Combat Sports are a group of sports that involve forced physical contact with opponents through striking, grappling and weapon handling techniques. Some common examples include boxing, karate, taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, aikido, muay thai, and mixed martial arts (MMA).
These sports are generally practiced in a group setting with coaches to ensure safety and proper technique. They provide a comprehensive full body workout with benefits such as strength development, cardiovascular fitness, endurance, flexibility, and motor coordination, as well as mental toughness and stress relief.
Most importantly, they offer a means to learn practical self-defense techniques in an increasingly dangerous world. Whether it is learning to keep a distance during a verbal altercation or knowing how to take down a bigger opponent on the ground, these skills can be invaluable in real-life situations.
While there are many reasons to participate in a combat sport, it is important to choose the right one for you. The best choice will depend on your goals, personal preferences, and morphology. Choosing the correct discipline is crucial to ensure consistency and progress.
As such, it is recommended to try several disciplines before making a final decision. Each discipline checks different boxes and each one requires a unique approach. The best way to choose is to listen to your body and follow your heart! You can also ask friends, family and acquaintances which discipline they practice and why. This will give you a good insight into the sport and its culture.