Martial arts are defined as practices of combat. In other ways, we use martial arts to protect ourselves from any danger especially when we are being attacked by someone. Today, let's take a look at different types of martial arts that are still being practiced today. Here are some of the most popular martial arts:
1) Aikido
a) It is a Japanese martial art that was developed by Morihei Ueshiba.
b) Aikido learners use their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you rather than using punches or kicks.
c) Aikido involves joint locks and throws from jujitsu(derived from judo) and combines with sword and spear fighting body movements.
Let's take a look at one of the best Aikido demonstration done by Mr. Anthony Yates:
2) Bando Thaing
a) It is a style of armed or unarmed combat native to Burma.
b) It involves kicking and striking like Karate, throwing like Judo, swordplay and fighting with knives and sticks.
c) Bando Thaing learners initiate the movement with a withdrawal followed by an attack outside the opponent's reach.
d) This martial art requires great use of all body parts.
If you still not clear about this Bando Thaing, let's watch this video:
3) Capoeira
a) It is an exciting sport which originated from Brazil that combines art form and self defense, with strong aerobic and dance elements.
b) Others will form a circle and 2 people will show off their skills in eluding and striking their opponent.
c)All in all, it gives you flexibility,self discovery and endurance.
I recommend you to watch this awesome video of Capoeira:
4) Haidong Gumdo
a) It is a Korean sword art which builds physical, mental and spiritual development.
b) Haidong Gumdo learners learn forms, step drills, sitting and moving meditation and bamboo and straw cutting.
c) It focuses on the tactics of outdoor and pitched battles.
This is one of the bamboo cutting demonstration that captures my eyes:
5) Iaido
a) It is a Japanese traditional Budo which involves with drawing the blade and cutting in the same motion.
b) The form: draw and cut, a finishing cut, cleaning it and returning it to the scabbard, without looking at the imagery opponent.
c) Techniques: sudden attack by opponent,surprise attack while bowing to someone or an attack in a darkened room.
This is the video that best describes Iaido:
6) Kalarippayattu
a) It was originated from Kerala and practiced in south Indian and Tamil Nadu.
b) It incorporates strikes, kicks, grappling, weaponry and healing techniques.
c) Weapons used: sword, Dagger, Shield, short sticks and spears.
This video involves the usage of Urumi which means flexible sword:
7) Karate
a) It is a generic term for kick or punch arts that originated from Japan.
b) It uses directed blows of the hands or feet with a special shouts from a poised stance.
c) This martial art is an excellent all-round exercise as it requires a lot of body muscles movements.
To get a better picture of Karate, watch this Karate demo:
8) Kickboxing
a) It started when Karate practitioners were frustrated because martial arts competitions didn't allow full contact kicks during the 1970's.
b) Techniques used: kicks, punches, kick blocks and shadow boxing including wood blocking.
c) Due to the high risk of injury, new safety rules and protective clothing were introduced.
If you would like to improve your kick boxing movements, you can try on this killer kick boxing workout:
I believe that there are lots more martial arts that are being practiced by people up to this day. I hope you can gain extra information about different types of martial arts. So, get yourself in any martial arts class today!
Credits to:
- http://www.usgyms.net
- Google Images