Martial Arts: Karate Empty Hand
Karate translates, as is generally accepted, to Empty Hand in Japanse. Karate is a martial art that uses weaponless techniques such as punching and kicking to overcome the opponent.
The development of Karate began in Okinawa, an island south of Japan. Okinawans travelled to China, where they learnt the Chinese martial arts. On their return to Okinawa they set about blending their own martial arts (initially simply called Te, "Hands") with what they had learnt in China and called it To-De, Chinese Hands. From this, 4 main styles of Karate developed - Goju Ryu, Shorin Ryu, Uechi Ryu and Shorei Ryu. Gichin Funakoshi, who trained under several Okinawan Karate masters, developed his own style of Karate that he named Shotokan.
Funakoshi introduced Shotokan to Japan in the early 20th century. Other Okinawan masters soon followed him - Chojun Miyagi with Goju Ryu and Kenwa Mabuni with ****o Ryu. From these masters many new styles were soon developed. For example Kyokushinkai by Mas Oyama, Goju Kai by Gogen Yamaguchi, Wado Ryu by Hinonori Ohtsuka.
There are now hundreds of different styles of karate across the world, but all can be traced back to the original four from Okinawa.
Origin of Karate: Okinawa
Karate was founded in the 16th century and formalised into different styles in the early 20th century.
Karate is currently popularised by:
Masatoshi Nakayama, Keinosuke Enoeda: Shotokan Karate
Morio Higaonna: Goju Ryu Karate
Gogen and Gosei Yamaguchi: Goju Kai Karate
Mas Oyama: Kyokushinkai Karate
Fumio Demura: ****o Ryu Karate
Richard Kim: Shorin Ryu Karate
Martial Arts: Kendo
Kendo is the Japanese sport of sword fighting where Shinai (bamboo swords), along with protective armour are used. This equipment is used for training in place of the razor-sharp metal swords that Japanese martial arts are famous for. A very popular sport in Japan, Kendo developed from the fighting art of Kenjutsu, which dates back to the 11th century and was the most important martial art of the samurai. Kenjutsu was practised by many famous swordsmen, such as Miyamoto Musashi, author of The Book of Five Rings.
Today's Kendo rules: In a match, the competitors wear special protective gear and strike at each others ead, chest or hand with the bamboo sword.
Of all martial arts currently practiced in the West, Kendo retains the most traditional image, not at least because of their traditional-looking protective armour and face mask and the typical Kendo-swords (Shinai).
Origin of Kendo: Japan
Kenpo Karate (Kempo)
Characteristics of Kenpo
Kenpo Karate is a complete fighting system that is particularly popular in the United States.
Kenpo places equal emphasis on the use of hands and feet and uses similar fighting techniques to other Okinawan fighting styles. Kenpo also practises Kata or forms like other martial arts. Whereas most Karate styles use white gis (uniforms) throughout, a visual characteristic of Kenpo is its use of black Gis for higher grades and even the mixing of black Gi tops with white pants and vice versa.
History of Kenpo
Like most Okinawan fighting arts, Kenpo Karate can trace its roots back to the Shaolin monks of China. Master “To-De” Sakugawa (1733-1815) from Shuri, the ancient capital of Okinawa, travelled to China in the 18th century to train with the Chuan Fa masters (Chuan Fa is what Chinese Kung Fu was called at that time). On his return to Okinawa he developed what became known as Shuri Te, from which Kenpo was later born. In contrast, the Okinawan martial arts developed in Naha, the modern-day capital of Okinawa, first became known as Naha-Te, and developed later on into Goju-Ryu Karate).
In 1916 a young Hawaiian named James Mitose travelled to Kyushu in Japan where he learnt Kosho Ryu Kempo. He later returned to Hawaii where he taught William Chow, who further developed the art. To differentiate his system from that of Mitose, William Chow called his school Kenpo Karate. As a visual break from the traditional Japanese and Okinawan Karate styles, Mitose and Chow introduced the wearing of black gis for higher ranks, to indicate that Kenpo was a different and more of a “war art” than the increasingly sports-oriented, white-Gi-wearing Karate styles.
Ed Parker, father of American Kenpo
Ed Parker, also a Hawaiian, was a student of William Chow. Ed Parker is considered the father of American Kenpo, as he had the greatest modern day influence on the spread of Kenpo around the world. Ed Parker opened the first ever university campus martial arts school in Utah USA in 1954, at the age of only 23.
Ed Parker later became a tournament promoter. At one of his early tournaments, Bruce Lee first came into the view of the general public. Ed Parker was also active as a movie actor, stunt coordinator, author and
instructor to many famous Hollywood actors.
Kempo or Kenpo?
There is no difference between Kenpo and Kempo, they are different spellings of the same martial art. The Japanese kanji character for kenpo and kempo is the same, yet when translated to English, the N can also be an M. Kenpo or Kempo translates to “Law of the fist”.
