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Muay Thai Kickboxing vs Boxing: Comparing the Two

Muay Thai Kickboxing Muay Thai kickboxing is a derivative martial art form that is originally from Thailand, with a long heritage of practitioners dating back more than 2,000 years ago. Also known as the “art of 8 limbs”, the distinctive feature of Muay Thai kickboxing is the use of 8 points across the body for striking — the two fists, two legs, two elbows, and two knees. What makes Muay Thai kickboxing so popular (and effective) as a martial art is how versatile it is compared to other forms of combat sports that usually only rely on fists and legs. In fact, kickboxing techniques are commonly used by the top mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes in tournaments and global competitions. Boxing Boxing is a classic combat sport that, like Muay Thai kickboxing also focuses on striking arts, but with only the fists. Not just about hitting hard, boxing also has a focus on footwork for evasion and positioning, as well as defensive stances to protect key parts of the body such as the head and abdomen. Avid boxing practitioners often mention that boxing is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one — fighters are required to think on their feet and develop their own strategies all while facing off against an opponent who may be able to knock them out with a well-placed strike. Comparing Muay Thai Kickboxing vs Boxing There has been a persistent discussion among martial arts enthusiasts about whether Muay Thai kickboxing or boxing is the better martial art. While there’s no definitive answer, both Muay Thai kickboxing and boxing each have standout points of their own that apply to different goals of learning them. Training focus Muay Thai kickboxing training involves conditioning the body for strength, flexibility, and agility, as most of the techniques for designed to be applied in very close proximity to an opponent. Strikes with the elbow or knee have less range than a punch or an extended kick, and kickboxing practitioners will be trained to execute them effectively even in narrow spaces. Boxing, on the other hand, focuses more on cardiovascular endurance, reaction time, and precision. Spacing is a big part of boxing training — students will learn how to keep their opponent at a distance and look for opportunities to strike before committing to it. Suitability for self-defence Muay Thai kickboxing focuses on close combat techniques such as clinch fighting, which is applied when practitioners are within an arm’s length of their opponent. Being able to fight up close with an opponent is a speciality of Muay Thai kickboxing, which naturally makes it more suitable for real-life situations where aggressors tend to close the distance quickly. Boxing does teach defence and striking skills but in the context of being able to outlast an opponent, which may not suit self-defence scenarios where time is of the essence. Ease of learning It’s widely accepted that it is much easier for a beginner to learn boxing than compared to Muay Thai kickboxing. Boxing training covers many fundamental techniques that are core to other martial arts, such as how to throw a punch or how to guard the body from attacks. Kickboxing techniques are much more complex and generally take longer to master, but that’s not to say that they are not achievable for those new to martial arts. Is learning boxing or Muay Thai kickboxing better for kids? Both types of martial arts can be taught to children from as young as 6 years old. At this age, training is tailored to focus less on the technical execution of moves and more on the physical and mental development of students. The choice will ultimately come down to the interest of the child, as well as the availability of a marital arts provider with a good track record for hosting martial arts programs for kids. At UMF, we offer both boxing and kickboxing for kids under one combined program. Our classes not only focus on the fun and fundamental aspects of the training, but also incorporate the #1 Character Development System in Townsville to foster important values like respect, discipline, and self-control within students.

