Martial Arts - Glossary of Forms and Techniques

The term, "martial arts," covers numerous fighting techniques and systems.  Here are a few of them, in alphabetical order:

Aikijujutsu: This is a Japanese martial art that dates back to the times of the Samurai. Aikido is said to have originated from this style.

Amateur wrestling: This is essentially a ground martial art that controls an opponent's movement, both while standing up and on the ground. The notable styles are Greco-Roman wrestling and Freestyle wrestling.

Baguazhang: This is a form of Chinese martial art with distinctive circular footwork patterns. It uses unusually large weapons at advanced levels for training in some schools.

Bando: This is a Burmese fighting system that uses throws, holds, locks, chokes, foot-sweeps, etc.

Catch Wrestling: This is a unique style that focuses on ground fighting and has techniques such as submissions, throws and fighting from multiple positions. It forms the base of many modern martial arts including shoot wrestling, shoot fighting, and Japanese professional wrestling.

Capoeira: This is an Afro dance fight game that is characterized by music, rhythm, kicks, dodging and subterfuge. It was originally developed in the 16th century by Angolan slaves in Brazil.

Eskrima or Pekiti Tirsia Kali: This is a highly combative Filipino martial art.

Fencing: This is sword play or duelling and now exists exclusively as a sport.

Hapkido: This is a Korean martial art that uses kicks, punches, joint manipulation, locks, and throws. It is said to have developed from Aikijutsu. Many of its techniques are similar to those of Aikido.

Hybrid martial arts, systems: These combine multiple art forms like Kenpo, military combatives and Jeet Kune Do.

Jeet Kune Do: This martial art, which means the 'way of the intercepting fist', was developed by Bruce Lee, one of the most famous martial artists of the 20th century. This is not actually a specific martial arts style, but a collection of concepts that focuses on constant adaptation and inclusion of moves from other styles.

Judo: This is a Japanese martial art that combines techniques from many jujutsu schools. It is now an international sport.

Jujutsu: This is a general Japanese term for unarmed martial arts with strikes, throws, grappling and locks . Art forms using small weapons also fall in this category.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: This is a modified version of some original Japanese jujutsu schools. It is like Judo but with even greater emphasis on ground fighting. It is also called Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, after its founders.

Kalarippayattu: This is a martial art from Kerala in South India. It is considered one of the oldest and most scientific/comprehensive systems of martial training existing in the world today..

Karate: This is perhaps the most popular martial art in Japan and the West. It is of Okinawan origin and has several sub-styles including Shotokan, Shotokai and Wado Ryu.

Isshin-ryu: This is derived from Karate. The style stands out because of its vertical fist punch (much like a boxer's jab) and its forearm blocking, which utilizes the large area of the forearm instead of the muscled sides.

Kendo: This is the Japanese art of sword fighting, using bamboo swords (shinai) and protective clothing.

Kung Fu: This refers to the many diverse Chinese martial arts: Shaolin, Shuai Chiao, Wing Chun, Drunken boxing, Taijiquan, Xingyiquan, Yiquan, Lau Gar, Hung Gar and many more. The Chinese words kung fu can be used to describe one's skill in any discipline, not just martial arts.

Krav Maga: This is a modern martial art, derived from the distinctive fighting style of the Israeli Haganah. It is focused on practical combat skills.

Mixed martial arts: Also known as MMA this martial arts is acombat sport, which combines practical aspects of several martial arts. The emphasis is on actual combat and freestyle competition with few rules.

Muay Thai: This is a Thai martial art from which most styles now known as kickboxing descend.

Ninjutsu: This is a Japanese style said to have originally been practiced by Ninjas. This martial art combines traditional attacks with scout style survival and elusive moves.

Sambo: This is the wrestling form developed in Russia. It is deeply influenced by judo, catch wrestling, jacket wrestling, collar and elbow wrestling etc.

Silat: This is an art from the Malay World and has regional variations in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, among others.

Systema: This is an art of Russian origin, It has no pre-defined moves, kata, rankings, or sport application It works instead on the basis of the breathing, movement, form and lastly technique.

Tai Chi Chuan: This is a set of martial art styles practiced nowadays for physical and mental well-being. Its movements are slow and contemplative so that they are often referred to as "moving meditation.

Taekwondo: This is a modern Korean martial sport, which along with Judo is one of only two Asian martial arts to make it into the Olympic Games.

Tang Soo Do: This is a traditional Korean martial art that has descended from Karate.

Western martial arts: Also known as European martial arts, these consist mainly of fighting techniques developed in Europe. These include unarmed combat, grappling weapons practices with long sword, staves and pole arms, daggers, sword and buckler.

Xingyiquan: This is a Chinese martial art known for its direct offensive style.

Yiquan: This is a relatively modern Chinese martial art, which attempts to move away from traditional concepts.