Origin of Kenpo: Okinawa
Founded By: Sakugowa
Martial Arts: Kickboxing
Kickboxing is not inherently a martial art, although most kickboxers originate from a martial arts background. Rules greatly vary but generally a certain number of kicks must be thrown per round or the fighter will have points deducted. Many boxers make the transition to kickboxing by training in the martial arts and learning how to kick.
Origin of Kickboxing: America and Europe
Popularised by: Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, Chuck Norris, Benny Urquidez, Jean Yves Theriault, Joe Lewis and Mike Stone.
Martial Arts: Krav Maga
Krav Maga is an Israeli army method of unarmed combat now gaining popularity all over the world. It is considered a "no-nonsense" method of self-defence for a variety of situations. Originally developed during the liberation fighting of Israel, Krav Maga is now practiced by the entire Israeli military - especially its elite forces.
Krav Maga combines elements of boxing, Judo, and Jujitsu as well as the use of weapons such as knives and sticks. This weapon technique is taught to deal with modern day street situations where guns and knives are often involved. There are no kata or other traditional martial arts training exercises.
The techniques of Krav Maga are highly practical and effective for the street. Individuals can attain a high level of profiency within a relatively short period of instruction.
Origin of Krav Maga: Israel
Popularised by: Imi Lichenfield who introduced it to the military forces of Israel
Also popularised by Jennifer Lopez in the movie "Enough" (2002), where she plays an abused housewife that learns to protect herself with Krav Maga. Enough on DVD (Amazon.com) also contains a special feature about Krav Maga.
Martial Arts: Kung Fu
Kung Fu is a broad term that is used to describe all martial arts of Chinese origin. Kung-Fu existing under many different names throught China's history. Initially Kung Fu was called Ch'uan Fa (fist way).
The Shaolin monastery housed many fugitives from justice, and many warriors turned monk, which sets the roots of Kung Fu in the Shaolin Temple in Northern China. In fact there were five different Shaolin temples in five districts, and so five distinct styles of Shaolin Kung Fu developed.
Martial arts historians stress that Kung-Fu did not start at the Shaolin temple, but simply began to flourish under Shaolin's influence. Kung-Fu became eventually categorised into Northern and Southern styles. In the south, Cantonese people pronounce Kung Fu as gung-fu. Southern styles use low stances and kicks and strong hand techniques because they are shorter and stockier than Northern (Mandarin) people. The Northern systems are characterised by stylish and difficult patterns and acrobatic legwork, presumably because it was colder in the North so hand movement was restricted by thick robes and the mountaineous terrain enforced the development of strong legs.
Kung Fu as one of the oldest martial arts has been a great influence to other and younger martial arts styles, such as Okinawan Karate styles and subsequently Japanese Karate styles.
In modern times, Wu-shu emerged as a mixture of circus-like acrobatics and martial arts, and in China, national competitions are held in this sport. Jet-Li is a famous exponent of Wu-Shu, popularising the art in the West by appearing in martial arts movies.
Origin of Kung Fu: China
Martial Arts: Kyokushinkai
Kyokushinkai was developed by Mas Oyama. Oyama studied Goju Ryu karate, Shotokan karate and some Korean martial arts which he developed into his own style called Kyokushinkai.
Oyama was an extremely strong man who popularised his art by inviting challengers to fight him and through stunts, such as killing bulls with his bare hands. Black belt gradings in Kyokushinkai are well known for their large number of kumite (sparring fights), sometimes as many as a 100.
Steve Arneil trained with Mas Oyama in Japan for five years and was the first non-Japanese person to complete the 100-man kumite. This feat was later also acheived by John Jarvis, at the time the head of Kyokushinkai for the Asia Pacific. Jarvis later changed to practising Okinawan Goju Ryu under Morio Higaonna.
Origin of Kyokushinkai: Japan
Founder of Kyokushinkai: Mas Oyama
Martial Arts: Muay Thai
Muay Thai existed for centuries as a fighting martial art and is well known for its devastating knee, elbow and shin kicks. Muay Thai developed in Thailand and is popular today the world over as a ring sport for competition fighting. All strikes are allowed in the ring, unlike western boxing, which prohibits all but strikes with gloved fists.
Origin of Muay Thai: Thailand
Martial Arts: Ninjutsu Iga Ryu
Ninjutsu is the practised art of the Ninja. The two oldest styles of Ninjutsu that are still practiced today are Iga Ryu and Koga Ryu. Ninja are skilled in a variety of martial arts including Judo, Jujutsu and swordsmanship. Ninja use a shorter sword than the Samurai and prefer to carry it strapped to their back. As well as these martial arts they are skilled in a variety of weapons - such as the shuriken (throwing star), throwing knives, stick fighting, and chain arts.
The Ninja originally were also experts at disguise and concealment, which enabled them to gather information or act as assassins for Japanese warlords. This was work that others, such as the Samurai - who were bound by their strict code of Bushido - were reluctant to perform.
Ninjutsu went through an incredible boom period in the mid eighties due to the emergence of famous Ninjutsu instructors, such as Stephen Hayes. Ninjutsu still remains popular the world over.
