Popular Martial Arts Styles
A Brief Look at Many Different Types
While this list isn’t terribly extensive, it will allow people who don’t often practice martial arts to have a basic idea what each style is all about.
Aikido
A martial art style that has highly regarded self-defense techniques. These techniques involve redirecting the opponent’s energy. The name “Aikido” means the “Way of Harmonious Spirit”.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
An art that originated in Brazil that focuses on grappling, ground fighting, and yielding to the enemy. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is becoming more and more popular for modern day MMA practitioners.
Capoeira
This style is based on fighting techniques and dance, and is physically taxing on the practitioner. Its origin is argued. While many believe it to have been developed in Brazil, there is a possibility that it originated in Africa. This style is open-handed, relying on dubious movements and quick reflexes.
Dambe
A striking martial art that originated from Western Africa. It’s also called Kokawa, and members join guilds to train. Many matches of Dambe are performed as street fights set ahead of time so nearby villagers can provide an audience.
Iaido
This is a style that teaches students the art of drawing the sword and returning it to its scabbard. Due to the complete lack of human interaction and/or sparring, the lone techniques have given it the name “moving Zen”. Kata does exist for Iaido practitioners.
Judo
Judo is a modern, competitive style. It was developed to teach grappling, throwing, and other ground techniques.
JuJutsu
The name of the style translates to “art of softness”, and is a Japanese art that was originally developed by Samurai. It focuses on yielding to the enemy, and has a large array of self-defense techniques that help further this goal. Weapons are also typically used to aid with joint locks and throws.
Karate
Karate is combined from Chinese Kenpo influences and the necessary defense of the Ryukyu island inhabitants. It’s strikes are aggressive, and has the deliberate movements and strong strikes consistent with a “hard” martial arts style.
Kendo
A sword art that originated in Japan. Its origins trace back to as early as the 12th century, and is a mentally taxing style that has many sport-like elements.
Kenpo
Kenpo is a term that Japanese martial artists use to designate Chinese martial art styles.
Lucha Libre
A popular Mexican martial art that specializes in wrestling, holds, and other chokes. Lucha Libre has become so popular to such a specific audience that its practitioners wear colorful masks and perform in staged rings, much like America’s WWE.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai originated in Thailand, it is an extremely hard martial art that places emphasis on strikes that involve using the knees, elbows, and other tough parts of the body. Because of its popularity in Southeastern Asia, its origins are difficult to trace with complete clarity.
Shaolin Kung Fu
Shaolin Kung Fu encompasses a broad set of styles that may refer to a number of different types of training. Popular culture references to Kung Fu and martial art styles mimicking animals are usually based on Shaolin Kung Fu. Its origins can be traced back to as early as the fifth century AD.
Tae Kwon Do
A sport martial art that places a large emphasis on point sparring, leg work, kicking, solid forms, and strong self-defense techniques.
Wing Chun
Wing Chun is a Chinese martial art that is typically taught orally from teacher to student, so little documentation exists from school to school. It teaches fierce close combat.
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