You can choose two forms of martial arts...

[Wasteland]

If you were planning on competing, which two? Naturally, many would consider one stand up and one grappling approach. Which ones? Or maybe you'd choose two stand up or two grappling?

[boom]

When I start MMA in the future, I plan to do muy thai and BJJ.

[TheBassGuy]

I started off wrestling. Then when I started training for MMA I started focusing on Muay Thai and BJJ.

[bobbymart]

When I start MMA in the future, I plan to do muy thai and BJJ.

these two along with wrestling will make you well rounded in my opinion not much you can't accomplish!

[Maharg]

Wrestling and BJJ. Just get them on the ground and get them submitted. Would of course work on hands.

If not that combo, kick boxing and wrestling. Taught leg kicks, hands, and take downs and take down defense.

[k1usa]

First you come to San Francisco to the Fairtex Muay Thai camp...train there for a year...then head down to San Jose and train with Frank Shamrock....bestof both worlds....and if you have time...stop over to Cung Le's gym...take on some Sansho for kicks...


this was my son's journey...and it did him just fine...

[bobbymart]

sounds pretty good is you'r son fighting, K1USA?

[mjsef88]

Muay Thai and Wrestling with a focus on submissions.

Heavy kicks/punches/elbows/knees with the ground style to add on.

[dominatetheiron]

not sure how many people know how much about MMA or if they are just spectators of the sport. I have several friends who are up and coming in this new and exciting world and some of them have contract offers from KOTC and K1 and ufc scouts looking them up i train with them and am a part of this world also i am trained by a 5th degree black belt and a 7th degree black belt which both came from the school of Bruce Lee's number one student so they know a thing or two.

I wrestle so that part came easy to me wrestling is huge in this sport especially if you understand the leverage and push and pull actions and how to use someones weight and momentum against them.

My advice is learn everything from every discipline you can. In the MMA world today if your not a complete fighter your weaknesses will be exploited and you will get a beat down in a hurry.

I train boxing, wrestling, BJJ, Judo, Tai kwon Do, Akido, karate, anything that can help you is a must as far as if you want to focus on a few i would say your best bet is Wrestling, BJJ, and judo. Muay Thai boxing has also helped develop some phenominal fighters there just isnt a suitable area to train it where i am. I am slightly biased toward BJJ though. good luck.

[Cstlfx]

Kenpo and Muay Thai. I'm not much for the ground game, never found it all that exciting to watch or participate in. Plus, if I learn a martial art, I want to learn something that can aid me in a life threatening situation. The ground is never a good place to be in a street fight, therefore I dont want to get comfortable going there.

But, thats just my opinion. But I think many can agree that Muay Thai is one of the best, if not the best martial art to know for MMA. How many people have been knocked out or TKO'd by elbows or knees?

[Wasteland]

Muay Thai and Wrestling with a focus on submissions.

Heavy kicks/punches/elbows/knees with the ground style to add on.

Looks like many chose muay thai as the stand up component.

Wrestling provides an incredible conditioning and strength base for sure. If you can re-teach certain elements of it, certain elements which are fundamental to wrestliing but antithetical to the ground game and submissions, it would make for a great foundation.

[mjsef88]

Looks like many chose muay thai as the stand up component.

Wrestling provides an incredible conditioning and strength base for sure. If you can re-teach certain elements of it, certain elements which are fundamental to wrestliing but antithetical to the ground game and submissions, it would make for a great foundation.

Right, thats why I didn't get into certain styles, like greco roman, etc. I think just knowing how to squirm out of/hold someone down is fundamental. From there you can go on with your strong ground game, weather it be submissions or ground pounding.

[Wasteland]

Right, thats why I didn't get into certain styles, like greco roman, etc. I think just knowing how to squirm out of/hold someone down is fundamental. From there you can go on with your strong ground game, weather it be submissions or ground pounding.

