The Dynamic Fusion of Striking and Grappling Martial Arts

The dynamic fusion of striking and grappling martial arts brings together the best of both worlds, combining the power and precision of striking techniques with the control and leverage of grappling maneuvers. This hybrid approach not only offers a well-rounded training experience but also equips practitioners with versatile skills for self-defense and competition. Whether it’s the explosive strikes of disciplines like Muay Thai and Taekwondo or the intricate joint locks and takedowns of Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling, the integration of striking and grappling martial arts provides a comprehensive foundation for martial artists to excel in diverse combat scenarios. Achieving proficiency in both striking and grappling ensures that practitioners are adept at close-quarters combat as well as maintaining distance, making them formidable opponents in any fighting context.

Definition of Striking and Grappling Martial Arts

Striking and grappling martial arts are two distinct disciplines within the world of combat sports. Striking martial arts, such as Muay Thai, kickboxing, and karate, focus on using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees to strike an opponent. These disciplines often emphasize powerful and precise striking techniques combined with footwork and agility. On the other hand, grappling martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, and wrestling center on controlling an opponent through clinching, takedowns, throws, joint locks, and chokeholds. Grapplers seek to immobilize or submit their opponents using close-contact techniques and leverage. Both striking and grappling martial arts require dedication, skill, and physical conditioning for practitioners to excel in these dynamic and challenging combat forms.

Striking Martial Arts

Striking martial arts primarily focus on using punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes to incapacitate an opponent. Some well-known examples of striking martial arts include Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Boxing. These disciplines emphasize powerful and precise striking techniques that require a combination of speed, strength, and agility.

In striking martial arts, practitioners often train to improve their footwork, timing, and coordination to deliver effective strikes while evading or blocking incoming attacks. The goal is to generate enough force to knock out or disable an opponent with well-executed strikes.

Grappling Martial Arts

On the other hand, grappling martial arts center on controlling an opponent through clinching, takedowns, throws, joint locks, and submission holds. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Judo, Sambo, and Wrestling are prime examples of grappling martial arts. These disciplines prioritize leverage, technique, and positional dominance over raw strength.

In contrast to striking martial arts, grapplers seek to immobilize or submit their opponents by utilizing body positioning and leverage rather than relying solely on striking prowess. Grappling requires a deep understanding of weight distribution, balance control, and joint manipulation in order to gain the upper hand in a physical confrontation.

Key Differences

The major difference between striking and grappling martial arts lies in their primary methods of engagement. Striking arts excel in stand-up combat scenarios where distance management plays a crucial role. Conversely, grappling arts thrive in close quarters where control over an opponent’s body can lead to advantageous positions for submissions or dominant control.

Benefits of Training in Both Styles

While both striking and grappling martial arts offer unique approaches to combat sports, many practitioners find value in cross-training across both disciplines. By integrating elements from both styles into their training regimen,

Martial artists can develop a more comprehensive skill set that prepares them for diverse combat situations. Cross-training allows individuals to become well-rounded fighters with the ability to adapt to different fighting ranges effectively.

The Importance of Integrating Striking and Grappling Techniques

While striking and grappling are distinct disciplines with their own merits and principles, integrating both techniques is crucial for developing a comprehensive skill set in martial arts. Here are several reasons highlighting the significance of blending striking and grappling techniques:

1. Versatility in Combat Situations: By mastering both striking and grappling techniques, martial artists can adapt to various combat scenarios effectively. Whether it’s engaging in stand-up exchanges or transitioning seamlessly into clinch or ground fighting situations, versatility empowers practitioners to remain capable in diverse confrontations.
2. Balanced Skill Development: Training in both striking and grappling ensures a holistic development of physical attributes such as strength, agility, flexibility, endurance and coordination.
3. Strategic Advantage: Understanding how to seamlessly transition between striking and grappling tactics provides practitioners with a tactical advantage during fights by keeping opponents guessing about their next move.
4. Self-Defense Proficiency: In real-life self-defense situations where physical altercations may occur at close quarters or involve multiple assailants, The ability to blend striking and grappling techniques enhances one’s capacity to defend against potential threats effectively while minimizing harm to oneself.
5. Enhanced Physical Fitness: Martial artists who integrate striking and grappling techniques into their training routines experience a comprehensive improvement in overall fitness levels including cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and core stability, resulting in better physical conditioning and well-being.

