information on Martial arts styles

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There are many martial art styles out there, some very popular and some very obscure. It is important to understand the basic features of a style so that you can decide if it is something you will be interested in training in. The following tips are intended to help you get a starting point for your search for a style that you will love. There are a few broad categories of styles - stand-up styles, ground fighting or grappling styles, throwing styles, weapons based styles and low impact or internal styles:

Stand-up Styles

Stand-up styles utilize punching, kicking and blocking as the main focus of their art. A student learns various stances, footwork and combinations in practice, which vary in appearance and application depending on the style. Stand-up styles include:
Karate, Kung Fu, Jiu Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Boxing/Kickboxing, Krav Maga, Wushu, San Shou

This is by no means a complete list. Stand-up martial arts styles are by far the most prolific and popular of martial arts.

Ground Fighting or Grappling Styles

Ground fighting or grappling/locking styles do not limit their teaching to the ground. The term simply means that they have a large focus on the "wrestling" aspect of combat. These styles include:
Brazilian Jujitsu, Shooto or shoot fighting, Jiu Jitsu, Sambo, Greco-Roman Wrestling

Throwing Styles

Throwing styles are styles that primarily start from a standup position but utilize throws, trips, locks and other means to disrupt the balance of an opponent. Some of these styles are:
Judo, Aikido, Jiu Jitsu, Shuai Jiao (Chiao), Hapkido

Weapons Based Styles

Weapons based styles are just that - styles that focus the majority of their practice on the use of one or more weapons. These tend to be more traditional or cultural arts, however some arts such as Kali still have a strong combat or self defense focus. Such styles include:
Kali, Iado, Kendo

Low impact or Meditative Styles

These styles, while originally formed for combat purposes, have evolved into what are today more focused on breathing, internal energy, stress relief and a low impact form of martial arts training and exercise. These styles include:
Tai Chi, Ba Gua, Chi Gong based styles

Consider which type of practice appeals to you. Also, think about the reasons why you want to train and what you hope to gain out of your training. It is important that you choose a system that you think you can realistically stick with and are comfortable with if you are going to make martial arts a part of your life.

A general overview of different martial arts styles is included below (owing to the wide variety within styles, there are exceptions within a style to the following generalizations)

Source http://martialartsclubs.com

AIKIDO - "the way of harmony with the universal energy"
Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba with the express purpose of allowing its practitioners to defend against any attack without seriously injuring the attacker. This is in keeping with Ueshiba's religious belief in the value of all life, and the ideal that violent persons should be shown the error of their ways, not executed. Thus, Aikido is one of the softest styles ever created, based mostly on Jujitsu, but eliminating all kicks and punches. Instead, the Aikido practitioner shifts her or his body to avoid the attack and guides the attacker's body to use their own force against them. However, the belief in the value of life does not mean that the Aikido artist will not use more extreme techniques if they are necessary to insure the practitioner's safety. Throws are used, many of which will cause the attacker to land flat on their back or some other way that could hurt them badly. Also, locks are used which can potentially break the attacker's joints. One of the main benefits of Aikido is that being comprised entirely of circular techniques it can be utilised by anyone, no matter how lacking in muscular strength. Aikido is developed from Zen philosophy which can be seen in its use of meditation and the concept of flow and the unbroken circle which are expressed in all of its techniques. Similar Styles: Aiki-Jujitsu (also Aikijistu) - The style of Jujitsu that Morihei Ueshiba studied and adapted to create Aikido. "the way of spiritual harmony" or "the way of co-ordinated power"

