a plyometric exercise that focuses on explosive power and overall athleticism. To perform a box jump, start by standing in front of a sturdy box or platform. Bend your knees and then explode upward, jumping as high as possible and bringing your knees towards your chest. Land softly on the box, absorbing the impact with your legs. Repeat for several repetitions, aiming to increase both your height and speed over time. Box jumps provide numerous benefits for combat sports athletes, including increased lower body strength, improved balance and coordination, enhanced footwork, and heightened explosiveness. By incorporating box jumps into your training routine, you can supercharge your performance and gain a competitive edge in the ring or octagon. So, if you’re looking for an effective way to improve your combat sports skills, be sure to include box jumps in your training regimen.
3. Short Sprints: Short sprints are a powerful training tool for athletes involved in combat sports. These brief, high-intensity bursts of speed can significantly enhance explosiveness and overall performance in the ring or on the mat. To perform short sprints effectively, athletes should focus on explosive acceleration and quick bursts of speed over a relatively short distance. This type of training helps combat sports practitioners develop the explosive power and agility necessary to react quickly in high-pressure situations. By incorporating short sprints into their training routines, athletes can improve their ability to deliver swift and powerful strikes, execute rapid evasive maneuvers, and maintain an advantage over their opponents. Whether you’re a professional fighter or an amateur enthusiast, integrating short sprints into your training regimen can help you excel in combat sports and elevate your overall performance.
4. Tire Flips: Tire flips are an effective and dynamic exercise that can greatly enhance your combat sports performance. Whether you’re a boxer, martial artist, or wrestler, incorporating tire flips into your workouts can bring numerous benefits. This exercise involves lifting and flipping a heavy tire, engaging multiple muscle groups in your body. Not only does it build strength and power, but it also improves your explosiveness, a crucial attribute for combat sports. By regularly including tire flips in your training routine, you can develop the explosive strength needed to deliver powerful strikes, takedowns, or grappling maneuvers. Moreover, tire flips also enhance your overall conditioning, as they require a significant amount of effort and stamina. So, if you’re looking to step up your combat sports game, consider adding tire flips to your workout regimen and experience the immense physical advantages they offer.
5. Lunges: Lunges are a versatile and effective exercise that can be incorporated into any workout routine, especially for those involved in combat sports. These compound movements primarily target the lower body muscles, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. To perform a lunge, start by standing upright with your feet hip-width apart. Take a big step forward with one foot, ensuring that your knee is directly above your ankle and your thigh is parallel to the floor. Lower your body until your back knee is almost touching the ground, and then push through your front heel to return to the starting position. Repeat the movement on the opposite side. Lunges not only build strength, but they also improve balance, stability, and flexibility, all of which are essential for combat sports. They help develop explosive power, which is crucial for quick movements and rapid changes in direction during fights and matches. By incorporating lunges into your training routine, you can enhance your athletic performance and gain a competitive edge in combat sports.
6. Burpees: Burpees, a full-body exercise, have gained immense popularity over the years for their effectiveness in enhancing strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Invented by a physiologist named Dr. Royal H. Burpee in the 1930s, burpees are a combination of multiple movements including a squat, plank, push-up, and jump. They provide numerous benefits for individuals of all fitness levels. Incorporating burpees into your workout routine can improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength, and boost stamina. Moreover, burpees engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making them a time-efficient exercise. Whether you are an athlete or simply looking to stay fit, burpees offer a multitude of advantages. For combat sports enthusiasts, burpees are particularly beneficial due to their ability to enhance explosiveness. The explosive movements and high-intensity nature of burpees closely simulate the demands of combat sports, making them an ideal addition to training regimens. By regularly incorporating burpees into your workout routine, you can improve your agility, power, and speed, giving you a competitive edge in combat sports. So next time you hit the gym, consider incorporating burpees into your workout to experience the remarkable benefits they offer.
7. Jumprope: Jumping rope is a versatile and effective exercise that can benefit people of all ages and fitness levels. It only requires a simple piece of equipment called a jump rope. Integrating this high-intensity cardio workout into your fitness routine can enhance your overall physical fitness and endurance. Jumping rope not only strengthens your cardiovascular system but also improves coordination, agility, and balance. Additionally, it helps to increase bone density and muscle tone, making it an excellent form of weight-bearing exercise. For those involved in combat sports, jumping rope is particularly advantageous. Its repetitive and explosive nature mimics the fast-paced movements required in combat sports, allowing athletes to develop quick footwork, timing, and rhythm. Incorporating jumping rope exercises into your training routine is an excellent way to improve your explosiveness, endurance, and footwork, which are essential skills in combat sports. Don’t miss out on this effective training method – start jumping rope today and experience the numerous benefits it has to offer!
8. Pull-Ups: Pull-ups are a versatile and effective exercise that can benefit individuals of all fitness levels. This compound movement primarily targets the muscles in your back, shoulders, and arms. Performing pull-ups regularly can help increase upper body strength, improve posture, and enhance overall body control. Incorporating pull-ups into your workout routine can contribute to improved performance in combat sports by developing essential attributes such as grip strength and pulling power. To perform a pull-up, start by gripping the bar with your palms facing away from you, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Hang with your arms fully extended, engage your core, and pull your body upward, ensuring that your chin clears the bar. Lower yourself back down with control and repeat for the desired number of repetitions. By incorporating explosive pull-ups into your combat sports training routine, you can further enhance your power and speed, giving you a competitive edge. Remember to consult a fitness professional to ensure proper form and execution to maximize the benefits of pull-ups in your workouts.
9. Pushups: Pushups are one of the most basic and effective exercises that work multiple muscle groups in the body. This versatile exercise requires no equipment and can be done anywhere, making it a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts and athletes alike. Pushups primarily target the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core muscles, helping to build strength and increase muscle tone. Additionally, pushups engage the stabilizer muscles, promoting better balance and posture. For combat sports practitioners, pushups are particularly beneficial as they improve upper body strength, endurance, and explosiveness, which are crucial for powerful punches, grappling techniques, and overall performance in the ring. Incorporating pushups into your workout routine can help you develop the required strength and stamina to excel in combat sports. To maximize the benefits, ensure proper form by keeping your body straight, engaging the core, and lowering your chest towards the ground before pushing back up. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to reaping the rewards of this timeless exercise. Embrace the challenge and feel the difference pushups can make in your combat sports journey!
10. Kettlebell Swings: Kettlebell swings are a versatile and effective exercise that can provide numerous benefits for individuals of all fitness levels. This dynamic movement involves swinging a kettlebell between the legs and up to chest level, engaging multiple muscle groups in the process. One of the key advantages of kettlebell swings is their ability to build explosive power. By incorporating this exercise into your workout routine, you can enhance your strength, endurance, and flexibility. Kettlebell swings work the muscles in your legs, glutes, hips, core, and shoulders, making them an excellent full-body exercise. Moreover, these movements are particularly beneficial for combat sports athletes. The explosiveness generated during kettlebell swings mirrors the quick and powerful movements required in various martial arts and combat disciplines. By incorporating kettlebell swings into your training regimen, you can improve your agility, speed, and overall performance in combat sports. So, whether you’re an athlete looking to enhance your combat skills or an individual seeking to improve your overall fitness, incorporating kettlebell swings into your routine can be a game-changer.

Post-workout recovery for combat sports

Now that you have a list of 10 ways to improve your combat sports explosiveness, you’re a major step closer to being the best you can be! Keep in mind that these workouts are designed to be tough and challenging. All of the exercises listed above will you push your body and mind to its limits. Here are a few things to keep in mind that will help you recover effectively:

• Eat nutritious food and hydrate: Your body will be at its best when you can take in a varied diet that has fiber, different vitamins/minerals, protein, and more. It’s also important to drink fluids and electrolytes. This will prevent cramping and help your body stay hydrated. Read this blog post to help your body perform and recover quickly.
• Sleep is a must: You’ll continue to struggle being at your best if you can’t get enough sleep. Shoot for at least 7.5 hours of sleep a night if possible. If you can, grab a quick nap during the day. Proper sleep helps you achieve a healthy weight, balances your hormones, maintain a healthy blood pressure, and helps your mental performance.
• Set aside time to cool down: After your workouts, don’t call it a day quite yet. Take 10 minutes to stretch and cool down. It’s important to get your nervous system to relax. Cooling down gives your heart rate a chance to recover and control your blood flow. This will help you avoid stiffness and pain post-workout.

