Kung Fu, Karate, And Beyond!
If you've never done martial arts, you probably know someone who does. Not only do martial arts teach self-defense, they can also be a great outlet for letting off steam, especially for kids! There are over a hundred different types of martial arts practiced around the world, and this is just a sampling of them.
1. Shaolin Kung Fu
The most well-known form of Kung Fu, Shaolin Kung Fu originated in China over 1500 years ago! Shaolin Kung Fu uses quick and forceful movements, focusing on hand and arm strikes. Shaolin Kung Fu is known for its various animal forms such as Tiger Form, which trains the body for strikes and Crane Form which teaches kicking.
2. Karate
Karate developed when the Chinese brought their techniques to Okinawa, Japan. Once used as a means of self-defense against bandits, karate is now one of the best-known martial arts in the world. This style focuses on striking kicks such as punches, kicks, and, yes, breaking things.
3. Taekwondo
You can't skip leg day if you practice Taekwondo. This Korean sport is primarily based around kicking and punching. Modern Taekwondo developed after the end of WWII, but takes inspiration from ancient Korean martial arts.
Hidayatul Ni'mah 18 on Wikimedia
4. Judo
In comparison to strike-forward martial arts, Judo focuses on grappling and momentum. Judo was developed in 19th century Japan using Jujitsu elements for maximum efficiency with minimal effort. Rather than relying on different forms for practice, a centerpiece of Judo is free sparring sessions.
5. Bare Knuckle Boxing
Bare-knuckle boxing is, as you might gather, a full-contact sport without any sort of protection, both on the hands, and on the rest of the body. Bare-knuckle boxing originated in 17th-century England was most popular in the Victorian era. While professional boxers adopted gloves in the late 19th century, bare-knuckle boxing has been experiencing a modern resurgence.
6. Cornish Wrestling
Originating in Cornwall in the extreme southwest of England, Cornish wrestling dates back to the 1100s. The objective of this style of wrestling is throw your oponent so that they land as flat on their back as possible. Famously, Cornish wrestling matches took place in graveyards, which led to grave-wrestling being banned in 1287.
Nightwalker05 at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
7. Kickboxing
Kickboxing is exactly what it sounds like: a blend of punching and kicking. Kickboxing split off from Karate in the 1960s and focuses on sparring and conditioning. Done carefully and correctly, kickboxing is both a practical method of self-defense, and a way to release pent-up aggression.
8. Capoeria
Brazilian Capoeira is more than just a martial art, including elements of dance, music, and spirituality, Capoeira is an important cultural practice for Black Brazilians. Capoeira employs fluid movements and rocking steps so that early enslaved practicioners were able to practice self-defense without attracting attention. Once enslavers caught on, Capoeria was criminalized until the 1930s.
Nigel SB Photography on Unsplash
9. Mixed Martial Arts
Can't commit to just one martial art? Mix 'em! MMA fighting incorportates unrestricted techniques from around the world. MMA was originally sold as a competition to find the most effective martial art for unarmed combat in the real world, but has since become one of the most popular martial arts to watch, if not to practice.
10. Aikido
Much like Judo, Aikido is an internal martial art that focuses on redirecting and neutralizing your opponent's energy. Aikido uses pins, throws, and joint locks to defeat attackers without causing undue harm. Sparring partners take turns being both attacker and defender.
11. Sambo
Sambo is one of the newest martial arts on this list, developed in 1920s Russia. Sambo is practiced in two main forms: Sport Sambo, which is similar to catch wrestling and Judo, and Combat Sambo, which was developed for military use. Sambo also incorportates styles from kickboxing and fencing.
Presidential Press and Information Office on Wikimedia
12. Hapkido
Hapkido is a Korean martial art that uses both close- and long-range fighting techniques. Close-range combat focuses on pressure point strikes, joint locks, and throws, while long-range combat is about jumping kicks and percussive strikes. Hapkido classes can incorporate a variety of weapons such as swords, canes, and ropes.
originally uploaded by en:User:Wikiman86 on Wikimedia
13. Kendo
While most modern martial arts focus on the body rather than weaponry, Kendo is a Japanese martial art which preserves the way of the samurai. Using bamboo swords and armor, Kendo is deeply rooted in Bushido, the way of the warrior. In addition to strikes and thrust, Kendo also favors footwork for agility and stability.
14. Tahtib
Tahtib is one of the oldest martial arts to be continually practiced, dating back to the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt. Today, Tahtib is closer to a stick dance than a method of self-defense. In addition to a four-foot -long stick which opponents seek to wack each other with, Tahtib is often accompanied by music.
15. Kyudo
Kyudo stands out among weapon-based martial arts as it uses not swords or staffs, but bows and arrows. Kyudo fell out of style with the widespread adoption of guns, but has been experiencing a revival in the 21st century. Unlike other martial arts, Kyudo is largely static and does not require a partner.
16. Jeet Kune Do
Developed by legendary martial artist Bruce Lee, Jeet Kune Do combines elements of fencing, boxing, and Wing Chun. Lee called JKD the "Way of the Intercepting Fist" for its simplicity and directness. Using both sparring drills and scenarios, JKD melds combat with philosophy.
Unknown authorUnknown author on Wikimedia
17. Tai Chi
Not all martial arts are about lashing out, as proven by Tai Chi. Rather than beating your opponent, Tai Chi focuses on balancing your body and mind, reducing stress, and promoting blood flow. For this reason, the slow and controlled sequences are a great way for seniors to get more exercise.
18. Muay Thai
Not to be confused with the delicious Tiki drink, Muay Thai is also called the Art of Eight Limbs. Muay Thai is similar to kickboxing, but involves more elbow and knee action, making it popular in MMA fighting. Muay Thai's roots date all the way back to the 7th century.
19. Sumo
Sumo is Japan's national sport, dating back to ritual dances performed as harvest prayers. Sumo matches are typically very short, as one wrestler loses the second that he touches the ground with any part of his body other than the soles are his feet. While women are professionally banned from sumo due to beliefs of ritual impurity, some women continue to practice this art.
20. Wing Chun
Believed to be the first martial art created by a woman, Wing Chun was developed by a nun in the 18th century. Wing Chun is based around close-range combat with straight punches and low kicks. This style has gained popularity due to famous practicioners Bruce Lee and Donnie Yen.
KEEP ON READING