 HAPKIDO - "the way of harmonised power"
A Hapkido practitioner becomes skilled in numerous kicks, punches, and blocks. From Aiki-Jujitsu (the predecessor of Aikido) it gets most of its grappling techniques. Thus, the Hapkido practitioner spends an equal amount of time learning techniques such as throws and joint locks. The benefit of studying Hapkido versus studying one striking style and one grappling style is that the practitioner learns to use the two approaches to compliment one another. For example, a Hapkido artist might use a punch to distract her opponent while a difficult throw is set up. Conversely, a Hapkido artist might spin or off-balance his opponent to decrease their ability to defend against a kick. Along these same lines, the Hapkido artist learns to counter in the opposite manner of an attack, thus confusing the enemy. As such, linear attacks are countered with a circular technique and circular attacks are countered with a linear technique. Hapkido artists also learn vital targets and pressure points in order to immobilise their attacker as quickly as possible. Similar Styles: Combat Hapkido - Very similar to traditional Hapkido, this modern version uses Muay Thai striking techniques. Cuong Nhu - A Vietnamese style which incorporates both Karate and Aikido.

JUDO - "the way of flexibility" or "the way of gentleness"
Judo was developed in 1882 by Professor Jigoro Kano from the techniques of Jujitsu. Kano felt that Jujitsu was too violent and eliminated or altered its techniques where necessary to fulfil his ideal of "mutual benefit" of the practitioner and society as a whole, one of the two concepts central to Judo. The other founding concept of Judo is that of "maximum efficiency from minimum effort" which allows the practitioner to defeat a stronger opponent by turning his strength against him, and thus can be seen in Judo's main physical elements. Judo emphasises grappling techniques, especially those that upset the enemy's balance, in particular- gaining leverage, throws, clothes grabbing, joint locks, and strangle holds. Advanced students also learn to strike vital areas. One aspect of Judo is rare in the world of martial arts, in that there are no different "schools" of Judo- wherever it is studied around the world the student will learn the same techniques, unlike most styles of martial art which can have dozens of schools, each with its own particular brand of the style. Ironically, although Kano discouraged competition Judo has become a very popular sport, gaining Olympic status in 1964. Similar Styles: Dumog - A sport from the Philippines where competitors attempt to throw one another to their backs using grappling techniques. Goshin-Jutsu - Like Professor Kano, Tanaka Tatsu felt that Jujitsu was too violent and dangerous, so he created this style from it to be safer. Sambo - Russian wrestling style which developed in the 1930's from over 20 styles of wrestling practised in the republics of the Soviet Union.

JUJITSU - "the art of flexibility" or "the art of gentleness"
Because Jujitsu (also commonly spelled "Jujutsu" or "Jiu-Jitsu") is one of the oldest styles of martial art still practised, dating from the 12th century, more than 700 forms or schools of Jujitsu have existed over the years. Each of these forms has its own techniques that it emphasises, has improved upon, or invented. Thus, it is hard to pin down exactly where Jujitsu should be placed on a scale rating the amount of grappling versus the amount of striking techniques. In all cases, Jujitsu will lean toward grappling, using more techniques such as throws, joint locks, chokes, and holds. However, all forms of Jujitsu incorporate a fair amount of striking techniques as well, using kicks, punches, knees, and elbows. A central concept to Jujitsu is the ability to change from one technique to another, and then another, as quickly and as many times as is necessary to defeat an attacker. Also key is the ability to use an attacker's force against him, allowing practitioners to defeat stronger enemies. Jujitsu is sort of a "grandfather" martial art in that so many of the arts developed in modern times use it as their primary source of techniques- Aikido, Judo, and to a lesser extent Hapkido, being foremost among these. Jujitsu is an excellent all-around martial art. Similar Styles: Ninjutsu - The art of the ninja. Open handed techniques are Jujitsu in origin, but various weapons and other techniques used by the ninja are also taught. Shuai-Chiao - Contemporary name for Chiao Li or Chiao Ti, which is a Chinese style dating back 3000 years. Tai Jutsu - Thought to be perhaps the fighting art from which Jujitsu was developed.

