Forms of Martial Arts

Forms of Martial Arts

Martial Arts come in different forms and they are not only confined to Kung-fu or Taekwondo, which is popularized a lot in television and the movies. You would be surprised to know that certain forms of fighting are also called martial arts. To learn and practice martial arts, one should be well equipped with the proper supplies.

Martial arts have different origins. The term “Martial” is derived from the Roman god of war named “Mars“. Martial Arts simply mean “the art of war”. Although most people think that martial arts only came from the Asian cultures, it is also found in America and Europe. Martial arts feature a type of combat system that has codes within a single objective of physically defeating a person.

Aside from this, it is mainly used for self-defense against any bodily harm. Some martial arts techniques are actually based on a spiritual or religious philosophy such as Aikido and Judo. This is while others base it on a certain code of honor such as fencing. Hence, martial arts techniques are being practiced as a form of combat sports and some in the form of dance.

Thus, regardless of where the art originated, they have similarities with one another. Each style has a systematized fighting style. They even have forms and routines when they do sparring, which is practiced either alone or with a partner. Martial arts are grouped in a way that each style will focus on a certain area.

Below is a list of samples for each group:
Grappling
• Throwing – Judo, Jujutsu, Sambo
• Joint Lock – Aikido, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Hapkido
• Pinning Techniques – Wrestling, Judo

Striking
• Punching – Boxing (Western style), Wing Chun
• Kicking – Capoeira, Savate, Taekwondo
• Other Strikes – Muay thai, Karate, Shaolin Kung Fu

Weapons
• Traditional Weaponry – Fencing, Gatka, Kendo, Kali
• Modern Weaponry – Eskrima, Jogo do pau, Jukendo
For some, most of the styles are well known as a form of Martial Arts technique and only a few would know that boxing and fencing is also categorized as such. At present, most styles of martial arts are being used as combat sports. For the others, they are used in military or police training as a form of self-defense.

Hence, Tae Kwon Do, fencing, boxing, and wrestling are events in the summer Olympics. This is while other martial arts such as Wushu of China and Muay Thai have tournaments held around the world. Aside from this, there are also those, which are regarded both as a form of dance and as a type of Martial Art. Good examples would include the Capoeira of Brazil, Yolah of Oman/UAE, and Buza from Russia.

Here is short description of some of the techniques mentioned above.
CAPOEIRA
The slaves in Brazil created this martial art during in the 16th century. It’s a blend of dance, game, and as mentioned already – martial art, where in, music is incorporated. It’s more of a skill based art rather than injuring the opponent. The players’ form a circle called the Roda, where in, they will take turns in playing inside the circle.

The basic movement in Capoeira is called the ginga, in which, they need to swing and rock back and forth. They should move with the rhythm of the music being played by the bateria. Hence, the players usually use acrobatic movements such as cartwheels, handstands and use kicks, sweeps, and head strikes as a form of attack. They also do rolls and ducks, as their defensive move and as type of preparation for an attack.

Thus, this is more of a combination move for self-defense that makes use of a cartwheel with a blocking kick and an attack at the same time.

BOXING
The ancient Greeks first introduced it as a sport and there are different forms of boxing done around the world. As a combat sport, usually two persons with a similar weight class fight with each other using their fists. There is the presence of a referee, one who needs to watch over and control the fight.

Since boxing is a type of contact sport, certain precautions must be taken in order to prevent injury. Hand and wrist wraps and boxing gloves are worn in order to protect the bones in the hands. During practice or sparring sessions, a headgear is also worn to protect the head and face. A mouthpiece is also worn to protect the insides of the cheek and lips from getting cut and also the jaw joint when the face gets hit.

Boxers practice their punches on a “speed bag” or on the heavy “punching bag” in order to develop speed, agility, and strength. Other training equipments include free weights, jump ropes, and medicine balls. The trainer uses focus mitts as padded targets for the boxer during practice.

MODERN ARNIS
A Filipino style of martial arts founded by the late Remy Preses was created as a self-defense system. Influenced by the style of the Bolo (machete) and the art of Balintawak (Stick-Dueling), rattan sticks are used as weaponry, in which, it is called a “baston” (baton) or cane. Two techniques are taught using the baston – the single and double stick technique.

