Nutrition in Combat Sports

152 M. Zetaruk
Fig. 10.1 Bowing to show respect to opponents is an integral part of traditional martial arts training
10.1 Types of Combat Sports for Children
Marked differences exist in the myriad of activities that comprise the “combat
sports.” Some martial arts, such as Olympic-style taekwondo, kyokushinkai karate,
and muay thai kickboxing involve full body contact, and protective gear is frequently
worn to prevent injury. [3] On the other hand, Shotokan karate and many
kung-fu (wushu) styles are considered “noncontact” or “light-contact,” where
blows are controlled to within millimeters of the target. Martial arts such as judo
and aikido involve throwing techniques or joint locks (“throwing styles”), while
others such as karate, taekwondo, kung-fu, and muay thai kickboxing rely predominantly
on kicks, punches, and blocking techniques (“striking styles”).
Martial arts can be further categorized as “traditional” or “modern.” In some
martial arts, the rich tradition and heritage of the style are respected in the dojo or
practice area. Bowing to instructors and opponents is deemed essential, and etiquette
within the dojo is strictly enforced. Learning traditional principles, such as
avoiding violent behavior and respecting others, is as important as acquisition of
specific techniques in many traditional martial arts. “Modern” martial arts do not
adhere to the traditional training and philosophy of a single style. Rather, they may
incorporate fighting techniques from various styles to optimize the chances of suc-