What are the Different Martial Arts Called? [2023]

If you’re interested in martial arts, you may have wondered about the different types and what they’re called. Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll explore the world of martial arts and provide you with a comprehensive guide to the various styles and disciplines. So, let’s dive in and discover the exciting world of martial arts!

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Martial arts encompass a wide range of combat practices and systems. Here are some of the most popular martial arts:

  1. Muay Thai
  2. Taekwondo
  3. Tai Chi
  4. Kickboxing
  5. Karate
  6. Kung Fu
  7. Aikido
  8. Judo
  9. Kendo
  10. Krav Maga
  11. Wing Chun
  12. Jeet Kune Do
  13. Hapkido
  14. Capoeira
  15. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
  16. Jiu-Jitsu

Quick Tips and Facts:

  • Each martial art has its own unique techniques, philosophies, and training methods.
  • Some martial arts focus on striking techniques, while others emphasize grappling and submission holds.
  • Martial arts can be practiced for self-defense, physical fitness, mental discipline, or as a competitive sport.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these martial arts and what sets them apart.

Background

Before we delve into the different martial arts, let’s briefly explore the background and history of martial arts. Martial arts have been practiced for centuries and have evolved in various cultures around the world. They were developed as a means of self-defense, combat training, and personal development.

The term “martial arts” itself is derived from the Latin word “arts of Mars,” referring to the Roman god of war. Over time, different martial arts styles and systems emerged, each with its own unique techniques, philosophies, and training methods.

1. Muay Thai

Muay Thai, also known as “The Art of Eight Limbs,” originated in Thailand and is a combat sport that utilizes punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes. It is known for its high-intensity training and emphasis on conditioning and physical fitness.

Key Features:

  • Utilizes punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes.
  • Focuses on clinching and close-range combat.
  • Emphasizes conditioning and physical fitness.

Training Methods:

  • Pad work
  • Sparring
  • Heavy bag training

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2. Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that focuses on high, fast kicks and jumping and spinning kicks. It emphasizes agility, flexibility, and speed. Taekwondo is also an Olympic sport and is known for its dynamic and flashy techniques.

Key Features:

  • High, fast kicks
  • Jumping and spinning kicks
  • Emphasis on agility, flexibility, and speed

Training Methods:

  • Forms (poomsae)
  • Sparring
  • Breaking techniques

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3. Tai Chi

Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan, is a Chinese martial art that focuses on slow, flowing movements and deep breathing. It is often practiced for its health benefits and as a form of meditation. Tai Chi promotes relaxation, balance, and harmony.

Key Features:

  • Slow, flowing movements
  • Deep breathing
  • Emphasis on relaxation, balance, and harmony

Training Methods:

  • Forms (taolu)
  • Push hands
  • Meditation

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4. Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a hybrid martial art that combines elements of boxing and various kicking techniques. It is a high-intensity combat sport that focuses on punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes. Kickboxing can be practiced for self-defense, fitness, or as a competitive sport.

Key Features:

  • Punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes
  • High-intensity training
  • Can be practiced for self-defense or as a competitive sport

Training Methods:

  • Pad work
  • Sparring
  • Heavy bag training

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5. Karate

Karate originated in Okinawa, Japan, and is a striking-based martial art that utilizes punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes. It emphasizes discipline, respect, and self-defense. Karate is practiced in various styles, such as Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, and Wado-Ryu.

Key Features:

  • Punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes
  • Emphasis on discipline, respect, and self-defense
  • Practiced in various styles

Training Methods:

  • Kata (forms)
  • Kumite (sparring)
  • Breaking techniques

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6. Kung Fu

Kung Fu, also known as Wushu, is a Chinese martial art that encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques. It emphasizes fluid movements, acrobatics, and self-defense. Kung Fu is known for its diverse forms and its integration of philosophy and spirituality.

Key Features:

  • Fluid movements
  • Acrobatics
  • Emphasis on self-defense and philosophy

Training Methods:

  • Forms (taolu)
  • Sparring
  • Weapon training

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7. Aikido

Aikido is a Japanese martial art that focuses on using an opponent’s energy and movements against them. It emphasizes joint locks, throws, and immobilization techniques. Aikido is often practiced for self-defense and personal development.