I have known several wrestlers who were state champs and, pound for pound, they were incredibly strong--not just the "lifting" kind of strong, but the core strength kind that really benefits a grappler.

[T-EST]

Wrestling and Aikido... You guys might think..B.S. Wrestling is just hardcore training, cardio and most importantly unstoppable takedowns. And Aikido is just great for balance and using another persons energy against themselves. You can be the striker in the world but once a clinch happens welcome to my world.

[bobbymart]

Wrestling and Aikido... You guys might think..B.S. Wrestling is just hardcore training, cardio and most importantly unstoppable takedowns. And Aikido is just great for balance and using another persons energy against themselves. You can be the striker in the world but once a clinch happens welcome to my world.

I lerned hwo to handle my self in a clinch from mui thai. wrestling is great for balance and ground controll.

[T-EST]

Most definetly the actual Thai-Clinch is a dominant position(Anderson Silva killed Rich Franklin). But while you're seting up for a barrage of knees, Im flipping you through the air. It can go either way... depending on the training of actual fighters.

[Cstlfx]

I dont mean to take this thread in a different direction but this is almost what I wanted to discuss. MMA is great, and I love to watch it, but is a martial art superior to the other?

I really wish they'd bring back a version of the Old UFC. I want to see master versus master of different martial arts. Cause I remember when those guys got in the ring, like when Royce Gracie got in there and took guys on.

So, is a martial art better than another? Or is would a martial art suit a person better, thus only making a person better than another?

[bobbymart]

I dont mean to take this thread in a different direction but this is almost what I wanted to discuss. MMA is great, and I love to watch it, but is a martial art superior to the other?

I really wish they'd bring back a version of the Old UFC. I want to see master versus master of different martial arts. Cause I remember when those guys got in the ring, like when Royce Gracie got in there and took guys on.

So, is a martial art better than another? Or is would a martial art suit a person better, thus only making a person better than another?

it's a fact that in mma jiu jitsu and mui thai have won more fights than any other styles most mma school rely on these two techniques to teach there students now there are the accesptions like chuck lidell who uses hawiian kenpo and that cat that just beat tito.... machida there are the acception like them but mui thai and jiu jitsu have been the dominate forces in mma, when is tha last time you have seen an mma match won with tae kwon do? it is subission (bjj) or kicks knee's and elbows (mui thai). wresling has it's place when it comes to ground controll but good bjj schools teach that.

[Cstlfx]

it's a fact that in mma jiu jitsu and mui thai have won more fights than any other styles most mma school rely on these two techniques to teach there students now there are the accesptions like chuck lidell who uses hawiian kenpo and that cat that just beat tito.... machida there are the acception like them but mui thai and jiu jitsu have been the dominate forces in mma, when is tha last time you have seen an mma match won with tae kwon do? it is subission (bjj) or kicks knee's and elbows (mui thai). wresling has it's place when it comes to ground controll but good bjj schools teach that.

Thats what I mean, I'm wondering about style vs. style. A guy with a black belt in both Muay Thai and BJJ can go very far in the MMA sport. I do not disagree with that. But what if you put say a Gracie up against a Muay Thai master, which would prevail? Thats what I've been pondering.

Someone who has grown accustom to grappling in MMA feels somewhat decent in a clinch, but if you take a muay thai master, face him against say a tae kwon do master, would a clinch occur? I'm not looking at mixed martial arts, but a tournament of sorts, that mixes the martial arts in one ring. If you can understand what I'm saying.

Each style has its weakness, but each also has a strength. I'm just highly curious as to if there is the best martial art. If you have someone who only trains one martial art, versus someone who only trains another.

[bobbymart]

Thats what I mean, I'm wondering about style vs. style. A guy with a black belt in both Muay Thai and BJJ can go very far in the MMA sport. I do not disagree with that. But what if you put say a Gracie up against a Muay Thai master, which would prevail? Thats what I've been pondering.

