Martial arts is a well-known art and sports activity in the world. Here’s the complete list of popular martial arts around the world.
Different Types of Martial Arts in The World
Martial Arts is becoming a worldwide phenomenon, and its various forms are reaching different corners of the world. Aside from the common people, many individuals from police and military forces are learning different forms of martial arts. Many people are learning martial arts techniques for self-defense. There are different types of Mixed Martial Arts that may vary in scope and techniques.
Some forms of martial arts prioritize fighting with weapons, and some may prioritize striking movements. Whatever the technique may be, when used correctly with force, martial arts can be deadly. Learn what types of martial arts are there in the world and why these are so popular. In this article, we have created a list of popular and strongest types of martial arts around the world. Let us explore these forms of martial arts that have millions of practitioners worldwide.
Kung Fu (China)
Kung Fu is a popular Chinese martial art form. The word ‘Kung Fu’ means the success that can be achieved by the length and weight. Kung Fu is one of the oldest forms of martial arts in the world. This martial art was introduced by Emperor Huangti in around 2.698 BC. Since then, this type of fighting style has spread to different parts of the world and grown to different styles of Kung Fu. Earlier, Kung Fu was mostly taught by the monks of Shaolin.
They used to teach this martial art form with a primary emphasis on philosophy and morality. Further, Kung Fu also teaches the value of trust, patience, humility, and respect.
Judo (Japan)
Invented by Jigoro Kano, Judo is a popular martial art form that originated in Japan. It is said that Jigoro Kano was often harassed during his childhood which was around 1860. Kano gained basic martial arts skills and added a throwing technique to them, which further created Judo. The word ‘Judo’ means ‘gentle way,’ which depicts the use of an opponent’s force to combat against himself.
As in this martial art, the principle is to use the opponent’s force to combat against him; the person is not required to be stronger than his opponent. In Judo, the main focus is to throw and lock the land instead of hitting or attacking the opponent.
Aikido (Japan)
Aikido is also one of the most popular types of martial arts. It was introduced around 1900, and since then, it has gained many followers around the world. In aikido, people learn how to use the power and energy of their opponents to bring them down. Many practitioners learn to keep the attacker’s conditions and stifle without any injury.
There are also certain styles of aikido in which people use different weapons like sticks, swords, or knives. Morihei Ueshiba was the founder of aikido. According to him, in order to become a successful Aikido follower, the practitioner should receive an opponent attack of 99% and face death without any fear.
Karate (Japan)
The word ‘Karate’ means “empty hand,” as it was introduced as a martial art without any weapon. You can expect various techniques in this form of martial art. It is believed that Karate originated from around the 1300′s. Anko Itosu is the father of modern karate. He was the one who wrote a book called “10 precepts of Karate ” in 1908. In his book, he mentions that Karate is a technique that involves changing hands and feet into weapons like spears.
Today, karate is widely taught as a self-defense technique across the world. As karate involves hands and feet, it is considered a full-contact form of martial arts. If we talk about its origin, then karate originated from Okinawa in Japan. There are millions of practitioners of karate around the world which are called karatekas. You can find many movies and series based on karate.
Muay Thai (Thailand)
Muay Thai is a popular martial art from Thailand. This form of martial art is considered very similar to kickboxing. However, in Muay Thai, the punches below the belt, knees, and elbows are all allowed. The specific origin of Muay Thai is unknown. However, there are various elements of Muay Thai that relate to the martial arts of Japan and India. Muay Thai is a highly structured form of martial arts.
In this art, there are also certain rituals to show respect to opponents. Muay Thai teaches using the body as a weapon. In Muay Thai, people can use their elbows, fists, elbows, knees, and other body parts to defeat the opponent. This form of martial arts is also extremely popular in the world. Let us now move to other types of fighting styles.
Jeet Kune Do (China)
Jeet Kune Do is a type of martial art from China. This martial art form was developed by Bruce Lee. The meaning of ‘Jeet Kune Do’ is a way of the intercepting fist. People often call the symbolic representation of Jeet Kune Do as Bruce Lee’s core symbol, which is used as its main tenet. Bruce Lee introduced the term jeet kune do for the expression of his martial art in 1967.
He used this fighting style in many ways, and later it got popular all over the world. The main idea around Jeet Kune Do is to intercept your opponents’ technique or their intent. The basic principles of this martial art form involve freedom, simplicity, and directness.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Brazil)
This martial art form was established in Brazil. The founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was Mitsuyo Maeda, who was also a well-known Japanese fighter. Mitsuyo Maeda had won more than 2000 games in his fighting career, and he was also considered the most powerful human of his time. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes the groundwork and throws.
Due to this, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is also very popular among mixed martial arts fighters. Many of its practitioners also call this sport “game of human chess,” as it may involve a lot of techniques and strategies to defeat opponents. Within a few years of training, a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can learn hundreds of techniques and concepts to balance the body and defeat the opponent.
Bottom Line
Now you know the answer to ‘what types of martial arts are there in the world?’. Each type of martial arts that we have mentioned here has its own benefits. You may not call one particular fighting style the best style, as different types of fighting styles may have different limitations. Today, Mixed Martial Arts is also a popular fighting style that involves the use of the best techniques from different martial arts forms. In order to master a particular martial art or fighting style, continuous learning and incorporating martial arts in every way of your life can be helpful. Aside from these seven different types of martial arts, there are also many other fighting styles that are extremely popular in the world.
