Nowadays, most sports evolution comes from using better tools and technologies that increase athletic performance. But remember, we are using “tools” to push our boundaries beyond their limits; it is not that we are more gifted than our ancestors; it is simply...

Setting up and landing knees can be tricky. As you have to get within close quarters to land them and avoid counters or being controlled by the opponent. With knees in the clinch you can have your opponent preoccupied with hand controls or...

When two athletes meet in the middle of the ring it often becomes a game of who can land the more effective strikes. Getting in close to your opponent so you can execute a knockout, can sometimes prove to be a difficult task....

As an athlete competing in combative sports, you need to develop your skills as a striker. A fighter can work hard on refining their power or technique in their punches, but there is more to striking than meets the eye. To become a...

  Nowadays in all forms of combat sports, utilizing a lead leg kick is very common and is an extremely effective weapon. It can be used to keep your opponent at a distance away from you or it can be great for you...

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again—body shots win fights.  They are a great way to drain stamina from your opponent and can end a contest outright if they were not expecting a little fire to the gut. Once a beginning...

Kickboxing is known for its intense combination and work capacity, mixing kicks and punches in a way that complements each other, so the combination is devastating and smoothly applied. The idea of mixing our attacks is crucial to understand as all our attacks...

  Striking in Martial Arts can be a dangerous prospect, especially when you step in to throw a jab at your opponent. When you close the distance on your opponent you put yourself inside their range, this can be troublesome as your opponent...

   All striking martial arts have the same elements, offense, defense and counter offense. If you're a martial artist who wants to have a good offense then you need to understand the principles behind having good defenses. Learning a vast array of different...

  Having the ability to create angles with your footwork after throwing a combo will dramatically increase your chances of beating your opponent. While they are trying to catch you and counter, you’re already on their peripheral giving them all the smoke they...

Countering the Jab is one of the most important skills practitioners need to develop as they get better. The Jab is the most used punch in boxing, and even in MMA today, we see it used as better strikers enter the scene. The...

The knee strikes are the bread and butter of Muay Thai, and there’s a good reason for that; it’s a powerful strike that carries tremendous force with it, which can break even the most formidable opponents. Muay Thai fighters love throwing the knees,...

  It doesn’t matter if you’re new to striking in combat sports or a seasoned veteran—developing and drilling fundamentals is the cornerstone to any successful fighter’s training. Far too often, those with natural talent gloss over the basics once they become intermediate fighters....

In martial arts, footwork is a vast subject covering more areas than all other aspects of fighting. For example, when we look at boxing, we tend to overlook that an essential part of the sport is footwork, even though it is known as...

Developing a razor-sharp straight punch—also known as a cross punch—is one of the first steps a fighter can do to become an excellent striker. The punch is a critical component of the one-two combo and has been known to ring more bells than...

It is well known that studying your opponent and using a game plan is important and can be very beneficial in a fight. Especially when it is a technique or trick you already drill and use. Here Wonderboy Stephen Thompson who uses movement...

Throwing a good jab-Cross or a one-two if using the number system is fundamental in boxing. When learning how to punch the first day in training you will probably be shown a one-two. There are good variations of a one-two and you need...

The Roundhouse kick is one of the most popular kicks in Muay Thai. It has become famous due to its effectiveness in many different competitions like MMA and kickboxing, where it used to inflict a lot of damage and possibly finish the fight....

  There is certainly a mastery to refining your striking techniques, you need to master the ability to stay focused and keep yourself covered up while trying to land shots of your own. Once you have your opponent hurt then follow up and...

Unlearning Basic Mechanics Trevor Wittman has some bad news for you: every step you’ve ever taken in your regular life has been reinforcement of incorrect boxing footwork. Too often, we learn proper punching techniques with our upper body and then target footwork on...