Someone who has grown accustom to grappling in MMA feels somewhat decent in a clinch, but if you take a muay thai master, face him against say a tae kwon do master, would a clinch occur? I'm not looking at mixed martial arts, but a tournament of sorts, that mixes the martial arts in one ring. If you can understand what I'm saying.

Each style has its weakness, but each also has a strength. I'm just highly curious as to if there is the best martial art. If you have someone who only trains one martial art, versus someone who only trains another.

those match ups have been taking place in mma it depend on the individual as opposed to the style if the mui thai guy catches the bjj guy the mui thai guy wins if the bjj guy gets the mui thai guy down he wins that's how it goes with striking arts in general against bjj now if you go tae kwon do vs mui that or akido against karate so on that's where the debate begins I personaly like mui thai and from everything I have seen that is what reigns supreme again the are the acceptions but generaly I think Mui thai dominates it's hard to block a kick that can break bone (shamrock vs kung lee)

[Stiff]

There is one martial art not mentioned here that I think needs to be. Since the discussion has moved from what is best in the ring to what single "style" (I hate to use the word) would be most applicable in a real life situation I would have to say Krav Maga.

[mjsef88]

There is one martial art not mentioned here that I think needs to be. Since the discussion has moved from what is best in the ring to what single "style" (I hate to use the word) would be most applicable in a real life situation I would have to say Krav Maga.

Krav Maga was alot of fun to learn and teach (basic principles). In my opinion, it isn't really useful for MMA. Krav Maga is all about self defense. It's about killing/maiming a person who is trying to hurt you (in real life, not a ring). But i'm just trying to steer the conversation back on course.

...and to take it off course again....In the real world, haha, krav maga is what i've used in dodgy situations.

....and back on course....It should really be restated that no two styles will guarentee you victory. I've been trained in 10-12 styles, and use what works for me (like in lifting). That way you learn, adapt, and overcome your flaws and expose your opponents. But I know this thread was just started for fun and conversation.

[Wasteland]

I lerned hwo to handle my self in a clinch from mui thai. wrestling is great for balance and ground controll.

Wrestling is definitely great for ground control, overall strength, conditioning and balance, but not necessarily for submissions.

[Wasteland]

I dont mean to take this thread in a different direction but this is almost what I wanted to discuss. MMA is great, and I love to watch it, but is a martial art superior to the other?

I really wish they'd bring back a version of the Old UFC. I want to see master versus master of different martial arts. Cause I remember when those guys got in the ring, like when Royce Gracie got in there and took guys on.

So, is a martial art better than another? Or is would a martial art suit a person better, thus only making a person better than another?

It all depends on what you're looking to do. Compete in a non-contact kind of way? Compete in a full contact kind of way? For an outlet or for meditation?

Definitely, I think there are some body types that are better suited for certain forms of martial arts. Same could be said for most sports.

[Wasteland]

Krav Maga was alot of fun to learn and teach (basic principles). In my opinion, it isn't really useful for MMA.

I agree. KM is great for self-defense, but may not be suitable for MMA.

[bobbymart]

I have to give props to km it is good inflict the most damage as fast as possible.

[Cstlfx]

Definitely, I think there are some body types that are better suited for certain forms of martial arts. Same could be said for most sports.

Speaking of which, I have short legs (I'm 5' 8", but my in seem is 29", hahahaha) is there a MA that would more benefit my build (stocky, the "lumberjack build")? My body type is great for lifting, but I have no idea about a martial art.

[bobbymart]

I dont agree that there are certain body types suited for certain martial art's types I know short stalky guyst that dominate at bjj and mui thai, I htink is like lifting you can't let you'r "body type" limit you just train hard and skill will come.

[Wasteland]

Speaking of which, I have short legs (I'm 5' 8", but my in seem is 29", hahahaha) is there a MA that would more benefit my build (stocky, the "lumberjack build")? My body type is great for lifting, but I have no idea about a martial art.

