Fighting sports include many styles that test strength, skill, and strategy. Events involve striking, grappling, mixed martial arts, traditional martial arts, and weapon competitions, each with its own rules. Matches like boxing, judo, and fencing show the different ways people compete. Learning the Different Types of Fighting Sports and their Names helps readers describe matches, talk about techniques, and learn with pictures or with their pictures in clubs or competitions.
In This Page
Complete List of Fighting Sports Names and Martial Arts
Fighting sports include various disciplines where athletes test strength and skill. Here’s a complete list of fighting sports and martial arts names covering popular, traditional, and modern disciplines, helping learners identify styles and discuss matches confidently in clubs or tournaments.
- Boxing
- Kickboxing
- Muay Thai
- Karate
- Taekwondo
- Judo
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
- Wrestling
- Sambo
- Kung Fu
- Kendo
- Aikido
- Hapkido
- Capoeira
- Sumo
- Jeet Kune Do
- Savate
- Krav Maga
- Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
- Pancrase
- Vale Tudo
- Lethwei
- Pencak Silat
- Jujutsu
- Ninjutsu
- Shorinji Kempo
- Systema
- Wing Chun
- Shootfighting
- Glima
Striking Martial Arts
Striking martial arts focus on punches, kicks, and fast attacks. They require speed, timing, and agility. Below is a list of popular striking fighting sports and competitions:
- Boxing Competitions: Olympic boxing, Golden Gloves tournaments, Commonwealth Games boxing, WBO and IBF title fights.
- Kickboxing and Muay Thai Events: Glory Kickboxing tournaments, KOK (King of Kings) promotions, IFMA World Championships, Rajadamnern Stadium fights.
- Karate Tournaments: WKF Junior Championships, Shitoryu competitions, European Karate Championships, Karate1 Premier League events.
Grappling Martial Arts
Grappling sports emphasize throws, locks, and ground control. These require balance, technique, and endurance. Popular grappling fighting sports include:
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Matches: ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship, IBJJF No-Gi events, Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu Championships.
- Judo Competitions: Grand Slam events, Grand Prix tournaments, World Judo Championships.
- Sambo and Submission Wrestling: World Sambo Championships, Grapplers Quest competitions, European Sambo Championships.
Mixed Martial Arts
MMA combines striking and grappling from multiple martial arts. It demands versatility and strategy. Major MMA competitions include:
- Professional and Amateur MMA Events: UFC, Bellator MMA, Cage Warriors, Legacy Fighting Alliance, Invicta FC.
Traditional Martial Arts
Traditional martial arts focus on heritage, forms, and structured techniques. Popular examples include:
- Taekwondo Competitions: ITF tournaments, European Taekwondo Championships, World Taekwondo Championships.
- Kung Fu Styles: International Wushu competitions, Shaolin open tournaments, traditional forms events.
- Wrestling Variants: Asian Games wrestling, NCAA competitions, European Wrestling Championships.
Combat Sports Types with Weapons
Weapon-based martial arts focus on swords, sticks, or other tools. They require precision and control:
- Fencing Tournaments: World Cup series, Youth Olympic fencing, European Fencing Championships.
- Kendo Competitions: All Japan Kendo Championship, World Kendo Federation events.
- Stick Fighting Events: World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation tournaments, national stick fighting competitions.
Youth and Adaptive Fighting Sports Names
These competitions adapt martial arts for younger or differently-abled athletes:
- Junior Competitions: Youth Olympic Martial Arts events, Cadet World Championships, national junior tournaments.
- Paralympic Fighting Events: Adaptive judo championships, Boccia combat-like events, international adaptive martial arts competitions.
Rare Fighting Disciplines
Rare disciplines have unique cultural or traditional significance:
- Sumo Wrestling: Junior sumo tournaments, International Sumo Federation competitions, national sumo events.
- Lethwei Matches: International Lethwei Federation Japan events, traditional Myanmar festivals, regional Lethwei competitions.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of fighting sports and their names allows learners to identify competitions, describe martial arts techniques, and talk about these sports confidently in clubs, communities, and educational contexts.
FAQs about Different Types of Fighting Sports
Fighting sports are mainly divided into striking, grappling, mixed martial arts, traditional martial arts, and weapon-based disciplines. Each type focuses on different techniques, rules, and competitions.
Striking martial arts use punches, kicks, and fast attacks, while grappling focuses on throws, locks, and ground control. Examples include Boxing for striking and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for grappling.
MMA combines both striking and grappling techniques from various martial arts. Competitions like UFC and Bellator MMA feature fighters using multiple styles in one match.
Yes, there are junior competitions for young athletes and adaptive events for differently-abled athletes, including Paralympic Judo and youth martial arts championships.
Rare fighting sports include Sumo Wrestling, Lethwei, and traditional martial arts with cultural significance. These often have specialized tournaments and regional competitions.
Read More
