GE2303

COMBATIVE SPORTS
A competitive contact sport that typically involves one-on-one combat is called a combat/combative sport,
also known as a fighting sport. In many combat sports, the victor is determined by outscoring the rival or
incapacitating them. Men are more likely to participate in and watch combative sports than women. Combat
sports participation was essentially limited to men for a long time; USA Boxing prohibited women from boxing
until 1993.

Introduction, Origin, and Development

SHORT HISTORY
Most civilizations have traditional wrestling
methods; this makes wrestling a culturally
universal activity. Boxing matches can be traced
back to ancient Egypt around 1350 BCE and
ancient Sumer in the third millennium BCE. The
ancient Olympic Games featured several combat-
related sports, such as pankration, boxing
(pygmachia), and wrestling (pal). The martial sport
lei tai first appeared in ancient China. It was a
brutal combat sport that mixed wrestling and
boxing. Similar combat sports are known to have
existed in ancient Egypt, India, and Japan.

The tournament attracted a lot of attention during

the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Jousting served
as the main event in tournaments, which included
many simulated combat events. Combat sports
were popular among all social classes, but the
tournament was popular with nobles. Sportive
combat (schimpf) and serious conflict (ernst) were
separated in the German school of late medieval martial arts. Similar to prize playing in Tudor England, athletic
combat games were known as Fechtschulen during the German Renaissance. The English boxing (prizefighting)
of the 18th century, which gave rise to contemporary boxing, sprang from these prize-playing
competitions. Since the beginning of the modern Olympic Games in 1904, amateur boxing has been a
component of them. In the 1920s, professional boxing gained popularity in the U.S.

Additional combat sports include:

BJJ—after Asian martial arts were introduced to Brazil in 1925, the Gracie family of that country is
credited with developing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Muay Thai—the 1920s and 1930s saw the development of the contemporary Muay Thai style. In the
Soviet Union, sambo was first presented.
Taekwondo—also developed following Japan’s annexation of Korea, and in 2000, it was added to the
Olympic Games.
Sanshou—the People’s Republic of China has been developing sanshou as a component of
contemporary wushu since the 1950s.

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Karate—full-contact karate and kickboxing were created in the 1960s and gained popularity in Japan
and the West in the 1980s and 1990s.
MMA—Brazilian jiu-jitsu and shot wrestling are two (2) interwoven subcultures that gave rise to
modern mixed martial arts. In Japan, it debuted in 1985 as Shooto, and in the US, it debuted in 1993
as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Techniques
Striking, grappling, and weapon use are the three (3) categories into which the methods fall; some hybrid rule
sets combine striking and grappling. In combat sports, these various techniques are strictly regulated to reduce
the risk of serious or permanent physical harm to each participant. This regulation is achieved through
organized officiating by one or more referees who have the authority to administer penalties and halt
competitors’ movements during competition. Weapons used in weapon-based sports are altered to be non-
lethal by altering the parts that strike the opponent and requiring competitors to wear protective gear.

The following categories can be used to classify combat sports:

Striking sports—players stand up and use their hands and legs to punch and kick. It is used in various
sports, including boxing, kickboxing, savate, muay thai, karate, and taekwondo.
Grappling sports—competitors use the standing position to take down their foes. The combat
continues on the ground, where numerous techniques are employed, including holds, joint locks, and
chokes, for example. Brazilian jiu-jitsu, sumo, judo, freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, beach
wrestling, etc.
Hybrid sports—both stand-up and ground combat are combined and used. Combat sambo, Shoot-
boxing, vale tudo, sanda, modern wushu, etc.
Armed sports—such as fencing, kendo, historical medieval warfare, singlestick, and arnis, a Filipino
stick combat style, among others.

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Olympics
• Amateur boxing (1904–present): Since 1904, boxing has taken place at every Summer Olympic Games,
except for Stockholm in 1912 due to Swedish law.
• Judo (1964, 1972–present): The 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City did not include judo. In 1992, in
Barcelona, women’s judo was added to the Olympic program.
• Taekwondo was a demonstration sport in the 1988 Seoul Olympics and became an official medal sport at
the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
• Greco-Roman wrestling was the first type of wrestling to be featured at the Olympic Games (1908–
present)
• Wrestling freestyle (1920–present): The number of weight categories offered decreased at the Sydney
Olympic Games in 2000.
• Other combat sports that have made it into the Olympics are pankration and singlestick. These combat
sports were first included in the Olympic Games in the early 1900s, but singlestick was only represented
in the games in 1904, and pankration, which had been a part of Ancient Greek Olympiads for four (4)
centuries, was completely excluded after 1900.
• Competitive fencing has been included in every modern Olympic Games from 1896 to the present. The
other four (4) sports are gymnastics, swimming, cycling, and swimming.
• Olympic dueling was a demonstration sport in both the 1906 and 1908 Olympics.
• Under new IOC regulations, karate made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020.