The cane is considered sacred to the practitioners of the art. This is the reason why, during combat, the arm or hand of the opponent is hit and not the cane. This method was called “defanging the snake”, where in, the opponent will drop his weapon, making him less of a threat. Then this technique has been discouraged a lot from learning the art. This is because it was too painful to learn.

Plus, this caused the Filipino martial arts to become almost extinct! Therefore, what Remy Preses did is to preserve the Filipino martial art via developing a method of cane-to-cane combat during practice. This is in order to attract would be practitioners of the art. Thus, the “defanging the snake” method remains the practical application.

TAEKWONDO
Taekwondo is the national sport of South Korea and perhaps the most popular martial art in the world. It is a combination of self-defense, sport, and combat techniques, which makes it an official event in the Olympics. The training of taekwondo usually involves the use of the power of the hips and legs. It also has blocks, punches, sweeps, and joint locks.

Taekwondo is distinguished from other techniques because of its kicking techniques. They believe that the leg is the most powerful weapon especially with the back kick of taekwondo. The union of the mind and body is developed and practiced in this art, while developing other aspects such as discipline, strength, flexibility, and stamina.

The “dobok” is the official uniform of a taekwondo student and is usually white, and with it, a belt is worn around the waist where its color will indicate the person’s rank.

FENCING
A European martial art that involves the use of swords, knives, bayonets and other similar weapons used in armed combat. Presently there are three weapons used:
• Foil – light thrusting weapon
• Epee – heavy thrusting weapon
• Sabre – light cutting and thrusting weapon

Dueling gained popularity with the Europeans in the 17th up to the 19th century, where in, the cutting style of swordplay became a thrusting style or “foining”. During that time fencing involves defending one’s honor so no duels using sharp blades took place unless a formal insult was made.

After World War I, dueling was almost non-existent and went out after the Second World War. Therefore, the training and using of sharp swords disappeared. Plus, the emphasis was more in the technique and training styles of fencing.

As a form of martial art, the goal of fencing is to be theoretically trained for a duel. In classical fencing, where in the art of swordplay is applied and even expected to become applied in their training for an actual duel or fight, they utilize the standard foil, epee, and the blunted sabre. As for historical fencing, the use of a variety of weaponry with realistic weight will demand a different way of handling them, even affecting the movement of the body.

Today, fencing, as a type of sport, uses protective clothing during practices or events. The complete set includes the following:
• Croissard – form fitting jacket covering the groin with a strap that goes between the legs.
• Gorget – small fabric to protect the neck
• Plastron – under arm protector
• Glove – to protect the hand and prevent the blade from going into the sleeve
• Breeches or knickers – short trousers
• Socks – knee length or thigh high
• Shoes – with flat soles
• Mask – with a bib to protect the neck
• Plastic chest protectors – required for female fencers

Things you need when you are planning to join a martial arts class:
1. Uniform – most students are required to have a uniform. There are available uniforms for students of the following:
• Taekwondo
• Karate
• Judo and Aikido
• Kung-fu
• Ninja
• Belts

2. Protective gears and sparring gears
• Head gear
• Hand gear
• Foot gear
• Chest guard
• Shin guard

3. Weapons
• Practice swords
• Escrimas
• Weapons cases
• Weapons stand
• Knives
• Bo’s and staffs
• Kubotan

4. Training gear
• Breaking boards
• Mats
• Conditioning gears – hand grips, double end ball
• Hand held pads -mitts and arm shield
• Heavy bags

5. Boxing equipments
• Gloves
• Cardio wraps
• Jump rope
• Leather speed ball

6. Exercise equipments
• Medicine balls
• Chin up bars
• Heart rate monitor
• Free weights
• Ankle weights
• Stretching equipment

Watch the video related to Martial Arts

An awesome demonstration of a few gymnasts in action. DO NOT try this at home, if you could that is. … Martial Arts Flips Kicks TAKKLE Roundhouse backflip tumbling gymnastics somersault trampoline cheerleading gymnast

Help answer the question about Martial Arts

How does/did martial arts affect your child in school?
I am thinking about getting my 2 children in a form of martial arts. Will the discipline that is taught in martial arts help them in school or will martial arts just teach them how to fight? I've read alot of things on this subject, I just want to know how martial arts helps/helped or hurt(s) your child.

