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Types of Martial Arts
Japanese Martial Arts started during the medieval period in Japan. It was mainly practiced by the Samurai class. It was a period of fighting, struggling and war. A samurai was gifted with this art, as it could save him from enemy attack. The word “Martial” means fighting. It was really a fighting skill rather than a recreational sport during that period. It helped people protect themselves in case of combative attack. It can’t be denied that, Japanese Martial Art was a powerful weapon for common people in medieval Japan.
Most of the martial arts were imported from China. They were gradually modified by the Japanese until more arts were developed. Archery and sword-fighting are the main two arts amongst them. Some of them became rituals in Zen Buddhism. Japanese Martial Arts differ from it’s Chinese counterpart in style. Japanese Martial Arts involves straight-line attacks, whereas Chinese techniques are more circular. The martial arts of Japan have a wide range starting from empty hand–to–hand techniques, to fighting with several weapons.
Japanese arts can be categorized generally in to 5 different arts of fighting. They are Karate, Aikido, Juijutsu, Judo and Kendo. Karate is the most popular amongst all of these. Karate was originated in Okinawa. Karate means empty hand. This isn’t irony, because the people of Okinawa fought empty handed using this famous Japanese Martial Art.
Gichin Funakoshi invented Karate. He impressed the then Emperor of Japan by showing his skill and started teaching this Japanese martial art in Japan in 1921.Within five years, Karate became the most popular Japanese Martial Art. Funakoshi also opened a training hall (dojo) in Tokyo. Thus, Karate gained popularity inside and outside of Japan.
Aikido is another popular Japanese Martial Art. It is a purely traditional art and a very strict one at that! It is a self-defensive type of art. The name “Aikido” defines the characteristic of this art. “Ai” means harmony, “Ki” means source of energy, & “Do” means the way. These three words together mean that it is a way of keeping harmony in the body by using the spirit of energy. Aikido has a religious influence and practitioners believe that it’s the way to save mankind from danger or evil.
Juijutsu is an ancient art. The word “Juijutsu” means gentle art. Ironically, it is a martial art based on several joint locks & throwing techniques of the body to attack enemies. It is very effective method of defense against an armed opponent. Many Japanese martial arts advocate’s believe that Jujutsu is the ancestor of all martial arts in Japan.
Additional martial arts include Kendo and Judo. Kendo is a martial art which utilizes words. It’s a fencing martial art that requires a lot of discipline and skill. This art differs greatly from Judo, which is a unarmed combative sport. It’s rules are very complex and it is one of the most popular Japanese martial arts practiced globally.
2. Korean Martial Arts
The most common Korean Martial Arts are Taekwondo and Hapkido. These two arts, which originated in Korea, are now widespread and practiced globally, despite the fact that they have gone through many changes.
Korean Martial Arts are highly influenced by Chinese and Japanese Martial Arts. Many critics suggest that the first practices of martial arts were introduced by the Japanese to Koreans. Whether this is true or not, it is safe to say that there are a lot of Japanese influences on the different Korean styles of martial arts.
Modern Korean Martial Arts started during the 20th century where several martial arts were systematically developed during this period of time. Kuk Sool Won is the most popular amongst these arts. In addition, other popular forms of Korean Martial Arts are Sin Moo Hapkido, Han Pul, Kong Soo Do, Yudo, Han Mu Do. Kung Sul, Tang Soo Do, Soo Bahk Do, Hoshinsul, Kumdo, Haidong Gumdo, Tae Soo Do, Hwarang Do, Tae Kyon, Ship Pal Ki, Yu Sool etc.
It is important to note that Taekwondo (taekkyon) is the only martial art to receive the prestigious status of “Intangible Cultural Asset” from the Government of Korea. Some traditional martial arts like Subak and Yusul are now obsolete and do not occupy a place in modern Korean Martial Arts. Subak is similar to the Chinese Martial Art “Shoubo.” Yusul is considered to be the ancestor of the popular Japanese Martial Art “Jiujutsu”.
Students who wish to practice Korean art forms usually do so in a “Dojang” and these classes are instructed following a teacher’s command. All students are bare footed and wear the same uniforms. The rank of each practitioner is determined by using different colored belts. Tests are organized time to time to increase the rank of a practitioner and he is awarded a specific colored belt according to his level of achievement. But the color of the belt varies with training, school and the type of art being taught.
