If you're interested in watching or taking up martial arts, you've certainly got plenty of styles to choose from. Learning the basics about a variety of martial arts fighting styles can help you decide which is best suited for your physical fitness level, personality and need. Martial arts training is not only a good cardiovascular exercise, but also promotes self-discipline, respect for others and helps you defend yourself in case of personal attack.
Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do is a martial art form founded in Korea. The Korean can be loosely translated into English as "Way of the foot and fist." Tae Kwon Do uses a lot of foot action and kicking moves, all learned in patterns or forms such as Chon-Ji and Yul-Gok in the non-sine wave style, and those that include the sine wave, a slight up-and-down movement that precedes kicks and forward movements in this art form.
Karate
There are many styles of karate, including Kenpo, Cha Yon Ryu, or Natural Way, and full contact karate. Karate relies heavily on speed, punches and kicks. Kenpo karate, also known as Kempo, like most other martial art forms, strives to teach students the connection between mind, body and spirit, and that mastering physical strategy and form is only the beginning to becoming an expert in the martial art. Translated as the "Way of the Fist," students learn patterns called Kata, or forms.
Jujutsu
Jujutsu, also spelled jiu-jitsu, and known as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, is a martial art developed and practiced in Brazil. It blends moves from other sports like wrestling and boxing into its competition styles. Jujutsu relies heavily on throws and takedowns, as well as kicking and striking with the hands and feet. Known as a "soft" martial arts form, jujutsu also places a heavy emphasis on holds, which is why various moves from this martial art are commonly learned by law enforcement and military personnel.
Kung Fu
Kung Fu, also called Gung Fu, is an ancient form of martial arts developed in China. Kung Fu was not developed as an aggressive form of combat, but as a way of self-defense. Styles of Kung Fu are commonly named after the characteristics of animals they mimic, such as Praying Mantis, Dragon and Snake, all encompassing different moves and skills. Shaolin Kung Fu has seven popular styles, including Crane, Tiger, Praying Mantis, Snake, Dragon, Wing Chun and Qigong.
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