Key Features:

  • Utilizes an opponent’s energy and movements
  • Joint locks, throws, and immobilization techniques
  • Emphasis on self-defense and personal development

Training Methods:

  • Techniques with a partner
  • Forms (kata)
  • Weapons training (bokken, jo)

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8. Judo

Judo is a Japanese martial art that focuses on throws, grappling, and submission holds. It emphasizes using an opponent’s strength and momentum against them. Judo is also an Olympic sport and is known for its emphasis on technique and leverage.

Key Features:

  • Throws, grappling, and submission holds
  • Emphasis on using an opponent’s strength and momentum
  • Olympic sport

Training Methods:

  • Randori (sparring)
  • Techniques with a partner
  • Forms (kata)

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9. Kendo

Kendo is a Japanese martial art that focuses on swordsmanship using bamboo swords called “shinai.” It emphasizes discipline, respect, and the development of a strong spirit. Kendo practitioners wear protective armor and engage in sparring matches.

Key Features:

  • Swordsmanship with bamboo swords
  • Emphasis on discipline, respect, and a strong spirit
  • Protective armor and sparring matches

Training Methods:

  • Sparring with shinai
  • Forms (kata)
  • Footwork and striking drills

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10. Krav Maga

Krav Maga is a self-defense system developed for the Israeli military. It focuses on practical techniques for real-life situations, including strikes, kicks, and defenses against various attacks. Krav Maga is known for its efficiency and effectiveness.

Key Features:

  • Practical techniques for real-life situations
  • Strikes, kicks, and defenses against various attacks
  • Emphasis on efficiency and effectiveness

Training Methods:

  • Scenario-based training
  • Sparring
  • Defensive tactics

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11. Wing Chun

Wing Chun is a Chinese martial art that focuses on close-range combat and quick, efficient techniques. It emphasizes simultaneous attack and defense, centerline theory, and sensitivity training. Wing Chun is known for its practicality and economy of motion.

Key Features:

  • Close-range combat
  • Quick, efficient techniques
  • Emphasis on simultaneous attack and defense

Training Methods:

  • Wooden dummy training
  • Chi Sao (sticky hands)
  • Forms (taolu)

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12. Jeet Kune Do

Jeet Kune Do, created by Bruce Lee, is a martial art that emphasizes simplicity, directness, and freedom of expression. It combines techniques from various martial arts and encourages practitioners to adapt and evolve their own fighting style.

Key Features:

  • Emphasis on simplicity and directness
  • Freedom of expression
  • Techniques from various martial arts

Training Methods:

  • Sparring
  • Focus mitt training
  • Functional fitness training

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13. Hapkido

Hapkido is a Korean martial art that focuses on joint locks, throws, and pressure point strikes. It emphasizes circular motion, redirection of an opponent’s energy, and the use of leverage. Hapkido is known for its versatility and practical self-defense techniques.

Key Features:

  • Joint locks, throws, and pressure point strikes
  • Circular motion and redirection of energy
  • Emphasis on versatility and practical self-defense

Training Methods:

  • Techniques with a partner
  • Forms (poomsae)
  • Weapons training

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14. Capoeira

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. It is characterized by fluid, rhythmic movements and kicks performed to the beat of traditional Brazilian music. Capoeira is known for its creativity and cultural significance.

Key Features:

  • Dance-like movements
  • Acrobatics
  • Emphasis on music and rhythm

Training Methods:

  • Roda (circle of players)
  • Ginga (basic movement)
  • Music and singing

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15. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. It emphasizes technique, leverage, and positional control. BJJ is known for its effectiveness in real-life self-defense situations and is widely practiced in mixed martial arts (MMA).

