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Styles
of martial arts
There are diverse martial art styles in the world. Each style
has their own unique features, history, founders and schools of
art. Most martial arts focus on the following. The different
styles of martial arts according to the countries of their
origin are:
America- American Kenpo Karate, Boxing, Chun Kuk Do, Kajukenbo,
Kickboxing, Shootfighting
Brazil- Capoeira, Brazilian Ju Jitsu
China-Chinese Kempo, Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, San Shou, Tai Chi,
Pa Kua Chang, Wing Chun, Wushu
Philipines-Arnis, Escrima, Kali
France- Savate
Greece- Pankration
India- Kalaripayit, Silambam |
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Indonesia- Kuntao, Pentjak Silat,
Tarung Derajat
Israel- Krav Maga
Japan- Aikido, Iaido, Ju Jitsu, Karate, Kenpo, Kendo, Kyudo,
Ninjitsu, Sumo
Korea -Hapkido, Hwa Rang Do, Jidokwan, Kuk Sool Won, Kumdo,
Soo Bahk Do, Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do, Yudo
Russia- Sambo, Agni Kempo
Thailand- Muay Thai, Krabi-Krabong
Vietnam- Vovinam
Others- San Jitsu, Kalindi Lyi
What are
the techniques of martial arts ?
Martial art forms have their unique techniques. It is on the
basis of these that the martial arts are classified .The most
distinguishing techniques of martial arts are:
Grappling Striking: These
refer to the throws, joint locks, holds, take downs, chokes and
body movements which avoid the attack. Striking techniques are
punches, kicks, knee strikes, elbow strikes, blocks etc.
Circular- Linear: These
techniques use circular movements which rely on redirecting the
energy of an attack and linear techniques which rely on force to
overpower the attack. Circular techniques are difficult to learn
but will allow you to combat any opponent while linear technique
are simpler but not effective in fighting a stronger opponent.
Relaxed- Strenuous: This
involves both aerobic and muscular work.
Martial arts in the modern world
With the trade relations between America and the Asian countries
like China and Japan in the 19th century, there was an avid
interest in the Asian martial arts. Also, the soldiers deployed
in Japan after the II world war and military personnel in Korea
during the Korean conflict carried back the techniques of
martial arts to their home countries in the west.
The 1960s saw the popularity of Japanese martial art forms like
karate and Judo especially with the cult hero Bruce Lee in the
highly successful martial art movies. Soon, sports karate became
an immensely popular international sport with huge money
invested in the prizes, media coverage and sponsorships.
Popular television shows and Hollywood martial art movies in the
70s and 80s gave an impetus to the martial art forms like the
Chinese Kung Fu. Jackie Chan and Jet Li have become ambassadors
of this art form through their blockbuster movies.
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Martial
arts as a sport
Martial art forms have found their way into the Olympics. Judo
and Tae Kwon Do have made their presence felt in the Summer
Olympic events. Chinese Wushu is also actively played in
tournaments across the globe. Although there are some
traditional schools of martial arts which does not believe in
competitions, some actively train for sports matches.
New styles of martial art forms are evolving like the Ultimate
fighting Championship in the US, the Philippines All Style
Fighting Competition and Pride in Japan which are known as mixed
martial arts.
Martial arts and dance
In the modern world, martial art forms have influenced the art
of dancing. Today there are martial dance competitions too. Some
of the dances evolved from martial dance forms are Panther
dance, a Burmese dance with swords, the new Zealand dance form
Haka, the Masaai jumping dance, Brazils Capoeira and Hula and
Lua, the martial art used by Hawaiian warriors.
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