History and Origins

The history and origins of striking and grappling martial arts can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as China, Japan, and India. These disciplines have developed over centuries, with each culture contributing its unique techniques and philosophies. Striking martial arts, such as karate and taekwondo, focus on powerful kicks, punches, and strikes. On the other hand, grappling martial arts like judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu emphasize controlling an opponent through techniques like throws, joint locks, and submission holds. A deep-rooted tradition of discipline, respect, and physical prowess characterized the rich history of these martial arts. Today, they continue to captivate practitioners and enthusiasts worldwide with their profound cultural significance and practical self-defense applications.

Evolution of Striking Martial Arts

The art of striking in combat is as old as human civilization itself. From the earliest forms of hand-to-hand combat to the refined techniques practiced in contemporary martial arts academies, striking martial arts has developed significantly over time.

1. Ancient Origins: The roots of striking martial arts can be traced back to various ancient civilizations such as China, India, and Japan. These ancient forms of combat focused on utilizing punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes to overpower opponents in battle.
2. Cultural Influences: As civilizations interacted through trade and conquest, different styles of striking martial arts began to cross-pollinate. This led to the development of diverse disciplines such as Kung Fu in China, Karate in Japan, Muay Thai in Thailand, and Taekwondo in Korea.
3. Modern Developments: With the globalization of martial arts and organized competitions such as MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), striking techniques from different traditions have merged to create hybrid fighting systems that continue to develop and innovate.

Development of Grappling Martial Arts

In contrast to striking martial arts, grappling focuses on close-range combat involving throws, joint locks, holds, and ground fighting techniques. The history of grappling martial arts is equally intriguing and has contributed significantly to the overall landscape of combat sports.

1. Ancient Roots: Grappling can be traced back to ancient wrestling traditions found in cultures across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. These ancient forms emphasized leverage, body control, and submission holds as essential components of combat.
2. Integration with Weaponry: Many grappling techniques were originally developed for armed combat scenarios where warriors needed to immobilize or incapacitate adversaries without necessarily causing lethal harm.
3. Evolution into Sporting Disciplines: Over time, traditional grappling methods developed into organized sports such as Judo in Japan, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in Brazil, Sambo in Russia, and Wrestling in various cultures around the world.
4. Contemporary Influence: Grappling martial arts have gained widespread popularity because of their effectiveness in self-defense situations and their inclusion in competitive platforms like Olympic wrestling and professional MMA events.

Principles of Striking Techniques

The principles of striking techniques in martial arts, understanding the fundamentals is essential for mastering effective combat skills. Whether in striking or grappling martial arts, practitioners must focus on proper body mechanics, timing, and precision to deliver powerful and accurate strikes. These techniques involve utilizing various parts of the body, such as fists, elbows, knees, and legs, to generate force while maintaining balance and agility. Additionally, footwork and defensive strategies play a crucial role in executing successful strikes and defending against opponents.

Basic Strikes

1. Punches: Punches are one of the most basic and effective striking techniques in martial arts. Whether it’s a jab, cross, hook, or uppercut, each punch requires proper form and timing to deliver maximum impact.
2. Kicks: Kicks are powerful tools that can be used to strike with both speed and force. From front kicks to roundhouse kicks and side kicks, understanding the mechanics behind each kick is crucial for executing them effectively.
3. Elbows and Knees: Close-range strikes such as elbows and knees are valuable assets in any martial artist’s arsenal. These strikes require precise positioning and leverage to generate significant power.

Footwork and Body Mechanics

1. Stance: A solid stance forms the foundation for effective striking techniques. Proper weight distribution and balance are essential for generating power while maintaining mobility.
2. Movement: Footwork plays a pivotal role in creating openings for strikes and evading incoming attacks. Mastering movement patterns such as pivoting, shuffling, and angling can significantly enhance a practitioner’s striking capabilities.
3. Body Mechanics: Understanding how to generate power from the entire body is key to delivering impactful strikes. Utilizing hip rotation, core engagement, and proper alignment maximizes the force behind each strike.