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18 Responses to “Forms of Martial Arts”

  1. Winter950 says:

    @posthuman404

    Don’t EVER say Good bye Jackie Chan! :o

  2. SirDaniel2908 says:

    @SirDaniel2908 PS-Sad that i’m not so trained as him… lol but i can do few moves… lol ^^

  3. posthuman404 says:

    O_O this guy is my new hero good bye jackie chan

  4. Jon says:

    I agree with everyone saying it is up to the individual to have confidence in themselves, but they also MUST have confidence in their art too. If someone is very confident in their physical capabilities but not in the techniques they are using then their fight confidence will surely suffer. If you just want to know how to fight and stay composed and cerebral I would recommend a mix of Muay Thai kickboxing and Brazilian jiu jitsu. Muay Thai is a devastating stand up style, and it does not take a long time to develop good street effective fundamentals. Like all martial arts the complex techniques, and understanding of actually fighting takes a lot more time. If you learn bjj as well, you will have the confidence to handle yourself on the ground if the fight ends up there.

  5. abbiedarlin1 says:

    Well I can tell you first off a few things from experience and one is that weight is harder to keep off as you get older. Secondly, sometimes people lose their competitive desire and so they quit or retire earlier than otherwise. For you it is partly because of your club closing so the fact that you are now starting to want to go back should in itself tell you that you have not lost your desire completely.

    I would start off gradually and not throw anything faster or harder than half to three fourths speed and power for the first two weeks. That way you will avoid potential injuries to start with. Secondly, I would challenge myself to get back into shape and be better than I was before and to build myself into shape. It did not take just a month to get out of shape and put that weight on and I suspect that it will take more than a month to get back into shape and get the weight off. Third, I would do some cross-training picking something non-martial arts related like swimming, biking, rollerblading to do occasionally and substitute occasionally for part of my work outs. As for diet plans there is certainly enough information out there but if you are interested in competing again try to pick one that builds and adds muscle some as opposed to just losing weight. A modified Atkins diet for instance would be my recommendation since it has so much protein. I competed for many years and learning how to deal with some of the ups and downs that come with that or some of the outside factors that can affect that are something in itself that competitors have to learn how to deal with. Good luck.

  6. sams211 says:

    niceeeee

  7. bluevoltagex@sbcglobal.net says:

    as many different types as you can,starting with a stand up style.or a style that is well rounded.heres a bit of info.
    A good well rounded style would be freestyle Karate.You will learn stand up,ground,grappling and weapons.What a lot of people don't understand is that freestyle Karate is about practical street defence not who can kick the highest or punch a pad the hardest.It's definitely not a sport martial art like TKD or BJJ.The motto of my style is the best of everything in progression.Basically that means we don't care where the technique comes from we improve it and integrate it into our style while still maintaining tradition as do most freestyle Karate's.
    The hardest thing is finding a good experienced instructor.I would recommend Bushi Kai or Zen Do Kai, but if your not in Australia or New Zealand you may have some difficulty finding some one who teaches these styles.These styles also usually have separate classes available to everyone in Muay Thai and BJJ/Submission/Shoot wrestling.If you can't find one of these i would suggest Kempo or Enshin or another freestyle Karate.
    http://www.zendokai.com.au/countries2/USA/index.htm

  8. tarikytb says:

    les arts martiaux sont devenus un spectacle émotionnel, quelle malheur!

  9. Kiasko says:

    Sure looks cool

  10. booniedog85 says:

    Try German school of swordsmanship. I got a link here below

  11. jerseygurl422 says:

    there all the best if your tall muay tai is for you, if your athletic choose karate or take won do , if your not strong and have very little striking skill choose aikido.wing Chung and jiu jitsu is for every one.

    choosing the best type of martial art is like choose your dream car some might choose fast one ,some big ,on looks it depends on the person just like martial arts that why there is so much argument which one is the best a short person might argue that bjj is better than muay tai because he can kick as good as the tall people in muay tai and a tall person will get grappled easy in bjj because hes got alot of limbs and bones sticking out . no one can tell you the best martial art they would just tell what there good at.

    NOTE if your talking about Brazilian ju jitsu it would be the perfect martial art for some one your height .it doesn't have nothing to do with how strong you are I'm 5"11 and I submit people 6-7 feet tall I'm there all so girls in my class that can beat me. if i were you i would choose japanese ju -jitsu NOT brazlian ju jitsu there not the same jjj has strikes and kicks with a little bit of subbmission fighing, bjj is just submission fighting but more in depeth

  12. weby0101 says:

    Is crazy!
    Very good!!!

