Martial Arts Fighting Styles

[angus]

Martial Arts: Aikido


Aikido is considered to be a non-aggressive style, as the Aikido student does not instigate the attack. The basic principle of Aikido is "Do not fight force with force". Aikido uses very few punches and kicks. Instead, the attackers force is redirected into throws, locks and restraining techniques. Size, weight, age and physical strength differences of the opponents play only a small role, as the skilled Aikido practitioner is able to redirect the attackers energy, keeping his attacker in a constant of unbalance.

To be effective, Aikido takes longer to learn than most other martial arts. Aikido can be practiced to a late age because this martial art does not rely on flexibility, muscle speed, or strength. Thus it has become especially popular with women and senior citizens.

Aikido training teaches the use of several martial arts weapons such as Tento, Jo and Bokken. There is also a sport style of Aikido named Tomiki Aikdo.

Origin of Aikido: Japan

Founder of Aikido: Morihei Ueshiba 1883-1969

Popularised by: Movie star Steven Seagal, the first Western person to open an Aikido school in Japan


Martial Arts: Capoeira


Capoeira is an energetic, often acrobatic, dance-like style of martial art. Capoeira was first practiced by African slaves who were taken to work in Brazil. Capoeira is primarily based around kicking, as a slave's hands were normally manacled.

In Capoeira, many movements are carried out while in a handstand position, often resembling modern Breakdance moves.

There are a variety of forms of Capoeira, including where two people "play" fight each other inside a circle formed by spectators, while other members of the group play instruments and sing. The music dictates the speed or tempo of the movements.

Origin: Africa and Brazil


Martial Arts: Choy Li Fut Kung Fu


Choy Li Fut is a combination of many Chinese martial arts styles (including Southern and Northern styles), and includes the five animals - Tiger, Dragon, Crane, Leopard, Snake.

Choy Li Fut was developed in 1836 by Chan Heung, who learned martial arts from his uncle, a famous Shaolin Boxer. Chan Heung named his amalgation of Kung-Fu styles after his two teachers, Choy Fok and Li Yau-San. Fut means Buddha in Cantonese, and was added to the name of his new style as an acknowledgement of his uncle and Shaolin roots of the system.

Choy Li Fut is an effective self-defence system and contains a wide variety of techniques, including long and short range punches, kicks, sweeps and takedowns, lethal pressure point attacks, joint locks, and grappling. It also practices many of the traditional Kung Fu weapons.

Although rare outside of China, Choy Li Fut remains a very popular martial arts style in mainland China today.

Origin of Choy Li Fut Kung Fu: China

Founder of Choy Li Fut Kung Fu: Chan Heung, in 1836


Martial Arts: Dim Mak (Death Touch)


Dim Mak, also know as Death Touch, is the ancient martial art of striking vital points of an opponent's body. These strikes are engineered to cause “knock-out”, death or delayed reaction in the opponent.

These vital points are the same as used for healing in acupuncture and other Asian healing arts. Dim Mak is an integral part of all martial arts. However, very few instructors know much of specific Dim Mak techniques, and those that do are reluctant to pass on this knowledge to their students.

Most pressure points are located along the center line, an important concept of many Kung Fu styles including Wing Chun Kung Fu. Pressure points exist in the arms, legs, back and head, and they are also considered when protecting major striking targets along the centre line.

Origin of Dim Mak: China

Popularised by: George Dillman, through seminars books and videos


Martial Arts: Goju Kai Karate


Goju Kai Karate is very similar in techniques and Katas to Goju Ryu. Goju Kai tends to place more emphasis on the sport side of training rather than the body conditioning and supplementary exercises of Goju Ryu. The founder of Goju Kai, Yamaguchi Gogen, is credited for introducing free sparring to Karate. Previously, Okinawan Karate styles only used Katas and pre-defined attack/defense techniques in their training.