Strategy and Timing

1. Distance Management: Knowing how to control distance between oneself and an opponent is critical for executing effective strikes while minimizing exposure to counterattacks.
2. Feints and Setups: Strategic feints and setups can deceive opponents, creating opportunities to land decisive strikes with precision timing.
3. Counter-Striking: The ability to capitalize on an opponent’s movements by countering with well-timed strikes is an advanced skill that requires keen observation and split-second decision-making.

Principles of Grappling Techniques

The principles of grappling techniques in striking and grappling martial arts, understanding leverage, positioning, and control is essential. Grappling techniques focus on using body mechanics and technique to gain an advantage over an opponent, often involving close-contact moves such as throws, takedowns, joint locks, and pins. These techniques are crucial for self-defense and combat sports like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and wrestling. By mastering the principles of grappling techniques, practitioners can effectively neutralize an opponent’s striking ability and maneuver them into a disadvantaged position. Learning these principles is fundamental for any martial artist looking to excel in both striking and grappling disciplines.

Takedowns and Throws

Takedowns and throws are crucial components of any effective grappling strategy. These techniques are designed to off-balance and bring an opponent to the ground, gaining a dominant position in a fight. From traditional Judo throws to wrestling takedowns, mastering these skills requires a combination of timing, leverage, and body mechanics.

When executing takedowns and throws, practitioners must focus on proper footwork, hip placement, and control over their opponent’s center of gravity. Understanding the principles of weight distribution and momentum is key to successfully executing these techniques. By incorporating these principles into your training regimen, you can develop a formidable arsenal of takedown maneuvers that can be applied in various combat scenarios.

Ground Fighting

Once the fight transitions to the ground, proficiency in ground fighting becomes essential. This aspect of grappling involves maintaining control over your opponent while utilizing leverage and body positioning to gain advantageous positions such as mount, side control, or back control. Ground fighting also encompasses techniques for escaping unfavorable positions and transitioning into submission opportunities.

Effective ground fighting demands a high degree of technical proficiency combined with strategic thinking. Practitioners must cultivate an understanding of pressure management, limb control, and transitional movements to establish dominance on the ground. By honing these skills through dedicated practice and drilling, individuals can enhance their ability to dictate the flow of a fight when it goes to the mat.

Submission Hold and Joint Locks

Submission holds and joint locks represent the culmination of grappling techniques in martial arts. These techniques are designed to immobilize or manipulate an opponent by applying pressure to vulnerable joints or inducing chokeholds that lead to a concession from the other party.

From classic submissions like armlocks and chokes to more intricate joint manipulation techniques found in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), mastering these holds requires precision and finesse. Understanding anatomical principles such as joint alignment and leverage points is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of submission attempts while minimizing unnecessary exertion.

Common Styles and Systems

Striking and grappling martial arts, there are several common styles and systems that enthusiasts can explore. Striking martial arts such as Muay Thai, kickboxing, and karate focus on powerful punches, kicks, and elbow strikes. These disciplines emphasize agility, speed, and precision. On the other hand, grappling martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, and wrestling concentrate on takedowns, joint locks, and ground fighting techniques. Practitioners of these styles learn how to control opponents through leverage and technique rather than striking. Each of these styles offers unique benefits in terms of physical fitness, self-defense skills, and mental discipline.

Striking Martial Arts

Striking and grappling martial arts are disciplines that focus on both stand-up and ground fighting techniques. In striking martial arts, practitioners utilize powerful kicks, punches, elbows, and knee strikes to incapacitate opponents. These techniques are often employed in sports like Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and Karate. On the other hand, grappling martial arts emphasize controlling an opponent without striking, using techniques such as joint locks, throws, and submission holds. Popular forms of grappling martial arts include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Wrestling. Both striking and grappling martial arts offer a comprehensive approach to self-defense and physical fitness while also providing valuable mental discipline and focus.

