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Erica Fong

Many martial arts forms are believed to have originated in the East, but the West has its fair share of combat sports that are more or less just as lethal. Using a mix of original and borrowed techniques from other martial arts forms – from hand-to-hand combat to grappling on the ground – find out which Western martial arts form is best for you:
1. Boxing


What is it? One of the oldest sports known to humankind, boxing is a combat sport where two people fight hand-to-hand in a boxing ring for multiple rounds, overseen by a referee. Although fist fights have existed since the dawn of time, boxing as an official sport dates back to Ancient Greece when it was first introduced at the Olympic Games in 688BC.
Who does it? Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, Sylvester Stallone, Will Smith
Any safety issues? Besides bruises to the face and body, boxers are also susceptible to fractures, cuts, dislocation of the shoulders and concussions (or worse, brain damage) if they get knocked out.
How fit do I have to be? Due to the fast pace of boxing and its high cardio demands, it helps to have a good base level of fitness, plus flexibility and agility.
Recommended for? Fans of Rocky movies and fist-to-fist combat.
Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather fight it out on Instagram
2. Brazilian jiu-jitsu


What is it? Adapted from the Japanese martial art form of jujutsu, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is all about fighting on the ground and forcing your opponent to submit through different choke holds and joint locks. Using these techniques, those who are smaller and weaker than their opponents are able to gain the upper hand in a fight.
Who does it? Roger Gracie, Keanu Reeves, Jim Carrey, Milla Jovovich, Guy Ritchie
Any safety issues? BJJ is one of the safest martial arts forms due to the fact that most of the action takes place on the ground and striking is not allowed.
How fit do I have to be? Not very fit at all.
Recommended for? People of all ages and sizes who don’t mind grappling on the ground.
Why Hong Kong star JuJu Chan gets a kick from Bruce Lee
3. Krav Maga


Any safety issues? Practising Krav Maga is quite safe as there is protective gear and strikes are “signalled” rather than executed. Krav Maga in real life, however, can cause real injury.
How fit do I have to be? There is no need to be extremely fit, but core stability and flexibility will come in handy.
Recommended for? Anyone who wants to kick it and be a real threat on the street.
4. Wrestling


What is it? Dating back to Egypt circa 2000 BC, wrestling is one of the oldest grappling types of combat sport that involves throws, takedowns, clinches, joint locks, pins and holds. Not to be confused with professional wrestling, which is purely for entertainment, the ultimate objective of wrestling is to put your opponent on his/her back.
Who does it? Mark Ruffalo, Tony Danza, Bruce Willis
Any safety issues? Wrestling is one of the safest forms of martial arts, but minor injuries can include muscle sprains, mat burn and bruises.
How fit do I have to be? A high level of fitness is recommended for wrestling in addition to strength and flexibility.
Recommended for? Those who don’t mind a little spandex.
Which stars do martial arts – and which discipline is for you?
Mixed martial arts (MMA) 




















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I’ll be back.
A post shared by Conor McGregor Official (@thenotoriousmma) on Oct 7, 2018 at 2:58am PDT



What is it? One of the world’s fastest growing sports, MMA is a full-contact combat style of fighting that combines techniques from different martial arts forms including judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and boxing.
Who does it? Conor McGregor, Chris Pratt, Gisele Bundchen
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Any safety issues? MMA fights can get quite bloody, and since many of them end in a knockout or total knockout, concussions are a real possibility.
How fit do I have to be? Very fit, with excellent endurance, strength and power.
Recommended for? Anyone who is willing (and ready) to get a fist or foot to the face, and return the favour.
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