Some schools only offer black and white belts, whereas some have white, brown, black, rainbow, and so on. An instructor or “Dan” usually wears a black belt. However, a belt is not enough to judge the actual ability of a practitioner. The most important aspect is the depth of one’s study in the specific art. Once practitioners have proven that they can excel, there are no limits to the techniques that they can learn and possibly teach to others.
The martial arts of Korea are very popular and widespread. Many arts that have derived from Korea are taught all over the world, especially Taekwondo which is the most popular in Europe and the United States. Many people prefer these martial arts because they provide effective self-defense lessons along with strength training and training of the mind.
3. Indian Martial Arts
Indian Martial Arts have existed ever since times of antiquity or what is commonly known as the pre-Gupta period. India refers to martial arts in Sanskrit as “dhanurveda,” which translates to the "science of archery." For the Indians, martial arts have traditionally been considered to be a branch of knowledge aside from fighting techniques.The fighting styles in Indian martial arts vary according to the region they came from and the time period they were established in. These include Dravidian martial arts such as Kuttu Varisai, kalaripayat, Gatka,Varma Kalai and some other older forms. The systems of Indian Martial Arts consisted of both armed and unarmed fighting along with meditation and other forms of mental conditioning. Like most fighting systems, the Indian version is linked to religion which is Hinduism in this case.
Those who are familiar with yoga poses will find that some of the positions are used in Indian martial art fighting techniques and these poses can also be seen in Hindu temples that house statues and paintings of deities and warriors. The principles of yoga, ayurveda and tantra, such as life energy or prana, meridians or nadi, energy points or chakra, and pressure points or marmam, are all part of Indian Martial Arts.
The use of weapons has been an integral part of the art of fighting in India ever since the beginnings. Indians used the basic types of weapons including spears, swords, axes, short bows, and long bows that were either made of wood or tipped with metal. When India began to experience technological advancements, the weaponry improved as it was made with flexible wootz steel.
The martial arts of India have influenced other Asian combative sports, especially in Southeast Asia. After the British colonized India, the martial arts systems began to lose their prominence because more Europeanized methods of fighting were used to train the police force and other officials. However, some forms of Indian martial arts have prevailed and continue to be taught to students across the globe.
4. Chinese Martial Arts
Chinese Martial Arts are the most traditional martial arts in the world as they existed prior to the 12th century. Chinese Martial Arts include hundreds of different styles and it is undoubtedly the most versatile martial art in the world.Some of martial arts fighting styles that are still practiced today are types of Kung Fu including Bagua, Drunken Boxing, Eagle Claw, Five Animals, Hsing I, Hung Gar, Lau Gar, Monkey, Praying Mantis, White Crane, Wing Chun and Tai Chi Chuan. Some styles are copied from the movements of animals; while others are inspired by Chinese philosophical thoughts, myths, and legends.
Chinese Martial Arts always emphasize a basic skill, such as strength training, staff sparring, fencing, and eight methods of Shaolin. All of these methods are very effective for becoming an expert in Chinese Martial Arts. According to some Chinese experts, the martial arts of China are the ancestors of all types of martial arts practiced in Japan, Korea and Tibet. Many different techniques have derived from the arts of China, which have ultimately been very influential on Martial Arts practiced across the globe.
Chinese Martial Arts can be classified into two major categories and these are External, or softy style and Internal, or hard style. Sometimes, Chinese Martial Arts are divided according to location including the Northern category and the Southern category. There are more classifications of martial arts based on religion, styles, and so on. Each category has some distinction in style and technique. These are some of the most fundamental reasons that masters begin to create different forms of martial arts.
Apart from general classification, modern contests are divided in to six categories. They include empty-handed forms, weapon forms, choreographed forms, group practice, sparring competition, and power demonstration. Four general steps can describe all the various techniques of these arts. These are kicking, throwing, striking and controlling. Different techniques can be performed at different levels in Chinese Martial Arts. For instance, a beginner will not be given the same instructions as a veteran practitioner.
In a competition, all of these basic steps must be demonstrated by the competitor to earn full points. Eight qualities of a performer are attentively judged in a Chinese Martial Arts contest. These qualities are hands, eyes, body technique, steps, strength, spirit, breath, and ability. While these are not judged in Olympic martial arts competitions, they are judged in most tournaments.