Origin of Ninjutsu: Japan
Ninjutsu founded: Around 900 years ago
Popularised by: Dr Masaaki Hatsumi, 34th grandmaster of Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu and Stephen Hayes
Martial Arts: Pentjak Silat (Pencak Silat)
Pentjak Silat is an Indonesian martial art and began originally as a weapons style of combat. Pentjak Silat has borrowed much from its nearby neighbours of India and China, blending those fighting styles into their own. The result was a style containing kicking and striking techniques mixed with a variety of weapons techniques.
Amongst the thousands of Indonesian islands, there are hundreds of schools of Pentjak Silat, each with their own identity. Some of these also teach the arts of magic, healing and mystic powers.
Origin of Pentjak Silat: Indonesia
Pentjak Silat founded: Approximately 1,000 years ago
Popularised by Dan Inosanto who founded his own version, Maphilindo Silat, as the synthesis of Dan Inosanto's family's vast experience in the Silat Styles of the Philippines and surrounding areas.
Martial Arts: Pa Kua
Pa Kua (pronouced "Ba-Gua", sometimes spelled Ba Kua or Ba Qua) is one of the Chinese internal systems, which practice Chi Gong breathing exercises as well as weapons and meditation (also see Tai Chi and Hsing-I).
Pa Kua is known for its evasive footwork, including the characteristic circle walking and the spiraling, coiling, drilling, twisting, and spinning movements, combined with powerful palm heel strikes.
Pa Kua is as much a martial arts combat style as it is a martial art taught for its health benefits.
Origin of Pa Kua: China, 19th century (Qing Dynasty)
Founded by Dong Hai Chuan (also spelled Tung Hai Chuan) in Beijing, China
Martial Arts: Sambo
Sambo is a form of wrestling that employs strikes, takedowns, throws, joint-locks and teaches defence against weapons.
Origin of Sambo: Soviet Union/Russia
Martial Arts: Savate (French Boxing)
Savate, or French Boxing, was developed in the late 1700's and it said to have developed on French ships sailing the Indian Ocean and South China seas, where they learned kicking techniques from Asian cultures. Savate was first recognised in Marseille, an important port in the south of France where sailors of many countries came together. Savate made use of the boots of the time known as Savate to attack an opponent's legs and body.
A characteristic of this simple but effective method of self-defence is the manner in which kicks are always executed by the leg nearest the opponent, with the other leg taking the weight of the body. Savate uses both striking and foot techniques.
Origin of Savate: France
Savate was developed to its modern day form by Professor Lecour
Martial Arts: Shito Ryu
Shito Ryu was developed by Mabuni Kenwa, an Okinawan karate master who studied both the styles of Naha-te (Gojuryu) and Shuri-te (Shorinryu). Shito Ryu was formed by the combination of the kata and techniques of these two styles. Traditional Okinawan weapons are also taught in the Shito Ryu style of karate. Characteristic for Shito-Ryu are the square-on stances and linear strikes.
The most famous exponent of Shito Ryu is Fumio Demura who introduced the style to the world and has written several books - on both Shito Ryu and traditional Okinawan martial arts weapons. Martial arts weapons that Demura has written about include the Sai, Nunchaku and Tonfa.
Origin of Shito Ryu: Okinawa
Founder of Shito Ryu: Mabuni Kenwa
Popularised by: Fumio Demura
Martial Arts: Shorin Ryu
Shorin Ryu is one of the four original Okinawan styles of karate. Shorin Ryu makes use of hand techniques more than foot techniques and uses predominately high stances. Traditional weapons are also practiced in this martial art.
Origin of Shorin Ryu: Okinawa
Founder of Shorin Ryu: Nagamine Shoshin
Martial Arts: Shorinji Kempo
Shorinji Kempo was adapted from Chinese Kempo and is widely practiced in Japan. Shorinji Kempo combines religion, meditation and martial arts. It teaches a variety of techniques with striking and kicking as well as some Aikido style throws, locks and holds. Some Shorinji Kempo schools also teach a variety of healing methods.
Although Shorinji Kempo is a very complete and effective martial arts sytem, it is not as popular in the West as Karate, mainly because of the strong emphasis on religion and meditation.
Origin of Shorinji Kempo: Japan
Founder of Shorinji Kempo: So Doshin in 1947
Martial Arts: Shotokan
Shotokan is one of the four main schools of Karate in Japan. It is best characterised by its long and deep stances and its use of more linear movements. Shotokan has little of the circular movements found in Okinawan styles of karate, nor does it have the body conditioning and supplementary training exercises.
Shotokon Karate is considered by many a sports style of Karate, where tournaments and point-sparring are central to the art.
Origin of Shotokan: Japan
Founder of Shotokan: Gichin Funakoshi (Originally an Okinawan Karate Instructor who moved to Japan)
Martial Arts: Shukokai
Shukokai has foundations that lie in Shito Ryu, as the founder Chojiro Tani was a student in that style. Shukokai contains all the normal elements of striking and kicking found in other Japanese martial arts. Shukokai places more emphasis on speed and higher stances, which makes it a very suitable style for tournament karate.
Origin of Shukokai: Japan
Founder of Shukokai: Chjiro Tani
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