Sports

The most popular fighting styles in MMA

Published

4 years ago

March 3, 2021

BY MARCEL MARIAK

The cultures of the world are incredibly diverse. Different people around the globe live vastly different lives. These differences can be religious, culinary, philosophical, and even architectural. Despite these immense variations in lifestyle, nearly every culture throughout history has one thing in common: they all have their own unique styles of hand-to-hand combat! From the traditional martial arts of Pacific Asia like Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, and Kung Fu, to lesser-known combative arts with African roots like Capoeira, Dambe, and Senegalese Wrestling. In the past couple of decades, there have been countless debates about which fighting art is the best. And until MMA became popular around the world, there was no definitive answer. The truth is that there is no REAL best martial art. After all, the fighter’s skill determines the efficacy of any martial art. Many physical and psychological factors are at play in a fight, and people with different physical attributes tend to excel more at different martial arts. Heavier, more muscular individuals tend to be better grapplers while lighter, slimmer fighters tend to be dominant strikers – of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Despite this, there are a few martial arts that are used more commonly in the MMA world than others. Here’s a breakdown of a couple most common fighting arts in MMA. If you’re a new fight fan, or if you’re looking to start training martial arts once the pandemic passes, this article will help you gain some perspective on what the fight world has to offer!

Karate
In the past few decades, Karate has gotten a bad reputation in the martial arts community. When western karate schools began to realize that they can retain more customers and make more money by making training less demanding, the Karate curriculum got seriously watered down. Despite this, there have been several fighters who have used a karate style to dominate in competition such as Stephen Thompson, Lyoto Machida, and even Conor McGregor.

Pros of Karate

Karate’s sideways point-style stance allows for quick movement and a relaxed fighting style
Karate-style fighters tend to keep their hands low. This allows them to have more balance and generate momentum for powerful kicks, as well as less fatigue in the shoulder
Karate fighters are specialists at attacking from unexpected angles and with unorthodox techniques like spinning kicks

Cons of Karate

While Karate includes some clinch work and grappling, it has very few ground-fighting techniques. As a result, Karate stylists tend to struggle on the ground unless they supplement their training heavily with other grappling martial arts like wrestling, judo, or Jiu-Jitsu
The sideways stance makes lateral movements difficult. The point-stance also makes it nearly impossible to block (check) low-kicks
Low hand position can leave the head open for attacks. The Karate stylist must rely on reflexes and movement to avoid strikes which can get tiring throughout a fight.

Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a brutal kickboxing martial art from Thailand. It incorporates stunning elbows, knees, punches, and kicks to end fights spectacularly. It also includes great clinch techniques and stand-up wrestling skills. It’s one of the most popular martial arts around the world with nearly any fight gym worth anything having a Muay Thai curriculum. It has been used to great effect in the octagon by fighters like Valentina Shevchenko and Joanna Jędrzejczyk.

Pros of Muay Thai

Because of the brutality of the sport, Muay Thai fighters’ bodies are incredibly conditioned. The shins of some Muay Thai fighters have even been determined to be stronger than iron. A Muay Thai fighter is a walking tank in the ring
Muay Thai striking is simple and effective. Unlike karate stylists, Muay Thai fighters tend to stand their ground and prefer to walk-down their opponents with simple, powerful combinations instead of complicated spinning attacks
The tall Muay Thai stance and high guard make it difficult for opponents to strike the fighter in the head and offer great defence against kicks
Thai fighters are masters of the clinch, delivering powerful knees and slicing elbows to their opponents

Cons of Muay Thai

The tall stance makes Muay Thai fighters prone to takedowns
The high-pressure, brawling style of fighting can cause serious long-term brain injuries for fighters that are too willing to stay in the pocket and exchange strikes
Ground-fighting techniques are completely absent in Muay Thai. A Thai fighter that has been taken down is easy prey for a grappler

Wrestling
Wrestling is one of the most common and oldest martial arts in the world. While the rules and techniques of wrestling have changed throughout the millennia, wrestling has been around for at least as long as recorded history. With our dexterous hands and opposable thumbs, humans are natural grapplers, so it’s no wonder that wrestling makes an impact in the octagon. Fighters that have found great success with wrestling include Eddie Alvarez, Chad Mendez, and Brock Lesnar.

