What will you do in a self-defense situation where you
don't have the distance to punch or kick??? What if you are forced into
what we call the "Grappling Range" of fighting??? Grappling isn't just
groundfighting, it is at any point in which you and an attacker come into
the grappling (clinch) range. This is the most neglected range of self-defense
in most martial art systems.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling art that was popularized
in America by the legendary Gracie family. Jiu-Jitsu concentrates on dominating
your opponent by using angles, leverage and superior body positioning
to control an opponents body movement. A person that has a superior position
is in a better situation to apply finishing hold or start striking. This
style allows for a smaller person to defeat a much larger attacker. Jiu-Jitsu
is excellent for women who are often taken to the ground during assaults.
We would recommend this style for men, women and children looking for
a great work-out and realistic self-defense.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai started back in the medieval ages when wars
were fought with bow and arrows, swords and pikes. And in hand-to-hand
combat arms, legs, knees and elbows were also used as weapons. This sport
which was included in military training was made famous by King Naresuan
(1560 A.D.) During one of the many battles between Burma and Siam, he
was captured. The Burmese knew of his prowess as the best unarmed fighter
in the realm and gave him a chance to fight with their best for his freedom.
Upon his return to Siam he was hailed as a here and Siamese-style boxing,
as it was called then, was soon recognized as a national sport. Boxing
in the style reached its zenith of popularity about 200 years ago during
the reign of Prachao Sua (King Tiger), when it was indulged in by all
classes of the population.
From those days up until the early part of this century,
the fighters, particularly those in provinces, used horsehide strips and
later hemp in lieu of gloves. It was also a practice at one time to grind
pieces of glass into the hemp if both contestants agreed. Since these
practices were obviously dangerous to the fighter’s health, regular boxing
gloves were introduced about 50 years ago and have been used ever since.
To the Thais, Muay Thai is regarded as a prestigious national
sport. Thai boys will in one way or another, intentionally or unintentionally,
learn how to box Thai style. Even Thai girls will know enough of the basic
principles and have the ability to use it for self-defense when necessary.
Submission Wrestling
Submission Wrestling is a blend of Freestyle and Greco
Roman Wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, Sombo and Carnival Wrestling. It places emphasis
on the takedown and submission. In real submission wrestling tournaments
the majority of your points are awarded for the takedown, with a limited
amount of time on the ground. This makes for very exciting matches because
immediately after a takedown a competitor must start looking for submissions
no matter what position they are in. The competitors will be stood back
up after 60 seconds, which makes conditioning a must. Jumping to the guard
is a loss of points and all submissions are legal. Most Submission Wrestling
Style events on the eastcoast are ran by primarily Jiu-Jitsu players and
thus are nothing more than Jiu-Jitsu matches without the kimono. Hopefully
this sport will grow.
Combat Sombo
The art of Sombo has rose above all arts for their knowledge
in lower limb manipulation(leg locks). Regarded by some to be a distasteful
type of submission. Those who have ever been made to tap by one of these
holds, know that they are highly effective. Most students introduced to
leglocks learn basic hip, knee, ankle and heel holds. Lower limb manipulation
is much more complicated than that, it is an art of being able to flow
in and out of hundreds of different locking combinations while stretching
tendons, locking joints and causing muscular pain. Trying to escape from
someone who knows this style of flow drilling is very difficult unless
you know them also. Most grapplers will never get to see the full effect
of these holds because they aren’t allowed in most events due to the high
risk of injury. Some are even banned in Sombo matches, but they are allowed
on the street where it really counts.
Sombo, also spelled Sambo, or Cambo, is an abbreviation
of the Russian term "samoo-borona bezoruja’, meaning self-defense without
weapons. It is a system of personal defense against armed and unarmed
opponents. There are two forms of Sombo, sport and combat:
Sport Sombo - a form of wrestling designed for training and
fitness development, in order to master the techniques of self-defense
without weapons. This form consists of only safe techniques and is
the normal format for competitions.
Combat Sombo - a comprehensive system of training for hand
to hand combat without weapons. This form consists of strikes, dangerous
holds, chokes and tactical strategy. Combat Sombo is used to train
the Special Forces of the Russian Military. Unlike other systems of
self-defense, Sport Sombo is an integral part of Combat Sombo and
the primary method of technical, physical and psychological training.
The Sombo system of self defense was created by V.A. Spiridonov,
V.S. Oschepkov and A.A. Harlampiev, all teachers and sportsmen. It is
based on an analysis of different kinds of wrestling and self defense,
including the regional styles of the former USSR and foreign systems of
self defense. The techniques inherent in the Sombo system have theirorigins
in the many varieties of national wrestling, as well as techniques from
jiu-jitsu, judo, aikido and karate.
Combat Sombo is a unique system of self defense which is
both highly practical and effective. Combine it with the pratice of Sport
Sombo and you can be assured that personal readiness for self defense
is always at it’s peak. The training methods and basic techniques of Sport
Sombo are the foundation for a modern and effective system of self defense
and personal fitness.
The organizations which promote Sombo welcome and encourage
you to seek the benefits of this modern and inclusive form of fitness,
self defense and sport.
Fitness Kickboxing
Students who take kickboxing will learn punching and kicking
techniques mixed with a unique blend of body movements. These techniques
are simple and fun to learn. Students must be prepared for an exciting
and very creative workout geared towards everyone, from the student that
has never worked out before to the very advanced student. No matter if
you have FAT to burn, muscles to shape up or just want to stay in shape,
kickboxing has something for you.