As you implement all of the tips you’ve read, you’ll be able to improve explosiveness for combat sports. Getting to the level of explosiveness you want to have will take time and hard work. However, all of the hard work and dedication is worth the effort.

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Now let’s get on with the article that talks about what you want to learn more about regarding the reasons you’d want to get into combat sports training.

What constitutes a combat sport?

Before we dive into the benefits of combat sports training, let’s cover what a combat sport is. Not everyone is familiar with the world of combat sports so going over the basics helps.

Combat sports are typically sports with a martial arts background that have a ruleset tailored towards organized competition. This usually involves one-on-one combat according to Wikipedia. Some of the combat sports you may have heard of include Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Savate, and Greco-Roman Wrestling. The winner is typically determined by one of the following depending on the ruleset: points, knockouts, technical knockouts, and submissions.

5 reasons why you need to begin combat sports training in 2024

Now that you have a better understanding of what combat sports is, let’s go over your why. There are extremely chill hobbies like aquascaping and completing jigsaw puzzles. And then there are more intense hobbies that have a degree of risk involved like combat sports. But don’t let the risk stop you. Here are 5 reasons why you need combat sports training in your goals for the new year.

Reason 1: you want to be in Better physical health

Making combat sports a part of your life is a great way to get in great physical shape. It’s tough to improve as a combat sports athlete when you’re not taking care of your physical health. As you make combat sports a part of your life, you’ll have a greater desire to do the simple things like drink water, eat nutritious food, and get enough sleep.

Over time, you’ll feel yourself get stronger. Your flexibility will improve along with other key attributes of fighting like agility, coordination, and footwork.

Reason 2: Improved mental health is a goal of yours

One thing you’ll find about the combat sports world is how many participants believe in the inner peace they find from training. There’s something meditative about working on your martial arts skills. Drills and sparring can often be an experience where one finds themselves in the zone.

Grappling and striking provide a healthy outlet for people to push themselves and express their inner feelings in a way they typically cannot. You can push yourself in every class to be better than the day before. As you improve, your confidence will increase. This is a natural result of consistent training and pressure testing which you’ll greatly benefit from.

Reason 3: you seek a Greater ability to problem-solve

A major benefit of learning new skills is your brain’s ability to make new neurological connections. As a result, your ability to problem-solve in your everyday life improves. Combat sports condition your brain to deal with problems that are literally standing right in front of you. There’s something about dealing with an opponent looking to break you down and you stepping up to the occasion.

Reason 4: New friends and community is something you’re searching for

Something every long-time martial artist can agree on is the friends you make through combat sports training are some of the best friends you’ll ever have. There’s something about the bond that forms between you and others you do difficult things with. Pushing yourself and your teammates to make it through a workout or a competition creates memories for you all to share with each other. It’s a huge part of what makes combat sports special.

Reason 5: you need a Healthy outlet for emotions

Combat sports are a safe place to express your feelings of frustration. Everyone needs a healthy way to unwind after a long day at work. While combat sports aren’t therapy, they can be therapeutic for you due to the exercise component. Exercise helps you improve your mental health by boosting your mood and helping you think more clearly.

What type of gear do you need to get started in combat sports?

Why do we bother answering this question about gear needed for combat sports? This is because most people make an excuse saying they don’t know what to wear. This quick list helps take away excuses from you.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gear

Let’s begin with one of the more popular grappling arts which is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If you’re looking to do Gi classes, here’s a quick list of Gis for you to choose from:

Elite Sports BJJ Gi for Men: This Gi is a classic budget-friendly choice. It’s a comfortable fit and is a great option for hobbyists.

Elite Sports Ultra-Light Women’s BJJ Gi: These Gis are designed specifically for women. They’re durable, comfortable, and can handle training and competition.

Boxing Gear

Boxing is a popular combat sport that many choose to do for fitness reasons and to develop self-defense skills. Below are items you can count on as you begin your boxing journey.

Everlast Elite Pro Style Training Gloves, Black 16-oz: This is a great pair of boxing gloves for less than $50. It won’t break the bank and will help you gain the momentum you need to learn the sweet science.

Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves for Men & Women: This pair of gloves costs more than the gloves previously mentioned but they’re known for premium protection and comfort. Its durability and fit are attributes you’ll love.

Start training and experience the reasons why people do combat sports!

Now that you have some key motivations in mind, it’s time to begin your combat sports journey. Stay posted for future blog posts on helping you be the best combat athlete you can be.

The post 5 reasons why you need to begin combat sports training in 2024 appeared first on Combat Athlete Gear.

The history of boxing

The earliest evidence of boxing goes even farther back in time than the ancient Greeks. Carvings by the Sumerians have been found dating to roughly around the 3rd millennium BCE depicting the art of pugilism. There’s also a relief sculpture from Egypt created around 1350 BCE showing boxers and spectators.

1st century BCE – Development of rules for boxing

As far as we can tell, the beginnings of an official ruleset starts in ancient Greece. Greek boxers didn’t have rounds but the contest could end when one fighter conceded or the other could no longer fight. The Greek boxers during this era fought without hand wraps or gloves. It until 4th century BCE when ox-hide thongs were introduced. These ox-hide thongs were wrapped around the knuckles of boxers and were capable of cutting their opponents.

Romans created their own glove they named the caestus. These gloves had lumps of metal or spikes sewn into the leather which dealt even more damage.

1681- The beginning of the bareknuckle era of boxing

Bareknuckle boxing is exactly what it sounds like. No padding or gloves of any kind were used in these formal bouts. Bareknuckle boxing regularly took place in the Royal Theatre of London. Fighters competed for cash prizes and fans took to placing bets outside of the ring. These fights didn’t have a lot of rules and also lacked weight divisions. There was only one championship that boxers could compete for.

Fights during this time were closer to modern mixed martial arts rulesets than to modern boxing as we’re familiar with today. Boxers were permitted to wrestle their opponent to the ground. Some boxers would even try to land on their opponent during the fall to deliver more damage. There were also strikes thrown to downed opponents.

In 1743, Jack Broughton introduced the first set of rules that led to what we now know as modern boxing. Broughton’s credibility came from being a great prizefighter and also being the student of famed prizefighter James Figg. Rumor has it that Broughton worked on introducing rules and regulations after one of his opponent’s died post-match. Here are some key points of the ruleset introduced by Broughton:

• Wrestling holds were permitted but boxers couldn’t grab an opponent below the waist.
• Rounds continued until a man went down after which the downed opponent had 30 seconds to stand back up. If the downed fighter did not square off/face his opponent, he’d be declared the loser.
• Hitting downed opponents was forbidden.

Along with rules, Broughton also brought something new to the boxing community called mufflers which are the predecessors to the modern boxing glove. One interesting side note is that strikes to the head increased with the use of hand protection resulting in more brain damage. Prior to gloves, boxers went for more body shots to prevent breaking their heads against the skulls of their opponents.

1867 – The Queensberry rules

A new set of rules released in 1867 took boxing to another level in regulating the sport. Through the Queensberry rules which are credited to John Graham Chambers placed a greater emphasis on technique and skill. Here are a few key attributes of the Queensberry rules:

• Fighters wore gloves
• A round was 3 minutes long with a 1 minute of rest in between
• Wrestling was illegal
• A 10-count was implemented
• Weight divisions were introduced

While boxing became more formalized, boxing did deal with some issues in the British culture as some evangelicals were pushing to categorize boxing as a sinful past time.

1897 – Collegiate boxing becomes a reality

Fighters representing Oxford university and Cambridge university occurred in 1897. This was a time period when boxing was considered a required skill for gentlemen and the opportunity to fight was a privilege.

1932 – American intercollegiate boxing is formalized

Despite intramural boxing being a reality on many American college campuses, formal competition between schools didn’t occur until 1932. Boxing as a collegiate sport grew in the US during the next couple of decades. The only college sporting events that had greater attendance these boxing tournaments were football games. Some of the best programs during this time were the University of Idaho, University of Virginia, and Washington State.

1950s-1960s – Pro boxing is a part of regular television

As more people tried to find entertainment post-WW2, boxing grew to new heights. Professional boxing matches became a mainstay on television. This development of boxing finding its place in pop culture led to the growth of boxers as personalities as well.

1976 – Boxing proves it’s here to stay in America

5 American boxers won gold medals in the 1976. Making this list included legends like Leon Spinks and Sugar Ray Leonard. The success experienced by these American fighters led to even more popularity in the US for the sweet science. The 1970s also saw greater promotions for boxers as millions of dollars were paid out to the best fighters like heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali.