Muay Thai: The Art of Eight Limbs

Let’s kick things off with Muay Thai, often referred to as “The Art of Eight Limbs.” This ancient martial art originates from Thailand and is known for its powerful striking techniques using fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Muay Thai practitioners are revered for their incredible strength, agility, and mental fortitude. The training regimen includes intense conditioning drills, pad work, and sparring sessions that develop not only physical prowess but also mental focus and discipline.

Karate: The Way of the Empty Hand

Next up is Karate, which originated in Okinawa before spreading globally. Karate focuses on striking techniques such as punches, kicks, knee strikes, and open-hand techniques. It emphasizes both offensive and defensive moves along with proper breathing and body positioning. Practitioners of Karate embody values such as respect, humility, perseverance, and self-discipline. Through dedicated training in katas (forms) and kumite (sparring), Karate practitioners hone their skills while cultivating a strong sense of character.

Taekwondo: The Korean Art of Kicking

Last but certainly not least is Taekwondo – the Korean martial art renowned for its dynamic kicking techniques. Taekwondo places a strong emphasis on flexibility, agility, speed, and precision when executing powerful kicks. It also incorporates hand strikes and blocks as part of its comprehensive curriculum. With its emphasis on disciplined footwork patterns (poomsae) and exhilarating sparring matches (kyorugi), Taekwondo provides practitioners with a holistic approach to physical fitness and self-defense while fostering indomitable spirit.

Grappling Martial Arts

Grappling martial arts, also known as submission wrestling, focus on close combat and controlling an opponent through techniques such as clinch fighting, throws, and ground fighting. Unlike striking martial arts which emphasize punches and kicks, grappling martial arts prioritize techniques like joint locks, chokes, and holds. This discipline is essential for self-defense as it enables practitioners to neutralize an opponent without relying on striking. Grappling martial arts provide a comprehensive approach to combat sports and self-defense by incorporating both striking and grappling techniques for a well-rounded skill set.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has gained immense popularity in recent years, thanks to its effectiveness in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions. Originating from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, BJJ places a strong emphasis on ground fighting and submission holds. Practitioners learn how to leverage their body weight and technique to control opponents and force them into submission using joint locks or chokeholds.

In BJJ training, practitioners spar with full resistance, allowing them to test their skills against resisting opponents in a safe environment. This practical approach to training has made BJJ a highly effective self-defense system for individuals of all ages and genders.

Judo

Judo, which translates to “gentle way,” is another formidable grappling martial art that focuses on throws, takedowns, and groundwork. Founded by Jigoro Kano in Japan in the late 19th century, Judo places an emphasis on using an opponent’s energy against them through skillful off-balancing techniques before executing powerful throws or takedowns.

One of the key principles of Judo is maximum efficiency with minimum effort – practitioners learn how to use momentum and leverage to overcome larger or stronger opponents. Beyond its effectiveness as a combat sport, Judo also instills valuable principles such as respect, discipline, and mental fortitude.

Wrestling

Wrestling has a rich history that spans cultures across the globe. Whether it’s folk style wrestling in the United States or Greco-Roman wrestling on the international stage, wrestling is known for its intense physical demands and technical prowess. Wrestlers engage in close-quarters combat with the goal of controlling their opponent through various grips, holds, and takedowns.

Wrestling not only builds physical strength but also enhances agility, flexibility, and mental toughness. Its inclusion in competitive sports such as the Olympic Games showcases its status as one of the oldest and most respected grappling martial arts.

Training Methods

Training in striking and grappling martial arts, there are various effective methods that practitioners can utilize to enhance their skills. For striking martial arts such as Muay Thai or kickboxing, training often involves techniques like shadowboxing, heavy bag work, focus mitt drills, and sparring sessions. On the other hand, for grappling martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or wrestling, training methods may include drilling takedowns, practicing submissions on grappling dummies, positional sparring, and live rolling sessions. Both striking and grappling martial arts also commonly incorporate strength and conditioning exercises to improve overall physical fitness and endurance.

