TYPES OF MARTIAL ARTS


Aikido: Martial art that seeks to resolve conflict through peaceful means.

Arnis/Escrima/Kali: The Filipino martial arts (FMA) emphasize learning weapons first--then empty-hand skills.

Bando: Includes striking, kicking, and grappling, with an emphasis on mimicking animal fighting methods.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling martial art that emphasizes chokes and limb locks.

Capoeira: Brought to Brazil by African slaves, capoeira is a deceptive martial art disguised as dancing.

Cuong Nhu: The Vietnamese art of Cuong Nhu integrates techniques from karate, vovinam, boxing, wing Chun, judo, aikido, and tai chi.

Gatka: Gatka is the martial art of the Sikh warrior, and is famous for its efficiency with the shaster (sword) and lathi (staff).

Hapkido: This Korean art mixes Aikido’s throws and locks with tae kwon do's kicks.

Iaido: Iaido is the art of drawing the Japanese sword and delivering a decisive cut.

Jeet Kune Do (JKD): JKD is the martial art founded by Bruce Lee. JKD is one of the best-known hybrid martial arts, incorporating techniques from all martial arts.

Ju Jitsu: The "gentle" art of arm locks and chokes once used to defeat armor-wearing samurai.

Judo: Judo involves throwing your opponent to the mat, pinning your opponent with a hold-down technique, or causing your opponent to submit with an armbar or a choke.

Kajukenbo: Kajukenbo originated in post WWII Honolulu, combining techniques from Korean karate (Ka), Jujitsu (ju), Kenpo (ken), and Chinese boxing (bo)--kung fu.

Karate: The "art of the empty-hand", karate involves kicking and punching as well as the use of weapons.

Kendo: Japanese fencing derived from the legendary sword fighting schools of the samurai.

Kenpo: Kenpo took a circuitous route from the Shaolin Temple of China to the modern-day United States, picking up refinements and enhancements along the way.

Krav Maga: Krav Maga is the martial art of the Israeli military.

Kung Fu: The martial arts of China, and to many, the forerunner of all Asian martial arts.

Kyudo: Derived from samurai warfare, "Zen Archery" sharpens the mind and focuses the spirit.

Lua - Hawaiian Warrior Arts: Lua is the martial art of the Hawaiian warrior, and is known for fearsome bone breaking techniques.

Muay Thai: Muai Thai kickboxing is renowned worldwide for brutal strikes with the elbows and knees. Definitely a serious combat art.

Naginata: Weapon art of choice for samurai women, it survives today in a sport form.

Ninjutsu: The martial art of the shadow warrior, ninjutsu is steeped in lore and mystery.

ROSS: ROSS is a system of Russian martial arts unifying various traditional fist fighting and wrestling styles with imperial military training.

SAMBO/SOMBO: SAMBO, a.k.a. SOMBO, is a Russian style of wrestling popular in international competitions, as well as a combat art taught to the Soviet military.

San Shou: San shou incorporates wushu, grappling, and kickboxing to make a combat-oriented martial art.

Savate: This French style of foot fighting began in the Napoleonic era.

Shorinji Kempo: Shorinji kempo extends Chinese boxing with Zen philosophy; at higher ranks, the uniform is the robe of a Buddhist priest.

Silat: Silat is considered one of the most effective combat arts.

Sumo: One of the forerunners to the modern grappling arts of jiu-jitsu and judo, sumo is exciting and action-packed while retaining its traditional splendor and ceremony.

Tae Kwon Do: Kick-oriented Korean "art of hand and foot fighting" is one of the most popular sports in the world. Styles include ITF and WTF.

Tai Chi Chuan: The martial art/exercise/cultivator of internal energy. Includes the Bagua (Pa Kua) and Xingyi (Hsing-I) internal styles.

Tang Soo Do: A Korean martial art popularized by Chuck Norris.

Tukong Moosul: Tukong moosul is a martial art derived from South Korean military Special Forces training.