Facilities and Equipment

Protective Gear and Clothing
In combat sports, winning occurs when an opponent is physically injured to the point that he/she is unable to
continue due to blows, punches, or attacks to the head. Different combat sports have various rules and

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requirements for the gear that contestants must wear. Competitors in amateur boxing, which is included at
the Olympics, are allowed to wear head guards, properly weighted padded gloves, mouth guards are optional,
and canvas floors provide protection in the event of a severe fall. Competitors are allowed to wear a trunk
protector, helmet protection, gloves, groin guard, as well as shin and forearm padding in sports like
taekwondo.

Due to the lack of protective equipment worn (compared to the protected fists), professional boxing and mixed
martial arts are two of the riskiest combat sports in the world. Participants in these two (2) sports must wear
appropriate gloves and have the option of wearing a mouthguard. Competitors are more susceptible to
concussions and other severe traumatic head injuries since they are not wearing protective apparel. There are
advantages of using a glove and head guard together to maximize impact energy absorption. In contrast to
taekwondo, which uses a lot of protective equipment like pads, headgear, mouth guards, and gloves, which
has an injury incidence rate range of 19.1-138.8 per 1000 athletes, combat sports like MMA and boxing, which
use little to no protective gear, have injury incidence rates that range from 85.1-280.7 per 1000 athletes. This
implies that the usage of protective gear significantly lowers injury rates.

Safety gear:
Gloves
Headgear
Mouth guard
Shin guards
Arm guards
Groin guard
Trunk guard
Wraps (material that provides additional alignment, support, and
protection wrapped around the hand, wrist, or foot and ankle)

Fighting area
Mat: circular or rectangular layouts
Boxing ring: the fighting area is surrounded by ropes
Pit: without ropes enclosing the combat zone; a 27-foot-diameter circle whose inner 24 feet are
painted blue. The caution zone is marked by 3 feet of yellow space after that. The fighters will be
aware that they are about to step outside the boundaries when they reach the yellow area. The red
zone, which has a 30-degree upward slant, is the last edge of the ring. A fighter indicates that they are
leaving the area by stepping up slightly and landing on the red region.
Sumo ring: sand ring (dohyo)
Cage: fenced space, either circular or having a minimum of six (6) sides. The enclosed space is
commonly referred to as an octagon (if it has 8 sides) or a hexagon (6 sides). Some people use a net in
place of metal fencing.

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Facilities and Equipment

Consider implementing best practices if you train combat sports athletes and own or work at a boxing gym,
martial arts dojo, Muay Thai school, MMA training facility, or conventional strength and conditioning gym.

Competency
Trainers are devoted to ongoing learning and self-improvement, are qualified, competent, and experienced in
combat sports, provide evidence-based information, only offer advice that falls within their area of expertise
and do not advocate or promote methods that result in a quick-weight reduction.

Supervision
Trainers deliver services with the appropriate care and skill, effectively supervise training, offer guidance on
the proper use of equipment, keep an eye on athletes' health (including concussion, dehydration, or any pre-
existing ailments), and change or cancel training as necessary.

Risk management
The risks particular to combat sports are recognized, evaluated, and handled, including infection control, safe-
sparring practices, the requirement of protective gear, and the ban on quick weight loss methods.

Environment
The facility has good lighting and ventilation, safe access and egress, appropriate flooring and mats, routine
cleanings and facility inspections, training areas that are kept clear, and a no-doping/ drug/steroid use policy.

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Equipment
All equipment is suitable for its intended use, kept up to manufacturer's standards, regularly inspected,
cleaned, and stored, planned out with adequate space for safe movement, and equipped with proper
protection gear for sparring.

Emergency strategy
Trainers are first aid/ CPR-qualified and knowledgeable in first-responder tactics for common combat sports
injuries. Emergency escape plans and signage are visible. If necessary, a stretcher can easily get in and out of
the building/ facility.

Compliance
A working-with-children check is in place when necessary, the facility conforms with planning and building
standards, safety and health regulations are followed, the government rules and regulations are understood
and followed, and public liability and professional indemnity insurances are up to date.

Etiquette and Safety Precautions

Etiquette for Martial Arts
Your experience learning combative sports/ martial arts can be made or broken by how you act in the gym.
Finding training partners to work with could be difficult if you enter training sessions unaware of breaking
taboos. Your time at the gym will be more enjoyable if you adhere to some basic rules of conduct. In the dojo
and outside of it, martial arts etiquette is an essential part of the martial lifestyle. Respect for others and
obedience to teachers, pupils, sparring partners, or even total strangers should be a constant practice. A few
general standards should be followed, although expectations and regulations differ between styles and even
practitioners.

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Uniform (gi)
Although the dress code for some martial arts may be more flexible, you should always make an effort to wear
the proper attire. Laziness is not an acceptable quality. Take pleasure in your uniform; whenever you can,
clean and iron it between classes.

