Rafael Campos

Rafael “The Battering Ram” Campos is an awarded writer and the head coach of Aríete, a Brazilian-Kiwi Martial Arts team. He has over 10 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and over 16 years in Muay Thai.

Rafael has trained Muay Thai at two of the best gyms in the world, Phuket Fight Club, where he was trained by Leo Elias, and Manop Gym, where he was trained by Manop himself, trainer of the legendary Saenchai. While living in Thailand, he also trained with some of the biggest names of contemporary Muay Thai, such as Julio Lobo, Luis Cajaíba, Bárbara Aguiar, Bao Rittichai, Payak Samui, and Thepnimit Sitmonchai “Mr. Knock.”

After 10 years as a trainer in Brazil, he moved to New Zealand, teaching Muay Thai and studying for a master’s degree program in Applied Health Sciences focused on rehabilitating injuries related to Martial Arts and other sports.

That’s my team’s Instagram profile (Aríete): https://www.instagram.com/equipeariete/

Recent Articles:

Muay Thai Equipment for Every Level: Our Expert Guide for the Perfect Gear

This article will focus on all kinds of Muay Thai equipment that will help you put your performance to the next level in your own Muay Thai gym!
Kickboxing gear for Every Level: Our Expert Guide to the Perfect Equipment

Kickboxing is one of the most popular martial arts globally, with millions of practitioners and numerous different styles. Having all the equipment you need to perform at practice and in matches is imperative.
Best Boxing Gloves: Training and Sparring Gloves that are worth your money (2023)

I tested 10 of the most appraised gloves in the market and found Top King to be the best boxing gloves due to their high quality, superior padding, great wrist support, and price. From cheap boxing gloves for beginners to the legendary items worn in the bloody battles at Lumpinee Stadium in Thailand, I had…
What Is a Sensei in Karate? Unraveling the Meaning of Sensei in Martial Arts

In the world of Karate, ‘Sensei’ is more than just a title. It’s a badge of honor, a testament to mastery and dedication. While the term may seem enigmatic to the uninitiated, its meaning is quite straightforward. If you’ve always wanted to know the meaning of the word Sensei in Karate, you’ve come to the…
Taekwondo Belts: Ranking System Explained

In this article, we are going to deal with an essential aspect of Taekwondo – its belt system. It is well known that most Oriental martial arts have a certain system of differently colored belts that symbolize the level of knowledge each holder has.
Best BJJ Rash Guards in 2023: Enhance Your Bjj Experience

jiu Jitsu is a pretty young martial art and combat sports discipline, and it has developed quite a huge following in recent years, as it takes details and customs from traditional martial arts, and also adopts practices from this modern day and age. Taking and placing our focus into the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu rash guard,…
11 Best Martial Arts for Self-Defense (Ranked)

Martial arts training is one of those hobbies which won’t only improve your fighting skills. Training them will enhance your … 11 Best Martial Arts for Self-Defense (Ranked)
UFC Weight Classes Unraveled: The Definitive Order of Divisions in Lbs and Kg!

Like all martial arts and combat sports, the UFC has several weight categories called divisions. Unlike the more-known divisions, openweight tournaments do not have any weight limits, which means that everyone can participate and that there can be a substantial difference in the physique of the fighters, something we’ve discussed at the beginning of this…
MMA Gear Essentials: Must-Have Equipment for Every Fighter

Are you ready to embark on self-discovery and physical transformation through mixed martial arts? As a hero in the making, … MMA Gear Essentials: Must-Have Equipment for Every Fighter
Karate Conditioning Training: A Comprehensive Guide to Unleashing Your Inner Warrior

Karate is one of the most well known disciplines out of the traditional martial arts that have evolved over years up to this day and age. Karate Conditioning lead towards the development of explosive power and improvements in your muscle groups, for the sole purpose of improving your performance.
Jiu-jitsu Workout: Strength And Conditioning Program For BJJ Training

Have you ever wondered about strength training for BJJ? Do you even think the best jiu-jitsu athletes participate in some of the most specific weight training sessions that push their skills to a new level?
Karate Equipment for Every Level: Our Expert Guide for the Perfect Gear

While karate does not have as much protective gear as Taekwondo, they still have some additional pieces essential for a competitive career. Whether it’s something basic like sneakers and specially designed clothes or something more demanding such as a full set of martial arts equipment, each sport has something.
Karate vs Taekwondo: Who Will Come Out on Top in this Epic Battle of Martial Arts?