1993 – Women’s boxing becomes sanctioned by USA Boxing

Although women started to box in organized bouts in the 1700s, the formalization of women’s didn’t really happen until the late 1980s. Different lawsuits helped make boxing more accessible to women. The 1990s saw more women around the world began to take part in boxing in countries such as Russia, Norway, Sweden, and Hungary.

2020s – The rise of the celebrity boxer

The growth of celebrity boxing matches has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. Past decades saw celebrity boxing matches that were more of a joke than anything else. However, key players such as Jake Paul and Logan Paul has sparked a renewed interest in boxing for online users. The Paul brothers have taken on a range of current pro athletes and retired pro athletes including ex-NBA star Nate Robinson and retired MMA star Anderson Silva.

Why do people choose to box?

While boxing is capable of uniting people as a shared interest, the reasons as to why people start training can vary. Right below are a handful of reasons as to why people start to learn the sweet science:

• Self-defense: This tends to be the top reasons as to why people learn to box. Boxing is an effective skill to have in hand-to-hand altercations. Through boxing workouts and sparring, you can learn different skills such as distance management and defense.
• Fitness: Getting in better shape is a top reason for people to join a boxing gym. Due to the physical nature of boxing, your cardiovascular endurance will naturally improve due to exercises like jumping rope and heavy bag workouts. You’ll also become stronger and more flexibility. People who begin boxing are able to lose weight and improve their self-esteem.
• Fighting: Not everyone in a boxing gym wants to compete but that possibility is always available depending on the gym. Some people who join a boxing gym sign up with the intention to fight as an amateur. There are some who even have the goal of going pro. Either way, the desire for organized competition can be a major motivator for the right person.

Why do you choose to boxing if you’ve already begun training? Let us know in the comments below as to what interests you about the sweet science aka boxing!

Basic boxing terminology

Boxing is a lot more enjoyable when you can speak the language! It’s easy to get lost in the sweet science when you don’t understand terms like pivots, slips, and rolls. Here’s a quick list of terms you should be familiar with:

A basic guide to Boxing gear/equipment

There’s more to boxing gear than just gloves. Here’s a quick guide to the most common/widely used boxing equipment every boxer needs.

• Boxing gloves: Boxing gloves are typically made of leather and are filled with foam or other padding. They are designed to protect the hands and wrists of the boxer.
• Boxing headgear: Boxing headgear is a type of protective gear worn by boxers during training and sparring. It is designed to protect the head and face from injuries such as cuts, bruises, and concussions. Headgear is typically made of padded foam and is adjustable to ensure a snug fit.
• Boxing ring: A boxing ring is a square or rectangular area, enclosed by ropes, in which professional boxers fight. The ring is divided into two equal halves by a vertical rope. The fighters are required to stay within their half of the ring, and the only time they are allowed to leave the ring is when they are given a break by the referee.
• Boxing round: A boxing round is a period of time in which boxers compete against each other. A round can often be 3 minutes or 1 minute long depending on the ruleset and whether or not the fight is a pro or an amateur bout. Boxers typically rest for one minute between rounds.
• Boxing shoes: Boxing shoes are typically made of leather or a synthetic material. They are designed to be lightweight and provide good traction and support.
• Mouthguard: Mouthguards are pieces of plastic or rubber that fit over the teeth and are used to protect them during sports. They can also be used to protect the jaw if it is injured.
• Groin protector: Boxing groin protectors are a type of athletic cup that is worn by men to protect their groin area from injury. They are typically made of a hard plastic or metal and fit inside of the boxer’s underwear. The groin protector helps to absorb the impact of a blow to the groin area and can help to prevent serious injuries, such as a ruptured testicle.

A beginner’s list of punches used in boxing

Here’s a quick list of the most common punches you’ll see in boxing. Let’s begin with the punch that is thrown with the lead hand:

• Jab: A jab is a straight punch thrown with the lead hand. For orthodox fighters, the lead hand is the left hand. For southpaw fighters, the lead hand is the right hand.
• Cross: A cross is a straight punch thrown with the lead hand.
• Lead uppercut: A lead uppercut is thrown with the front hand with an upwards motion.
• Rear uppercut: A rear uppercut is thrown with the back hand in an upwards motion.
• Lead hook: A curved punch with the elbow bent at a 45 degree angle using the lead hand.
• Rear hook: A curved punch with the elbow bent at a 45 degree angle using the rear hand.
• Overhand left: An overhand left punch is typically the most powerful punch for a southpaw fighter.
• Overhand right: An overhand right punch is typically the most powerful punch for an orthodox fighter.

Famous boxers (you may or may not have heard of them)

The list of the famous boxers includes more than just Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali! Let’s start with the top female boxers of all time:

Greatest female boxers of all time (From Ali to Prazak)

1. Laila Ali: Born on December 30, 1977, in Miami, Florida, Laila is the daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali and his third wife, Veronica Porsche Ali. Laila Ali followed in her father’s footsteps and became a professional boxer. She made her debut in 1999 and went on to win 24 of her 25 fights, 21 of them by knockout. In 2001, Ali won the Women’s International Boxing Federation (WIBF) super middleweight title, and in 2002 she became the first woman to win the World Boxing Council (WBC) female middleweight title. In 2007, Ali retired from boxing. She now works as a television commentator and is the author of two books: Reach! and I’ll Show You. Ali is also a dedicated advocate for children’s health and wellness. She founded the Laila Ali Lifestyle Brand, which promotes healthy living for kids and families.
2. Christy Martin: Christy Martin is a professional boxer who has held world championships in four different weight classes. She is the only woman to have held a world championship in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions. Martin is also the first woman to headline a major boxing card.
3. Mia St. John: Mia St. John is a professional boxer who has competed in the super welterweight and welterweight divisions. She is a former WBC and IBA champion. Born in Los Angeles, California, St. John took up boxing at the age of 18, after the death of her father. She won her first amateur bout, and turned professional in 1992. She won her first world title in 1998, when she defeated Juliette Whittaker to win the WBC super welterweight title. She lost the title later that year to Lucia Rijker, but regained it in 1999 with a victory over Hyun-Mi Choi. In 2000, she moved up to the welterweight division and won the IBA title with a victory over Lisa Brown. She lost the title in 2002 to Layla McCarter, but regained it in 2004 with a victory over Miho Kato. In 2006, she lost the title to Zoila Frausto. St. John has also competed in mixed martial arts, and has a record of 2-1. Outside of boxing, St. John is a passionate advocate for animal rights, and has worked with PETA to promote vegetarianism.
4. Ann Wolfe: Ann Wolfe is a professional boxer who has held several world championships in her career. She is considered one of the best female boxers of all time. Wolfe is known for her aggressive fighting style and her powerful punches. She has never been knocked out in a professional fight.
5. Lucia Rijker: Lucia Rijker is a world champion boxer who has also had a successful career in acting. She was born in the Netherlands in 1967, and began boxing at the age of 14. She turned pro in 1988, and by 1994 had become the world champion in the lightweight division. She defended her title twice before losing it in 1997. In 1998, she moved up to the welterweight division and won the world title, which she held until her retirement in 2004. Rijker has also had a successful career in acting. She made her debut in the 1995 film “Million Dollar Baby”, and has since appeared in a number of films and television shows. She is perhaps best known for her role as Billie in the 2004 film “Kill Bill: Vol. 2”. Rijker is a highly accomplished boxer and actor, and is considered to be one of the best female boxers of all time. She is a three-time world champion, and has won numerous other titles and awards. She is also a successful actress, and has appeared in some of the most popular films and television shows of the last two decades.
6. Valerie Letourneau: Valerie Letourneau is a Canadian professional boxer who has competed in the flyweight and strawweight divisions. She is the former WBC and IBF Strawweight Champion.
7. Holly Holm: Holly Holm is a professional boxer who has competed in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions. She is the former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion and is currently the #2 ranked pound-for-pound female boxer in the world by BoxRec.
8. Jackie Fields: Jackie Fields was born in 1908 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was one of the most successful female boxers of all time, winning the World Featherweight Championship in 1930. She was also the first woman to ever referee a men’s boxing match. Fields died in 1984.
9. Jeri Sitzes: Jeri Sitzes is a professional female boxer who has competed in the sport since 2000. She is a two-time world champion, having held the IBF super flyweight title from 2006 to 2007, and the WBC light flyweight title from 2009 to 2010. She has also competed for the WBA flyweight title in 2009.
10. Diana Prazak: Diana Prazak is a professional boxer from Australia. She is the current IBF world champion in the lightweight division. Prazak started boxing at the age of 16, and turned professional in 2006. She has since won the IBF world championship, and has also held the WBC Silver lightweight title. Prazak is a highly decorated boxer, with a record of 34 wins and 3 losses. She is known for her fast and powerful punches, and is considered one of the top female fighters in the world.

