Western cinema audiences love martial arts movies, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) marketing machine has managed to turn cage fighting into a respectable, even honorable, pursuit. What you see in the movies, though, isn't always a realistic example of a particular fighting style. Nor is the mixed martial arts combat of UFC matches representative of other styles that remain distinct and true to their traditions, while also evolving with the modern world.
Jujutsu
Jujutsu, which is also spelled jiu-jitsu or jujitsu, is an empty-handed Japanese fighting art. While the name translates to "the gentle art," the throws, grappling, chokes and joint locks of the jujutsu fighting style don't feel gentle at all to the recipient. A jujutsu practitioner focuses on using balance, speed, leverage and economy of motion to control the opponent.
While jujutsu is often practiced as a fighting art, it traditionally includes training in kuatsu This is an ancient art of revival and resuscitation, the counterpart to jujutsu's devastatingly effective combat techniques, explains USADojo.com.
Capoeira
While some sources credit capoeira as a Brazilian martial art, it's generally accepted that capoeira was first practiced by African slaves who were brought to Brazil in the 1500s. Capoeira involves distinctive acrobatic movements and kicks, often done while standing on your hands. A capoeira practitioner is constantly in motion, flowing from one movement to the next.
Capoeira is often practiced or "played" by two "players" inside a circle of peers. The other capoeristas around the circle participate by playing rhythmic instruments like the berimbau and occasionally switching out with one of the players inside the circle.
Boxing
Boxing is sometimes called a sport, and sometimes also acknowledged as the only truly Western martial art. Yet there is no doubting the effectiveness of the "sweet science." Boxing involves closed-fist, hands-only combat. No blows are struck below the belt. It was once practiced with bare knuckles, but boxers now wear hand wraps and boxing gloves to protect their hands during the extreme force of impact.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a dynamic, kicking-centered Korean martial art, often practiced for tournament-style competition. Below-the-belt kicks and blows to the back of the body are discouraged in taekwando.
According to the World Taekwondo Federation, the words "Tae" "Kwon" and "Do" can be collectively interpreted to mean the right way of using fists and feet, or a way of stopping fights to build a better, more peaceful world.
Mixed Martial Arts
Mixed martial arts is just what the name suggests--a mix of fighting styles and techniques from various martial arts. There is no rigid formula regarding the styles an MMA fighter should practice, but some of the most common elements include techniques from jujutsu, judo, Western-style boxing, Muay Thai and various forms of karate.
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