What is MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is one of the most popular combat sports today, with InsideSport estimating that it has a close following of over 30 million people worldwide.Here in Australia, MMA has seen an increase in popularity among spectators and practitioners alike, with the number of amateur MMA fighters in NSW alone rising by 22% from 2017 to 2024. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to get fit, learn a new skill, or kickstart training for an amateur fighting career, MMA promises to be one of the most heart-pounding and intense forms of combat sports you can learn. Introduction to MMA The MMA was first established as a sport in 1980, growing in popularity among fighters until the first official MMA event was held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993. Despite its modern influences from various martial arts forms across the world, records of mixed martial art competitions exist as far back as the days of the Ancient Greeks where soldiers would compete in fights with one another using a mix of striking and wrestling techniques. Techniques and martial arts used in MMA Today, MMA fighting is defined as a hybrid combat sport that incorporates multiple techniques from martial arts including boxing, judo, Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, and many others. Striking techniques using the arms and legs — commonly from boxing, Muay Thai kickboxing, and even Wing Chun Kung Fu. Grappling techniques used to subdue or immobilise opponents — martial arts techniques from Brazilian jiu jitsu, judo, and wrestling. Movement techniques that focus on positioning and evasion — techniques from Wing Chun are used to redirect opposing strikes, as well as footwork from boxing and Muay Thai. Mixed martial arts rules and regulations MMA fights rely on a clearly defined set of rules that inform the fighter what they are allowed and not allowed to do during a fight. Some of the most common fighting rules include: No blows to the back of the head, spine, or throat. No gouging, hair pulling, biting, or attacks to the groin. No kicking of a downed opponent (some attacks where both fighters are on the ground are permitted). These rules are in place to keep both fighters safe from severe, life-altering injuries. MMA training retains all of the same rules as the sport but involves significantly less risk for injuries. This is because most MMA training revolves around the honing of certain techniques rather than trying to overcome an opponent. Fighting against another opponent in sparring sessions does happen at higher levels of training, but is only conducted under close supervision from trainers and with both fighters wearing heavily-padded protective gear. Can you learn MMA without competing? Yes! Many practitioners train in MMA not to compete, but for their own personal reasons. Learning MMA without the intention to compete in any fights has real benefits including: Maintaining personal fitness Losing weight As a way to de-stress Improving self confidence Learning discipline and concentration skills For fun! How practical is MMA for self-defence? The focus of the skills learnt in MMA are primarily for use in a regulated environment — each strike and blow you learn will be taught according to what is permitted in the sport. Even when sparring during training, opponents you face will be bound by the same rules of the sport. This means that MMA training is not specifically tailored for self-defence scenarios. MMA rules do not apply to real-world circumstances; an attacker will not “play by the rules” during a confrontation. That being said, MMA techniques still have use in helping you understand how to read a situation where you are facing an attacker and, if necessary, can be applied to ensure your own safety as a last resort. Getting started with MMA training No prior training or knowledge of the sport is needed to get started with MMA training — all you have to do is to find a martial arts academy with a reliable track record (and good reviews!). At UMF Academy, we offer MMA classes for kids between the ages of 6-14 years and MMA training for teens and adults (+15 years) in Townsville. No matter what level of fitness you’re at, our experienced trainers can help start training in Mixed Marital Arts.