Greatest male boxers of all time (From ALI to holyfield)

1. Muhammad Ali: Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer and civil rights activist. He was born Cassius Clay on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. Ali began boxing at the age of 12 and won an Olympic gold medal in 1960. He turned professional later that year and quickly became one of the most successful boxers in the world. In 1964, Ali refused to be drafted into the U.S. Army and was banned from boxing for three years. He returned to the ring in 1967 and won the world heavyweight championship by defeating Sonny Liston. Ali defended his title six times before losing to Leon Spinks in 1978. He regained the title in a rematch the following year and retired in 1981. Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984. He remained active in the fight against the disease until his death on June 3, 2016. Ali was widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
2. Sugar Ray Robinson: Sugar Ray Robinson was born in 1921 in Ailey, Georgia. He was one of the greatest boxers of all time, and is considered by many to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in history. Robinson won the world welterweight championship five times and the world middleweight championship twice. He was also a six-time world champion in the welterweight, middleweight, and light heavyweight divisions. Robinson was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
3. Joe Louis: Joe Louis was born in Alabama in 1914. He was one of the most famous and successful boxers of all time. He was the world heavyweight champion for 12 years, and held the record for the longest unbeaten streak in boxing history. He was an American hero, and a role model for many people. He died in 1981.
4. Rocky Marciano: Rocky Marciano was an American professional boxer who competed from 1947 to 1955. He held the world heavyweight championship from 1952 to 1955, and is the only heavyweight champion to have retired undefeated. Born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, Marciano was the son of Italian immigrants. He was the only child of Angela and Pasquale Marciano. As a teenager, he worked in a shoe factory and as a driver for a local trucking company. He entered the United States Army in 1943, and was discharged in 1945. After returning to civilian life, Marciano became a professional boxer. He won his first 45 fights, 38 by knockout, and held the world heavyweight championship from 1952 to 1955. In his last fight, he faced Archie Moore, the only boxer to have ever knocked out Marciano. Marciano knocked Moore out in the ninth round to retain the world heavyweight championship. Marciano retired from boxing in 1955 with a record of 49 wins, 0 losses, and 43 knockouts. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
5. Floyd Patterson: Floyd Patterson was an American boxer who was the first to hold the world heavyweight championship twice. He was born in 1933 in New York City and died in 2006. Patterson was known for his quick and accurate punches, and his defensive style. He was the youngest man to win the world heavyweight championship, at age 21, and the first to regain it, at age 36. Patterson was also the first African American to hold the world heavyweight championship.
6. George Foreman: George Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, in January of 1949. He was one of twelve children, and his father was a preacher. Foreman began boxing at the age of fifteen, and by the time he was eighteen, he had won a gold medal in the 1968 Olympics. Foreman turned professional in 1969, and by 1973 he was the heavyweight champion of the world. He lost the title in 1974, but regained it in 1975. In 1977, Foreman lost the title again, this time to Muhammad Ali. Foreman retired from boxing in 1977, but came out of retirement in 1987. He lost a match to Evander Holyfield in 1991, and retired for good in 1997. Foreman is now a Christian minister, and he has written several books.
7. Lennox Lewis: Lennox Lewis was a world heavyweight boxing champion who held the title twice. He was born in London, England in 1965 and began boxing at the age of 12. Lewis had an impressive career, winning 41 of his 44 fights, including 31 by knockout. He was known for his powerful punches and his exceptional defensive skills. In 1993, Lewis became the first British boxer to win a world heavyweight championship. He lost the title in 1994, but regained it in 1999. Lewis retired from boxing in 2004.
8. Manny Pacquiao: Manny Pacquiao is a professional boxer from the Philippines. He is the only eight-division world champion in history, and the first boxer to win world titles in eight different weight classes. Pacquiao began his professional boxing career in 1995, and has since won 59 of his 68 fights. In addition to his world titles, he has also won a number of other accolades, including the Fighter of the Year award from Boxing Writers Association of America in 2006 and 2008. He is also a two-time winner of the Ring magazine Fighter of the Year award, and was named the Sports Illustrated Fighter of the Decade for the 2000s. Pacquiao is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time, and is often ranked among the top five pound-for-pound fighters in the world. He is also a popular figure in the Philippines, where he is considered a national hero.
9. Mike Tyson: Mike Tyson is a former professional boxer who competed from 1985 to 2005. He held the world heavyweight championship three times, and was the first boxer to hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles simultaneously. Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion and remains the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles at 20 years, 4 months, and 22 days old. Tyson was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He was trained by Cus D’Amato, and became one of the most feared boxers in the world. In 1986, he became the youngest heavyweight champion in history, at 20 years, 4 months, and 22 days old. Tyson lost the title in 1990, but regained it in 1996. After being convicted of rape in 1992, Tyson lost his boxing license and spent three years in prison. He retired from boxing in 2005. Since retiring from boxing, Tyson has appeared in a number of films and television shows. He has also been involved in various legal troubles, including a 2006 arrest for cocaine possession and a 2008 conviction for assault. Tyson is currently married to Lakiha Spicer and has four children.
10. Evander Holyfield: Evander Holyfield is a retired American boxer who competed in the heavyweight division. He is a four-time world heavyweight champion, and is the only boxer in history to have won the world heavyweight title three times. Holyfield is also the only person to have been champion in both the WBA and IBF. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2010.

How to choose the best boxing gym for you

Beginning your boxing journey can feel intimidating but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some helpful tips on finding the best boxing gym for you to train at.

Consider a location less than 30 minutes from your work/home

As you might’ve guessed, reducing travel time for training sessions will make your life a lot easier! The closer you live to your boxing gym, the lower your chances are of missing workouts.

Analyze your budget

Does the pricing for the gym you want to train at work within your budget? If the answer is no then you may want to reconsider a different gym. However, if you really like a gym but the pricing doesn’t quite work, consider restructuring your spending habits. You could also figure out a way to increase your income to cover training costs. You may also want to wait for deals or discounts on membership rates.

Do the trial class

This is a must. If a gym provides a free class or a free week of classes, schedule time to do it! Doing so will help you make a more informed decision.

Pay attention to quality of instruction

The quality of instruction matters. Are the boxing classes being taught by a knowledgable and experienced coach? Is the coach able to explain concepts in a way that you can understand? Does the coach take time to answer your questions?

Talk to gym members to get a feel for the environment

While you attend your trial class(es), take some time to talk to other people around you. Ask them different questions get a feel for the community in the room. You can ask them how long they’ve been training for. You can find out if any them have trained at other gyms and ask why they’re at the gym they currently train at. Take a few moments to also see how friendly everyone is or if they’re too intense for your personality type.

Gym cleanliness and maintenance

One of the last things you want is to get sick when working out! Pay attention to the training environment you’re in during your trial class. Is the gym clean and free of dirt/grime? Is all of the equipment clean and in working condition?

Book your trial class!

Now that you’ve weighed the pros and cons of the boxing gyms in your area, it’s time to take your first class! It might even be time to sign up if you’ve fully committed to a boxing gym that you really like. Once you’ve signed up, commit to training regularly and you’ll see yourself get better at boxing overtime!

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In this blog post, we’ll cover what Muay Thai shin guards are. We will also discuss some of the top rated shin guards available for purchase. You will even learn more about what Muay Thai is. It can be frustrating trying to learn more about Muay Thai equipment when you’re getting started. If you’re that person beginning your Muay Thai journey, this blog post is designed to help you achieve your goals. Now that you know what you’re getting into, let’s cover what Muay Thai shin guards are:

What are Muay Thai shin guards?

Muay Thai shin guards are used to protect the lower legs and shins during training or sparring. The shins are often used to deliver powerful kicks in Muay Thai, and they can also be vulnerable to injury when receiving kicks from an opponent. Shin guards can help to absorb some of the impact of these kicks and reduce the risk of injury to the bones and tissues of the lower leg. This equipment is especially valuable when checking kicks from an opponent. They can also provide some padding and support to the shin area. This can be helpful for maintaining proper technique when delivering or blocking kicks.

Let’s cover more benefits you receive from using Muay Thai shin guards. You will find that most of benefits have to do with reducing injuries.

What are the benefits of using Muay Thai shin guards?

