Martial Arts

Martial arts can be broadly defined as any systematic method of combat. Contrary to the belief of many, the term is not limited to those combative practices of South East Asia. It actually covers martial practices from all around the world and can include Western boxing and modern fencing, as well as Greco-Roman wrestling and Freestyle wrestling.

The Japanese martial arts are many, but the most widely known are Karate, Judo, Kendo, and Aikido. Karate is primarily a striking art that originated from Okinawa. Judo is a grappling art that is primarily a sport in its modern form, and it focuses on throwing the opponent, with a secondary focus on ground control and submissions. Kendo is the modern art of Japanese fencing, and influenced by the Samurai sword fighting schools as well as Western fencing after World War II. Aikido is a martial art that relies on harmonizing with your opponent’s movement in order to subdue him with minimal harm. It is largely comprised of counters, with striking used for distraction purposes more than anything. Many other Japanese martial arts are still practiced, including Ninjutsu, Jujutsu, Jodo, Kyudo and Iaido.

China is widely considered the home or birthplace of martial arts. Kung Fu, or Wushu as it is now known in China, is famed across the world thanks to movies and the legends of Shaolin monks. Bruce Lee was instrumental in popularizing Kung Fu and burning it into the world’s consciousness. To describe the technical focus of Kung Fu would be like trying to describe all martial arts by only talking about the hook punch. Kung Fu is a term that covers many different styles of Chinese martial arts, but the most well-known would be Wing Chun Kung Fu and Shaolin styles of animal Kung Fu. Many think of Kung Fu as only consisting of elaborate movements and florid techniques, but just as many styles are direct in attack and defence.

Korean martial arts are some of the most popular worldwide. Taekwondo is in fact that most practiced martial art in the world. It is focused mainly on kicks, and while some believe it is developed from ancient Korean fighting styles, its development was heavily influenced by Karate during the Japanese occupation of Korea. The major style of Taekwondo is that of the World Taekwondo Federation, which is the style played in the Olympic games. Hapkido is another popular Korean martial art, and it relies on throws, locks and counters. Some have referred to it as the Korean Aikido.

The Filipino martial arts, including Kali, Escrima and countless other forms, are feared for their masterful use of sticks and knives. This weapons training is designed to also improve unarmed combative skills, and the practiced Filipino martial artist is a master of deadly effectiveness with the empty hand or with weapons.

Russia is most well known for the martial arts of Systema and Sambo, though there are other Russian martial forms. Systema is essentially a conglomeration of Russian martial arts, and it places great importance on effectiveness in self-defence and against groups of attackers. Sambo is no less brutal, but many practitioners focus on the sport side of it more than the self-defense aspect, even though it was originally designed primarily for self-defense purposes.

Brazil has provided the world with two very important martial arts: Capoiera and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Capoeira was designed by African slaves in Brazil, who had to disguise the art as a dance. This was so they could practice it without alerting their masters. It has retained this dance style even now, making it a beautiful and unique martial art, with a very entertaining method of sparring. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was derived from Judo (the name comes from Judo being referred to in Brazil as ‘Kano Jiu Jitsu’ in the early to mid part of the 20th century). It was founded by Carlos and Helio Gracie, who learned Judo from Mitsuyo Maeda. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu holds much in common with Judo, but it has a far greater focus on ground fighting rather than throws. It became incredibly famous after the first Ultimate Fighting Championship event was won by Royce Gracie, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner of the Gracie family.

The Western European martial tradition has seen a resurgence in recent years, with historical reenactment groups reviving traditional weapons arts and wrestling forms. Additionally, arts such as Savate, or French kickboxing, have received more attention, and many Savate schools also practice La Canne, the French walking-stick fighting style. Western European martial arts are a real area of growth and period fighting manuals are constantly being rediscovered and analyzed.

There are many more martial arts and martial traditions around the world, too many to mention here. The best way to learn about martial arts is to take one up. Finding a good instructor can be challenging, but it is well worth the time, as the right master will help you to practice your martial art for life, not just while you’re young.