In mixed martial arts, several strategies can be used to dominate the opponent in the “Striking” game. For my part, the purpose of striking is to hit without being hit. A fighter must develop an overall vision of fighting to create tactics and strategies throughout the fight. Knowing how to adapt to different situations is a major asset. We can adapt to stress, pain, a certain style of adversary. . .

To adapt effectively to different situations, one must have a certain level of awareness of oneself and others. This level of consciousness may be innate in some people but can be acquired with experience. A good corner man can also be very useful to get another perspective.

Self-awareness

• What is my energy level (I can give more, I have to save my energy. . . )
• What is my Mindset (controlling emotions, living in the present moment, aggressor’s instinct, confidence. . . )
• Quality of my attacks (avoid telegraphic strikes, relevant combinations, appropriate strategy. . . )
• Quality of my defense (protect myself at all times, my defense allows me to attack better, avoid creating a “patern”;)

Consciousness of the other

• What is his energy level (notice signs of fatigue, signs of weakness, injuries. . . )
• What is his Mindset (Is he in his comfort zone? Is he frustrated?. . . . . )
• Quality of his attacks (create strategies based on his attacks, does he telegraph his strikes? Does he often repeat the same strikes/movements/errors?)
• Quality of his defense (create strategies based on his defense, does he block, dodge blows or move to avoid them? Does he always defend himself in the same way?)

 

How to avoid being hit?

• Manage the distance between you and the opponent. The combat distance is the space between the two fighters (not to be confused with the range). To control the distance in combat, insist on: positioning, movement, rhythm and timing.
• Dodge the blows(slipping). Dodges are used to avoid the opponent’s blows without touching him. Good dodges can set the table for counter-attacks. Dodges (slips) can be used to keep an appropriate distance for attack, load a strike, find an angle of attack or can even be used to feint.
• Block the blows. By blocking strikes, you can get an idea of the opponent’s power. Blocking blows is a way to defend yourself without putting yourself out of reach and allows you to launch good counter-attacks. Blocking shots is necessary for inner exchanges and very useful at mid-distance, but you should never use blocking as the only form of defense. Several skills can be useful to effectively block: balance, endurance, reflex, coordination. . .

How to Hit

• Use all 5 attack paths: Single Attack (Direct or Angle), Progressive Indirect Attack, Combination Attack, Attack with Immobilization, Attack with Provocation.
• Good analysis of the opponent. Paying particular attention to the opponent’s patterns will allow you to anticipate his actions and reactions. Anticipation gives you a head start to make the right moves at the right time.
• Skills acquisition. To make the difference in combat, there are several areas of competence to master: Tactical, Technical, Physical, Psychological. The practice of these fields of competence will considerably increase the quality of your strikes.