1. Increased protection from injuries: Muay Thai shin guards provide extra protection to the lower legs from impacts from kicks, knees, and elbows. The padding creates a buffer helping reduce the chances of injuries that can prevent you from training and fighting.
2. Improved balance: Shin guards can help to improve balance and stability when executing kicks and other striking techniques. Muay Thai shin guards allow you to focus on footwork since it absorbs impact for you.
3. Reduced fatigue: Shin guards help to reduce muscular fatigue by supporting the lower leg muscles during training and sparring. Shin guards help you absorb the impact of kicks you receive. There’s often foam padding in the shin guards to distribute the force from an opponent’s kicks.
4. Improved performance: You can expect your performance to improve in competition since shin guards help you safely train. You’re able to get in more kicks during training sessions. This results in better kicking technique and checking techniques when you’re fighting.
5. Improved confidence: By providing a layer of protection, shin guards can help to build confidence in practitioners and reduce the fear of injury. High quality shin guards allow you to feel more free as you drill and spar because you know your legs will be ok.

Muay Thai shin guards assist you in training by reducing injuries while allowing you to get valuable repetitions in. Since you’re more familiar with the Muay Thai shin guards are and their benefits, we will now move onto some of the most popular Muay Thai shin guard brands.

Popular Muay Thai shin guard brands

Here’s a list of the top 10 shin guard brands for Muay Thai fighters. Depending on your build, preferences, and budget, some brands may be better options for you than others.

1. Top King : Top King shin guards are popular and have a good reputation.
2. Fairtex: The shin guards from Fairtex are handmade from Thailand. They’re known for comfort and durability.
3. Twins: Twins shin guards come in three categories. These categories are high impact shin guards, competition shin guards, and signature shin guards.
4. Venum: Venum gear is widely available and can found on Amazon. It’s not uncommon for new Muay Thai fighters to order a boxing gloves/shin guard combo on Amazon.
5. Hayabusa: Hayabusa shin guards can be pricey but the fight brand does have a loyal following.
6. Yokkao: Have you heard of Yokkao shin guards? If your answer is no, then now you have! They have great reviews.
7. Bad Boy: This classic fight gear brand has its own line of shin guards. They have Muay Thai shin guard options for both training and competing.
8. RDX: Whether you’re looking for MMA shin guards or Muay Thai shin guards, RDX has you covered.
9. MTG Pro: Consider MTG Pro shin guards if you’re looking for something a little more budget friendly.
10. Boon: Boon Sport offers worldwide shipping in 3-4 working days which is convenient. Like MTG Pro, they’re also budget-friendly.

Are there any brands you’d add to the list above? Let us know in the comments below!

How to choose the right Muay Thai shin guards for you

Picking the right shin guards is easier than you think. The ideal pair of Muay Thai shin guards comes down to a handful of factors like your budget, how often you train, and sizing. Here’s a video on how to select the right Muay Thai shin guards for you:

Are you ready to start purchasing the best combat athlete gear for you? Visit our official Combat Athlete Gear store where you’ll find the best equipment you need to pursue your martial arts goals. You’ll love our selection and array of options for you!

What is Muay Thai and where did it originate from? (plus the answers to your other Muay Thai questions)

Muay Thai is a combat sport that originated in Thailand. It is known as the “art of eight limbs” because it utilizes a combination of punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes. This is far more than the two arms used in boxing. It is also sometimes referred to as Thai boxing. Muay Thai is an ancient martial art that has been around for centuries. It has its origins in Thailand, where it developed as a way to defend against invaders. Over time, it evolved into a sport, which is now practiced around the world.

This combat system is known for its aggressive and powerful striking techniques. This combat sport has effective clinching and grappling techniques. It is a full-contact sport that tests the physical and mental strength of the fighters. It is often used in self-defense and can be used as an effective form of exercise.

Muay Thai is an important part of Thai culture and is an important part of their national identity. It is an integral part of many festivals and celebrations in Thailand. It is also a popular sport around the world, with many professional and amateur fighters competing in tournaments.

Top Muay Thai fighters in the world

There are many talented Muay Thai fighters from all over the world, but some of the top fighters considered in the sport are:

• Yodsanklai Fairtex: He is considered one of the best pound-for-pound Muay Thai fighters in the world. He is a three-time Lumpinee Stadium champion and a two-time World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Welterweight champion.
• Saenchai: He is considered one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters of all time, with a professional record of over 300 wins and only 30 losses. He is a four-time Lumpinee Stadium champion and a two-time Toyota Marathon champion.
• Buakaw Banchamek: He is considered one of the most popular Muay Thai fighters in the world, known for his aggressive fighting style and powerful kicks. He is a two-time K-1 World MAX champion and a two-time Omnoi Stadium champion.
• Nong-O Gaiyanghadao : He is the reigning ONE Championship Muay Thai Bantamweight World Champion and considered as one of the best in that division. He also is a multiple times Lumpinee and Rajadamnern champion.
• Superbon Banchamek: He is considered one of the most talented and well-rounded Muay Thai fighters in the world. He is a two-time Rajadamnern Stadium champion and a two-time Thailand National champion.
• Petchboonchu FA Group: He is considered a living legend of Muay Thai , He is a three-time Lumpinee Stadium champion and a two-time Thailand National champion.

These are just a few examples of the top Muay Thai fighters in the world, and there are many more highly skilled fighters who are making a name for themselves in the sport. The sport is constantly evolving and new talents are emerging, it’s difficult to keep a static list and as the sport is not so mainstream as boxing or MMA, and different promotions and countries can have different ranking, but these fighters are considered among the best of their generation.

5 benefits of learning Muay Thai

1. Improved strength and flexibility: Muay Thai training helps to build strength, power, and flexibility. It is an excellent form of exercise that combines striking techniques with agility movements to give you a full body workout. The kicking and punching techniques help to develop both upper and lower body strength while the agility training develops flexibility and balance.
2. Increase confidence and self-discipline: Muay Thai is an excellent way to increase strength, confidence, and discipline. The physical and mental aspects of the sport help improve overall fitness and develop a sense of self-esteem. By engaging in Muay Thai regularly, practitioners learn to control their movements with precision and become more self-disciplined and conscious of their actions.
3. Improved coordination and balance: Muay Thai is a great way to improve coordination and balance because it teaches proper body positioning and involves a lot of movements that require precision and control. It’s also a great way to improve your reflexes, agility and agility-based motor skills.
4. Improved mental health and mood: Practicing Muay Thai has been shown to have a positive effect on mental health and mood. Studies have found that the physical nature of Muay Thai training can reduce stress, improve self-confidence, and increase focus. Additionally, participants in Muay Thai classes tend to develop an increased sense of mindfulness. This leads to improved mental clarity and emotional balance.
5. Reduced stress and improved overall health: Muay Thai is an excellent way to improve overall physical and mental health. Consistent training helps you have fun in a controlled environment. Learning Muay Thai teaches you how to manage and channel stress in a positive way. Muay Thai training helps you increase endorphins and reduce cortisol levels, which in turn improve overall health. Additionally, Muay Thai can promote weight loss, improve cardiovascular health, and strengthen muscles and joints.

Examples of Muay Thai in pop culture

Like other well-known martial arts, Muay Thai has began to transcend the fight community. There are several examples of Muay Thai in popular culture:

1. “Ong Bak” is a Thai martial arts film from 2003 that stars Tony Jaa and features Muay Thai prominently. The film follows a young man named Ting, who must use his Muay Thai skills to recover a stolen buddha statue from a crime lord.
2. “The Protector” is another film that stars Tony Jaa and features Muay Thai. The film tells the story of a young man named Kham, who must use his Muay Thai skills to protect elephants from being poached.
3. “Kickboxer” is an American martial arts film from 1989 that stars Jean-Claude Van Damme. The film follows a man named Kurt Sloane, who must use his kickboxing skills to avenge his brother’s death at the hands of a Muay Thai champion.
4. “Fight Quest” is a television show that aired on the Discovery Channel in the late 2000s. The show follows two hosts, Jimmy Smith and Doug Anderson, as they travel around the world to learn different martial arts, including Muay Thai.
5. “Mortal Kombat” series of fighting video games, the character Jax Briggs is heavily depicted using Muay Thai style in his fighting style and moves.

These are just a few examples of how Muay Thai has been featured in popular culture. The sport has a rich history and is known for its striking techniques and the use of the entire body as a weapon. This unique attribute makes Muay Thai a popular choice for fight scenes in movies and TV shows.