I dont agree that there are certain body types suited for certain martial art's types I know short stalky guyst that dominate at bjj and mui thai, I htink is like lifting you can't let you'r "body type" limit you just train hard and skill will come.

Judo maybe? Low center of gravity.

I agree with you bobbymart in that you can be good or very good at any martial arts, regardless of body type. I was just saying that having a specific one might make it easier and be more advantageous, especially at the world class level. It's like saying you can be a great running back at 5'1" and weighin in at 150 pounds, but you'd probably have a hard time playing pro ball, as opposed to the guy who is over 5'6" and weighs over 200 pounds. Or, it's hard being a jockey riding Big Brown if you were 6'6" and weighed 250 pounds.

[ironshaolin]

Thats what I mean, I'm wondering about style vs. style. A guy with a black belt in both Muay Thai and BJJ can go very far in the MMA sport. I do not disagree with that. But what if you put say a Gracie up against a Muay Thai master, which would prevail? Thats what I've been pondering.

Someone who has grown accustom to grappling in MMA feels somewhat decent in a clinch, but if you take a muay thai master, face him against say a tae kwon do master, would a clinch occur? I'm not looking at mixed martial arts, but a tournament of sorts, that mixes the martial arts in one ring. If you can understand what I'm saying.

Each style has its weakness, but each also has a strength. I'm just highly curious as to if there is the best martial art. If you have someone who only trains one martial art, versus someone who only trains another.

That's exactly what the early days of UFC were, 2 opponents from different styles, no time limit, no rules. What ended up happening, was nobody knew how to defend against takedowns, and NOBODY knew how to grapple. Next thing you know, joyce gracie comes in and demolishes everyone, so then they realized that maybe cross training is necessary. Now, MMA has grown into a combination of only boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and BJJ. Good arts, but in my opinion, not necessary. There are NO superior martial arts, only superior martial artists. Every art has strengths and weaknesses, its about how the practitioner learns to exploit those strenghts, and defend the weaknesses. If you are training for the cage, the best thing I think to do is to figure out what you're good at, and perfect it. Look at Chuck Lidell, does he know how to grapple? Yes. Does he? Rarely. His takedown defense is too good, and he knows he's a standup slugger, so thats what he does. The way I see, a punch is a punch, and a kick is a kick. The art you study is inconsequential. What you need to do is see what fits into what you want. A school that focuses on self defense may not be good for the ring, as self defense places an emphasis on eye gouges, groin and throat strikes, all illegal in the cage.
Find a gym or dojo that focuses on BASICS; good punching and kicking skills, one that does alot of sparring as you'll need the practice. Then decide if you want to incorporate grappling into your training. If no, I'd suggest sparring with partners who do, so you get the feel of someone constantly trying to take you down, so you learn to defend it.

[bobbymart]

That's exactly what the early days of UFC were, 2 opponents from different styles, no time limit, no rules. What ended up happening, was nobody knew how to defend against takedowns, and NOBODY knew how to grapple. Next thing you know, joyce gracie comes in and demolishes everyone, so then they realized that maybe cross training is necessary. Now, MMA has grown into a combination of only boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and BJJ. Good arts, but in my opinion, not necessary. There are NO superior martial arts, only superior martial artists. Every art has strengths and weaknesses, its about how the practitioner learns to exploit those strenghts, and defend the weaknesses. If you are training for the cage, the best thing I think to do is to figure out what you're good at, and perfect it. Look at Chuck Lidell, does he know how to grapple? Yes. Does he? Rarely. His takedown defense is too good, and he knows he's a standup slugger, so thats what he does. The way I see, a punch is a punch, and a kick is a kick. The art you study is inconsequential. What you need to do is see what fits into what you want. A school that focuses on self defense may not be good for the ring, as self defense places an emphasis on eye gouges, groin and throat strikes, all illegal in the cage.
Find a gym or dojo that focuses on BASICS; good punching and kicking skills, one that does alot of sparring as you'll need the practice. Then decide if you want to incorporate grappling into your training. If no, I'd suggest sparring with partners who do, so you get the feel of someone constantly trying to take you down, so you learn to defend it.

good post bro I train BJJ and mui thai primarily but those are the two i'm good at but I look at all sides of martial arts and take things from them to make myself well rounded Chuck lidell does a lot of hawiian kenpo because of Hackelman but you bet you'r ass he train with bjj guys and wrestlers to know what to do if he gets into a sticky situation hence his "get up and throw and uper cut" that he does so well.

