Martial arts promote physical health and mental strength, while teaching techniques for self-defense. Almost anyone can practice martial arts, from children to women and men. If you're interested in martial arts, you can choose from a variety of disciplines from all over the world. You can learn the basics of most martial arts quickly, then spend years mastering the finer points of the discipline.
Brazilian
The Brazilian martial art of capoeira originated with African slaves brought to Brazil in the 16th century. Capoeira matches resemble choreographed battles set to music. Participants spar two at a time in a circle, surrounded by other participants who play musical instruments or sing. The fighting includes kicks, leg sweeps, elbow jabs, head butts and other moves. Brazilian jiu jitsu is a variant of Chinese jiu jitsu, popularized by Brazilian Helio Gracie. It features choke holds, arm locks, mounts and other street-fighting moves.
Chinese
Many people associate kung fu with Chinese martial arts. The umbrella of kung fu encompasses many different forms of martial arts in China, including duan quan, tai chi chen and black tiger kung fu. The physical aspects of kung fu include throws, holds, grappling and other techniques of self-defense. The philosophical teachings of these martial arts combine tenets of Buddhism and Taoism.
Indian
Sastravidya refers to any of several hand-to-hand combat styles that originated in India. In Sanskrit, these martial art forms also are known as dharnurveda. Thought to be more than 3,000 years old, one of these martial arts, kalaripayattu, predates kung fu, judo and other martial arts. Today, the choreography of Baliwood movies reflects the acrobatic moves of kalaripayattu, according to Kalaripayattu.org.
Japanese
The Samurai perfected Japanese martial arts from skills learned from the Chinese. Japanese martial arts include judo, jujitsu, aikido, kendo, sumo and karate. Japanese martial arts teach respect, courtesy and personal development along with techniques of self-defense both with and without weapons.
Korean
Tae kwon do schools across the United States have popularized this form of Korean martial arts. Hapkido, haidong gumdo and hwa rang do are other examples of Korean martial arts. Like other martial arts, Korean disciplines combine philosophical teachings with physical training.
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