Chinese Martial Arts have produced many eminent martial art practitioners. All of them have had important contributions to the martial art that is now popular throughout the world. Some of them are NG Mui, Wong Fei hung, Huo Yuanjia, and Ten tigers, all of whom have had a strong influence in the culture and society of China.
Chinese Martial Arts has influenced other parts of world as well. In the United States, the fighting systems from China have been very popular since the 1960's and their popularity continues to increase. Several Television shows have aired based on Chinese Martial Arts. There isn't a country in the world where a Chinese Martial Arts training center does not exist.
5. Brazilian Martial Arts
Brazil has an old history of a special type of Martial Arts, quite distinct from other prominent systems. Capoeira is one type of Martial Art that has originated in Brazil and the major style of Brazilian Martial Arts as well. Capoeira employs a degree of flexibility consisting of kicks, head butts, elbow strikes and sweeps. Another popular Brazilian Martial Arts is Brazilian Jiu Jistu. While this martial art did not originate in Brazil and was rather adopted from Japan, it incorporated new styles and techniques.Capoeira can be described as "Martial Dance" that consists of music, dance, athletic movements, martial arts and combat theories altogether. African slaves in Brazil developed this Martial Art about 400 years ago where the slaves practiced Capoeira as a way to protect themselves. Later, it grew and continued to be developed by the ex-slaves as a way of protection on the streets. At that time it was not a legal art and the practitioners were forced to hide its practice. They even gave each other nicknames to hide their actual identities.
Now, it has become a form of ritual and Capoeira has taken an important place in Brazilian Martial Arts. It is considered to be a ritual art form of expression and freedom. Capoeira is a martial art combined with a traditional dance from while at the same time, it requires immense acrobatic fitness, endurance, and flexibility of the body.
There are several types of Capoeira. The oldest version of this Brazilian Martial Arts is called "Capoeira Angola." It is usually practiced at a slower pace where practitioners are close to one another. Another type is "Capoeira Regional," which is a faster and swifter version of "Capoeira Angola.” Capoeira Regional was the first Brazilian Martial Art to use a ranking system and it also featured many changes to popularize the unique art. The journey of martial arts in Brazil started from Capoeira Regional.
Although there are tons of disputes as to who actually began Capoeira, two people have credited for its introduction. They are Mestre Bimba and Mestre Pastinha. Bimba was the first person to teach this unique form of Brazilian Martial Art as an authorized teacher. Mestre Pastinha opened the first Capoeira School in 1942. He produced many talented students to expand this Brazilian Martial Art throughout Brazil and the rest of the world.
Music has an important role in this special art. Various types of beats and rhythms are used according to the pace of the match. Both instruments and voice are used in Capoeira Music. The song can be a solo number or a chorus song of that focuses on the question-answer type. Many people find Capoeira to be one of the most entertaining forms Brazilian Martial Arts.
Capoeira is no longer limited to Brazilians as it has expanded to many countries throughout the world. Children and adults alike can participate in classes and take lessons. The Olympic Committee also has accepted this Brazilian Martial Art as a sport. While Capoeira is not only a Brazilian Martial Art, the use of songs in this art has made it a cultural symbol of the nation. It has become a reflection of the historical and cultural life of Brazil.
Welcome
The term martial arts refers to the art of warfare (from Mars, the god of war). It comes from a 15th-century European term for fighting arts now known as historical European martial arts. A practitioner of martial arts is referred to as a martial artist.
In popular culture, the term martial arts often specifically refers to the combat systems that originated in Asian cultures, especially East Asian martial arts. However, the term actually refers to any codified combat system, regardless of origin. Europe is home to many extensive systems of martial arts, both living traditions (e.g. Jogo do Pau and other stick and sword fencing and Savate, a French kicking style developed by sailors and street fighters) and older systems of historical European martial arts that have existed through the present, many of which are now being reconstructed. In the Americas, Native Americans have traditions of open-handed martial arts including wrestling, and Hawaiians have historically practiced arts featuring small- and large-joint manipulation. A mix of origins is found in the athletic movements of Capoeira, which African slaves developed in Brazil based on skills they had brought from Africa.
While each style has unique facets that make it different from other martial arts, a common characteristic is the systemization of fighting techniques. Methods of training vary and may include sparring (simulated combat) or formal sets or routines of techniques known as forms or kata. Forms are especially common in the Asian and Asian-derived martial arts.