Why Choose a Style?

When it comes to martial arts, one size does not fit all. Sure, many gyms push the same techniques and strategies on everyone, but that’s not how you unlock your full potential.

Instead, you should tailor your fight style to your unique physical attributes. Whether you're tall, short, strong, or somewhere in between, there’s a specific approach that can amplify your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.

In this post, we're going to break down how to create a fight style that works for you, no matter your body type.

Let’s get started with the basics: what’s your best approach based on your height and strength?

If You're a Taller Fighter

As a taller fighter, especially for your weight class, you’ve got a range advantage that you need to fully embrace. Let’s say you’re a 5’11” fighter competing against opponents between 5’6” and 5’9”. You might be up against shorter fighters who have more muscle mass, so don't make the mistake of fighting them at close range where they could have the strength advantage.

You want to focus on techniques that maximize your length. Long jabs and front kicks are your best friends. Keep your opponent at a distance, frustrating them with shots they can't reach.

A great example? Throw a long jab, followed by a body kick or a high kick. You can land shots before they even get into punching range.

For taller fighters, controlling the distance is crucial. If you let a shorter, more compact fighter get in close, you could be at risk of getting overpowered. But if you keep them out, you stay in control. Add in some spinning kicks, long knees, and teeps to further discourage their advances.

Key Tips for Taller Fighters:

- Use your jab and teep: Keep your opponent on the outside.

- Maintain distance: Avoid engaging in close exchanges where they can exploit their strength.

- Head kicks: These are especially dangerous at long range, giving you an edge.

- Punch from range: You can throw body shots while still keeping a safe distance.

If You're a Shorter Fighter

If you’re the shorter fighter, your game plan flips completely. You're not going to win fights by standing outside and trying to trade long shots with taller opponents. Instead, you’ve got to make things dirty and close the distance. Think of fighters like Mike Zambidis, who excelled at getting inside taller opponents’ defenses and landing powerful combinations.

A shorter fighter’s game is built on explosive movement. You need to close the distance fast, strike hard, and get out before they can retaliate.

Low kicks are a great tool for disrupting their balance, especially if you can use them as part of a combination. Move in, rip a low kick, then immediately throw a flurry of punches.

Defensively, you’ll also need to master head movement and fakes to get past their long-range strikes. Front kicks and jabs can be a nightmare for shorter fighters, but with good timing and quick angles, you can slip past these attacks and land heavy counter shots.

Key Tips for Shorter Fighters:

- Use fakes: Trick your opponent into overcommitting, then slip in.

- Focus on low kicks: They’re more effective at disrupting balance and allowing you to get inside.

- Explosive movement: Close the gap quickly, attack, and exit before they counter.

- Counter punching: Make them pay with overhands or hooks as soon as they miss a shot.

If You’re a Very Strong Fighter

Strength can be a game-changer, but it also comes with its own strategy. If you’ve got knockout power, you don’t need to throw a lot of punches to end a fight, you just need to land the right one.

The trick is patience and timing. Rather than rushing in with long combinations, you’re better off picking your moments.

A strong fighter should look to counter. Instead of initiating every exchange, wait for your opponent to make the first move. When they do, punish them with a well-timed power shot. If you can land that perfect hook or cross, it’s game over for most opponents.

But remember, power also requires precision. Wasting energy on missed shots isn’t ideal, especially if you’re banking on landing that one big hit. Stay relaxed, manage your energy, and pick your shots wisely.

Key Tips for Strong Fighters:

- Play a patient game: You only need one solid shot, so wait for the right moment.

- Counter strikes: Let your opponent make the first move, then punish them with power.

- Focus on accuracy: Don’t waste your energy on missed punches; every strike should count.

- Defensive efficiency: Use a long guard and footwork to stay safe while waiting to land a knockout punch.

If You’re a Volume Puncher

On the flip side, if you’re not the hardest hitter, your path to victory looks a bit different. Instead of relying on knockout power, you need to outwork your opponent with sheer volume.

This means constantly putting pressure on them, throwing punches in bunches, and wearing them down.

The key to success as a volume puncher is stamina and relentless pressure. You need to be able to throw shot after shot without gassing out.

Combine long combinations with solid defense so you can keep attacking without leaving yourself open. While your shots might not drop them with one punch, the accumulation will eventually break them down.

Key Tips for Volume Punchers:

- Stay active: Throw a high volume of punches to overwhelm your opponent.

- Outwork them: Even if they land harder shots, you can win by landing more.

- Use combinations: String punches together, keeping them on the defensive.

- Solid defense: Stay safe between combinations to avoid counters.

Customizing Your Technique to Your Strengths

No two fighters are exactly the same. One of your legs might be stronger than the other, or your left hook might hit harder than your right. Identifying these individual strengths is crucial to building your fight style. If your left kick is a knockout weapon but your right is lacking, then make your left leg the focus of your kicking game.

Train your weaker side, but don’t force yourself into strategies that don’t suit your natural strengths. Your body is constantly telling you what works best — listen to it.

Key Takeaway: Listen to Your Body

The main point is simple: don’t fight against your natural attributes. Fight smarter and harder.

Figure out what works for your height, your strength, and your specific physical advantages. Then, build a style around that. You’ll find yourself winning more fights, improving faster, and having a lot more fun in the process.

Now, take this knowledge to the gym, train hard, and fine-tune your approach to suit your unique attributes. Everyone’s journey is different, but with the right strategy, you can maximize your potential and become a truly formidable fighter.