KARATE - "empty hand or open hand"
Karate was developed in Okinawa, an island between China and Japan which was ruled by China at the time, but now is part of the country of Japan. Karate was developed from Kung Fu and Kempo (Chinese Boxing) by the Okinawan farmers in order to fight the Chinese occupiers, and later the Japanese aggressors. As such, Karate was designed to be swift and violent, quickly dispensing of an enemy using foot and hand strikes and not getting involved in grappling, though the opponent may be held on to for a short amount of time in order to prevent them from dodging an attack. Karate did not take on a spiritual side until the 20th century with the development of Karate-do in which students study Karate as a means of self-improvement. Karate is fragmented into many different forms or schools, and although many of these forms only differ very slightly from one another, some do differ in significant ways, such as the use of circular blocks (which sweep the attacking limb out of the way) or linear blocks (which meet the attacking limb directly with the intent of damaging it). Similar Styles: Qwan Ki Do - A Vietnamese style which relies primarily on striking techniques, but is more acrobatic than Karate

KEMPO
Though Kempo is often categorised as a style of Karate, in its original form it is a style of Kung Fu, being practised at the Shaolin Temple as early as the seventh century. Its common association with Karate stems from the fact that Kempo was brought to the island of Okinawa in the 16th century and was therefore very influential in the creation of Okinawa-te, which later became Karate. It is also known as Chinese Boxing because while it utilises swift and powerful hand techniques, the feet are used only for moving the practitioner out of harms way and not for attacking.

KICK BOXING
Though most experts do not consider American Kickboxing to be a martial art in the strict meaning of the expression, few doubt its effectiveness as a style of combat. American Kickboxing was developed to be a sport, with competitors wearing gloves and foot pads and delivering blows full-force with the intention of knocking out their competitor (in contrast to many martial arts competitions which are semi- or no contact and the winner is decided on points). Since only hand and foot techniques are allowed, American kickboxing may be the most basic systematic fighting style other than traditional (hands-only) boxing. However, the reason it is so simple is that it utilises only the most practical attacking and defending strategies and trains the fighter to become extremely skilled at them. Similar Styles: Boxing - Teaches how to punch with power and how to dodge a punch better than any other style.

THAI KICKBOXING - Muay Thai
Muay Thai, the most popular spectator sport in Thailand, is also sometimes called "the science of eight limbs" because practitioners use hands, elbows, knees, and feet to strike with. Though modern rules were introduced in the 1970s which require participants to wear padded gloves similar to those in boxing, the legs are still bare and thus the primary offensive weapon of the Muay Thai artist is the shin kick. Basic strategy involves kicking the opponent repeatedly in the thighs to decrease their ability to move quickly or deliver kicks of their own, then getting in close to strike the head with the elbows and knees- attacks that few can perform as devastatingly as Muay Thai practitioners. The Thai Kickboxer is known for being able to take incredible amounts of punishment since strikes are aimed at any part of the body. As a means of self defence Muay Thai will enable a practitioner to use striking techniques at very close ranges where grappling techniques usually dominate. Similar Styles: Lethwei (Burmese Boxing) which emphasises attacks to the head.

SAVATE - from the name of a punishment delt out to members of Napoleon's army, literally translates to "old shoe"
Though Savate's origins are the subject of some debate, it is believed that 17th century French sailors picked up a little of the East Asian martial arts during their visits to Burma, Thailand, and China because around this time the fist fights in the usual sailor bars in France turned into kicking fights which exhibited distinct martial art characteristics. During the 19th century Savate was made into a sport, complete with boxing gloves. Modern Savate incorporates the best professional boxing techniques and focuses on multiple kicks delivered in quick succession. It is also taught as a means of self defence in which bare-knuckle punching is taught along with its usual techniques. Similar Styles: Boxe Francais - A sport derived from Savate.