Many Goju Kai schools exist today all over the world, and the characteristic clenched fist logo of Goju Kai can easily be recognized. The insignia was designed by the late Gogen Yamaguchi in 1932, founder of Goju-Kai Karate-Do. In fact, the clenched fist insignia is vigorously protected by U.S. and international trademark and patent laws by those that currently hold the rights for it.

Origin of Goju Kai: Japan

Origin of Goju Kai: Japan, 1950

Founder of Goju Kai: Yamaguchi Gogen (The Cat) 1909-1989. His sons Gosei and Gosen brought Goju Kai to California, United States in the sixties.


Martial Arts: Goju Ryu Karate


Goju Ryu Karate is one of the four original Okinawan styles of Karate. Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate employs hard and soft techniques with circular and linear movements. Goju Ryu has a great variety of hand and foot techniques.

Emphasis in Goju Ryu is placed on strengthening the body and mind with supplementary exercises. Goju Ryu's most famous exponent is Morio Higaonna - chief instructor of the International Okinawan Goju Ryu Karatedo Federation (I.O.G.K.F.).

Origin of Goju Ryu Karate: Okinawa

Founder of Goju Ryu: Chojun Miyagi 1888-1953


Martial Arts: Hapkido


Hapkido is a Korean martial art, and combines techniques from Karate, Aikido and Judo. It also draws influence from other native Korean martial arts. Characteristic for Hapkido are the wrist locks and throws that can look quite spectacular.

Developed in the 1940s and 50s, its founder Grandmaster Choi had learned martial arts first in Japan, in a school of Daito-Ryu Aiki-Jujutsu, an ancient form of Jujutsu that was practiced mostly by Samurai.

On Choi's return to Korea, he added many techniques to defend against particular types of attacks, and borrowed heavily from other styles. The name of what is known as Hapkido today changed several times, and famous students of Choi such as Ji Han Jae continued to develop the art and were instrumental in bringing Hapkido to the west, where it was taught to FBI and other US government agencies.

During this time Ji Han Jae met Bruce Lee, who was very impressed with the techniques of Hapkido. Ji Han Jae coached Bruce Lee, who then went on and incorporated certain aspects of Hapkido into the development of his own emerging style, Jeet Kune Do.

Origin of Hapkido: Korea

Founder of Hapkido: Yong Shui Choi (also known as Choi Yong Sul)


Popularised by: Grandmaster Ji Han Jae (Founder of Sin Moo Hapkido) in the unfinished "Game of Death" movie by Bruce Lee


Martial Arts: Hsing (Hsing-I Chuan, Xing Yi Quan)


Hsing (Hsing-I Chuan, sometimes also spelled Xing Yi Quan or Hsing Yi Chuan), is known as Mind Boxing, or in another translation, Form-Will-Boxing. The pronouciation of Hsing-I is "Shing-ee".

Hsing-I is characterised by five distinctive actions, namely the five fist elements. These elements are the Splitting Fist, Drilling Fist, Crushing Fist, Pounding Fist and the Crossing Fist. These five basic actions of splitting, drilling, pounding, crossing and crushing are related to the five elements of traditional Chinese medical theory and philosophy, ie. metal, water, fire, earth and wood, respectively.

In addition to these, Hsing also teaches the 12 styles of animal movements such as Dragon, Tiger, Horse, Cock, Turtle, Hawk, Swallow, Snake, Falcon, Eagle and Bear.

Each animal form has characteristic postures and stances, combined with a characteristic way of fighting.

Hsing-I belongs to the Chinese internal arts (together with Pa Kua and Tai-Chi), and shares some types of weapons training, namely the straight sword (Jen), the curved sword (Dao) and the long spear (Chiang). In contrast to Pa-Kua and Tai-Chi, movements in Hsing are more linear combined with a straight forward attack. The the emphasis is on developing very powerful strikes that are able to deliver inner energy (Chi) at the opponent.

