Traditional martial arts require that fighters abide by a set of rules while fighting. For example, you may only be allowed to fight standing up, striking certain body parts is not permitted. But mixed martial arts allow fighters to use many different strategies to tackle their opponents. The techniques allowed in mixed martial arts competitions can be divided in to two categories: grappling techniques (pinning holds, clinch holds, takedowns, sweeps, throws, and submission holds) or striking techniques (knees, punches, and kicks). Most fighters must cross train with many different mixed martial arts styles in order to be effected in all phases of combat. A standing mixed martial arts fighter will also need to able to combat on the floor if he is taken to the ground.