Belt (obi)
You should handle your belt with care and wear it with pride. It should be packed in your kit bag before a
water bottle because it is just as important to bring it to training. Some styles advise against cleaning your belt
since doing so “washes the spirit out.” Use your judgment to decide whether it occasionally needs to be
washed for sanitary reasons.

School for training (dojo)

The dojo is your refuge, your shrine, and the womb that carries you to your martial objectives, whether it is
an ancient temple, a town hall, or a classroom in a school. Always handle things that way. Observe the
guidelines laid forth by your coach/ Master.
• Take off your shoes before entering the dojo.
• Bow upon entering or leaving the dojo; bowing both before and after each action is the ideal protocol.
• The dojo should be tidy, and it should be cleaned both before and after each lesson.
• Whether you are engaging in kickboxing sparring with a friend or a stranger, be prepared to put your
body and mind to the test. Always keep an open mind when learning. If you want to develop and
enhance your skills, pay attention to the counsel of your coach/ Master and be open to criticism.
• Adhere to the golden rule: treat others how you want to be treated.
• Not all of your training partners desire to engage in ring combat. It’s crucial to remember that some
people only wish to learn for fun or to improve their health. When working with another individual,
be conscious of your skill level, as well as your strengths and flaws. You are preparing for future
training sessions. Your companion is as well.

Language
Asking questions unrelated to the style/ technique
being taught at the time should be the only talk
allowed in class. Hold off on general inquiries until
it’s appropriate. In some schools, you are
expected to answer positively when asked to do
something, such as by saying “yes” or “hai.” Never
refuse a reasonable order or whine that
something is too difficult or physically demanding.
You will spend a lot of time in the gym after
enrolling. Getting to know everyone is a good
idea, so say hello to the trainers, employees, and
gym patrons.
While in the dojo, appropriate language and discussion should always be used. Avoid using foul
language and always address them by their proper titles: Sensei, Master, and Sifu.
Always maintain eye contact with the person in front of you when requested to hold a position. The
only movement you should make in class is the one you are ordered to make unless you are free
sparring or have been informed you can be “at ease.”

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Hygiene
The way you conduct yourself affects how much fun the other students have in class. Make sure to
take a shower, wash your hands, and trim your nails.
You’ll be informed by your instructor/ coach when it’s okay to drink. Until you have been given
permission, do not leave the floor.
Because they do not want any bacteria hiding on their mats, the majority of gym/ dojo owners clean
a few times every week. You will introduce undesired microorganisms into the training area if you
wear footwear and step onto the mats. Therefore, before walking onto the mats, remove your shoes.
Additionally, put on a pair of flip-flops and walk to the restroom or somewhere else in the gym that
isn’t matted if you need to use the restroom.
Nothing is worse than sparring with someone whose hands are covered in what smells like damp socks
or rolling with someone who is sporting a foul-smelling gi. Wash your gym attire or equipment if it
smells bad. Shower as well after your workout. Better still, you could take a shower before your
workout.
Make sure to disinfect any gloves, shin guards, or other training equipment you use at the gym after
using it.
If you have any open wounds, cover them with a bandage or some cohesive tape. You don’t want to
put yourself in danger of an infection, and you also don’t want to make people uncomfortable in front
of the class. A person with an open cut won’t be suitable for everyone to clinch or roll with.
Keeping your fingernails and toenails short will save you from having to work out with someone who
has long nails. You will be wrapping your hands around your training partner’s neck quite a bit as you
practice. When vying for position and performing sweeps, you run the risk of grazing their skin if your
nails are not kept short.

Ranking

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Respect the coaches/ Masters and any higher-ranking students. Never question their guidance,
challenge them to a fight, or make an effort to discredit them either within or outside the dojo.
You should take the time to talk with your coach/ Master about the requirements of the school since
it is not definitive.
The fundamentals of martial arts—discipline, etiquette, humility, and bushido—will make your
training environment safer, cozier, and more pleasurable and will nurture you as a humble warrior.

Officiating, Rules, and Regulations in Arnis De Mano

Refer to Modern Arnis - The Filipino Art of Stick Fighting (1983) by Remi Presas.pdf

References:
Gifford C. (2010). Martial arts. Marshall Cavendish Benchmark. New York, US.
Nixon J. & Humphrey B. (2016). Martial arts. Franklin Watts. London, UK.
Osborne M. K. (2020). Combat sports. Amicus. Minnesota, US.
Presas R. A. (2004). Modern arnis: The Filipino art of stick fighting. Black Belt Books.
Spilsbury L. (2020). Combat sports (First). Gareth Stevens Publishing. Retrieved July 26 2023 from
https://www.overdrive.com/search?q=1D393008-80CF-408C-B860-83BE8F118E78.
Wiseman B. (2020). Martial arts. AV² by Weigl. New York, US.

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Wood A. (2022). Martial arts. Enslow Publishing LLC. Retrieved July 26 2023 from
https://public.ebookcentral.proquest.com/choice/PublicFullRecord.aspx?p=30379333.

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