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What are self defense classes & how can you benefit from them?

Self defense classes teach you how to defend yourself from an attacker. Depending on the type of class you take, you can learn how to deal with different threats and scenarios such as weapons and hand-to-hand combat situations. It’s up to you do the research to figure out what self-defense curriculum is best for you and your needs. It may not be a bad idea for you to take trial classes at different places that offer self-defense lessons to find what works for you.

“Self defense is not just a set of techniques, it’s a state of mind that begins with the belief that you are worth defending”

Rorion Gracie

The knowledge you gain helps you increase your survival rate in a bad situation where your physical safety is threatened. Good self-defense instructors will cover a range of topics including when to run and when to fight. They’ll also teach you what to be aware of in different scenarios and how to handle yourself when your safety is threatened. Now that you have an idea of what to expect, move on!

Here are a handful of benefits you receive from consistent self-defense training:

Benefits of learning self defense

Learning self-defense is worth your time and energy! The benefits you receive from self-defense will help you improve your overall quality of life. Check out these perks you receive from learning self-defense:

• More self-confidence: Learning to do challenging things helps you gain a better understanding of who you are and what you’re capable of. Self-defense classes that give you the chance to test your skills against a resisting opponent help will give you real feedback on your abilities. You’ll find yourself improving over time which results in greater self-confidence.
• Improved physical fitness: Fighting for your life isn’t easy. As a result, the physicality of self-defense classes can help you get in better shape. You’ll also know how to move your body more efficiently in times of need.
• More friends: There’s nothing like growing your circle of connections! Consistently training in a martial art that teaches self-defense helps you make new friends. It’s easy to expand your community when you’re regularly doing hard things with other people.
• You gain new skills: Taking self-defense classes gives you the chance to acquire new abilities. The new skills you gain will also help you be better at problem solving in other areas of your life due to the neural connections you make from training.

From greater self-confidence to acquiring new skills, there’s more to self-defense than just learning how to throw a punch. Why not add more to your life like great friends and better health? All of these benefits can be yours as you start to train!

Frequently asked questions about self defense education

Q: Can learning self defense help me with my physical fitness?

A: Yes. Especially if you train in a martial art for life, self defense classes can help you improve your physical health. Martial arts will teach you movements that assist with your breathing, flexibility, and help you strengthen your body. Overtime, you will get stronger and your ability to move your body in ways that you need to will get better. You’ll be amazed at the changes in your abilities and techniques when you compare your growth in 3 months vs. your first day training. Consistent training help you be more athletic and confident.

Q: How do I know if the self defense techniques I’m learning works?

A: One of the best ways to know if what you’re learning is out of touch with reality to pressure test your techniques. For example, you won’t know if the punching techniques you’re learning works until you spar. The same goes for any hand-to-hand techniques that don’t involve weapons such as knives and guns. Our advice is to not skip every opportunity to spar and test your abilities.

Q: Are self defense classes safe?

A: Like all things related to using your body in a physical context, there is some risk of injury involved with self defense classes. However, having the right instructors can help you manage that risk in a way that allows you to safely train. It’s important to listen to their instructions and do your best to practice proper techniques.

Go train!

This is your sign to start training in a combat sport! Martial arts such as judo and boxing help you learn self-defense. One of our goals here at Combat Athlete Gear is to help you accomplish your goals through the combat sport of your choice. Whether you choose grappling, striking, or MMA, we have you covered with the best combat sports gear for your needs.

Visit the Combat Athlete Gear shop today!

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5 combat sports you can learn for self-defense

Below are 5 combat sports you may have already heard of. The list of combat sports below are not in order of most effective to least effective. They’re in a list so they’re readable and easier to understand. It’s also important to remember there are more combat sports that aren’t on this list like karate.

1. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: BJJ is a comprehensive ground fighting system. While most sport rulesets in BJJ don’t allow striking, striking is taught in self-defense focused gyms. You’ll learn how to take a fight to the ground, fight for dominant positions, pin opponents, and submit opponents.
2. Boxing: Also known as the sweet science, boxing is highly effective due to systems you can quickly learn. Boxers learn to put together combinations of punches to do damage. A good boxing gym will teach you how to use footwork and head movement to avoid taking damage.
3. Judo: This martial art teaches you how to efficiently take an opponent to the ground in a way that deals damage to your opponent. After all, the earth is undefeated. You’ll learn how to manage distance and fight for dominant grips.
4. Sambo: Sambo is one of the most complete martial arts in the world. In Sambo gyms, you’ll learn everything from throws to submissions to strikes. There’s a reason why Sambo practitioners tend to do well when transitioning to MMA.
5. Muay Thai: The brutality and simplicity of Muay Thai contributes to its effectiveness. Muay Thai is also known as the art of the 8 limbs. Muay Thai fighters know how to use their fists, feet, knees, and elbows to land destructive bombs on their opponents.

Although these aren’t all the combat sports that can be used in self-defense, this list gives you a better idea of your options. It’s recommended that you choose a combat sport that provides opportunities for sparring and competition. Sparring and competition gives you the chance to pressure test your skills against a live, resisting opponent.

How to get started in combat sports

If you haven’t already begun your combat sports journey, here are a few tips to get started. These tips will help you gain momentum so you can accomplish your combat sports goals.

• Set clear goals: It’s tough to make progress if you don’t know what you want. Combat sports are challenging so you need clear goals to get started. Your goals may change over time but maintain consistent goals helps you stay focused. An effective way to stay on track with your goals is to schedule time in your calendar for skill development. For example, schedule out all of your training sessions 12 months in advance in Google calendar as repeating events. Doing this will help your subconscious understand that the decision to train has already been made.
• Find a combat sports gym or a combat sports academy near you: Location matters especially when it comes to training. The farther away a gym is, the harder it’ll be to train regularly. Do your best to find a gym that is less than 30 minutes away from your home and work. Reducing travel time to train increases your likelihood of getting in the gym. Like most things in life, eliminating friction helps you achieve your goals at a faster rate.
• Engage in your combat sports community: There are a variety of ways to participate in your combat sports community like competing and joining online groups focused on your combat sport. Competition helps you pressure test your abilities in a controlled environment. The process of prepping for competition helps you understand the skills you’re lacking. Participating in online groups helps you feel like you’re a part of something bigger. Doing this will also help you speed up time it takes to gain new skills. You’ll not only learn more but you’ll also make more friends with similar goals and interests.

About Combat Athlete Gear

We live and breathe combat sports. It’s who are. We relish that feeling of deep satisfaction that only comes from hard training sessions and tough competitions. If this is you or this is who you want to be, we’ve got your back.

Combat Athlete Gear for the fighter in the arena willing to put everything on the line. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to combat sports or you’re looking for your 10th pro fight. Our fight gear is for you. From the mats to the biggest stages, you’ll love Combat Athlete Gear.

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Keep in mind that your growth as a boxer takes time and consistent hard work. Be patient as you progress along your journey!

What is boxing?

Boxing is both a martial art and combat sport. This popular sport focuses on throwing punches, head movement, and footwork both in self-defense situations and organized bouts. Boxing is held in high esteem for various reasons i.e. efficiency, effectiveness, reliability. From Muhammad Ali to Holly Holm, boxing has had its fair share of greats to have an impact both in the sporting world but also in pop culture.

Keep your goals in mind as you learn the various factors you need to think about when choosing a boxing gym to join.

How to find the right boxing gym for you

It doesn’t have to be frustrating when you begin your boxing journey! One of the first steps to finding the right boxing gym for you is to do a quick Google Maps search of boxing gyms near you. After you’ve done that, consider the factors listed below:

1. Location: How far a boxing gym is from your work and home affects how often you’ll be able to train. Ideally, you’ll be able to find a boxing gym that is less than 30 minutes away and is also easily accessible whether you drive or take public transportation.
2. Price: Expect to spend around $90-120/month on a boxing gym membership. Some boxing gyms may also have an activation fee so don’t be caught off guard when you sign up. Depending on the gym you’re at, your membership fees may also include some equipment like new gloves.
3. Environment: Is the gym cleaned regularly and are all the equipment in great shape? Are the bathrooms well-maintained? The cleanliness and maintenance of a boxing gym tells you about how much the coaches and owners care about their space.
4. Teaching/coaching style: Choose a gym with smaller class sizes if you need/want more attention. Larger class sizes may mean you won’t have as much interaction with the coaches. Some gyms may not spend much time on mitt work. Additionally, other gyms may spend most of their time on partner drills or heavy bag work.
5. Gym focus: Is the gym you’re interested in focused on cardio or trains amateur/professional fighters? Not all boxing gyms are equal because they all have different goals. If you want to compete or learn self-defense, find a boxing with an active fight team. If you just want to get in better shape then a fitness-focused boxing gym will be more of your jam.

