With the rise of entertainment and competition combinations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), martial arts have never been more in the public eye. Because UFC emphasizes the violent aspect of the martial world and the mixing of different styles, it's arguable that martial arts have never been more misunderstood. The key to understanding modern and traditional forms of martial art is to learn about the different techniques they use and the philosophies they express.
Grappling Styles
Grappling styles develop the student's ability to find an opponent's leverage points. Choke holds, joint locking and pinning the opponent are common techniques. Jujitsu, a Japanese form, combines grappling with hand strikes, kicks and throws. Judo, a 19th-century refinement of Jujitsu, focuses less on strikes and kicks, and more on pure grappling, according to the Judo Information Site. Judo's principles include maximum efficiency in executing techniques and working for mutual welfare and benefit, even in situations of conflict.
Hand and Foot Styles
Some styles of martial art focus on using the hands and feet to execute strikes, punches, kicks and blocks. While Japanese Karate focuses on hands and feet equally, Taekwondo practitioners develop especially devastating kicks. Both styles use patterns, called "kata" in Karate, that the student performs solo and must perfect in order to move on to the next level of training. Both Karate and Taekwondo involve intense physical training to gain strength and flexibility. Both styles include a list of precepts encouraging students to perfect their integrity through training.
Street Styles
Some martial arts styles developed out of a sense that other systems were lacking in practicality. Krav Maga, a Western martial art developed in the 1950s for the Israeli army, focuses on techniques that are natural and simple to learn, but devastating in application, according to Chrisopher Philippe, Krav Maga black belt and police officer in Paris, France. Philippe notes in his book "The Essential Krav Maga" that the art focuses on modern self defense scenarios like defending against knife and gun attacks, or fighting several unarmed assailants. Other forms, such as martial arts superstar Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do system, give the student total reactivity to any situation by encouraging spontaneous reactions.
Weapons Styles
Some styles focus on a particular weapon or set of weapons. You can find weapons forms at many Kung Fu or Tai Chi schools, where you might learn to use a sword or sabre. Kendo, a Japanese art, focuses on using a straight sword, traditionally made of split bamboo, according to Jinichi Tokeshi, Honolulu physician and Kendo practitioner, in his book "Kendo: Elements, Rules, and Philosophy." Nunchucks, knives and even fans are popular martial arts weapons that each involve a particular form of fighting.
Deflective Styles
More subtle martial arts focus on using an opponent's energy or momentum against him. Aikido, a Japanese form, developed as a result of the combination of samurai fighting techniques with Buddhist concepts of harmony and nonviolence. The Aikido practitioner coordinates with her opponent's movement and power, as well as his feelings and intentions, to disable his attack gently but effectively. When it is applied in sparring, the Chinese art of tai chi works along similar principles: by turning the opponent's attack, the tai chi practitioner deflects it.
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