Explore the similarities and differences between Karate and Taekwondo, two popular martial arts with unique fighting styles. While Karate emphasizes hand techniques, Taekwondo focuses on kicking techniques, showcasing their distinct approach to combat. Discover the key differences and similarities that make these martial arts styles so popular.
Catch Wrestling

Catch wrestling refers to the classical grappling style with modified rules or a combat sport, which is different thanks to traveling funfair wrestlers who discovered and developed their submission holds, also known under the name “hooks”.
Martial Arts Belts: Everything You Need to Know

Martial arts belts are used to represent the ranking and progress of students in martial art. The Black Belt is the most prestigious stage of martial art belts and it is the time a student must have full control of his or her abilities and knowledge and also possess the power to teach them to…
Karate Belt order: Ranking System Explained

An essential aspect of karate is its belt system that symbolize the level of knowledge each holder has. The lowest kyū is usually the 8th one (although there can be variations), designating a white belt, while the 1st kyū represents the highest rank a mudansha can achieve before obtaining a black belt; 1st kyū belts…
Kenpo Karate: Unleash Your Inner Warrior and Transform Your Life Today!

Kenpo is one of the many martial arts that developed in Asia throughout history. You can find some elements here and there in various Chinese styles, but overall, the style of Kenpo originated in Japan, even though it used Chinese crafts as a base.
Judo vs Wrestling Differences

Judo and wrestling are both grappling martial arts, where striking your opponent isn’t allowed. There are many similarities in techniques … Judo vs Wrestling Differences
Judo vs Taekwondo: What Is the Difference?

When researching martial arts and looking for one you might want to train, you will notice that there are more … Judo vs Taekwondo: What Is the Difference?
What Is the Difference Between Judo and Karate?

The number of Eastern martial arts is comparable to the number of pizza types in the world. There is a … What Is the Difference Between Judo and Karate?
Kung Fu Belts: Ranking System Explained

We all know too well that Oriental martial arts are known for having (usually coloured) belts that designate individual rankings … Kung Fu Belts: Ranking System Explained
Wrestling Styles: Explained in Detail

Continuing our series of articles on wrestling, we have decided to present you some of the different styles present in … Wrestling Styles: Explained in Detail
Best boxing gloves for women that are worth your money

I tested 10 of those considered the best boxing gloves for women and found Fairtex Microfibre to be the best among them for its protection and comfort level. Truth be told, the microfibre is lighter and it’s one of the reasons why these gloves are good for everybody, from the cardio classes athlete to the…
Sweet Science of Fighting Review – My Strength Book

We live in the era of apps and if you’re not using them for training you’re wasting an amazing source of tools for your own development. My Strength Book is mainly manual and it will inform you the percentage of the 1RM you’ve been lifting for each of the logged exercises, but that’s all.
Best Kickboxing Shoes for Women: Conquer Every Fight with These Choices in 2023

Kickboxing is an incredible workout that millions of people around the world train. Cross Training shoes aren’t the same as running shoes, but this model will allow you to get some serious mileage under your feet.
Everlast Speed Bag (P00002114 1910): your top choice for home training

The Everlast Speed Bag (P00002114 1910) is an outstanding choice if you’re looking for a reliable and durable focus bag. Behind the scenes, the patented design of the Everlast P00002114 1910 Speed Bag helps create a counter-punching effect that not only increases hand-eye coordination but also helps you get a better workout.
Best Kickboxing and Boxing Hand Wraps 2023: Protect your hand to Conquer the ring

As a Martial Arts expert with over 10 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and over 16 years in Muay … Best Kickboxing and Boxing Hand Wraps 2023: Protect your hand to Conquer the ring
BJJ Gear: Outfitting Yourself For Success On The Mat

Entering The World Of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: An Introduction To Gear And Equipment Brazilian jiu jitsu is a grappling martial art. Stay Safe And Stylish: The Importance Of Rash Guards In No-Gi BJJ A rash guard serves to gather sweat off your body, protect the skin, and help prevent mat burns.
Best BJJ Gi Brands 2023: Train Harder, Fight Stronger, Be Unbeatable

I tested 10 different Jiu-Jitsu Gi Brands and found Gold to be the best BJJ gi among them for its … Best BJJ Gi Brands 2023: Train Harder, Fight Stronger, Be Unbeatable
Muay Thai vs Kickboxing: The Fight for K.O. Supremacy

Muay Thai vs Kickboxing – two of the most popular and respected martial arts that originated from Southeast Asia. Both … Muay Thai vs Kickboxing: The Fight for K.O. Supremacy
Boxing Equipment for Every Level: Our Expert Guide for the Perfect Gear

Considering that you came to this article, we assume you are interested in finding out what equipment you need to start boxing? Your gear must protect you, prevent injuries, and increase the efficiency of your training. It’s not enough to have a good sparring partner or a great trainer. You better not waste your money…