Martial Arts: Types Of Fighting Styles

Martial Arts is a rather broad term that encompasses a number of different fighting system styles. While the study of Martial Arts is embraced by a wide variety of cultures around the world, at the center of this philosophy is the idea of training for combat without the use of modern weapons. Although martial arts has traditionally been linked with training for combat, today people follow this training and philosophy for a wide variety of reasons such as self-defense, meditation, fitness and even as a way of raising self-esteem.



Under the broad classification of martial arts fall many different styles. Each of these styles may feature a variety of different movements such as kicking, grappling or striking. Although most forms of martial arts concentrate on training without the use of weapons, there are some styles of martial arts that do incorporate weaponry such as fencing and gatka.



Martial arts have enjoyed a long history across the globe. There has been tremendous debate regarding the exact origination of martial arts. In China alone it has been theorized that some forms of martial arts may date back to 2698 B.C. Many other cultures have also practiced forms of martial arts for centuries as well.



The different styles of martial arts are practically innumerable due to the fact that within each style of martial arts there can be a wide variety of systems. For example, within Kung Fu it has been estimated that there may actually be more than 1000 different styles of fighting. This is quite probably due to the fact that it is common for fighting systems to arise from specific villages with readily apparent differences that distinguish one fighting form from the next.



Although certainly not a comprehensive list, below are some of the most well known forms of martial arts and a little information about the history and style of each martial arts system.



Capoeira is believed to have originated during the 16th century in Brazil as a form of self-defense. This style of martial arts features kicks and dodging as well as mental training. Capoeira may also feature knife fighting at times.



Hapkido originated in Korea and is a form of martial arts that focuses on kicks, punches, locks, throws and the manipulation of joints.



Karate, one of the most well known forms of martial arts, originated in Okinawa. Within this form of martial arts there exists several other styles such as Wado Ryu and Shotokan.



Kendo is Japanese in origin and traditionally uses bamboo swords as well as protective clothing to engage in sword fighting.



Jiu Jitsu is also Japanese in origin and focuses on throws, strikes, locks and grappling.



Judo, another very popular form of martial arts, is Japanese in origin and focuses on throws. Translated as gentle way, this style of martial arts does not include any strike moves. This form of martial arts has been included in the Olympic Games.



Kung Fu is a diverse style of martial arts that contains many different Chinese styles of fighting. This style of martial arts is quite often considered to be as much a discipline and philosophy as it is a way of fighting. There are many different sub categories of Kung Fun including Shaolin, Hung Gar and Wing Chun.



Muay Thai is a term that is not commonly known, however; it is through this style of martial arts that most forms of kickboxing originated. The form itself originated in Thailand.



Taekwondo is also a very popular form of martial arts and is Korean in origin. In many ways it is quite similar to Karate; however there is a specific emphasis on kicking within Taekwondo. This form of martial arts has been included in the Olympic Games as well.

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