Combat pit official logo black
Back to Glossary
Home
Search
Martial Arts Culture and History
Gear and Equipment
Personalities
Skill Development
Mind and Body Connection
Weapons and Traditional Tools
Martial arts map
Complete blog posts directory
Contact

Striking

What is Striking?

Striking in the context of martial arts and combat sports refers to the use of various techniques to hit an opponent using different parts of the body. These techniques can include punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. Striking is a fundamental aspect of many martial arts disciplines and is crucial in sports like boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Key components of striking include:

  1. Punches: Using the fists to deliver blows. Common types of punches include jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts. Boxing is a sport that primarily focuses on punching techniques.
  2. Kicks: Using the legs and feet to strike an opponent. Different types of kicks include roundhouse kicks, front kicks, side kicks, and spinning kicks. Martial arts like Muay Thai, Taekwondo, and Karate emphasize various kicking techniques.
  3. Elbows: Using the elbow to strike, often in close-range combat. Elbow strikes can be very powerful and are commonly used in Muay Thai and MMA.
  4. Knees: Using the knees to deliver strikes, especially effective in clinch situations. Knee strikes are also a key component of Muay Thai and are used in MMA.
  5. Footwork and Movement: Effective striking also involves good footwork and movement to create angles, maintain balance, and avoid an opponent's attacks. Proper footwork allows a fighter to position themselves optimally for both offense and defense.
  6. Defense: Striking isn't just about offense; it also involves defending against an opponent's strikes. This can include blocking, parrying, slipping, and dodging.
  7. Combinations: Effective striking often involves combining different types of strikes in rapid succession to overwhelm an opponent and create openings. For example, a combination might include a jab, followed by a cross, and finished with a kick.

Striking is a critical skill in MMA, where fighters must be proficient in both striking and grappling to succeed.

Related Article: MMA: The Power and Passion of Mixed Martial Arts

My Way is the Way of Karate, which is also the Way of humanity, and which is consequently related to the Way of Heaven.
Mas Oyama

Check out the latest blogs

See all articles

Other Glossary terms

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Centerline Theory
Centerline Theory is a fundamental concept in Wing Chun, as well as in other martial arts, that emphasizes the importance of controlling the central axis of the body during combat.
C
Sun Style
Sun Style is one of the five major styles of Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), known for its unique combination of Tai Chi, Xingyiquan, and Baguazhang elements.
S
Striking
Striking in the context of martial arts and combat sports refers to the use of various techniques to hit an opponent using different parts of the body.
S
Wing Chun Stance
The Wing Chun stance, also known as "Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma" or "Character Two Adduction Stance," is a fundamental aspect of Wing Chun Kung Fu.
W
Feints
Feints are deceptive maneuvers used in various sports and martial arts to mislead an opponent and create openings for effective attacks.
F
Kesho-mawashi
Kesho-mawashi is a ceremonial apron worn by sumo wrestlers during specific formal occasions, such as the ring-entering ceremony (dohyō-iri) that takes place before official matches.
K
Kenjutsu
Kenjutsu is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on the techniques of swordsmanship.
K
Kyū
In the context of Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery, Kyū (級) refers to the ranking system used to measure the proficiency and skill level of practitioners.
K
Wai Kru Ram Muay
Wai Kru Ram Muay is a traditional pre-fight ritual performed by Muay Thai fighters. It is a form of respect and homage to their trainers, ancestors, and the sport itself.
W
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting techniques.
B
Kyudo
Kyudo is the Japanese martial art of archery, which translates to "the way of the bow." It is deeply rooted in the traditions of Japanese culture and combines physical, mental, and spiritual elements.
K
Suri-ashi
Suri-ashi is a fundamental footwork technique used in various Japanese martial arts, including Kendo, Iaido, and Aikido. The term "suri-ashi" translates to "sliding feet" or "gliding step."
S
Grappling
Grappling is a term used in martial arts and combat sports to describe techniques that involve manipulating an opponent through holds, locks, throws, and ground control, rather than striking.
G
Chikara-Mizu
Chikara-mizu, which translates to "power water," is a ritual practice in sumo wrestling that involves wrestlers rinsing their mouths with water before entering the ring for a match.
C
Shaolin Kung Fu
Shaolin Kung Fu, also known as Shaolin Wushu, is a traditional Chinese martial art that originated from the Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province, China.
S
No Items Found