7 Reasons Why Martial Arts for Kids is So Popular

Martial arts are fast becoming a popular choice for parents looking for a safe, fun, and progression-oriented alternative to traditional team sports. So why exactly is martial arts training for kids becoming so popular and what’s causing the resurgence of children enrolling in martial arts classes in Australia? Here’s some of the top reasons why martial arts for kids is enjoying such a resurgence and becoming a popular alternative – or addition – to those traditional team sports. 1. Martial Arts Teaches Discipline Whether you’re competing or you’re just doing it for fun, martial arts is grounded in the principles of self-discipline. Martial arts have a clearly defined set of rules and practices that define the rules and learning practices. Whether it’s Muay Thai, BJJ, Wing Chun, or any other form of discipline – when we teach martial arts at UMF Academy, we’re teaching all students to play by the same set of rules, to consider their decisions, and practice self-discipline as they learn. This focus on discipline and self-restraint teaches children to take responsibility for actions and regulate emotions in stressful situations. 2. Strength & Fitness Training Martial Arts is a great way for kids to stay active and develop strength and fitness. Training in martial arts is a great mix of aerobic and anaerobic for young bodies, it’s also a good way to improve their coordination, improve balance, and grow flexibility. Physical fitness also helps to boost brain function for kids that can improve their academic performance. Regular martial arts training can help to boost cognitive function, alleviate stress, and help to develop overall wellbeing. 3. Martial Arts Teaches Patience Patience isn’t just a virtue for life – It’s an essential character trait that young martial arts students learn when they train. Just like in the classroom or in other facets of life, martial arts require consistency and patience to see results. Patience is an essential virtue that is taught to students when they train and helps to encourage positive character development that can transcend the gym and assist them into the classroom, their interpersonal relationships, and in other pursuits in life. At UMF Academy, we provide the industry’s leading Character Development System; where discipline, patience, and empowerment is at the core of every martial arts class. 4. Martial Arts Teaches Peaceful Resolution Contrary to what some may believe, martial arts does not teach or promote violence. When kids learn martial arts, they learn how to control themselves and regulate their ‘fight or flight’ emotions in stressful situations. As students develop their skills, their ability to maintain a calm disposition and regulate their emotions in stressful situations improves dramatically. When children feel more confident in their ability to defend themselves in threatening situations, they learn that they do not need to be the first to react or provoke. 5. Martial Arts Teaches Sportsmanship Perhaps one of the most important aspects of learning martial arts is learning the virtues of sportsmanship. As children face setbacks and defeat along the way they learn to accept defeat and understand the value of sportsmanship – irrespective of whether that means winning or losing. Our martial arts classes teach children about the importance of working alongside one another to achieve the same goals. 6. Martial Arts is A Positive Stress Outlet Parents know better than anyone - kids need an outlet for their stress, frustration, and for their seemingly endless energy – that’s where martial arts training can help. Martial arts training provides a positive stress outlet for children in a safe and controlled learning environment. Regular training to channel their energy and emotions into a positive and safe outlet that promotes both physical and mental wellbeing. When kids participate in martial arts training, they are able to enjoy a controlled stress release that helps them to feel more balanced (both physically and mentally) in the classroom and in their everyday lives. 7. Martial Arts is Social Just like any extra-curricular activity, martial arts provide young athletes with the opportunity to engage, mingle, and learn from children outside their normal circle. As many of us know, the friends that we carry through life are not necessarily the ones that we went to school or university with – instead, they are the ones that we share common interests and hobbies with. Kids that participate in martial arts training will meet new friends from outside of their normal school or social group. Making new friends from outside of their normal social group and from different walks of life is an important part of early development and can help to promote social skills and to develop lifelong friendships. As mentioned, UMF Academy offer the industry’s leading Character Development System, which is especially important for the growth and development of children as they learn a new sport or skill. Our instructors are qualified above the benchmark of a self-regulated industry - we are committed to making martial arts for kids engaging, fun, and inspiring.