[ironshaolin]

Its also an understanding of what the purpose of your art is. My black belt is in Kempo Jiu-jistu, but I have alot of experience in shaolin kung fu, red dragon jiu jitsu, BJJ, muay thai, traditional okinowan karate, escrima. They all have different aspects, strengths and weaknesses. I'm pretty sure that if you threw me in a cage with someone who focuses on cage fighting, there's a good chance I'll get my ass kicked, although be damn sure I do everything I can to sting him on the way down. Throw me against the same fighter in a dark alley, and he might be surprised when he takes me down and ends up with a finger knuckle deep in his eye socket. Followed by a quick open hand strike to the throat, and a shot to the groin and you can put any MMA fighter out. However, that stuff dosen't fly in the ring. ITs about who's game are you playing.
I like to go on Bruce Lee's maxim, discard that which is useless, keep that which is useful.

[bobbymart]

Its also an understanding of what the purpose of your art is. My black belt is in Kempo Jiu-jistu, but I have alot of experience in shaolin kung fu, red dragon jiu jitsu, BJJ, muay thai, traditional okinowan karate, escrima. They all have different aspects, strengths and weaknesses. I'm pretty sure that if you threw me in a cage with someone who focuses on cage fighting, there's a good chance I'll get my ass kicked, although be damn sure I do everything I can to sting him on the way down. Throw me against the same fighter in a dark alley, and he might be surprised when he takes me down and ends up with a finger knuckle deep in his eye socket. Followed by a quick open hand strike to the throat, and a shot to the groin and you can put any MMA fighter out. However, that stuff dosen't fly in the ring. ITs about who's game are you playing.
I like to go on Bruce Lee's maxim, discard that which is useless, keep that which is useful.


good post bro! although you probably agree that the average MMA fighter could probably handle himself in the streets pretty well. not as well as if that is all he trained for but pretty well.

[ThaiFighter]

at my gym we train in a variety of both grappling and stand up. Grappling is mostly shambo however we train moves from BJJ, judo, shooto and wrestling. for stand up its mostly thai however we train in boxing and kali also. sure you can have two styles but we get a mixture of many different styles which is nice. went into a grappling tournament and placed 3rd overall for my weight class. and i won by using a throw taken from judo. the other cat was strictly a BJJ guy so he didnt know how to defend against it. so having a mixture of different styles to best.

[need2getBIG]

i already have a little bit of a wrestling background so i would probably go for bjj and for stand up probably kickboxing

[machineman]

Hey guys...Great posts!! I train in Aikido and Japanese Jujitsu. It is different from BJJ in that our dojo incorporates small joint manipulation, throws and pretty much anything you can think of. We have a cage in the club to train in. I have NO aspirations of fighting in a cage, but I train in it all the time. It is someplace that I am not real comfortable in, so it makes me adapt and overcome.

I think whoever said that there is no best martial art but the best martial artist said it right. I was in a tournament at the end of July and there were many different styles and schools represented. After talking with many of the competitors, we all were there for the same reason....to help MMA and Jujitsu grow in the Midwest.

[shizz702]

muay thai and jiu jitsu. That way I'd be lethal both standing up and on the ground. Best of both worlds in my opinion.

[ThaiFighter]

machine where in the midwest did you compete?

[machineman]

TF....For the time being, I do 2 comps a year.....NAGA at the Arnold Classic and our club along with another club in town put on our own grappling event at the end of July every year. It is held here in Toledo, Ohio.....