Pros of Wrestling

Strong takedowns and grappling skills
Wrestlers have incredible mental toughness; they don’t stop until the final bell
Elite physical conditioning allows wresters to outwork and outpace their opponents
Grappling allows the fighter to control their opponent more than a striker can

Cons of Wrestling

Wrestlers can get fatigued from the fast explosive movements required in a stand-up engagement
Wrestling involves no striking techniques, so a wrestler is vulnerable on the feet
Wrestling rarely involves submissions, so wrestlers can sometimes run out of things to do or be outclassed by another grappler who knows submissions
Due to the aim of wrestling being to never be on your back, wrestlers can sometimes begin to panic and lose their composure when their back is on the ground

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
It’s no surprise that Jiu-Jitsu – also known as the art of folding your opponent’s clothes while he’s still wearing them – has made this list. After all, it’s BJJ that made the UFC (read more about that in last week’s article, “3 UFC Fights That You Have to Watch Again”)! Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling art that focuses more on control and submissions than takedowns and power. As a result, almost anyone, regardless of their physical stature, can become proficient at Jiu-Jitsu. Nearly every modern UFC fighter is highly trained in BJJ, but some of the most famous Jiu-Jitsu practitioners include Royce Gracie, Demian Maia, and Nate Diaz.

Pros of Jiu-Jitsu

The use of leverage and technique instead of brute force in BJJ means that a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner can fight with full intensity for hours
Powerful Jiu-Jitsu submissions can end a fight in seconds
A Jiu-Jitsu practitioner can control their opponents on the ground to avoid getting hit and limit their movement
Jiu-Jitsu fighters are extremely comfortable on their back. They can even submit their opponent from some of the most disadvantaged positions

Cons of Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-Jitsu lacks any sort of striking combat, leaving the fighter vulnerable on the feet
Unlike wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu puts less emphasis on takedowns. Jiu-Jitsu fighters can sometimes struggle to bring their opponent to the ground
Every fight begins standing up, so a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner has to get past their opponent’s ranged weapons like kicks and punches before they can begin attacking

There you have it, some of the most popular martial arts in MMA! I’m curious to hear what you think about this list. Are there any notable fighting styles I missed? Reach out to me on the Toronto Caribbean News website by leaving a comment about the article and tell me what you think!

Sports

West Indies memorable triumph over England: A valuable learning experience

Published

5 days ago

December 19, 2024

TOCaribNews

Photo Credits: Randy Brooks

BY KRISHNA MISTRY

The West Indies cricket team has started their tour, and things have been heated. The team recently celebrated their win against England in the One-Day-International (ODI) format.

On November 6^th, 2024, the West Indies won by eight wickets, highlighting players like: Keacy Carty and Brandon King, whose powerful centuries led the West Indies to victory.

However, the team’s success was overshadowed by the on-field incident involving Alzarri Joseph. This incident led to a two-match suspension and a response from the head coach Darren Sammy, reminding fans and players of the importance of professionalism.

As the series began, both teams were ready to go head-to-head. England was looking forward to dominating the ODI, after some challenging series. While West Indies was focused on demonstrating that their young squad was able to hold its own on the international stage.

Players like Carty and King have displayed great batting, each reaching the century mark, which established a lead in the final ODI that England could not overcome.

Carty’s innings showed us his patience and precise shot selection, highlighting the controlled aggression that provided stability when the team needed it the most. King, known for this power-hitting, complemented Carty’s style by scoring rapidly and keeping the English bowlers on their feet.