Solo Drills for Striking

Solo drills are an essential component of any martial artist’s training regimen. They allow practitioners to develop precision, speed, and power in their strikes while also improving footwork and overall body coordination. Incorporating solo drills into your routine can significantly enhance your striking abilities. Here are some solo drills that can help elevate your striking game:

1. Shadow Boxing: Shadow boxing is a fundamental solo drill that allows practitioners to practice various striking techniques such as punches, kicks, and evasive movements. It helps improve form, agility, and fluidity in striking combinations.
2. Heavy Bag Work: Utilizing a heavy bag for striking drills is an excellent way to develop power and endurance. Practitioners can work on perfecting their strikes by focusing on technique, timing, and impact force.
3. Focus Mitt Drills: Partnering up with a coach or training partner for focus mitt drills can simulate real-life sparring scenarios while refining accuracy, speed, and defensive maneuvers.

Partner Drills for Grappling

Grappling martial arts require close-quarters combat techniques that involve throws, holds, and submissions. Partner drills play a crucial role in developing proficiency in grappling by allowing practitioners to practice techniques in a controlled but dynamic setting. Here are some partner drills that can enhance your grappling skills:

1. Takedown Drills: Practicing takedowns with a partner helps improve timing, balance, and execution of takedown techniques essential for successful grappling exchanges.
2. Submission Flow Drill: This drill involves partners taking turns executing submission attempts while the other defends and counters with their own submissions. It enhances awareness of transitions and submission defense.
3. Positional Sparring: Focusing on specific positions such as side control or mount during sparring sessions with a partner helps refine positional dominance and submission setups.

Sparring and Rolling

Sparring and rolling are indispensable components of martial arts training that provide practitioners with invaluable real-world experience in applying their skills against resisting opponents. These live-action scenarios foster adaptability, strategy development, and the ability to perform under pressure.

In striking martial arts, sparring allows practitioners to test their striking combinations against live opponents while also honing defensive maneuvers under realistic conditions.

In grappling martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or wrestling, rolling (live ground sparring) enables practitioners to apply their takedown techniques, positional control, and submissions against resisting opponents.

Incorporating regular sparring sessions into your training routine is essential for bridging the gap between technique practice and real-world application.

Cross-Training and Integration

Cross-training and integration are essential components of martial arts development, particularly when incorporating both striking and grappling techniques. By combining elements from striking and grappling martial arts, practitioners can enhance their overall skill set, adapt to diverse combat scenarios, and improve their physical conditioning. Cross-training allows individuals to gain a comprehensive understanding of various martial arts disciplines, leading to a more well-rounded approach to self-defense and combat sports. Integration of striking and grappling techniques fosters versatility and adaptability, equipping martial artists with the ability to effectively respond to different fighting styles and tactics. Embracing the synergy between striking and grappling martial arts not only broadens one’s technical repertoire but also promotes holistic growth within the realm of martial arts practice.

Benefits of Cross-Training

1. Enhanced Skill Development: Cross-training in striking and grappling martial arts allows practitioners to develop a diverse set of skills, including striking techniques such as punches, kicks, and elbows, as well as grappling techniques like takedowns, submissions, and ground control. This comprehensive approach not only enhances overall proficiency but also fosters adaptability in various combat scenarios.
2. Improved Physical Conditioning: Engaging in both striking and grappling activities provides a full-body workout that targets different muscle groups. Striking exercises promote explosive power, speed, and agility, while grappling activities focus on strength, endurance, and flexibility. The combination of these training modalities contributes to improved cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, and overall physical conditioning.
3. Mental Agility and Strategy: Integrating multiple martial arts disciplines cultivates mental agility by requiring practitioners to adapt their strategies based on the specific demands of each style. This cognitive flexibility enhances critical thinking skills, decision-making abilities, and tactical awareness during combat situations.
4. Injury Prevention: Cross-training allows individuals to balance the physical stresses placed on their bodies by diversifying movement patterns and reducing the risk of overuse injuries commonly associated with repetitive training in a single discipline.
5. Holistic Approach to Self-Defense: By mastering both striking and grappling techniques, martial artists gain a holistic understanding of self-defense principles that encompass stand-up engagements and ground-based confrontations. This comprehensive skill set equips individuals with a versatile toolkit for effectively addressing different types of threats.

