Boxing is a combat sport that involves fighting with only a closed fist. Traditionally, boxing has also been referred to as “pugilism,” which literally means, “fist fight.” Fights take place in a “ring,” and consist of timed rounds. Winners are decided by points or by knocking out an opponent. A referee runs the fight inside the ring while judges outside the ring ultimately decide who wins the match if there is no knockout.

The Boxing Dictionary, describes the formula for boxing as: thought + skill + preparation + heart = performance, and explains that this is what makes boxing, “the sweet science.”

Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a self-defence martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting and submission holds. BJJ focuses on the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, controlling one's opponent, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu was initially developed in the 1920s by Brazilian brothers Carlos, Oswaldo, Gastão Jr., George, and Hélio Gracie, after Carlos was taught jiu-jitsu by a travelling Japanese judoka, Mitsuyo Maeda who himself mastered his ground fighting at the Kodokan in Japan and with Catch wrestlers in Europe and the United States.

Shootboxing or Shūtobokushingu is a mixture of its two parent combat styles of Shoot/Catch Wrestling, Muay Thai and Japanese Kickboxing, allowing for kicks, punches, knees, elbows, throws, and standing submissions.

Shootboxing was created in August 1985 by former kickboxer Caesar Takeshi. The first Shootboxing event took place on September 1, 1985. Some mixed martial artists such as Hayato Sakurai began their careers in Shootboxing. Shootboxing has also drawn fighters who became famous in other promotions such as UFC Champion Jens Pulver. Many K-1 World MAX stars also either debuted in Shootboxing or have fought for Shootboxing in the past, including Andy Souwer, Albert Kraus, and Buakaw Banchamek.