All martial arts originating from China fall under the general term "Wushu." In the Chinese language the word literally means "martial arts." The term "Kung Fu" is commonly used by Americans to describe Chinese martial arts. However, the term Kung...
In many cases, mastering a martial arts weapon is a martial art of its own. From the simple farm tools of a villager to the elegant swords of a warrior, martial arts weapons come from as diverse origins as their complementary hand-to-hand martial...
Many styles of martial arts use colored belts to identify the practitioner's skill level, or degree, of knowledge. Belt colors, and the order in which they are attained, will vary among martial art styles but will generally start with white and...
A skilled martial artist typically spends years performing a variety of exercises to perfect his techniques. These exercises generally focus on improving a martial artist's speed, strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination and balance.
Brazil offers martial arts that range from highly respected ground-fighting systems, to unique graceful, acrobatic arts performed with musical accompaniment. The list also includes a straightforward self-defense system suitable for bodyguards....
Virtually every martial art has a ranking system symbolized by different-colored belts. Each martial art and each school can have its own belt ranking system, but, in general, students of higher rank wear darker-colored belts. Most martial arts...
Kicking differentiates the martial arts from other styles of fighting. The world of martial arts has many different types of kicks. There are spinning, jumping and flying kicks. Some kicks strike an attacker in the shins, and others strike him in...
One would be tempted to assume that because the human body can only move in a limited number of ways, fighting styles would also be necessarily limited as well. The opposite is quite true: From bare-handed (or footed) combat to complex weapons...
Encompassing a vast number of traditional fighting arts and philosophies, martial arts instruct students on the multiple offensive and defensive techniques of combat. From Chinese kung fu to Japanese karate and ninjutsu, the world of martial arts...
Successful martial arts instructors are passionate about instilling the values of a black belt. Honesty, integrity and perseverance are traits that instructors highlight daily, and seeing responses from students as they progress is rewarding. If...
The use of vital point striking to incapacitate an opponent is one of the attractions of the martial fighting arts. The idea that a single blow to a secret point will drop an opponent instantly is appealing. While the rise of mixed-martial arts...
There are literally hundreds of different martial art styles to be found spread out across the globe. Many styles share the same roots, while some have developed in relative isolation from other martial art forms. A number of these martial arts...
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact fighting sport involving a wide variety of martial art styles and fighting techniques. While most participants date the formation of mixed martial art tournaments to the early 1900s, many of the fighting...
Though the country of Mongolia has been a veritable hotbed for battles and conflicts--from the early feudal system to Genghis Khan's 13th century invasions and beyond--the country boasts very few official martial arts compared to its neighbors...
Martial arts come in a wide variety of styles, methods and philosophies. They evolved over centuries in cultures all over the world. Many branch off to become new martial arts or combine elements of several martial arts to become a unique new...
Martial arts are types of combat that usually, but not always, involve no weapons. Although martial arts have originated in places all over the world, the best-known types are Asian forms that date back to ancient times. Although they share a...
Although the roots of Japanese martial arts can be traced back to China, Japan has developed its own distinct fighting styles. From grappling to swordsmanship, each style generally has its own focus. Japanese martial arts have stood the test of...
Grappling martial arts emphasize techniques developed to make an opponent submit by applying skills in throwing, holding, joint locking and in some martial arts, choking. Striking or kicking techniques are less commonly used and opponents are...
There are conflicting stories about the beginnings of Korean martial arts. Some historians believe that the martial arts were introduced to Korea by Chinese Buddhist monks in the sixth century. Others believe that the fighting arts were practiced...
Practitioners classify Chinese martial arts, or kung fu, as external or internal. External martial arts focus on strength and power, relying on their physical strikes and strong bodies to attack and defend. Internal martial arts also use physical...
Brazil has a strong tradition of martial arts. During the last century the country developed a reputation as home of some of the greatest fighters and combat athletes around. Immigrants from Asia and Africa fueled the boom, bringing indigenous...
Martial arts are a fantastic way to get in shape and stay in shape, and they also help people improve their self-confidence. Many people begin studying martial arts as a method of getting in shape or defending themselves in the event of an attack.
According to USGyms.net, there are several hundred martial arts systems practiced worldwide. While the objective of most martial arts is to protect yourself against attack, many traditions are connected to a spiritual or religious practice such as...
Martial arts are the fighting arts. Each martial arts style is a system of exercises, practices, forms and traditions combined into a training program to teach combative fighting and defense. Martial arts originated in the ancient cultures of...
Your fighting style should match your personality and body type if you are to become proficient. Martial arts like Shotokan Karate are best for strong individuals, while others, like Jujutsu, are best suited for more agile people. And some...
It takes decades of study to become truly proficient in a martial art. However, students often find that they make significant progress even after only a few weeks of dedicated training. Although each martial art has its own ethos, style and...
Many kung fu techniques taught today are identical to those taught at kung fu's inception many centuries ago at the Shaolin monastery in China. However, a difference in intent marks some old school techniques. Modern kung fu study is usually...
Many martial arts encourage sparring as a way to develop coordination, stamina, confidence and mental toughness. Sparring is also your best chance, short of getting into a real fight, to see how well the techniques you've learned will work....
Diverse countries, philosophies and resources--not to mention needs--have spawned a wide variety of fighting styles around the globe. It is important to also remember that martial arts focus not only on the physical motions of fighting but also on...
