Tough Guy

mixed martial arts

What I practice is a type of martial arts called mixed martial arts.

'Mixed martial arts' is a combination of many different types of martial arts like boxing, kick boxing and wrestling.  You can use many methods to defeat your opponent.  Notice the following:

1. He has recently become interested in mixed martial arts.
   
2. Have you ever tried mixed martial arts?
   

no holds barred

There are no holds barred in mixed martial arts.

If something is 'no holds barred' that means there is no holding back, almost anything is acceptable.  Notice the following:

1. She has a no holds barred approach to life.
   
2. He went for the job, no holds barred.
   

kill the joints

Grappling is the type of sports where you kill your opponent's joint.

To 'kill someone's joints' it to hit them in such a way in their joints, such as the knee, shoulder or ankle, that they don't function properly or collapse.  Notice the following:

1. A well placed hit can kill the joints of even the biggest person.
   
2. He uses quick kicks to kill his opponent's joints.
   

choke out

In grappling, you also try to choke your opponent out.

If you 'choke' someone you restrict his airway so he can't breathe.  Notice the following:

1. It was really scary being choked out like that.
   
2. He put his arm around his opponent's neck and choked him out.
   

fish-hooking

Fish-hooking is an illegal movement in grappling.

'Fish-hooking' someone is to use your first two fingers like a hook to dig at your opponents eyes, nose or mouth.  Notice the following:

1. Getting fish-hooked in the eye really hurts.
   
2. The losing wrestler fish-hooked his opponent and was disqualified.