Combatsports

Combatsports are competitive sports in which two athletes deliberately strike, grapple, or employ a combination of both techniques within a formal set of rules designed to ensure safety. Competitors aim to render their opponent unable to continue, gain a scoring advantage, or secure a submission, knockout, or technical knockout.

Common disciplines include boxing; kickboxing; Muay Thai; karate; taekwondo; judo; wrestling; Brazilian jiu-jitsu; sambo; and mixed martial arts, which blends striking and grappling from multiple traditions.

Rules and structure: bouts are divided into rounds, judged by officials, with scoring systems such as the 10-point must used in many sports; protective equipment: gloves, mouthguards, sometimes headgear, groin protection; weight classes; referees control action; venues include rings and cages.

History: ancient pankration in Greece; modern boxing emerged in 18th century; kickboxing and Muay Thai developed 20th century; mixed martial arts gaining prominence in 1990s with organizations like UFC; growth includes sanctioning bodies and standardized rules.

Governance and safety: national and international bodies regulate competition, establish rules, licensing, medical clearances; doping controls; medical suspensions; risk of injury remains a concern.

Impact and culture: offers sport, entertainment, and cross-cultural exchange; debates around safety and ethics; gender equity and participation; amateur and professional tracks differ in rules and prize structures.