The term martial arts refers to a variety of traditional Asian combat
techniques. These ancient fighting methods are practiced today for
self-defense, physical and spiritual fitness, law enforcement, recreation
and competition. Although many traditions of the original teachers of the
martial arts live on, the styles and techniques are often adapted to fit
modern life and cultures.
The origins of the Asian styles of martial arts are shadowed in mystery as
they were commonly practiced in secret and were often developed, taught and
refined by people in religious orders. The Asian fighting methods are
believed to have been introduced into China from Tibet and India, where they
were used by monks as a means of protection and physical fitness. Over the
centuries, the techniques were refined and expanded, giving birth to new
forms of fighting, which were then spread into other parts of Asia.
Because of its geographical and cultural isolation, Japan was the one of the
last Asian countries to learn the techniques of the martial arts. But, in
Japan, the warriors who served the feudal lords embraced the techniques and
philosophies and the martial arts flourished. Initially reserved for the
military, the arts were practiced secretly by peasants and those of other
classes. Because of this secrecy and the forbidden practice, mystery, legend
and myth surrounded the techniques. Cults that were centered around one
practice or another sprang up and their secret training and rituals added to
the mystical aura of the martial arts.
Before World War II, the secretive arts were made an official component in
the training of the Japanese military. After the war, the arts were again
forbidden until the 1950s, when they could once again be openly taught and
were added to physical fitness programs.
Although there are many different styles and philosophies of the martial arts, there are basic techniques common to all. The greatest difference between the arts is whether the methods incorporate the use of weapons or not.
The basic weaponless techniques may include the following:
The blows and blocks use all parts of the hands, arms, legs, and feet. The knuckles, fingertips, sides of the hand and the fist are used for hitting; the wrist, forearm, and elbow are used for blocking (to block an opponent's kick, the shins, legs and feet are used); and the instep, heel, ball of the foot, toes and knee are used for kicking.
The martial arts that incorporate the use of weapons also include the basic
weaponless techniques in varying degrees. Some of the weapons used in the
arts are sticks, swords, spears, stones, bows and arrows, knives and thrown
objects such as the Japanese shiruken (better known in America as throwing
stars).
Kung Fu A very ancient form of martial arts which also has innumerable
styles and substyles, Kung Fu includes the legendary
Shaolin style of fighting,
which was named after a 6th century monastery in Honan, China.
The Shaolin style was developed over many centuries,
expanding from 72 basic fighting
movements in its early development to 170 moves divided into five styles
named after the animal the movements were supposed to resemble or represent;
the Tiger, Leopard, Snake, Dragon and Crane.
Other styles of kung fu were influenced by the regions of China where the arts were practiced. In southern China, the movements of kung fu reportedly developed to be more stationary and the fighters used mainly the upper body techniques which focused on hitting with the hands and fists. In Northern China, where fighters were often mounted on horseback, the kung fu style developed many acrobatic movements with long flying kicks.
Karate The name Karate
is used almost generically to describe many different types of hand and foot
combat. There are many styles and substyles of karate including shotokan,
shorin ryu, kyokushin ryu and ashihara karate. Some emphasize the use of
power and strength, while others focus on developing precision and speed.
Ashihara karate, developed by Hideyuki Ashihara, has a basic concept of
moving in circles. The fighter's circular movements allow him or her to
avoid meeting the opponent head-on. By continuing to circle, the fighter
keeps repositioning at the opponent's side or back, allowing the easy
blocking or deflecting of attacks and making him or herself a more difficult
target.
Shorin ryu karate is a style that incorporates very fluid, flowing movements. Dodging is a very important technique of this style.
Kyokushin-Ryu (the school of ultimate truth) is a very strict style that
is considered one of the hardest and most effective of Japanese karate styles.
It was developed in the 1950s by Masutatsu Oyama.
Tae Kwon Do A Korean martial art created in the 1950s, which grew from the basis of karate. Tae kwon do is practiced by the Korean police and military, but is also one of the countries most popular sports. Tae kwon do emphasizes the use of kicking techniques.
Jujitsu Jujitsu is also very similar to karate and has become almost a
generic term referring to many different styles and substyles. Jujitsu
systems range from those that employ a single technique, such as kicks or
throws, to those that incorporate all the basic techniques along with the
use of weapons.
Judo Judo was developed in the 19th
century from a number of jujitsu methods. Initially it was separated into
two distinct practices, one for self-defense and one for physical
conditioning. These days, judo is practiced mainly as a sport, which has
competitions and tournaments worldwide. The main techniques of this art are
throwing and grappling. Judo fighters spend much of their training in
learning how to fall safely when they are thrown, to minimize their risk of
injury.
Aikido Developed in Japan by Morihei Uyeshiba,
Aikido was based on Bujutsu, which were the
Japanese warrior arts. Aikido strives to develop coordination between the
mind and the body and is a powerful form of self-defense. This martial art
allows a person to protect him or herself from attack from a single or
multiple attackers. Aikido uses circular movements similar to the Ashihara
karate described above and employs holds and "joint locking" to subdue
opponents.
Kendo This sport is based on the ancient Japanese art of sword fighting.
Combatants use bamboo swords wrapped in leather (shinai) to score points by
striking opponents in the head, the side of the body, the throat, or the
wrists. An interesting aspect of the contest is that the fighters must
announce which area they plan to hit before they strike. The sport is very
formal and the techniques allowed are limited.
Tai chi chuan (t'ai chi) T'ai Chi is a form of exercise which uses the
basic movements of the martial arts' hand blows and kicks in a graceful
manner to promote fitness and flexibility. Although its movements were taken
from the martial arts, it is not a practical means of self-defense.
The use of colored belts to designate a person's skill level or rank was developed in the sport of judo in the 19th century. The ranking colors aren't standard throughout the arts, but a white belt generally is worn by a beginner. A person of higher skill commonly wears a brown belt and one who is an expert wears a black belt. Green, yellow, blue, red and other colored belts are used by many systems to indicate the person's advancement through the stages between white, brown and black.