Martial Arts Styles Comparison

Martial arts is the method of combat which incorporate different techniques and codified practices. Defending oneself from physical threat is the main purpose behind learning a martial art.

Different martial arts make use of different techniques and moves for the purpose of self defense. Martial arts originated in different parts of the world and each have their own specialty. Most of the moves or techniques used in martial arts are categorized under 'striking' and 'grappling'. The common striking methods are punching and kicking, while elbows and knees could also be used for the same. Grappling includes different pinning techniques, submission holds and throwing.

The martial arts styles differences can be studied with the help of the moves and the weapons used. Most of the Japanese and Korean martial arts make use of unarmed self defense techniques. However, swordsmanship in Japan included various styles like Kenjutsu, Battojutsu, Naginatajutsu, etc. The single-edged Katana swords from Japan are famous. Sumo wrestling gives importance to maintaining the balance of the body. The Indian form wrestling known as Malla-Yuddha or Pehlwani, are inclined towards testing the flexibility of the body and the muscular strength. The Chinese martial arts consist of many different fighting styles classified under the popular style known as Kung-Fu. One of the parameters with which the Chinese martial arts are classified is geography. The northern and southern style include many sub types of these martial arts. The northern styles put more emphasis on acrobatic movements and leg work. Short powerful movements and low stable stances are the main features of the southern styles.

Boxing was the popular form of martial art in the European and Mediterranean region. Capoeira, a martial art which has originated in Brazil, gives importance to the development of endurance and flexibility. Elbow strikes, kicks, hand strikes, cartwheels, head butts and sweeps are the features of Capoeira. Obnu Bilate, an African martial art has its origin in South Africa. It was created by Nat Whylch in the 1960s by combining 'Obnu,' a martial art practiced in southern Botswana & northern South Africa with the French martial art 'Savate'. The 'Obnu Bilate' makes use of grappling, striking and sword fighting techniques.

Importance of Martial Arts
It is difficult to prepare an exhaustive martial arts styles list due to the large number of martial arts and their variations. However, the martial arts are broadly classified into African, Asian, American, Caribbean, European, Oceanian, Scandinavian and Near Eastern martial arts. The different styles of martial arts are played in the form of martial sports. The different types of martial arts help in working out different body parts. There are many health benefits of martial arts. One should take up a martial art which suits him.

The reason for learning a martial art should be to keep fit and also as a tool of self defense. The martial arts styles comparisons provided in the above article help in understanding the differences between them. It would enable to choose the right form of martial art.