Grapple Fight?

This is part 2 of my two part series on types of competition, following on from the last article, this one centers around that word "fight" and it's appropriateness...

Why is competing in grappling based sports like BJJ, Judo or Wrestling called a Match?

Why is competing in striking based sports like Boxing, Muay Thai or MMA called a Fight?

They are all sanctioned and regulated sports based on combative techniques. Yet there seems to be a reasonably constant opinion that some are matches and some fights, why is that?
My first thought is that it has something to do with striking, that the perception is that only combat involving striking can be considered a “fight”. Now, if that is the case then we should say “Tae Kwon Do Fight” as well. However we don’t, Tae Kwon Do competition is conducted in “matches” or “bouts”, so perhaps it has to be full contact? So, what about Kyokushin? That is full contact, but they have matches and bouts too. So even if it is a question that strikes are the prerequisite to define an event as a “fight”, why is that? Is it to do with the techniques perceived effectiveness or danger in a real combat scenario? If people believe that grappling isn’t dangerous or effective then they haven’t seen someone slammed by a strong wrestler (or Rugby player) outside a night club.

or Zangief for that matter....

So maybe it isn’t about striking, maybe it is about spectator vs participant focused competition? I mean striking based sports are usually called fights and are largely spectator focused whereas grappling based sports are more participant based. But if that rationale is right then, competing in events like Metamoris, Polaris or Boa Super 8 should be called “fighting” too as they are spectator based events, yet people still don’t use that term.

Hmmmm, what a pickle….

I have given this a lot of thought and have decided that since I can’t determine any rhyme or reason (or at least consistency in terms), I will define this myself.
My thought is that you can call a BJJ match a fight… and you can also call an MMA fight a match.
To me it is not about the actual event as it is about the competitor. Since we are using combative techniques then I think whether you are in a fight or match is all about approach and mindset. I believe that the people who have BJJ fights are those that go out there with tenacity and determination in order to dominate and finish their opponents, Marcelo, Roger and Xande spring to mind. Whereas the Mendes and Miyao Brothers who often go out strategically, looking for a points win are probably competing.

and if you find yourself across the mat from this guy you can damn well consider yourself in a fight...

Same is true in MMA, some competitors are there to knock out or submit their opponent while others choose to play the rules and look for a decision. Off the top of my head I would say that two names who stand out in the “fight” style of MMA are Rousimar Palhares and Demian Maia where as I think that Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch where more the competing types.

So there it is all combat sports are matches not fights, but you can either compete or fight in either depending on your style and mindset.


Have fun on the mat.