What Age Can Kids Start BJJ in Australia?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that takes even the most competitive athletes years to learn and apply effectively. Unlike other combat sports that focus on defeating your opponent with superior technique, BJJ is all about applying the right strategy at the right time. If this sounds like problem-solving rather than a sport, that’s because it is! This is one of the biggest reasons why BJJ is such a popular option for kids to start learning martial arts. So, what’s the right age to start BJJ for kids? And what exactly does BJJ training for kids look like? Let’s dive into some of the answers to these questions to help you decide if Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training is the right choice for your child. What is the right age to start BJJ training for kids? BJJ is rooted in the fundamental concept of strategy, meaning it’s better suited to children who are old enough to have a basic understanding of problem solving. Most reputable BJJ training academies offer kids programs from as young as 6 years of age right up to 14 years of age. There’s no real “right age” to start BJJ training — it’s more about how ready (and excited) your child is to learn techniques that combine martial arts and strategy thinking. What will kids learn in BJJ training? Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training for kids is designed to teach the basics of the martial art in a controlled and supervised environment — including techniques such as grappling, joint locks, and how to escape wrestling holds. Children are also taught how to execute transitions between positions, maintain balance, and use leverage to overcome larger opponents as part of the sport. Through the practice of these exercises and friendly sparring sessions, BJJ training also helps kids develop a greater sense of body awareness and enhances their physical coordination, flexibility, and agility. Apart from the physical benefits, kids will also be taught how to think critically and apply problem-solving skills as part of their training. During each session, they will be faced with new problems and situations that must be tackled using the application of the appropriate techniques. This can often also lead to an increase in their level of confidence and ability to make personal judgements based on the situation, which can be applied outside of a martial arts context. How practical is BJJ training for kids? BJJ is widely considered to be one of the most practical martial arts to learn at a young age. BJJ training does not demand a high level of physicality to begin with, making it ideal for children who are still developing their strength. Another key aspect that highlights its practicality is the use of ‘tapping out’ to indicate that their opponent has won. This allows children to look at every loss as a learning opportunity instead of being disappointed by the outcome, which can be beneficial in similar life situations. What to look for in a BJJ training program for kids Focuses on character development Ideally BJJ training for children should include a curriculum that helps to develop essential life and character values alongside their technical learnings. This makes a huge impact on ensuring that they can approach conflicts at home or school in a healthy way. Accredited trainers and mentors Look for the skill level and certifications of the BJJ class trainers — this will give you an idea of how effective the training will be and how much your kid will benefit from having an experienced mentor. Supportive atmosphere Most of all, the training program should have an inclusive and supportive environment where kids can feel engaged and motivated. As much as you want your child to get the most out of the training, it’s also important that they have fun while doing it. At UMF Academy, we are Townsville’s leading martial arts provider — our BJJ for kids program is open to children between the ages of 6 – 14 and is led by Master Fari, who is the number one rated coach in Asia for 2017. We are also the sole provider of the #1 character development system for kids in Townsville, which helps our students gain invaluable life-skills such as respect and confidence during training sessions.

What Age Can Kids Start MMA Training in Australia?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) incorporates and combines different martial arts and can take years to master. Ask any MMA athlete, and they’ll tell you that training is a long road - one that some of them wish they had started earlier!But how early is too early to start MMA training, and at what age should kids start? Let’s discuss the key considerations for kids, parents, and the discipline required to learn and train in MMA. What is the right age to start MMA training for kids? Kids can start MMA training as early as 6 years of age — at this age, children already have a grasp on their advanced motor functions and are bursting with energy, making MMA training an ideal way for them to further develop their physical abilities. That being said, MMA training at this stage will not be focused on competitive fighting, unlike with adult classes, for obvious reasons. Instead, MMA training for kids will involve a greater focus on basic movement skills, discipline, respect, and generally just having fun - all of which are foundational aspects of the sport. What age is too old to start MMA training for children? There is no strict age limit for when individuals can start MMA training, even as children. In fact, many MMA practitioners have started formally training in MMA at 21 years old, and have since gone on to experience success in the sport. The caveat is that most academies often have an age cut-off for kids MMA training – for example, our MMA classes for kids are offered to attendees up to the age of 16. Children that are older will be placed with a more mature group of students to ensure that they are getting the most out of the training. What does MMA training for kids look like? MMA training for kids will involve learning fundamental techniques from a mixture of striking arts such as Muay Thai, Boxing, and Kung Fu, as well as grappling arts like Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (grappling Gi & No Gi). These techniques are designed to help children learn to apply MMA skills in a Combat Sport Arena, which can also be used in a self-defence scenario when all else fails. A well-designed MMA training program for kids will also place an emphasis on developing important values and character traits such as respect, self-discipline, and other social-emotional skills. In a nutshell, MMA training for kids isn’t just about learning how to fight in the octagon — it’s about learning the foundations for becoming an individual who will excel in life, not just in the fighting ring. Considerations for parents before signing kids up for MMA training Program structure Choose a program that prioritises safety, skill development, and age-appropriate activities. MMA training for young children should focus on basic techniques and physical fitness rather than sparring. Readiness of the child Every child is different — while some may be physically and emotionally ready for the structure and discipline of MMA training, others might need more time before they can join in. Level of interest Interest is also a huge factor in how valuable and enjoyable the training will be for the child. Talk to your child to understand how they feel about being involved in MMA training before signing them up. Parental involvement During MMA training, children will learn about new concepts and values that parents should take the time to reinforce at home. This not only aids in their learning but also helps the child feel more supported in their interests. Focus on fun At this age, the focus should be on enjoying the experience and learning basic skills, rather than on intense competition or fighting. This is especially true for younger participants, as fun is a big factor that drives their continued interest in future learning. At UMF Academy, we are proud to offer MMA training for kids aged 6-14 years in Townsville. Unlike other martial arts programs, our school uses the industry-leading Character Development System, which is specially designed in-house to teach our students valuable traits like discipline and respect.

