The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Martial Arts and Their Origins
Unveiling the Most Popular Martial Arts Styles Around the World
Taking an in-depth look at the numerous different types of martial arts and how they differ
Very few people have any experience with martial arts outside of the most popular styles, including Karate, Kung fu and Taekwondo.
In truth, modern martial arts come in a wide variety of styles, each with its own unique approach to combat, generally defined by geography and the history of their formation as an organised discipline.
But there are some who might not even know what martial arts are outside of movies and TV shows. If you want to know more, keep reading and find out what makes the different types of Martial Art unique.
How do we define ‘Martial Arts’?
Self-defence, military and law enforcement applications, competitiveness, the development of leadership skills, physical, mental, and spiritual development, entertainment, and the preservation of a nation's intangible cultural legacy are just a few of the many reasons people practice martial arts.
A Brief History of Martial Arts
The earliest origins of martial arts are hard to pinpoint, as every country has seen war, occupation and conflict. But the first evidence of some kind of martial code seems to have originated in Aisa, perhaps in India as far back as the 2nd century BCE. Likely tied to various forms of Buddhism or Hinduism.
It is in East Asia however that we see the first solid historical evidence regarding the birth of ‘martial arts’.
We know that Kung Fu can be traced back to China and the Zhou dynasty and that forms of Chinese martial arts were introduced to Okinawa in the 14th century, which many years later took the form of Japanese Karate.
Ancient martial arts focused on striking with the feet and hands or grappling, while Japanese martial arts of the Aikido style developed on the battlefield with Samurai and traditionally emphasised shooting arrows or wielding swords.
Warrior training in Japan has traditionally focused on the arts of the bow, the sword, unarmed combat and swimming while clad in armour.
However, over the years these arts change and have morphed from combat systems for warriors and soldiers into day-to-day defensive and competitive techniques.
Members of other social classes who were interested in warfare trained with a focus on skills involving the staff, common tools (such as thrashing flails, sickles, and knives) and unarmed combat.
Let’s start by explaining all martial arts. There are more than 200 martial arts, and we’ll explain a few of them here.
Let’s start with the popular ones:
Aikido: Japan
Blending and redirecting energy: Aikido techniques involve moving with an opponent's attack and redirecting their energy against them
Joint locks and throws: Aikido techniques involve joint locks and throws
Non-violent philosophy: Aikido is characterised by its non-violent philosophy, which emphasises the (more) peaceful resolution of conflict than other martial arts
The Japanese martial art of Aikido, sometimes referred to as grappling art, is practised by going with the flow of the attacker's movement rather than fighting it head-on.
The practitioner uses entering and turning motions to redirect the attacker's momentum and then uses throws and joint locks to finish the fight.
There is less use of blunt force in Aikido, and its primary development appears to have come from Samurai, who used it as a disarming technique on the battlefield.
Hapkido: Korea
All-rounder: Hapkido is a comprehensive self-defence system involving strikes, kicks, joint locks, throws, and pressure points, as well as training in weapons such as knives, sticks, and swords.
Not just hitting: Hapkido techniques involve joint locks, throws, and grappling moves that aim to incapacitate the opponent.
Circular and fluid movements: Hapkido techniques often involve circular motions that aim to redirect an opponent's force and use it against them, & to evade attacks and stay on balance.
Joint locks, kicks, punches and other striking attacks are the hallmarks of this Korean martial art.
Swords, nunchakus, ropes, canes, and staffs are also employed, with varying degrees of prominence.
Hapkido emphasises the use of circular motions, non-resistant movements and control of the opponent through footwork and body alignment to acquire leverage and avoid strength against strength.
Despite the prevalent belief that Aikido and Hapkido share a historical ancestor, these two styles of martial art couldn't be more different in their underlying philosophy, reaction repertoire and method of technique execution.
Judo: Japan
Throws and takedowns: Judo techniques focus primarily on throws and takedowns.
Grappling and groundwork: Judo also includes techniques for grappling and groundwork, such as chokes, joint locks, and pins, which aim to force a submission.
Emphasis on technique over strength: Judo emphasizes technique, timing, and precision over brute strength or size.
Judo is one of the more recent martial art styles, therefore it naturally draws from the traditions of those who came before it.
It's a hugely popular competitive sport all around the world and is an Olympic sport.
A Judoka generally tries to use their opponent's strength against them by using a plethora of techniques and throws.
Once their opponent is on the ground, they can perform various joint locks and chokeholds to subdue them until they give up.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Brazil / Japan
Ground-based grappling: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) focuses on ground fighting and submissions, using joint locks, chokes, and leverage to control and submit opponents.
Technique over strength: BJJ emphasises skill, strategy, and efficient use of body mechanics, allowing fighters to effectively defend against larger, stronger opponents.
Continuous improvement: BJJ promotes a growth mindset via its belt ranking system, encouraging practitioners to continue to refine their techniques and adapt to various situations in both competition and self-defence scenarios.