Techniques for Bridging the Gap

1. Participate in Integrated Classes: Seek out martial arts schools or training programs that offer integrated classes specifically designed to blend striking and grappling techniques. These classes provide a structured environment where practitioners can learn how to seamlessly transition between different aspects of combat.
2. Focus on Transitional Movements: Emphasize transitional movements that link striking combinations with takedown setups or clinch entries followed by submission attempts on the ground. Practicing fluid transitions helps bridge the gap between striking and grappling by developing smooth sequences of offensive maneuvers.
3. Incorporate Sparring Drills: Engage in sparring drills that simulate realistic combat scenarios involving both striking exchanges and ground encounters. By incorporating controlled sparring sessions into training routines, martial artists can refine their ability to seamlessly integrate striking and grappling tactics in real-time situations.
4. Study Hybrid Martial Arts Systems: Explore hybrid martial arts systems that inherently combine elements of striking and grappling disciplines, such as mixed martial arts (MMA), which integrates various fighting styles into one cohesive framework.
5. Seek Guidance from Experienced Coaches: Consult with experienced coaches or instructors who possess expertise in both striking and grappling martial arts. Their guidance can provide valuable insights into effective integration strategies tailored to individual skill levels and learning preferences.

Competition and Applications

Competition and applications in the world of martial arts, both striking and grappling disciplines play a vital role. Striking martial arts, such as karate, taekwondo, and kickboxing, emphasize powerful and precise strikes using the hands, feet, elbows, and knees. On the other hand, grappling martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling focus on controlling an opponent through techniques like takedowns, joint locks, and chokes. These two categories offer diverse strategies for combat sports competitions and self-defense situations.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Mixed Martial Arts, often referred to as MMA, has gained widespread popularity in recent years, attracting enthusiasts from all walks of life. This combat sport incorporates techniques from various traditional martial arts disciplines, including striking and grappling, to create a versatile and effective form of self-defense and competitive sport.

1. Striking Techniques: MMA encompasses a wide range of striking techniques derived from disciplines such as Muay Thai, Boxing, and Kickboxing. Practitioners learn to deliver powerful punches, kicks, elbows, and knees with precision and efficiency. These striking skills are essential for both offensive and defensive strategies in MMA competitions.
2. Grappling Techniques: Besides striking, MMA places a strong emphasis on grappling techniques borrowed from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Wrestling. Grapplers are trained to control opponents on the ground, execute submissions, and apply takedowns effectively. The seamless integration of striking and grappling makes MMA a well-rounded discipline suitable for real-world self-defense scenarios as well as professional competition.

Self-Defense Applications

For individuals seeking practical self-defense skills without the intention of competing in organized bouts or tournaments, self-defense applications offer invaluable training tailored for real-life situations.

1. Striking Martial Arts: Various striking martial arts such as Karate, Taekwondo, Krav Maga, and Kung Fu provide individuals with an arsenal of powerful strikes designed to neutralize threats swiftly and decisively. These disciplines emphasize techniques that can be applied in close quarters or open spaces to fend off attackers effectively.
2. Grappling Martial Arts: On the other hand, grappling-focused martial arts like Aikido and Hapkido focus on using an assailant’s energy against them through throws, joint locks, and restraining maneuvers. By mastering these techniques, individuals can subdue aggressors while minimizing the risk of harm to themselves or others.

Conclusion

Striking and Grappling Martial Arts: The world of striking and grappling martial arts is rich and diverse, offering a wide range of techniques, philosophies, and benefits for practitioners. Whether you are drawn to the explosive power of striking arts like Muay Thai or the intricate ground-based techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, these disciplines provide a holistic approach to physical fitness, self-defense, and personal growth. By emphasizing discipline, respect, and continuous learning, practitioners of striking and grappling martial arts can cultivate not only their physical capabilities but also their mental fortitude and emotional resilience. As we have explored the unique characteristics and advantages of these two styles, both striking and grappling martial arts contribute to a well-rounded approach to combat sports and self-improvement. Whether one’s goal is to compete at a high level, stay in shape, or develop practical self-defense skills, the study of striking and grappling martial arts offers something valuable for everyone.