Insane Fighting Sports That Are Beyond Brutal

If you enjoy boxing, you will no doubt be aware that there are other fighting sports that exist such as MMA. Fighting has been a popular sport for centuries all over the world, but there are some disciplines which take the battle to another level. Check out these three insane fighting sports which are seriously brutal.

Sambo

This sport hails from Russia and is a combat system used by the military as well as a sport. There are five versions – military, freestyle, specialized, sport and self-defence – and is a discipline that’s used by everyone from the police and military to elite athletes. Headgear and gloves are allowed and the practice draws on the styles of many other types of fighting sports including judo, wrestling and martial arts.

Calcio Storico

This sport is often given the dubious honour of being considered the most violent in the world but it’s not traditional fighting. A mixture of soccer, rugby and American football, although it’s a ball sport martial arts are permitted on the field. With very little physical protection and rules which permit almost anything other than hitting an opponent when he’s down, this is one combat sport which takes a tough person to participate.

Lethwei

A type of bare knuckle fighting where only hand wraps are used, Lethwei comes from southeast Asia. With many similarities to the popular Muay Thai Asian boxing, Lethwei takes things one step further by permitting headbutts to be used – the only sport to do so. When a fighter is knocked out, his corner revives him with smelling salts and he’s given the choice of continuing – truly savage!

For other sports which are a bit less psychotic, check out www.clubsfit.com today.

Hurling: Ireland’s national treasure recognized by UNESCO

The Irish sport of hurling has been officially recognized by UNESCO as having special cultural status. The game has now been added to Representative List of the Intangible Culture Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

It marks the sport out as having particular cultural significance to Ireland but the game has gradually taken root in other regions around the world where there is a high population of Irish people living.

If you are not familiar with the sport of hurling, here are a few interesting facts you might like to know.

1. Hurling closely resembles a cross between field hockey and lacrosse. Players use a wooden stick made of ash to strike a ball which is traditionally made of leather.

2. The stick used in hurling is referred to by a number of names – hurl, hurley or caman. The ball is known as the sliothar.

3. Teams score in hurling by either striking the ball over the crossbar and between two upright posts. This will score one point. The can also score a goal by striking the ball under the bar and into the net, which results in three points.

4. There are 15 players on a hurling team and teams are usually split into on goalkeeper, six defenders or backs, two midfielders and six forwards.

5. Hurling is often referred to as the fastest field sport in the world and players can strike the ball up to 100 yards.

6. The most successful Irish county in hurling is Kilkenny who has won the All-Ireland Championship 36 times. The All-Ireland champions receive the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

Read up on more interesting sporting stories with the books at www.clubsfit.com.