Together, the duo scored centuries that underscored the West Indies’ batting lineup. Their contributions were significant to securing the series win, proving that the team’s batting can match the level of its past legend.

The series was not without any incidents. Alzarri Joseph, one of the team’s leading pacers, became involved in a controversial on-field incident, which eventually led to his suspension for the final two ODIs. While the details of this incident have not been fully disclosed, Joseph’s behaviour has drawn serious attention from the Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the lead coach, Darren Sammy, who issued a statement that describes Joseph’s behaviour as “unacceptable.”

Sammy, a former West Indies captain known for his steady leadership and sportsmanship, vocalized his opinion about the standards expected from his players. He expressed that, while cricket can be aggressive, it must be channeled in a way that upholds the game. Sammy’s comments connect with the West Indies’ goal of discipline with ranks, especially as young players like Joseph take responsibility.

With Joseph’s absence in the final matches, it posed a challenge for the team, particularly within the bowling department, as his pace and accuracy were vital. Despite this setback, the West Indies bowlers adapted quickly to fill the void of Joseph in the last two games. This incident highlighted the importance of players to maintain composure on the field.

This controversy revealed the areas where continued growth is necessary, specifically in fostering an atmosphere of discipline and respect on and off the field. With young talent emerging, the West Indies’ future appears promising. Coach Sammy’s call for professionalism will likely influence how the team approaches future training and international events, reinforcing a culture that prides itself on sportsmanship alongside skills.

This series win has offered fans a glimpse into the team’s potential as they strive for consistency. The victory over England has provided a strong foundation for the team as they look forward to the upcoming series and tournaments. They will soon be heading to Bangladesh at the end of this year with eight games.

For now, the Caribbean should celebrate this well-deserved victory that is both a triumph and a learning experience, which will play a crucial role in shaping the West Indies’ future in international cricket.

At the end, this ODI series was more than just a win, it was a statement from the West Indies cricket team – a bold reminder that they remain a team to watch, and as they grow, they may reclaim their place amongst cricket giants.

Sports

Sunshine Girls: Battling challenges in the Horizon Series

Published

3 weeks ago

December 4, 2024

TOCaribNews

Photo Credits: (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

BY KRISHNA MISTRY

Netball season has started, and you know what that means: the Sunshine Girls are back. The Jamaica Sunshine Girls have started their netball season and are currently playing in the ongoing Horizon series.

On November 20^th, 2024, the Sunshine Girls played their second match of the series, where they lost a hard-fought match 55-47. Despite their best efforts, the team is now faced with a mountain of pressure to turn this series around in the upcoming matches.

The team started strong with their dynamic gameplay and strong team cohesion, setting a competitive tone. During the opening match, both Jamaica and England were neck-and-neck, but due to England’s adaptability and sharp shooting, they had an advantage.

Learning from this, the Jamaican head coach emphasized the importance of refining their defensive strategies and seeking offensive opportunities. With a home-court advantage and immense support from fans, the Sunshine Girls are determined to bounce back. Key players like Jhaniele Fowler and Shamera Sterling are expected to lead due to their experience in outmaneuvering England’s disciplined team.

Fowler shared her disappointment after a devastating game, “We’ve been in tight situations before, and this is just another hurdle for us to overcome,” Fowler stated during a post-match interview. She emphasized the need for more clinical finishes in the shooting circle and better synergy between the mid-court and defensive units.

Fowler started her netball journey at a young age, showing exceptional talent due to her height and natural athleticism. She began playing in the Southern Steel Club in 2013, where her first international career began in New Zealand’s ANZ Championship. Fowler was an outstanding player, leading the league to many goals and winning multiple awards for her contributions.

In 2018, she changed clubs and began playing with the West Coast Fever, being a game-changer for the club. Her consistency and high-scoring ability made her one of the league’s most valuable players. Fowler has broken many records for the most goals in a season multiple times, setting herself as a foundation in netball.

