Practiced worldwide for centuries, Martial arts are self-defense systems relying on a balance between physical and mental techniques to achieve self-control. Asian immigrants introduced martial arts in the United States in the late 19th century, and American soldiers returning from Asia after World War II and the Korean War increased awareness of the disciplines in this country. You are likely to find a variation suited to your needs among the martial arts.
Ju-Jitsu
Ju-Jitsu originated in ancient Japan as a form of weaponless combat and is considered the parent of Aikido, Judo and Karate. The discipline centers on a philosophy based on the concepts of readiness, focus and spontaneity. Its methods are circular in character, using hard and soft movements to create an external combat style. Typical attack techniques include throws, locks, thrusting, punching, pinning and immobilizing.
Karate-do
Karate-do is an adaptation of the Karate techniques developed in Okinawa in the 15th century. Karate, which means "empty hand," arose at a time when carrying weapons was forbidden. Yoshitaka Funakoshi adapted the techniques to a gentler system, naming his method Karate-do, to shift the emphasis to physical and spiritual development.
Kung Fu
Kung Fu, which a Chinese phrase meaning "skill," was first practiced as a form of exercise in China as long ago as the 5th century B.C. The martial art combines a variety of fighting styles that originated as imitations of the movements of different animals and that have their root in Chinese philosophy and myth. Northern-style Kung Fu features fast and powerful kicks, quick movements and high jumps. The Southern style relies on a stable stance and techniques based on strong arm and hand movements.
Tae Kwondo
Tae Kwondo, which is the national sport of South Korea and used by the South Korean military, originated as a system of training for ancient Korea's elite warriors. Like other martial arts, Tae Kwondo is based on philosophical values, including loyalty, duty, bravery, trustworthiness and justice. The term Tae Kwondo, which means "the way of punching and kicking," is a good description of the discipline's basic moves.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing is derived from Thailand's 2,000 year old art of Muay fighting. This form of boxing was originally developed for self-defense but evolved into a sport when the technique became relatively ineffective against armed opponents. Osamu Noguchi introduced Muay fighting to Japan as kickboxing, a competitive sport that was originally known as full contact karate. The sport was introduced in the United States in the 1970s to give competitors in karate tournaments better scoring opportunities.
Gatka
Gatka is a martial art using weapons that is practiced by the Sikhs of India. The Sikhs learned Gatka from their Hindu allies in the 16th century, following their successful campaign against the Mughal Empire, and it has become an essential component of their religious practices. Gatka is based on a gracefully integrated use of feet, body, arms and weapons that results in flowing movements executed without hesitation. The basic weapon is the soti, a wooden stick used during training, but this discipline incorporates a variety of weapons for hand-to-hand combat.
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