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The Striking Traditions of the Martial Arts

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Posted by Your Guide on October 9, 2006 7:45 PM

Broadly, there are two main categories of martial arts: those that mainly use striking techniques, and those that use grappling techniques. Karate, kung fu, and tae kwon do, the three most popular martial arts worldwide, all use striking techniques. Practitioners of these arts learn how to kick, punch, and use other types of blows against an opponent. Judo, jujitsu, and aikido, on the other hand, are grappling arts. Grapplers use locking holds (such as a headlock), throws, and wrestling moves to neutralize the opponent who is attacking.

Karate: Karate, a martial art in which the student punches, kicks, strikes, and blocks, originated on the island of Okinawa. The Japanese word "karate" means "empty hand." However, there are also weapons traditions originating from Okinawa, which some karate styles also practice. The term karate-do designates the type of karate which Funakoshi Gichin brought from Okinawa to Japan in 1922. Karate-do has a strong philosophical element, concerning itself with the student's frame of mind and character to a greater extent than other schools of karate had in the past.

Kung fu: Kung fu originated in China over 2000 years ago. The tradition's name comes from the Chinese expression for "skill," "ability," or "work." Like karate, kung fu is a striking art; but whereas karate typically uses closed-fist techniques, kung fu uses many open-handed techniques. Kung fu students also tend to practice with weapons, such as swords or staffs, more often than do students of karate.

Tai chi, a martial art whose students practice deliberately slow, continuous movements, is a style of kung fu. "Tai chi" is the shortened name of "T'ai chi ch'uan," which means "great ultimate fist" in Chinese. Tai chi may be the world's most popular martial art, because tens of millions of people in China practice it daily for exercise and relaxation.

Tae kwon do: This Korean martial art seems to have arisen from the combination of ancient Korean techniques and modern Japanese ones. "Tae kwon do" means "the way of hands and feet," and tae kwon do students learn to use their feet well, in impressive spinning or jumping kicks.

There are numerous other striking traditions of the martial arts, but the above are the most popular.



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