5 Martial Arts for Hand-to-Hand Combat

Hand-to-hand combat has been a core part of different cultures across the world since ancient times, whether for self-defence, as a form of physical fitness, or simply as a medium of self-improvement and discipline. Today, the practice of martial arts still retains many of its roots in hand-to-hand combat, although much of it now appears mainly in sports and as an approach to self-defence. If you’re considering learning a martial art that excels in hand-to-hand combat, here’s a comprehensive list of the most effective styles, their unique techniques, and benefits. What is considered hand-to-hand combat? Hand-to-hand combat refers to scenarios where a physical confrontation between two or more individuals takes place, without the use of weapons. This can happen in a structured environment like a dojo, a boxing or fighting ring, or on the street as part of an altercation between strangers. The key thing about hand-to-hand combat is the use of physical techniques such as striking or grappling to overpower the opponent whether as a part of winning a match or simply to ensure one’s personal safety. Not all styles of martial arts are suited for hand-to-hand combat — some make use of weapons to complement fighting techniques. Knowing how to apply martial arts techniques in a hand-to-hand combat scenario, however, can make a big difference in ensuring your personal safety. Kickboxing/Muay Thai Kickboxing is renowned across the world as one of the foremost martial arts for hand-to-hand combat, evidenced by its use in professional fighting circuits and self-defence training. Also known as Muay Thai, kickboxing originates from Thailand and incorporates the use of elbows and knees for striking techniques in addition to the arts and legs, earning it the moniker “Art of Eight Limbs”. Muay Thai kickboxing is effective for hand-to-hand combat as many of the techniques in the martial art are designed for use in close-range scenarios. Wing Chun Kung Fu Popularised by the film Ip Man and the titular character, Wing Chun Kung Fu has gained significant global recognition as a notable martial art for hand-to-hand combat. Wing Chun is characterised by its focus on close-range combat, rapid strikes, and efficient use of energy, specifically relating to how skilled practitioners are able to use their opponent's force against them. Wing Chun training develops quick reflexes, sensitivity, and the ability to maintain close contact with an opponent, making it a formidable system for personal defence. Krav Maga Developed by the Israeli military, Krav Maga is a martial art that focuses on effective techniques for dealing with real-world self-defence and hand-to-hand combat scenarios. Krav Maga teaches practitioners to defend against a wide range of attacks, often from multiple attackers at once, including the use of strikes, grabs, and improvised weapons to neutralise threats quickly and effectively. It is widely considered to be one of the most practical forms of martial art for individuals with no experience in hand-to-hand combat, as it teaches the basics of situational awareness and the importance of preparing for unpredictable combat situations. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Often referred to in its abbreviated form (BJJ), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that specialises in ground fighting and submission techniques. Practitioners of BJJ are taught to make use of leverage to control an opponent and the fight, making it highly effective in hand-to-hand combat, especially when the fight goes to the ground. BJJ involves the use of various grappling techniques, including joint locks and chokes, which allow users to overcome opponents regardless of their size or strength. Mixed Martial Arts Mixed martial arts, or MMA, incorporates elements and techniques for various martial arts disciplines including boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and more. The idea behind MMA is to equip practitioners with an arsenal of techniques that they can draw from during hand-to-hand combat scenarios, allowing them to be prepared for a diverse range of combat scenarios. At UMF Academy, we are proud to be the exclusive provider of the industry’s #1-character development system in Townsville and offer premium training tailored to both adults and children. Our martial arts classes in Townsville for adults include: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Combatives Muay Thai Kickboxing Wing Chun Kung Fu Street Edge Krav Maga

