Combat and Martial Arts

This category covers sports and disciplines built around structured fighting skills, whether practiced as regulated competition, formal training systems, or both. In an events context, it commonly includes combat sports (rule-based contests where athletes attempt to outscore, outmaneuver, submit, or stop an opponent) as well as martial arts whose practice can range from self-defense and fitness to ceremonial or sport-focused competition.

The term "martial art" is widely used for fighting skills and fighting sports, especially those with strong East Asian traditions such as judo, karate, and kendo, while also being applied more broadly across many cultures and modern systems. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Combat sports are typically contact sports featuring one-on-one bouts, with outcomes commonly decided by points, submission, or stoppage methods such as knockout or referee intervention, depending on the rule set. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

• Striking-focused disciplines: formats centered on punches, kicks, and related techniques (rules vary by sport and level).
• Grappling-focused disciplines: formats centered on throws, clinch work, pins, and submissions (depending on the sport).
• Mixed-rule disciplines: formats that allow both striking and grappling within a single rule framework.
• Weapons and forms competition: formats that use sporting weapons or judged demonstrations (discipline-specific rules apply).

Common competition structures

Many combat sports run on timed bouts that are divided into rounds or periods, with officials controlling the start and stoppage of action and enforcing safety rules. Scoring is typically based on successful techniques that meet each sport's criteria (for example, clean strikes, controlled throws, takedowns, pins, or recognized submissions). Some disciplines use open-weight contests, but weight categories are common in many full-contact and grappling-heavy sports to reduce size disparities. Tournament formats often include single-elimination brackets, repechage systems, or pool-to-knockout formats depending on the federation and event scale.

• Points decision: judges or a scoring system determine the winner when time expires.
• Submission: a competitor concedes due to a hold, lock, or choke where permitted.
• Stoppage: a referee or medical official halts the bout for safety (rules vary by discipline).
• Knockout or technical knockout: permitted in some striking sports under their rules and officiating standards.

Rules, safety, and officiating

Rule sets are designed to define allowed techniques, target areas, grips, and the conditions for scoring or winning. Safety measures often include mandatory protective equipment appropriate to the discipline (for example, gloves in boxing-style striking sports), medical checks, and clear stoppage protocols when an athlete cannot safely continue. Officials may include referees (who control the bout), judges (who score), and timekeepers, with event-level procedures that cover warnings, penalties, and disqualifications. Because rules and equipment requirements can differ substantially between amateur, professional, and youth levels, event listings usually specify the exact rule set and sanctioning body used.

International governance and major events

Many combat and martial-arts sports are administered through international federations and national governing bodies that set competition rules, certify officials, and run championships. At the Olympic level, combat sports prominently include boxing, wrestling, judo, and taekwondo, each with its own format and weight categories under Olympic competition rules. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Anti-doping oversight in elite sport is commonly handled through formal testing and results-management programs, sometimes delivered in partnership with specialized bodies. For example, the International Testing Agency (ITA) supports World Taekwondo with delivery of its anti-doping program. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Training, progression, and participation

Training across this category typically combines technique practice, conditioning, controlled sparring or drilling, and tactical preparation specific to the rules of competition. Many martial arts also include structured curriculum elements such as forms (discipline-specific), etiquette, and rank progression systems, though the presence and style of ranking varies widely by tradition. For participants, event opportunities range from beginner-friendly tournaments and local club shows to international championships and professional promotions, depending on the sport. Clear event details like age group, experience level, protective equipment, and rule set are essential because they directly affect preparation and safety expectations.