Origin of Hsing: Northern China, also credited to General Yu Fei


Martial Arts: Iaido


Iaido is the art of sword drawing. The emphasis is on killing the opponent with a strike from drawing the sword. Practiced for centuries by the Japanese Samurai, Iaido is now practiced with specially made Iaido swords that resemble the original Japanese Katana. These swords are not sharpened, reducing the risk of injury to its practitioners.

Origin of Iaido: Japan


Martial Arts: Jeet Kune Do


Jeet Kune Do is a relatively new martial art, developed by the martial arts master, Bruce Lee. Bruce Lee began his martial arts career studying Wing Chun Kung Fu under grandmaster Yip Man in Hong Kong, and then taught his art in the U.S. as Jun Fan Kung Fu.

Lee began by taking the best and most practical aspects of Wing Chun and combining these with elements of western boxing; trapping and grappling; and influences from a variety of other martial arts. This developed into a fighting style that he named Jeet Kune Do, the "Way of the Intercepting Fist".

Jeet Kune Do is not a new style of kung-fu or karate. Bruce Lee did not invent a new or composite style, nor did he modify a style to set it apart from any existing method. His concept was to free his followers from clinging to any style, pattern, or mold.

The effect Jeet Kune Do had was to expose the Chinese martial arts to the world, which subsequently created a worldwide rush by westerners to learn these martial arts. It also stimulated interest in the other martial arts including Japanese, Okinawan and Korean. No other man has had more influence on the spread of martial arts to the world than Bruce Lee.

Origin of Jeet Kune Do: U.S.

Founder of Jeet Kune Do: Bruce Lee - late 1960s

Famous students are Dan Insonato, Larry Hartsell


Martial Arts: Judo


Judo is a martial art that makes use of throws, strangles and joint locks. There is no kicking or punching in Judo. Judo was originally developed from Jujutsu and was accepted as an Olympic sport in 1966.

The lethal techniques and strikes of Jujutsu have been removed from the syllabus, and Judo's founder Kano designed a syllabus that was meant to aid in the physical fitness of the Japanese people as well as their character development. As such, Judo was always designed more to be a sport than a self-defence system.

The black belt system, that pertains until today in many martial arts (also see: Goju Ryu Karate Belt System) is said to have first developed in Judo. Whereas in the West, great value is placed on the coveted achievement of a black belt, Japanese instructors see the black belt as a stage of the student when the real study of the martial art begins.

Origin of Judo: Japan

Founder of Judo: Jigoro Kano - 1882


Martial Arts: Jujutsu (Jujitsu)


Ju Jitsu (also often referred to as Jujutsu) is a fighting system that employs a wide range of techniques - including strikes, kicks, throws, joint locks and choking. In addition to this Jujitsu also teaches weapons technique. Techniques and influences from Jujitsu can be found in almost all of the martial arts.

Jujitsu developed in many independent schools in Japan over many centuries and as such does not have a clear lineage. As the syllabus of techniques in Jujutsu is very large, invidivual schools today may teach variations and/or a subset of the vast range of existing Jujutsu techniques.

As Jujutsu also provides many practical arm lock and submission techniques, jujutsu techniques have been popular with Police forces all over the world.

Origin of Jujutsu: Japan

Founded early 1600


Martial Arts: Ju Jitsu (Jujutsu)


Ju Jitsu is another name for Jujutsu. Please click here to read about Jujutsu.

Origin of Ju Jitsu: Japan

Ju Jitsu founded: Early 1600


Martial Arts: Kali (Escrima)


Kali, Escrima and Arnis are all essentially the same martial art, all originating from different areas of the Philippines. All of these utilise weapons such as sticks, knives, and swords. Techniques without weapons also taught include kicking, striking and grappling.

Kali was originally used as a method of fighting off the invading Spanish. Kali is now widely practiced both in the Philippines and abroad.

Origin of Kali: Philippines


Popularised by: Dan Inosanto, Escrima Master and friend and student of Bruce Lee

[angus]

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

[angus]

Martial Arts: Sumo (Sumo Wrestling)


Sumo, as a martial art, dates back to the early 8th century in Japan where it was originally part of religious ceremonies. Sumo was then later introduced to ceremonies held by the Imperial Court. Historically, it is interesting to note that Jujutsu is actually an offshoot of Sumo wrestling.