Kung Fu & Wushu - "Human Effort or skill" & "War art or stop fighting"
The term "Kung Fu" came into popular use in the west because of its use in television and movies, but it is not technically the correct term for a style of martial arts. The proper term is "Wushu" and generally anything that is called "Kung Fu" by westerners is really Wushu. Wushu is perhaps the foundation of all east Asian fighting systems- some authorities date its beginnings all the way back to 3000 B.C., others claim it was brought to China from India along with Zen Buddhism by a man named Bodhi Dharma around 500 B.C. Either way, there is little argument that the Shaolin temple in China (where Bodhi Dharma was said to have taught the monks) was the centre of martial arts development for hundreds of years. It was from the Shaolin temple that Wushu spread throughout Asia and branched into the Korean, Japanese, Okinawan, Thai, Vietnamese, Philippines, and Indonesian styles that we see today. Wushu itself has fragmented incredibly, with as many as 1500 styles practiced. Internal styles- focus on life energy, circular techniques, uses hands more, Taoist philosophy, may also teach healing arts External styles- focus on muscular force, linear techniques, uses feet more, Buddhist philosophy, may also teach speed and strength conditioning

TAE KWON DO - "The way of hands and feet"
Tae Kwon Do utilises a larger number of hand positions for its hand strikes than most martial arts, but is primarily known for its vast catalogue of different kicks, many of them aimed at the head (such high kicks are not very common in other styles of martial art). Thus, flexibility, balance, and leg strength are important, especially for spinning, jumping, or flying kicks. However, the development of these traits is part of Tae Kwon Do training and the beginning student is started off with much simpler kicks. Traditional Tae Kwon Do uses virtually no grappling techniques and as its name suggests is very much centred on superior punching and kicking ability. As is to be expected of a striking style, Tae Kwon Do uses blocks as its primary defensive technique. Similar Styles: Hwa Rang Do - Developed 1800 years ago as part of the physical and spiritual development of the royal youth of Silla, one of the three kingdoms which combined to form Korea, Hwa Rang Do is the original Korean fighting art. Soo Bahk Do - The modern version of Subak, the style from which Tae Kwon Do originated.

TAI CHI - "grand ultimate"
Although T'ai Chi (also commonly spelled "Taiji") is technically a form of Wushu, it merits its own listing because it differs from most other forms in significant ways. T'ai Chi is made up of slow movements and breathing exercises designed to allow the chi (life energy) to flow freely throughout the body. This, in turn, reduces tension, clears the mind, helps blood circulation, improves posture, and promotes good health in many other ways. The central concept of T'ai Chi is that the mind, body, and spirit must work together to defeat an enemy- and enemies can be violent attackers, physical ailments, or mental illnesses. Chi is developed in most forms of martial arts- called "ki" (pronounced "key") in Japanese and Korean styles- but is not focused on as much in any style as it is in T'ai Chi. Though the movements of T'ai Chi are an effective means of self defence in their own right, a practitioner who has studied for a number of years can control her or his chi to the point of being able to use it as a weapon by "discharging" it into an attacker. This release of power is forceful enough that small women can knock enormous men off their feet without the use of muscular strength. Similar Styles:. Qi Gong (also commonly spelled "Ji Gong" or "Chi Kung") made up of slow movements designed to allow the Chi to flow more easily. Shintaido - Japanese style developed around the same principles as T'ai Chi.

CAPOERIA  - from the Portuguese name for a particular type of fighting bird
Capoeira was developed by Brazilian slaves of African descent (presumably taken from the Portuguese colony of Angola) some time in the 16th century. Since it was illegal for slaves to practice fighting skills, they altered native African religious dances so that when they practiced their art they would appear to simply be dancing. Because these dances included maneuvers such as handstands, back flips, and cartwheels, Capoeira is today the most acrobatic of all martial arts, with many kicks being executed from a handstand position. Its offensive techniques are primarily kicks; its defensive techniques are primarily body movements which avoid the enemy's attack all together. Only in the 20th century has the practice of Capoeira become legal in Brazil, and only in very recent years has it been taught in other countries.