Key Features:

  • Ground fighting and submission holds
  • Emphasis on technique and leverage
  • Widely practiced in MMA

Training Methods:

  • Sparring (rolling)
  • Techniques with a partner
  • Positional drilling

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16. Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-Jitsu, also known as Japanese Jiu-Jitsu or traditional Jiu-Jitsu, is a Japanese martial art that focuses on self-defense techniques, joint locks, and throws. It emphasizes using an opponent’s energy and movements against them. Jiu-Jitsu is the predecessor of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Key Features:

  • Self-defense techniques, joint locks, and throws
  • Utilizes an opponent’s energy and movements
  • Predecessor of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Training Methods:

  • Techniques with a partner
  • Forms (kata)
  • Weapons training

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What is Martial Arts?

Martial arts can be defined as a system of combat practices and techniques that are practiced for various purposes, including self-defense, physical fitness, mental discipline, and personal development. It encompasses a wide range of styles and disciplines, each with its own unique techniques, philosophies, and training methods.

How to Choose a Martial Art to Learn?

Choosing a martial art to learn can be a personal and subjective decision. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:

  1. Goals and Interests: Determine what you want to achieve through martial arts. Are you interested in self-defense, physical fitness, competition, or personal development?

  2. Style and Techniques: Research different martial arts styles and their techniques. Consider which styles align with your interests and goals.

  3. Availability and Accessibility: Check if there are martial arts schools or training centers near you that offer the style you’re interested in learning.

  4. Instructor and Training Environment: Visit potential martial arts schools and observe classes. Assess the instructor’s qualifications, teaching style, and the overall training environment.

  5. Trial Classes: Take advantage of trial classes or introductory offers to get a firsthand experience of the martial art and see if it suits you.

  6. Commitment and Consistency: Martial arts require dedication and regular practice. Consider your availability and commitment level before making a decision.

Remember, the best martial art for you is the one that resonates with your goals, interests, and personal preferences. It’s important to find a style and training environment that you enjoy and feel comfortable in.

FAQ

man in black shirt lying on floor

How many types of martial arts are there?

There are numerous types of martial arts, each with its own unique techniques, philosophies, and training methods. The number of martial arts styles can vary depending on how they are categorized. However, it is estimated that there are hundreds of different martial arts practiced worldwide.

Read more about “How many types of martial arts are there?”

What are the subgenres of martial arts?

Martial arts can be categorized into various subgenres based on their techniques, origins, or cultural influences. Some common subgenres include striking-based martial arts (e.g., boxing, Muay Thai), grappling-based martial arts (e.g., Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo), weapon-based martial arts (e.g., Kendo, Eskrima), and traditional martial arts (e.g., Karate, Kung Fu).

What is the difference between kung fu, karate, and taekwondo?

Kung Fu, Karate, and Taekwondo are all different martial arts with distinct origins, techniques, and philosophies. Here are some key differences:

  • Kung Fu: Kung Fu is a Chinese martial art that encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques. It emphasizes fluid movements, acrobatics, and self-defense. Kung Fu is known for its diverse forms and its integration of philosophy and spirituality.

  • Karate: Karate originated in Okinawa, Japan, and is a striking-based martial art that utilizes punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes. It emphasizes discipline, respect, and self-defense. Karate is practiced in various styles, such as Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, and Wado-Ryu.

  • Taekwondo: Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that focuses on high, fast kicks and jumping and spinning kicks. It emphasizes agility, flexibility, and speed. Taekwondo is also an Olympic sport and is known for its dynamic and flashy techniques.

How do you categorize martial arts?

Martial arts can be categorized based on various factors, including their techniques, origins, cultural influences, and training methods. Some common categories include striking-based martial arts, grappling-based martial arts, weapon-based martial arts, and traditional martial arts. However, it’s important to note that categorization can vary, and some martial arts may fall into multiple categories.

Conclusion

Martial arts offer a diverse and exciting world of combat practices and systems. From striking-based arts like Muay Thai and Karate to grappling-based arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, there is a martial art for everyone. Whether you’re interested in self-defense, physical fitness, or personal development, martial arts can provide a fulfilling and enriching experience.

Remember to choose a martial art that aligns with your goals, interests, and personal preferences. Take the time to research different styles, visit training centers, and try out classes before making a decision. With dedication, practice, and the guidance of experienced instructors, you can embark on a rewarding martial arts journey.

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