Perhaps the King of ground-focused martial arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become enormously popular in recent years due to the rise of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) in popular culture.
Learning MMA as a beginner tends to cover a broad variety of techniques, but generally those that are most useful in a real fight or self-defence situation.
As a result, practitioners of this style of martial arts emphasise taking the fight to the ground with an emphasis on tackling. Whoever wins via submission has won the match in the ring, and in real life, choking an assailant is a far more realistic way of defending yourself than landing a knockout blow.
Martial artists practising Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu must perfect the angles, pressure, timing and leverage required to take down their opponents.
Karate: Japan
Striking-based martial art: Karate primarily focuses on striking techniques, including punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes.
Kata and kumite: Karate training consists of two major components—kata (pre-arranged solo forms) to develop proper technique, balance, and movement, and kumite (sparring) for practical application of techniques against opponents.
Discipline and personal development: Karate emphasizes mental strength, self-discipline, and respect for oneself and others, enhancing personal growth alongside physical skills.
A Japanese martial art that originated in Okinawa, Karate places an emphasis on striking techniques, including punching, kicking, kneeing and elbowing, as well as open-handed ones like knife-hands (the well-known karate chop!).
While Taekwondo places an emphasis on kicking techniques, karate places more emphasis on hand punches, throws and kicks in combination.
Karate has been popularised over the years through blockbuster films such as ‘The Karate Kid’, which exploded in the 80s during the martial arts boom. It is still popular amongst parents looking to teach their children discipline and some form of self-defence.
In the competitive arena, it has probably been replaced by MMA in the eyes of the public as the most popular type of martial art to watch in competition.
Shotokan, Shito Ryu, Goju Ryu and Wado Ryu are the four main schools of classical karate.
Krav Maga: Israel
Practical self-defense: Krav Maga is designed for real-world self-defense situations, teaching practical techniques to neutralise threats quickly and effectively.
Aggression and simultaneous defense-attack: it teaches practitioners to use controlled aggression and simultaneous defense and attack manoeuvres, focusing on the most vulnerable points of an opponent's body.
Adaptable and intuitive: Krav Maga training incorporates various scenarios and adapts techniques from other martial arts.
The Israeli system of hand-to-hand combat that combines wrestling, grappling and striking techniques; Krav Maga is famous for its incredibly effective and vicious counter-attacks designed to keep the practitioner safe and incapacitate the opponent by any means necessary.
The martial art of Krav Maga is not governed by any set of regulations and is not recognised by any official sports organisation.
On top of that, there is no set uniform, however, some groups do have things like rank badges, levels and belts to show for accomplishments.
Kung Fu: China
A diverse range of styles: Kung Fu is an umbrella term for a variety of Chinese martial arts styles, each with unique techniques, forms, and philosophies, encompassing both internal (focusing on mental and spiritual aspects) and external (focusing on physical strength and agility) practices.
Forms and applications: Kung Fu training includes learning traditional forms (pre-arranged sequences of movements) and their practical applications in self-defense and combat.
Cultivation of mind and body: Kung Fu emphasises the development of both physical and mental skills, promoting self-discipline, focus, and inner harmony, often through the integration of meditation.
A variety of combat systems originated in China and evolved over many hundreds of years.
Despite their seeming diversity, there are recurrent motifs among the diverse styles (which are usually classified by families, schools or sects).
Many schools take their cues from ancient Chinese philosophy, religion and mythology, while others incorporate animal-inspired physical exercises.
While exterior styles are primarily concerned with enhancing muscular and cardiovascular fitness, internal ones are more concerned with harnessing qi.
Eagle Claw, Hung Gar, Five Animals (Shaolin Kung Fu), Monkey, Praying Mantis and Wing Chun are just a few of the most well-known schools.
The name "Kung Fu" is commonly used in the West to refer to Chinese martial arts, but its original meaning was mastery of any ability.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): Global
Combination of techniques: MMA is a full-contact combat sport that combines techniques from various martial arts, including striking, grappling, and submission holds.
Well-rounded skillset: MMA fighters train in multiple disciplines, such as boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and judo, to become proficient in various types of combat, both standing and on the ground.
Intense physical conditioning: MMA training involves rigorous physical conditioning, including strength, agility, and endurance exercises.
A free-for-all combat sport where any method can be applied (including martial and non-martial arts techniques).
Standing or ground-based striking and grappling methods are permitted.
Many different traditional styles were used in the early years of the sport, but as the sport progressed, many of these techniques were shown to be inefficient.
In order to better prepare themselves for battle, it is currently normal practice for fighters to study more than one fighting system at a time.
Thai Boxing (Muay Thai)
Eight-limb striking system: Muay Thai, also known as "The Art of Eight Limbs," incorporates punches, kicks, knees, and elbows all eight points of contact aim to deliver powerful, blunt force trauma.