Jeet Kune DO - "way of the intercepting fist"
Jeet Kune Do is less an actual style of martial arts than it is a philosophy. Conceived by the late film star Bruce Lee, the main idea of Jeet Kune Do is that each practitioner of martial arts has different physical and mental abilities, and therefore no style, in fact not even a single technique, can be effectively used by everyone. Thus, the Jeet Kune Do artist learns to, "absorb what is useful, reject what is useless," using exclusively their own judgment to determine usefulness. However, the reality is that Bruce Lee's own formal training was in the Wing Chun style of Wushu and therefore the techniques taught will tend to lean toward striking. Advanced practitioners are taught to study many styles and take from them whatever they think they could use

ARNIS, ESCRIMA, KALI - Arnis comes from the Spanish phrase "arnis de mano" meaning "harness of the hand". The meanings of "escrima" and "kali" are unclear.
Arnis and Escrima are basically the same martial art as Kali, the different names signify which part of The Philippines the art comes from and some minor variations of technique. Kali is unusual in that it teaches students stick fighting first and then open handed fighting as its techniques are based on stick fighting techniques. Kali is therefore commonly perceived as a stick fighting style, but unarmed combat is given equal emphasis. Most of the unarmed techniques are strikes, but leg and hip techniques to off-balance or throw an opponent are also used. The Spanish Espada y Daga was brought into Kali, and thus many schools will also teach sword and knife techniques. Similar Styles: Kalari Payat - This Indian style teaches more weapons than Kali, but open hand, knife, stick, and sword are foremost. Thaing (Bando) - A style from Burma in which knife fighting is emphasised but stick, sword and open hand are also taught

 KRAV MAGA - "contact combat"
The techniques of Krav Maga were formed by Imi Lichtenfeld, an outstanding wrestler and boxer who modified his techniques for practical street fighting in order to lead a group of athletes who defended Jews against fascist thugs in Slovakia in the 1930's. Lichtenfeld eventually wound up as the Chief Instructor for physical fitness and hand-to-hand combat for the Israel Defence Force where he taught his style of martial art. Krav Maga is designed to be nothing but a practical means of street defence, one of the central concepts being that techniques should flow from a person's instinctual reactions, rather than teaching the student to control their natural reactions as most martial arts do, and thus is learned more quickly than other martial arts. Also of note is that Krav Maga techniques are often learned from a position of disadvantage (lying down, limited ability to move) so that the student knows how to get out of a bad situation. Students are also taught defence against clubs, knives, and guns. 

PANKRATION - "all powers"
A combination of wrestling and boxing already practised as sports by the ancient Greeks, Pankration was added to the Olympic Games in 648 B.C. In order to force their opponents to concede defeat, the Pankration artist uses punches, kicks, grabs, throws, joint-locks, and chokes. Ground fighting is a large part of training. Because of its early date, Pankration is considered by some authorities to be the first true martial art. Also, because Alexander the Great's armies carried the sport with them across the Alps into Asia, and because of the similarities of basic techniques, a number of authorities are of the opinion that the Asian martial arts were based on Pankration, though no other evidence exists to support this. Similar Styles: Mu Tau - a modern version of Pankration.

PENTJAK-SILAT - "lightning combat"
Pentjak-Silat's history dates back to the seventh century, but it became more highly refined in the 1940's when it gained popularity as part of the increasing hostility against the Dutch colonists. Its open handed techniques are based around the many weapons that practitioners become skilled in. When fighting without a weapon, all parts of the body are used to strike. Also, students are taught how to defend against an armed enemy when they are unarmed. Pentjak-Silat's attack dodging techniques are based on skilled, graceful footwork, and thus the art is often mistaken for a style of dance. However, a person witnessing a Pentjak-silat practitioner in a fight would never make that mistake. Students learn to calmly avoid attack and then, when the time is right, explode into a rapid-fire combination of punches and kicks. Similar Styles: Bersilat - Malaysian style which is thought to have been derived from Pentjak Silat it emphasises leg techniques.

   
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