Is Krav Maga Offensive or Defensive?

Krav Maga is a practical system of self-defence that teaches students how to avoid, prevent, and deter real world threats. As students begin to learn Krav Maga as a martial art, a common question is whether Krav Maga is intended to be an offensive or defensive martial art. Krav Maga combines a number of different offensive and defensive techniques to provide comprehensive protection. Whether you’re facing an armed attack, or you’re engaged in hand-to-hand combat, Krav Maga helps students to react and defend themselves effectively and decisively. What is Krav Maga? Krav Maga is an Israeli martial art self-defence system that was originally developed for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). Today, the Israeli Defence Forces are widely considered to be one of the most highly-trained defence forces in hand-to-hand combat anywhere in the world. The origins of Krav Maga trace back to the 1930s when Hungarian-Jewish martial artist Imi Lichtenfeld first developed Krav Maga as a self-defence system for Jewish people living in Nazi-occupied Germany. At the conclusion of the second world war, Imi Lichtenfeld migrated from Europe to Israel where he continued to develop Krav Maga and teach to new students in Israel. Almost 100-years since those first teachings, Krav Maga continues to be adopted by the Israeli military and Israeli law enforcement as its official hand-to-hand combat system. What are the principles of Krav Maga? Krav Maga as a martial arts form boasts a number of key principles that can be applied to its approach, as well as the training methods that are used. The principles of Krav Maga have evolved as a result of real-world, front-line practice that combat violent and aggressive situations. The principles of Krav Maga include stopping the immediate threat, counterattacks, disengaging and de-escalation, and continued monitoring of the next threat. Some important principles that apply to Krav Maga: There are no rules to survival Simplicity is best when it comes to stopping the threat Employ natural responses and reactions to threats Utilise what you have available to neutralise the threat Stay vigilant for threats Over the course of almost 100 years, the Krav Maga martial arts system has continued to evolve, however, those founding principles of practical and effective self-defence for real world situations continue to apply. Is Krav Maga offensive or defensive? Krav Maga (and all forms of martial arts) are intended to be used as a form of self-defence in combat or attack situations. Krav Maga combines offensive elements such as punches and kicks, elbows and knee strikes, and throws, with defensive elements such as blocks, evasive movements, and techniques to disarm your attacker. Krav Maga students will learn a range of different kicks, knees, elbows, and strikes that are intended to overwhelm the opponents. Compared to some forms of martial arts that focus primarily on evasion, blocks, and counterattacks, Krav Maga may be viewed as more offensive in nature. Krav Maga takes a holistic and real-world approach to ensure that students gain practical self-defence training that can be applied across a wide range of threats. Balancing both the offensive and defensive tactics ensures that Krav Maga students maintain personal safety in threatening situations. It’s important to distinguish between the ideology of martial arts and the individual who practises the martial art. Krav Maga and all forms of martial arts are not intended to be an offensive weapon for individuals to use at their discretion. Instead, Krav Maga is intended to provide a self-defence (not self-offence) method for individuals to disarm and stop threats before they escalate. At UMF Academy, we deliver the industry’s number one character development system in our Krav Maga classes with a focus on applying it in commonly encountered self defence scenarios for personal security. Our approach to teaching Krav Maga techniques are designed to prepare the practitioner for the worst case scenario with the expectation of never having to use them.

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