Martial arts are systems of modified practices and traditions of
training for combat. They may be studied for various reasons
including combat skills,fitness, self-defense,sport,
self-cultivation/meditation, mental discipline, character development
and building self-confidence, or any combination of the above.
There is a great diversity and abundance of martial arts, however,
broadly speaking, martial arts share a common goal: to defeat a
person physically or to defend oneself from physical threat. Some
martial arts are linked to spiritual or religious beliefs/philosophies
such as Buddhism or Shinto while others have their own spiritual/
non-spiritual code of honor.
While each style has unique facets that makes it different from other
martial arts, a common characteristic is the systemization of fighting
techniques. One common method of training, particularly in the Asian
martial arts, is the form or kata; these are sets or routines of
techniques that are performed alone, or sometimes with a partner.
The word 'martial' derives from the name of Mars, the Roman god of war.
The term 'Martial Arts' literally means arts of Mars. This term comes
from 15th century Europeans who were referring to their own fighting
arts that are today known as Historical Fencing. A practitioner of
martial arts is referred to as a martial artist.
Martial arts vary widely, and may focus on a specific area or
combination of areas, but they can be broadly grouped
into focusing on strikes, grappling, or weapons training.
Below is a list of examples that make extensive use of one
of these areas; it is not an exhaustive list of all arts covering
the area, nor are these necessarily the only areas covered
by the art but are the focus or best known part as examples
of the area:
Some arts have a very specific focus while others,
such as Mixed martial arts, are more syncretic.Striking Punching
- Boxing (Western), Wing Chun Kicking - Capoeira, Savate, Taekwondo
Other strikes (e.g. Elbows, knees, open-hand) - Muay Thai, Karate,
Shaolin Kung Fu Grappling Throwing - Glima, Judo, Jujutsu, Sambo,
Shuai jiao Joint lock - Aikido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hapkido
Pinning Techniques - Judo, Wrestling.
Traditional Weaponry - Fencing, Gatka, Kendo, Silambam
Modern Weaponry - Eskrima, Jogo do Pau, Jukendo
Many martial arts, especially those from Asia, also teach side
disciplines which pertain to medicinal practices. This is particularly
prevalent in traditional Chinese martial arts which may teach
bone-setting, qigong, acupuncture, acupressure (tui na), and other
aspects of traditional Chinese medicine.
The martial arts, though commonly associated with East Asian cultures,
are by no means unique to this region. Throughout Europe there was an
extensive system of combat martial arts, commonly referred to as
Historical European martial arts, that existed until modern times and
is now being reconstructed by numerous organizations.
Native Americans have a tradition of open-handed martial arts that
includes wrestling.
Hawaiians have historically practiced arts featuring small and
large joint manipulation. Savate is a French kicking style developed
by sailors and street fighters. Capoeira's athletic movements were
created in Brazil by slaves based on skills brought with them
from Africa.
