Grappling vs. Striking
If you've ever stepped into our gym or watched MMA, you've probably noticed something interesting: not everyone is fighting the same way. Some people are on their feet, moving and throwing punches or kicks, while others are on the ground, rolling, twisting, and trying to gain control.
These are the two main "families" of martial arts: grappling and striking. Both are exciting, both are effective, and both have their own unique personalities.
What is Grappling?
Grappling is like a physical chess match. The goal isn't to land a punch or a kick; it's to outmaneuver your opponent, gain control, and eventually get them into a position where they can't move or have to "tap" (give up).
Grappling focuses on:
Control – Using your body position and grips to limit your opponent's movement
Takedowns & Throws – Bringing the fight from standing to the ground in a controlled way
Submissions – Using joint locks and chokes to make your opponent submit
Leverage over strength – The beauty of grappling is that a smaller person can overcome a bigger opponent with the right technique
Here's what we teach in the grappling family at our gym:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) – Ground fighting, submissions, and learning to use your opponent's force against them
Judo – Powerful throws, sweeps, and trips designed to put your opponent on the ground quickly
BJJ Masters – A welcoming, low-impact BJJ program for anyone 35+ that focuses on fitness, learning, and longevity
Why do people love grappling? It's safer to practice at full speed, it's a brain workout as much as a body workout, and it's an incredibly practical self-defense tool that doesn't rely on striking.
What is Striking?
Striking is all about hitting with precision, speed, and power, but it's much more than just throwing punches and kicks. Good striking takes balance, footwork, timing, and the ability to defend yourself while attacking.
Striking focuses on:
Punches, kicks, knees, elbows – The "tools" of a striker
Timing and distance – Knowing when to move in, when to back away, and when to counter
Defense – Slipping, blocking, and moving to avoid getting hit
Conditioning – Striking workouts are fast-paced and will push your cardio and endurance to new levels
Here's what we teach in the striking family at our gym:
Boxing – Hands-only striking with an emphasis on head movement, footwork, and combinations
Kickboxing – A blend of punches, kicks, and HIIT cardio. It’s great for stamina, coordination, and fitness
Muay Thai – Known as the "Art of Eight Limbs," using fists, elbows, knees, and shins for a complete striking style
Why do people love striking? It's exciting, builds confidence quickly, and teaches you to stay calm and collected while under pressure.
Which One is Better?
The honest answer: Neither is "better", they're just different.
Grappling teaches control, strategy, and how to defend yourself without striking. Striking teaches precision, speed, and the ability to defend yourself while standing. In Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), fighters train both so they can handle any situation, whether on the ground or on their feet.
Which One Should You Choose?
The best choice comes down to your personality and goals. If you like using leverage to overcome size, you might love grappling. If you like fast action, striking could be your style. If you can't decide... well, that's what MMA is for, you get the best of both worlds! (FYI, you get access to both styles with our unlimited membership!)
Why We Teach Both
We believe martial arts is for everyone: kids, teens, adults, men, women, first-timers, and experienced athletes. Offering both grappling and striking means you can find the style you connect with most, or train in both for a complete skill set.
Whether you're six years old or sixty, whether you're here for competition, fitness, or just fun, you'll find coaches and teammates ready to help you grow in whichever martial arts you choose.
Martial arts isn't just about fighting; it's about building confidence, discipline, and resilience. It's about pushing yourself to be better every day. Grappling and striking may be different paths, but both can lead you to the same destination: a stronger, healthier, more confident you.