  13. 06998035 says:

    I love the voice off… what an orgasm…!!
    LMAO
    anyway, real nice mouvements !!! I wouldn’t like that guy to have a grudge against me.. ;-)

  14. Collin S says:

    I believe that he did many years of Shotokan Karate, and in one of the episodes threw in Sambo. If you're considering taking martial arts be sure to find an art that best fits you.
    Finding what you like best may take a lot of research. It depends if you like to throw punches, kicks, or grapple. Find what you like best, and what you think you would be able to accelerate in.
    The most effective martial arts used by covert ops, special forces, CIA, etc. include, but aren't limited to: Krav Maga, Wing Chun, and Kajukenbo.

    Remember, you won't like a martial art unless it's something that interest you. Whether you want to do something flashy, or learn something more practical is up to you!

    Good luck on your journey.

  15. SirDaniel2908 says:

    AWESOME! =]
    I would be happy to know what tehniqus he used.
    I pretty sure it’s not Kong-fu…
    I know Judo and Aikido… =]

  16. Jon says:

    Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has a lot of control holds that I use in my day job. Most of the holds are within policy so I use that to my advantage. Below is a paste from the Gracie Academy in Torrance Ca.

    Why LEOs Need GCMLE
    According to the F.B.I., in 2007 there were 59,201 sworn law enforcement officers assaulted in the line of duty. Over 80% of these assaults (47,495) were committed by unarmed perpetrators who only used their hands and/or feet to attack the officer. It is most important to consider the two biggest reasons why law enforcement officers did not shoot these perpetrators before their unarmed assaults were carried out:

    Unjustified – Unless someone’s life is at risk, the officer is not justified in using deadly force.
    Unable – Most physical assaults on officers take place so abruptly that the officer does not have the time or distance necessary to draw his or her firearm or less-lethal weapons, safely.
    Since it is so common that officers are assaulted in situations where they are unjustified or unable to use their weapons in their defense, it is imperative that they be empowered with a very effective, court-defensible system of self-defense that will ensure their safety in the worst case scenarios that they are so likely to encounter. GCMLE is the solution.

    Reduced Liability
    It is a fact that any law enforcement officer who is not confident in their ability to control a suspect with their hands is more prone to resort to their weapons, prematurely, and all it takes is one excessive force incident to dramatically alter the stability of a police department and its relationship with the community they serve. Since the GCMLE course is based on controlled pain compliance techniques rather than uncontrollable strikes, the physical damage to the suspect is kept to an absolute minimum. Lawsuits and charges of police brutality decrease significantly when GCMLE is used.

    Note: If an instructor of the agency or organization holds a valid certification in the GCMLE and a police brutality case arises involving the usage of the techniques, Rorion Gracie will be willing to testify on behalf of the department.

  17. Stephanie says:

    It depends upon the age of your children. If they are mature enough to handle the discipline of a martial arts school then yes it could benefit them. Children who are meek and timid will gain a whole lot of confidence in themselves. Young children that tend to bully others tend to have a great deal of discipline while in class but have not the maturity to transfer those lessons into the school yard… end up showing off and may still bully smaller children. If the Martial arts school is reputable, gets wind of their behavior… they may take appropriate measures to stop it… if bullying continues they will dismiss him/her from their training.

    My son was small and picked on in school, so learning a martial art has tremendously helped his self confidence. Though he wasn't mature enough to start taking his training seriously until he was about 12 years old. My Girl have matured at a much younger age and though they are only 4 and 6 I feel they should be able to train by the time they reach 10 years old.

  18. Brian says:

    No TKD is NOT an art of redirection, or of opposing energies. Most of the Okinawan or Japanese styles are good examples of this. Aikido, Kenpo, Judo,even Isshinryu (to some degree) are the types of styles you are thinking of.

    I have studied the martial science & martial arts for 28 years and have tried to learn as much as i can about every style I come across. Having fought, taught, and studied since i was 5 gives me a blessed insight on the inner workings of them and the concepts behind their development. I have also been given the honor of being named as a certified martial arts/science historian.

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