Originally Sumo contained elements of boxing and wrestling, but over time rules were gradually introduced which transformed it to resemble the Sumo wrestling that we know today.

The Sumo rules are simple: Two competitors wearing mawashi (silk belts) push and pull each other within a circle of 4.5 meters in diameter. The first person to leave the ring or touch the ground with any part of the body except the sole of the feet, loses the bout.

Sumo is now the national sport of Japan and immensely popular. It is also unique to Japan. Sumo wrestlers enjoy a very high regard in the Japanese society.

Most rikishi (Sumo wrestlers) are professional competitors weighing 100 to 200 kg.

Origin of Sumo: Japan


Martial Arts: Taekwondo (Tae Kwon Do)


Taekwondo (Tae-Kwon-Do, Fist-Foot-Way) is a martial art from Korea (sometimes also spelled Taegwondo). It is a blend of Shotokan Karate with other Chinese and Korean martial arts. Taekwondo places great emphasis on fast, spectacular kicking techniques with very few hand strikes. Competition rules in Taekwondo prohibit the use of throws, holding or grappling. Protective gear is usually worn to allow contact with the body.

Taekwondo tends to place more emphasis on the sport aspect of martial arts. Taekwondo is more of a long range fighting style, due to its use of more kicking than striking. Board breaking is used in belt grading in Taekwondo, to show the power of the techniques being taught (Kyokushin Kai is another martial art that also adheres to this practice).


Taekwondo is popular the world over and is probably the most widely practiced of the martial arts. Taekwondo is now recognised as an Olympic sport, which is sure to popularise it even more.

Origin of Taekwondo: Korea

Founder of Taekwondo: General Choi Hong Hi 1950's (Who earned a 2nd dan in Shotokan Karate while a student in Japan)


Martial Arts: Tai Chi Chuan


Traditional Chinese martial arts styles can be described as Internal or External; Northern or Southern; Hard or Soft. Tai Chi Chuan is considered to be a soft southern style with an emphasis on slow soft movements. These movements are carried out while concentrating on breathing technique and balance.

Tai Chi Chuan is practiced worldwide for its health benefits and improved concentration. It is widely practised for the reduction of stress and tension - not as a combat martial art.

Origin of Tai Chi Chuan: China


Martial Arts: Tang Soo Do


Tang Soo Do is a blend of Korean and Chinese martial art styles, employing both kicking and striking techniques. Tang Soo Do is best described as both a hard and a soft martial art. The meaning of Tang Soo Do is often explained as "Way of the Chinese Hand".

In 1965, the Korea Tang Soo Do Association was established in an attempt to unite the Korean Martial Arts under one name. However, the Tang Soo Do practitioners chose to remain as traditionalists rather than join the sport oriented Tae Kwon Do organization.

Origin of Tang Soo Do: Korea

Founder of Tang Soo Do: Hwang Kee

Popularised by its most famous student, Chuck Norris


Martial Arts: Uechi Ryu


Uechi Ryu is one of the four original styles of karate in Okinawa. Uechi Ryu utilises many kicking and striking techniques drawn from Chinese Kempo. Uechi Ryu practices some of the Goju Ryu kata especially Sanchin, Sanseiru and Sesan. Uechi Ryu also draws other influences from Goju Ryu including low leg kicks, grappling and takedowns. Uechi Ryu is considered a hard style of karate, which is ideally suited to fighting at close range.

Origin of Uechi Ryu: Okinawa

Founder of Uechi Ryu: Uechi Kanbun (+1949)

Popularised by: George Mattson


Martial Arts: Wado Ryu


Wado Ryu was developed by Otsuka Hironori and is one of the four main styles of Japanese karate. Hironori used his knowledge of Shotokan Karate, Jujutsu, grappling and Tai Sabaki to form his own style. Wado Ryu does not practice many of the body toughening exercises common to other styles of karate, preferring rather to use Tai Sabaki (Body Movement) to evade attacks.

