Overview of Various Martial Arts

Karate

• Origin: Okinawa, Japan
• Influences: Chinese martial arts
• Focus: Striking techniques (punching, kicking, knee strikes, open hand techniques)
• Philosophy: Respect, discipline, peace
• Benefits: Self-defense, physical and mental health
• Uniform: Ghee (white)

Kung Fu

• Origin: China
• Techniques: Kicking, striking, throwing, joint locks
• Philosophy: Taoist principles, yin-yang (balance), spiritual growth, self-discipline
• Uniform: Kung Fu suit

Ninjutsu

• Origin: Feudal Japan
• Focus: Survivalist techniques, information gathering, non-detection, avoidance, misdirection
• Modern Practice: Few schools worldwide (modernized form)
• Traditional Outfit: Shinobi shizoku (jacket, trousers, hood)

Judo

• Origin: Japan
• Focus: Throws, groundwork
• Philosophy: Maximum efficiency with minimum effort, mutual welfare and benefit
• Benefits: Physical fitness, competitive sport, self-defense
• Olympic Sport since: 1964
• Uniform: Judogi (thick jacket and pants), practiced barefoot

Taekwondo

• Origin: Korea
• Focus: High and fast kicking techniques
• Philosophy: Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit
• Benefits: Sportive, self-defense, mental and physical health
• Uniform: Dobok (white, colored belt indicates rank)

Boxing

• Origin: Ancient (modern form from the UK)
• Focus: Throwing punches with gloved hands
• Governing Rules: Marquess of Queensberry rules
• Requirements: Strength, speed, agility, hand-eye coordination, endurance
• Uniform: Shorts, boxing gloves

Aikido

• Origin: Japan
• Focus: Using opponent’s energy against them (throws, joint locks)
• Philosophy: Harmony, peace, conflict resolution through reconciliation
• Benefits: Self-defense, physical health, relaxation
• Uniform: Gi (similar to Judo)

Sambo

• Origin: Soviet Red Army, Russia (early 1920s)
• Focus: Combines Judo and wrestling techniques
• Benefits: Self-defense, competition, fitness
• Uniform: Kurtka jacket, belt, shorts, wrestling shoes

Muay Thai

• Origin: Thailand
• Focus: Striking with fists, elbows, knees, shins
• Philosophy: Respect, patience, humility
• Uniform: Muay Thai shorts

Krav Maga

• Origin: Israel
• Focus: Practical combat system for neutralizing threats quickly
• Philosophy: Simplicity, speed, control
• Benefits: Real-world defense, physical fitness
• Uniform: Comfortable gym clothing

Capoeira

• Origin: Brazil (developed by African slaves)
• Focus: Combines dance, acrobatics, music
• Philosophy: Community, resilience, trickery
• Uniform: Varies, modern practitioners wear white pants and a colored cord

Wing Chun

• Origin: Southern China
• Focus: Close-range combat, efficiency
• Philosophy: Balance, structure, simultaneous attack and defense
• Benefits: Self-defense, fitness
• Uniform: Kung Fu suit or comfortable clothing

Savate

• Origin: France (street fighting techniques used by sailors)
• Focus: Western boxing and kicking techniques
• Benefits: Self-defense, fitness, competitive sport
• Uniform: Tracksuit, special shoes

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

• Origin: Brazil (developed by Gracie family)
• Focus: Grappling, ground fighting (control and submission techniques)
• Philosophy: Leverage and proper technique for defense
• Benefits: Self-defense, physical fitness
• Uniform: Gi (similar to Judo)

Pencak Silat

• Origin: Malay archipelago
• Techniques: Striking, grappling, weaponry
• Philosophy: Varies by region (reflects local customs and culture)
• Uniform: Aaju cot

Kyudo

• Origin: Japan (archery)
• Philosophy: Truth, virtue, beauty
• Benefits: Personal development, meditation, competition, ceremony
• Uniform: Traditional Japanese clothing (kimono, hakama)

Kendo

• Origin: Japan
• Focus: Bamboo swords, protective armor
• Philosophy: Respect, discipline, character development
• Uniform: Hakama trousers, kendo-gi top, protective armor

Eskrima/Arnis

• Origin: Philippines
• Focus: Weapon-based fighting (sticks, knives, bladed weapons), hand-to-hand combat, weapon disarming
• Philosophy: Flexibility, adaptability
• Uniform: Comfortable sports attire, rattan stick (primary weapon)

Jeet Kune Do

• Origin: Developed by Bruce Lee
• Philosophy: No fixed patterns or forms, guiding thoughts
• Benefits: Practical self-defense, adaptability
• Uniform: Varied attire