The USADojo.com website lists approximately 250 martial arts styles by region. Chris Crudelli describes more than 300 styles practiced around the world in his book "The Way of the Warrior, Martial Arts and Fighting Systems from Around the World." While these fighting systems can be categorized in different ways, Crudelli divides them into three broad categories: traditional, sport-based and weapons-based martial arts.
Traditional Martial Arts
Many, but not all, martial arts originated as combat fighting systems. Their purpose was to kill or severely maim opponents. Aiki-jitsu and ju jitusu in Japan are examples. The Korean art of hapkido is directed toward self-defense applications as are the Israeli fighting systems of krav maga and kapap. Karate styles were developed in Okinawa for fighting Japanese samurai. Russian systema is an example of a combat martial art used by the military. It is important to note that all traditional martial arts, although they retain their offensive nature, are frequently modified for training purposes and sometimes adapted to make them appropriate for competition.
Sports-Based Martial Arts
Some martial arts devote considerable time to developing skills that can be used in competition. These styles are subject to rules and forbid life-threatening or crippling techniques. Wrestling martial arts, for example, are practiced widely. Examples include Scottish and Lancashire wrestling in the United Kingdom, Laamb and Evala wrestling in Africa, Collegiate wrestling in the U.S., and Kushti and Malyutham wrestling in India. Other sport-based fighting styles include mixed martial arts from the U.S. and Muay Tai from Thailand. Martial arts derived from combat systems include the Olympic sports of Tai Kwon Do from Korea and and Judo from Japan Greco-Roman wrestling from France and Western boxing from Europe are also Olympic sports.
Weapon-Based Martial Arts
Many martial arts systems incorporate weapons into their training, but some concentrate nearly exclusively on them. The Japanese arts of Iado, Kenjutsu and Yagyu Shinkage Ryu use swords or sword substitutes, Kyudo uses the bow and bojutsu the staff. Thai Krabi Krabong uses swords, staffs, sticks and clubs. Philippine Escrima specializes in the stick, sword and machete. Spain has Juego Del Palo, a stick-fighting system. Like many martial arts, these and scores of other weapon-based fighting systems can adjust their techniques for sport or self-defense purposes.
Origins of World's Martial Arts
The Indian art of Kalarippayattu has been called "the mother of all martial arts," according to Crudelli. It is more likely that many martial arts developed independently in separate regions of the world rather than descended from a parent style. Still, this description reflects the long history of Kalarippayattu, which, according to tradition, may have been the style of fighting carried to China where it inspired the development of Shaolin kung fu.
References
- "The Way of the Warrior, Martial Arts and Fighting Systems from Around the World"; Chris Crudelli; 2008.
- USADojo.com: Martial Arts Styles By Region
- USGyms.net: Types of Martial Arts
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