There are literally thousands of specialized fighting styles today that often depend on the kind of competitive fighting undertaken, but many of these styles fall under three distinct combat philosophies: aggressive striking styles, acrobatic animal styles and grappling styles that use your opponent's strength and body weight against him.
Kung Fu
Kung fu, or gung fu, is an umbrella term that most often describes the kind of martial arts that originated in China. This style is widely recognized as the oldest martial art in existence and features acrobatic techniques based on the natural fighting style of various animals. Some kung fu practitioners also train with traditional weapons like swords and large knives, according to Martial Arts Info. The techniques feature strikes using both the hands and feet as well as blocks and joint locks.
Karate
The term "karate" is literally translated as "empty hand" because it is a self-defense system that doesn't rely on weapons. Practitioners of this fighting style usually fight aggressively using very hard punches and kicks combined with hard blocks and some joint locks. Many karate students report that training in this dynamic and aggressive fighting style enables them to better focus their mind in conjunction with their body, enabling them to develop power in their techniques that belie their physical size. This fighting style originated in Japan and today is a broad term generally used to describe hundreds of specialized Asian martial arts.
Judo
Judo is a Japanese fighting style that got its start in the late 1800s. The word "judo" literally is translated as "gentle way" because it is a defensive martial art that does not focus on attacking your opponent, but many of us who have experienced a judo throw understand that there is little about it that is gentle. Judo is based on the philosophy that you should not use your strength against your opponent, rather use their strength against them. This style of fighting is based on using efficiency of motion to control your opponent by using their attacks against them.
Member Comments