Remember to follow these steps before you sign up for a boxing gym! Doing so will certainly save you time and money in the long run since you don’t want to be stuck in a boxing that doesn’t work for you.

Common boxing terminology

To help you get up to speed at a faster rate, we’ve compiled a quick list of common boxing terms. You’ll not only see some words you may have never heard of before but you’ll also be more comfortable in your first boxing class since these terms won’t be completely foreign.

• Gloves: The padded gear boxers wear on their hands
• Hand wraps/wraps: What boxers use to give their hands support and protection
• Mouthguard: Worn by boxers to protect their teeth, gums, and also prevent concussions
• Headgear: Worn on the head by boxers to prevent cuts and other damage to the head
• Groin protector: Worn by boxers below the belt to prevent trauma to the groin region
• Ring: A 4-sided roped-off space where boxers compete and spar
• Heavy bag: A filled bag that’s suspended and can handle a wide range of punches
• Speed bag: a smaller suspended bag designed to help boxers with timing and coordination

Boxing punches terminology

• Jab: A straight punch thrown by a boxer’s lead hand
• Cross: A straight punch thrown by a boxer’s rear hand
• Hook: A punch that can be thrown from either hand with the elbow elevated and bent at a 45 degree angle
• Uppercut: A punch thrown upward with a bent arm
• Overhand: A semi-circular and vertical punch thrown with the rear/power hand

Go train!

All in all, boxing is a lot of fun will provide you with many benefits including better health and more self-confidence. Give yourself the opportunity to become a better version of you through the sweet science. Over time, you will get in better shape. You’ll greatly benefit from the friends you’ve made in the gym which is one of the best benefits of embarking on your boxing journey.

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We’ll start with the history of Brazilian Jitsu then make our way to gym criteria. Understanding the roots of BJJ will help you have a better understanding the culture and ideology of the art.

What is the history of BJJ?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu’s roots go as far back as the 1900s in Brazil. Its elements of taking a fight to the ground, pins, and submissions are found in older combat arts like judo and Japanese jujutsu. Kodokan judo made its way to Brazil thanks Mitsuyo Maeda who initially took Carlos Gracie under his tutelage. This led to other Gracie family members including Helio learning different throws, takedowns, escapes, and submissions. These significantly effective skillsets are the foundation for what we know as BJJ today.

In 1993, BJJ began to grow in popularity on a global scale thanks to UFC 1 where Royce Gracie won the entire tournament via submission. See below for footage of Royce Gracie vs. Gerard Gordeau. Royce’s success led to more interest in BJJ due to its obvious effectiveness in the octagon.

Famous BJJ fighters in the UFC

Many BJJ fighters have found success in the UFC. Here’s a quick list of notable MMA competitors with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as their base skill:

• Demian Maia
• Mackenzie Dern
• Nate Diaz
• Charles Oliveira
• Amanda Nunes
• Brian Ortega

Each fighter on this list has had success on the biggest stages of BJJ and also MMA. Have you heard of any of these fighters before? Let us know in the comments below!

What are the health benefits of BJJ?

There are multiple health benefits to learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. While it is primarily a self-defense skillset, becoming a BJJ practitioner enables you to be a healthier individual. Check out this list of several ways you can physically improve thanks to BJJ:

• Stronger bones, muscles, and ligaments
• Better cardio
• More flexibility
• Less stressed
• Improved coordination

Now that you have a better idea of what BJJ can do for you, let’s dive into how to choose the right BJJ gym for you.

How to find the right BJJ gym for you

Selecting the best BJJ gym for you comes down to several factors such as location and the focus of the gym. Here’s a list that gives you criteria to consider when you want to know how to find the right BJJ gym for you:

1. Location: You have to know how far you’re willing to drive. Depending on where you live, the nearest BJJ gym to you could be 5 minutes or more than 45 minutes away. We recommend using Google Maps to do a quick search of BJJ gyms in the area.
2. Schedule: Do some research to figure out if the gym you’re interested in has a class schedule that works with your schedule. You will also need to factor in drive time to the gym from wherever you’ll be coming from.
3. Price: It’s not uncommon for BJJ gym pricing to range anywhere from $100/month to $200/month. Some BJJ gyms will also have punch passes so you can pay for classes upfront and use them whenever you’re able to train. Factor in what BJJ will you cost you each month with your overall monthly budget. This will tell you if you need to cut back spending in other areas of your life to make training a reality.
4. Experience level of the coach/professor: Pay attention to the rank and overall experience level of the person teaching classes. Teachers vary in levels of experience. One gym down the road from you might have an instructor who is a young purple belt with IBJJF medals under his/her belt. Another gym 20 minutes away may have a 3rd-degree blackbelt leading each class. Do some research to figure out who you’re interested in learning from.
5. Teaching/Coaching style: How an instructor teaches/coaches really matters. Some classes are very traditional with one person leading everything from warmups to the instructional/drilling portion of class. These traditional-style gyms also have a structure to their curriculum. Other gyms may have classes that are less formal with no clear curriculum. Gyms with less structure tend to have teachers who ask, “So what do you guys want to learn today?”.
6. Teammates: Look around the mat and see who is training. Do you only have fit adults in their early 20s? Are your classes most composed of men or do you have a wide range of body types? Does the gym you want to train at have several active competitors? Understanding the demographics of the gym will help you know if it’s the right gym for you.
7. Gym focus: Another factor that will affect the gym you choose is the focus of the gym. Some gyms spend most of their time drilling self-defense techniques. Other gyms may only prioritize BJJ competition techniques and strategies. Knowing which gym is right for you comes down to knowing what your goals are with BJJ.

Try out some Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes

Now that you’ve made a list of different BJJ schools in your area, it’s time to do some trial classes. Some gyms may allow you to test out one free class. Other gyms will give you a week of free classes. We highly recommend you take up these gyms on their offer before signing up. This is a great opportunity to get a feel for gym culture and other factors that will help you make an informed decision.

Take some insights from Jocko Willink!

It’s ok if you’d rather listen to insights from someone else on how to choose the right BJJ gym for you. Here’s a podcast bit from Jocko Willink on how to choose a good Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school for you:

Go train!

Now that you have clear criteria, find a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym and start training! Use the insights you’ve just gained to begin reaping the benefits of BJJ.

The post How to find the right BJJ gym for you appeared first on Combat Athlete Gear.

What are combat sports?

There’s a good chance that you’ve heard of karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and boxing. They’re all examples of combat sports. You can also add sambo and judo to this list. They’re rooted in self-defense but have an organized sport-aspect to them such as a points system and established rules.

What’s the difference between self-defense and combat sports?

Self-defense and combat sports are not the same. This comes down to the objectives of each being different. Someone training purely for self-defense focuses on surviving an attack and neutralizing an opponent if possible. On the other hand, combat sports are focused on winning within an agreed-upon ruleset. Winning in a combat sports context is accomplished in different ways like knockouts in boxing or outscoring an opponent in point-fighting for tae kwon do. Along with agreed upon rules, combat sports use such as uniforms, gloves, and headgear depending on the combat sport.

5 total nutrition tips for combat sports athletes

These nutrition tips for martial arts are practical and straightforward. If you’re looking for total nutrition tips to help you as a martial artist and combat sports athlete, we have your back. Below are 5 nutrition tips that help you have a healthy and strong body to be the best you can be.