Fowler has proved herself as a cornerstone of the Jamaican Sunshine Girls, one of the top-ranked teams in the netball world. Fowler has played many crucial roles in helping Jamaica secure many top games.

Fowler’s success has inspired new generations of netball players in the Caribbean. Not only is she known for her athletic achievements, but also for her: humility, professionalism, and commitment to her team and fans.

Sterling is known for her exceptional defensive skills and athleticism. She is considered one of the best defenders in the industry and is known for her ability to disrupt opposition play with her: agility, timing, and court awareness.

Her journey from Jamaica to the top levels of international netball showcases her: talent, work ethic, and determination. Sterling continues to be a dominant force in netball, embodying the strength and skill of the next generation of Sunshine Girls.

Both athletes represent the pinnacle of Jamaican netball, each elevating the Sunshine Girls. Together, they symbolize the blend of offensive brilliance and defensive mastery that defines Jamaica’s unique approach.The next match in the series is an opportunity for the Sunshine Girls to redeem themselves. The team will be focused on minimizing turnovers, tightening their defence, and staying composed in high-pressure matches.

The Horizon Series is a great opportunity for the Sunshine Girls to not just showcase their athleticism, but also a testament to the growing love of netball in the Caribbean. Fans are eagerly waiting for the Sunshine Girls to rise to the occasion and reclaim dominance on the international stage.

Sunshine Girls possess a flair and creativity that many of their opponents can’t, which catches their opponents off guard. The team can be seen implementing many things in the rest of the series to fill the holes in the team. Stay tuned for the Sunshine Girls’ progress in the Horizon Series and for the rest of their netball season.

Sports

West Indies memorable triumph over England: A valuable learning experience

Published

1 month ago

November 21, 2024

TOCaribNews

BY KRISHNA MISTRY

The West Indies cricket team has started their tour, and things have been heated. The team recently celebrated their win against England in the One-Day-International (ODI) format.

On November 6t^h, 2024, the West Indies won by eight wickets, highlighting players like: Keacy Carty and Brandon King, whose powerful centuries led the West Indies to victory.

Players like Carty and King have displayed great batting, each reaching the century mark, which established a lead in the final ODI that England could not overcome.

Together, the duo scored centuries that underscore the West Indies’ batting lineup. Their contributions were significant to securing the series win, proving that the team’s batting can match the level of its past legend.

The series was not without any incidents. Alzarri Joseph, one of the team’s leading pacers, became involved in a controversial on-field incident, which eventually led to his suspension for the final two ODI’s. While the details of this incident have not been fully disclosed, Joseph’s behaviour has drawn serious attention from the Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the lead coach, Darren Sammy, who issued a statement that describes Joseph’s behaviour as “unacceptable”.

Sammy, a former West Indies captain known for his steady leadership and sportsmanship, vocalized his opinion about the standards expected from his players. He expressed that, while cricket can be aggressive, it must be channelled in a way that upholds the game. Sammy’s comments connect with the West Indies’s goal of discipline with ranks, especially as young players like Joseph take responsibility.

With Joseph’s absence in the final matches, it posed a challenge for the team, particularly within the bowling department, as his pace and accuracy were vital.

Despite this setback, the West Indies bowlers adapted quickly to fill the void of Joseph in the last two games. This incident highlighted the importance of players to maintain composure on the field.

This has shown the team that this controversy revealed the areas where continued growth is necessary, specifically in fostering an atmosphere of discipline and respect on and off the field.

With young talent emerging, the West Indies’ future appears promising. Coach Sammy’s call for professionalism will likely influence how the team approaches future training and international events, reinforcing a culture that prides itself on sportsmanship alongside skills.

This series win has offered fans a glimpse into the team’s potential as they strive for consistency.

The victory over England has provided a strong foundation for the team as they look forward to the upcoming series and tournaments. They will soon be heading to Bangladesh at the end of this year with eight games.