Find Out More About Martial Arts – The Different Styles Of Self-Defense Systems Established Across Nations
Defining Martial Arts
Martial Arts a term that is referred to the wide range of training systems developed for combat. In general, these various martial arts styles or systems are created to achieve one goal - that is, to defend against threats and physically defeat opponents. In fact, the term martial is coined from the famous name Mars, who is actually the Roman god of war.
The term Kung Fu is interpreted as skill and should not be identified with any specific combat style. Anyone can be a good Kung Fu so long as one has the experience and specialized skills - let’s say for acting or even for cooking. This makes Kung Fu essentially the backbone of martial arts.
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Five Categories Of Martial Arts According To Style
Martial arts are available in five distinct categories, based on the movements. These are:
- Low-impact styles
- Grappling styles
- Stand-up or striking styles
- A Hybrid Sports style
8 Main Martial Art Systems
These styles are practiced in the 8 main martial arts systems, namely:
Tai Chi - This is an internal style martial arts, where a combination of three important elements are required that include slow movements and establishment of balance, muscle control and chi. Chi is referred to as the energy in an abstract concept - from the basic electric impulses in the body to the supernatural style force powers similar to those in Star Wars. Common practitioners spend several years before learning all the aspects of Tai Chi - from developing fantastic powers to achieving a better health, and most importantly making use of Tai Chi as a self-defense.
Tai Chi is a fighting art, following a principle to absorb energy rather than block an attacking opponent. By absorbing energy, it means that you should step to the side and guide your attacking opponent to pass through. By doing so, your opponent will be left frustrated and loose like fighting a ghost. Such Kung Fu is developed through the concept of Pushing Hands. Pushing Hands is a style in which you remain relaxed, balanced, poised, flexible and in right timing while being in contact or attempting a combat with an opponent. Tai Chi is therefore the gentle way of competing with other Tai Chi practitioners injury-free.
Aikido - Aikido is a type of martial art that focuses on being in state of constant alertness. This is an all-encompassing martial art type that includes both external and internal styles such as strikes and throws. Many Aikido practitioners find this martial art beneficial because of the peace of mind, spiritual enlightenment, physical health and most importantly applicable self-defense techniques. This is because of the basic principle being followed within the art which is development of peace and harmony.
Karate - This martial art literally means open hand - where a Japanese fighting system basically adapted from the Chinese style is being applied. The most distinguishable aspects of Karate are the punches with a twist and snap in the end. The power punches are generated from the hip. Also, low rigid stances and direct movements are made used in this art.
Jujitsu - Also known as Jiu-Jitsu, Ju Jutsu and Ju Jitsu, this ancient martial art is what the Samurai warriors of Japan used back then. Jujitsu makes use of movements and techniques that heavily rely on leverage, so a Jujitsu doesn’t need to be extremely strong to carry out a good training. The art consists of ground-grappling, throws, kicks, punches and even weapons. A a whole, Jujitsu is the martial art that incorporates conventional strikes, locks and holds.
Judo - Translated as the gentle way - Judo is a martial art that uses flexible and efficient styles in balancing, leverage and movement in doing Judo throws and grappling. This martial art do not use the brute strength, rather make use of timing, technique and skill. In the case of a combat with a stronger opponent, the Judo way of facing it by giving way and not use force instead.
Capoeira - This is a Brazilian martial art involving many flashy kicks, a low stance and almost no-hand practice. Capoeira was created by slaves and disguised this style as a dance, during the period when martial arts were banned in Brazil. Capoeira is fun and very tactical martial art that most practitioners would not call it as fighting, and rather identify it as a play.
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Thai Boxing/Muay Thai - A combat sport from Thailand (also their national sport), Muay Thai involves stand-up striking alongside a range of clinching techniques. Thai Boxing is also comparable to the other IndoChinese martial arts such as Laos’s Muay Lao; Cambodia’s Pradal Serey; Malaysia’s Tomoi; and Myanmar’s Lethwei. Furthermore, Muay Thai is translated as the art of the eight limbs because it makes use of knee strikes, kicks, elbows, and punches - equivalent to using eight points of contact.
Jeet Kune Do - This is a hybrid martial art founded by the famous Bruce Lee, who believes in the power of using minimal movements with maximum effects alongside extreme speed. He has developed this system with non classical, straightforward and direct movements. Jeet Kune Do is also referred to as the style without style, as there is not fixed or patterned movements to follow. Bruce Lee has created Jeet Kune Do to work realistically and not too rigid so a practitioner is able to adapt to any situation by acting purely through instincts.
All these martial art style work well for self-defense. The best martial art to choose would be the one you can make work for yourself when you are face an opponent or an attacker. You body would tell you which styles and techniques work for you well. But of course, you should take into consideration that you have to believe in the principles of the style you are looking to have training for