1. Get in that protein!: Protein is necessary for your bodily functions and the building/repair of muscles. Your body needs protein to do different things like build bones, muscles, and cartilage. A regular intake of protein is also necessary for healthy skin and blood. There are many sources of protein you can choose from since there are many types of protein available. Some of these protein sources include chicken, lamb, crab, fish, oysters, yogurt, and nuts. You can mix it up to get in a variety of sources of protein such as salads, soups, and more.
2. Drink water: Tough training sessions mean you’re losing fluids and electrolytes mostly through sweat. Maintaining a consistent intake of water and electrolytes are necessary to keep your body functioning properly. Water provides multiple benefits for your body including the prevention of cramps, proper brain function, and the detoxification of waste. The good news is you can create a system to remind you to hydrate throughout the day. Do this by scheduling alarms in your phone at different points during the day to tell you it’s time to drink water.
3. Maintain an adequate calorie intake: Depending on what your training sessions look like, you could be expending at least 700 calories in a single training session. If you’re struggling to finish a class or any workout, there’s a good chance you’re not getting enough calories. This means you need to eat more calorie-dense food and plan out when you eat your food. You will need to eat every 3-4 hours to maintain your energy level especially if you want to always be at your best.
4. You need fats in your diet: Fats are a necessary part of your nutrition plan. You will have an easier time absorbing some vitamins and minerals when you have fat in your diet. Fats also help with muscle movements and blood clotting which is necessary for combat sports. There are many good sources of fats like salmon, walnuts, and avocados.
5. Be willing to change up your diet: If something in your current diet plan isn’t working, stop doing it! Give yourself an honest attempt as you do everything from increasing your water intake to eating more protein. Don’t feel like you can only implement one set of diet/nutrition tips. You can also ask your coaches for sport-specific insights on your nutrition.

Altogether, these nutrition tips you’ve read will help you be the best combat sports athlete you can be.

Go train!

It’s time to start implementing the tips you’ve read above! Your success as a combat sports athlete is in your own hands. It’s up to you to do what you can to be the best fighter you can be. What are your favorite combat sports nutrition tips? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 5 ways to improve your TOTAL nutrition for combat sports appeared first on Combat Athlete Gear.

Muay Thai is one of the most popular combat sports in the world. By following the physical conditioning tips in this blog post, you can improve your performance as a Muay Thai fighter. Being in the best shape possible helps you focus more on technique and enjoy classes. You’ll quickly find that physical conditioning for Muay Thai can be very sport-specific and is a necessary part of improving. Before we jump into physical conditioning tips for Muay Thai, we’ll briefly cover what Muay Thai is.

What is Muay Thai?

Also known as the art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai is a striking art with its roots in Thailand. This martial art is known for its brutality and effectiveness both in competition and in self-defense situations. Techniques from Muay Thai are used in other sports such as Mixed Martial Arts such as checking kicks and utilizing elbows in short distances.

Muay Thai also encourages a high level of physical conditioning, which helps practitioners become more agile, powerful, and resilient. The use of clinch techniques and powerful strikes help practitioners fight effectively. Regular practice of these techniques helps to improve coordination and balance, allowing Muay Thai fighters to have better control over their techniques.

The history of Muay Thai

The beginnings of Muay Thai go as far back at the 16th century in Thailand. It was used by members of King Naresuan’s military in combat. Muay Thai gained traction and popularity since it was used in war as well as sport situations.

In the early 1900s, King Chulalongkorn increased the use of Muay Thai through the formalization of the fighting style. Eventually, detailed rules were decided on by 1921 with the first boxing ring built thanks to the influence of King Rama VII. Muay Thai eventually began to grow as a sport with the introduction of gloves and groin protectors.

Global growth of Muay Thai

The 1980s and 1990s were great decades for Muay Thai as gyms began to pop up around the world. Non-Thai fighters began to travel into Thailand to learn the art. As a result, Muay Thai fighter development accelerated and Muay Thai grew even more in popularity. Muay Thai techniques are no longer just limited to being used in Muay Thai gyms and Muay Thai competition.

Is Muay Thai used in MMA?

Yes, Muay Thai techniques are often used by MMA fighters. Striking techniques that are often used include elbows and knees. MMA fighters will also fight within the clinch which is a technique heavily used by Muay Thai fighters. The clinch is a powerful move that allows a fighter to effectively control the posture of his/her opponent in a fight.

Here’s a video showing a Muay Thai clinch technique for MMA:

Now that you know a little more about Muay Thai and its history, let’s move on to conditioning tips specifically for Muay Thai.

5 physical conditioning tips for Muay Thai

Getting in shape to be the best Muay Thai fighter you can be is tough. The best fighters in the world got to where they are today because they put in the work required to accomplish their goals. Below are 5 physical conditioning tips for Muay Thai you can add to your training regimen:

1. Attend class consistently: It’s tough to stay in shape when you’re skipping class. Muay Thai classes will teach you more than just striking and defense. You’ll also do heavy bag work which will help you develop power. You will also do conditioning sessions like ab work, burpees, and more to strengthen your entire body and increase your lung capacity.
2. Don’t skip sleep: Performing at the top of your game is easier when you’re getting proper rest. Whether it’s 7 hours or 8 hours, figure out what’s best for you and try to piece at least 2-3 days in a row of adequate sleep. It’s during these sustained sleep periods that your body is able to repair and rebuild muscle. Your brain will also commit energy to practicing moves in and walking through techniques you’ve learned as you sleep.
3. Drink water and stay hydrated: You can’t be at your best when you’re dehydrated. Hydration provides multiple benefits including improved brain performance, better digestion, less joint pain, and more. Your body is also able to get rid of waste more efficiently. This will help you stay healthy and not get sick as often.
4. Listen to your body: When your body tells you that you need a break, take that break. Injuries can be prevented when you pay attention to and address pain. Rest and recovery will be your best friend when you’re working hard. You may feel like you’re missing out on valuable training opportunities but you’ll definitely miss out on more when you’re injured because you weren’t listening to your body.
5. Invest in your strength, mobility, and cardio: The best fighters in the world continually work on their strength and ability to move. Strength combined with proper technique will make you a tough opponent in the ring. Anyone who tells you strength doesn’t matter is lying to you since increasing your strength also helps you avoid injuries. Exercises such as weight training and plyometrics will help you develop stronger bones, muscles, and ligaments. For cardio, you can improve your aerobic/anaerobic capacity in different ways such as sprints, swimming, cycling, and long distance runs. A consistent conditioning schedule will help you be at your best all the time.

There’s a good chance you may already be following some of the tips above which is great. If not, it’s time to get started. Making a few changes to your daily routine will help you feel the difference over time. For example, you’re probably not feeling your best if you only get great sleep twice a week. However, increasing your quality sleep to 3 times a week will help you heal faster and be ready for your next training session. Following good habits consistently over time will yield to positive results you’ll get to enjoy!

Go train!

Your journey to becoming the best you can be begins when you start training. Consistent training over time will help you improve your skillset as a fighter. Sticking to a training plan will also keep you on track with your fitness goals for Muay Thai. As a result of improving your physical conditioning, both classes and sparring will be more enjoyable. You’ll have more fun doing Muay Thai since you’re not as concerned with simply keeping up since you’re not constantly gasping for air.

If you haven’t started training, it’s time to find a Muay Thai gym near you! This next section will provide you with tips to choose the right Muay Thai gym for you.

How to choose a Muay Thai gym for you

Finding the right Muay Thai gym for you and your needs does matter. Muay Thai is already a grind so you don’t need to make it more difficult by joining a gym that you don’t like. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a Muay Thai gym:

1. Location: You can quickly find Muay Thai gyms near you by conducting a quick search of Muay Thai gyms in your area via Google Maps. Google Maps will give you the distance between you and the gyms you want to try out.
2. Gym focus: Does the gym you’re interested in joining focus on self-defense, fitness, or training amateur/professional fighters? Some gyms might do some of each. Other gyms are only focused on the fitness aspect. Knowing your goals will help you figure out which gym is for you.
3. Fees: Identify your budget on what you want to spend on Muay Thai tuition each month. Many Muay Thai gyms charge around $100-200 USD/month for full access to their classes. If a monthly contract doesn’t make sense for you, some gyms offer punch passes where you pay for individual classes. Punch pass pricing may be about $150 for 10 classes or $175 for 10 classes depending on the gym. You also need to factor in if the gym you want to join includes training gear when you sign up or if you need to bring your own gear to class.
4. Teaching/coaching style: Every coach has different style and philosophy to training and teaching concepts. Some Muay Thai coaches are intense the entire class. Other Muay Thai coaches may be soft spoken and never raise their voice during all of their training sessions. You also need to pay attention to the number of coaches on the gym floor at any time and how collaborative the learning process is within a gym.
5. Teammates: How are the people attending each class? What’s their temperament like? Do the personality types vary depending on the time of day i.e. evening classes vs. morning classes? Pay attention to how helpful people are and how friendly they are.
6. Cleanliness: Dirty gyms are disgusting. You’re more likely to get sick which will cause you to miss training sessions. Muay Thai gyms that are clean are also more likely to have equipment that’s in great shape. Coaches at clean gyms also tend to be more detail-oriented.

Do you have any questions or insights on conditioning for Muay Thai? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 5 ways to improve your physical conditioning for muay thai appeared first on Combat Athlete Gear.