Clinch and sweeps: Muay Thai fighters excel in the art of clinching, where they control their opponent's upper body and head to deliver devastating knee strikes or low kicks to unbalance and take down their adversary.
Physical conditioning and endurance: Muay Thai training involves tough conditioning exercises to develop strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance.
The martial art of Muay Thai, which is sometimes referred to as Thailand's "national sport," has its roots in the time of the Konbaung Dynasty in neighbouring Siam.
King Chulalongkorn of Thailand popularised Muay Thai as a sport in the 19th century. Rules and regulations were established in the years that followed.
People study Muay Thai for a variety of reasons besides competition, including self-defence, physical fitness and personal development.
Punches, kicks, knees and elbows are central to "the art of eight limbs," although sweeps and grappling work also play a role.
Taekwondo: Korea
High, fast kicking techniques: Taekwondo is renowned for its emphasis on high, fast, and acrobatic kicks, including spinning and jumping kicks.
Olympic sport: Taekwondo is one of the few martial arts included in the Olympic Games, with the World Taekwondo (WT) style being the official Olympic competition format.
Discipline and personal growth: Taekwondo training stresses self-discipline, respect, and perseverance, following the tenets of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit.
A well-known martial art from Korea, one of the world's most popular and oldest martial arts (dating back more than 2,000 years).
Strength, speed, balance, flexibility and stamina are honed via the practice of a variety of take-downs, throws and joint locks, as well as blocks, kicks, punches and open-handed attacks.
Taekwondo is most well-known for its focus on kicking techniques. If you have ever watched a competitive taekwondo bout, you will even see the two fighters with their arms almost down by their sides!
Poomsae and forms are planned sequences of techniques that trainees learn in addition to self-defence (known in other martial arts as kata).
Only two martial arts, Taekwono and Judo. have even been recognised by the Olympic Games.
Tai Chi: China
Tai Chi uses slow and fluid movements. It’s often referred to as "meditation in motion," and consists of slow, gentle and continuous movements that emphasize balance, flexibility, and deep breathing, promoting mental focus and relaxation.
Internal martial art: Tai Chi is classified as an internal Chinese martial art, focusing on the cultivation of internal energy (chi or qi) and mental concentration rather than external physical force.
Health benefits and stress reduction: Practiced widely for its health benefits, Tai Chi improves balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness, while helping with stress and anxiety, making it a great form of exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels.
This thoughtful Chinese Martial Art is Used for Self-Defense and Fitness but is also amazing for mental health and movement for those who need a lower-impact form of training.
The westernised, standardised style of Tai Chi (tai chi chih) is just one of many training methods available; it shares some outward characteristics with the traditional Chinese style of tai chi (tai chi chuan), but it is not a martial art.
Ninjutsu: Japan
Espionage and covert tactics: Ninjitsu, also known as Ninpo or the art of the ninja, originated in feudal Japan and focuses on espionage, stealth, and covert tactics.
Versatile techniques and weapons: Ninjitsu practitioners are trained in a variety of techniques, such as strikes, grappling, joint locks, and throws, as well as the use of traditional weapons like the sword, staff, and shuriken (throwing stars).
Survival and adaptability: Ninjitsu training encompasses survival skills, such as stealth, camouflage, and escape techniques, as well as knowledge of herbal medicine and basic first aid, preparing practitioners for a wide range of situations and challenges.
Ninjutsu is the fighting technique employed by Ninja, an ancient order of assassins from Japan.
Ninjutsu combines a variety of techniques and an array of weapons with a heavy focus on efficiency and guile. The very nature of the Ninja’s job in life meant that for many years these techniques were kept secret but in recent years have been popularised in film and video games.
Escrima: Philippines
Weapon-based martial art: Escrima, also known as Arnis or Kali, is a Filipino martial art that primarily focuses on the use of weapons, particularly sticks and bladed implements.
Fluid and adaptable techniques: Escrima techniques are characterised by their fluidity and adaptability, with an emphasis on footwork, body positioning, and timing.
The transition between weapons and empty-hand combat: Escrima training incorporates the seamless transition between weapon-based and empty-hand combat.
A lesser-known Martial Art hailing from the Philippines, Escrima is also known as Kali or Arnis. This armed form of combat is probably most well known for its fighting with sets of sticks, which is both exciting to watch and terrifying in equal measure.
Which Martial Art is Best for You?
There are a whole load of fighting styles that over the years have morphed into what we might describe as a ‘Martial Art’ but which one you would like to learn is down to you.
If you feel like you would be able to perform high kicks and ariel moves, perhaps Taekwondo is something to consider. If you would like slower, more compact and solid movements, then Wing Chun could be the one to try.
For brute force and a way to unload some pent-up frustration we recommend Thai Boxing, and if you want something really outside of the box, take a look into Escrima or Kendo!