Origin of Wado Ryu: Japan

Founder of Wado Ryu: Otsuka Hironori in 1930


Martial Arts: Wing Chun


Wing Chun was developed when several grandmasters of the Shaolin temple systemised the best parts of the Chinese martial arts, to form a martial art that was practical and faster to learn than the other styles. Wing Chun aims to deflect force in combat rather than meet force.

Wing Chun uses a centre line theory that is based around attacking vital targets along a central line of the body. Two weapons are taught, the dragon pole and butterfly knives, which are used as a pair. Wing Chun also uses the wooden dummy to practice striking and blocking techniques. Wing Chun also uses a partner exercise called Chi Sao, where two partners practice various arm exercises together, to gain better reflexes and response to attacks.

Origin of Wing Chun: China

Founder of Wing Chun: Ng Mui (A female nun of the Shaolin Temple)

Popularised by: Yip Man, Bruce Lee, William Cheung


Martial Arts: Yoseikan


Yoseikan is a relatively new style of karate, founded by Hiroo Mochizuki. Hiroo was more than qualified to form a new style, as he trained under his father Minoru Mochizuki, one of the great martial arts masters of the time.

Hiroo also obtained Dan grades in several other martial arts including Wado Ryu, Aikido, Jujutsu, Iaido and Judo. Hiroo was then able to blend together components of all these martial arts to form what is now Yoseikan.

Origin of Yoseikan: Japan

Founder of Yoseikan: Hiroo Mochizuki 1960's

[jabiru]

Good Post , very informative that cleared up a few things

[Ricko]

This should be a sticky I rekon, Very Informative and makes it easy to help beginners deside what disapline/s they want to get into. Well done!

[kindred]

Im still waiting to find an old master by a lake or up in the hills that will teach me his family secrets for free. It may happen!

[Delta101]

Im still waiting to find an old master by a lake or up in the hills that will teach me his family secrets for free. It may happen!

Neither by a lake or in the hills - I found mine at work. He was practicing before work, in the gazebo that no one ever uses hahaha. I asked him where he trained - he said back home in india he was selected as a young boy to join a temple that trained the monks in kung fu. Has not seen his parents since. He trained to 4th Dan but something happened and he had to leave india quick smart (he won't really elaborate except to say he can't go back or he will be arrested). You can tell hes a killer and I get the feeling he was part of some form of terrorist group or anti gov't group back in the day. Hes the only person at work that scares me half to death. But hes a damn good teacher.

Sometimes you find training in the strangest places.

[Admin]

Im still waiting to find an old master by a lake or up in the hills that will teach me his family secrets for free. It may happen!

or the crazy little jap handy man that saves you from getting belted up by gang , teaching you his craft by making you do all the chores

[kindred]

or the crazy little jap handy man that saves you from getting belted up by gang , teaching you his craft by making you do all the chores

Wouldnt that be swell

[kindred]

Neither by a lake or in the hills - I found mine at work. He was practicing before work, in the gazebo that no one ever uses hahaha. I asked him where he trained - he said back home in india he was selected as a young boy to join a temple that trained the monks in kung fu. Has not seen his parents since. He trained to 4th Dan but something happened and he had to leave india quick smart (he won't really elaborate except to say he can't go back or he will be arrested). You can tell hes a killer and I get the feeling he was part of some form of terrorist group or anti gov't group back in the day. Hes the only person at work that scares me half to death. But hes a damn good teacher.

Sometimes you find training in the strangest places.

This has some holes. Which are:
- India has its own Martial Arts
- Its not called Kung Fu if it comes from India Kung Fu is a western term for martial art that comes from China
- The kyu/dan grading system came from Okinawa/Japan
- Indian martial arts where not taught to priests or monks. They mostly do Yoga or something similar.