There are different martial arts that arose both in the distant past and more recently. They are closely intertwined with each other, but at the same time they have their own characteristics. Different countries have their own unique directions, which are actively developing around the world.
What is martial arts?
This term is understood as different martial arts systems that develop as a means for hand-to-hand combat. All over the world they are practiced as sports exercises aimed at physical and conscious improvement. Describing what martial arts are, it is worth pointing out that they are divided into directions, types, styles and schools. In addition, some of them allow the use of weapons. One of the classifications focuses on national characteristics. IN Lately existing martial arts are divided into the following groups:
- Sports. The purpose of these events is to compete to highlight the most prepared person. This leads to strict rules, restrictions and sometimes protective devices for lowering. Examples include boxing, karate, judo, and so on.
- Combat. These martial arts are used to quickly eliminate the enemy, and they also help to survive in critical situations. They are also used in special services and army practice.
- mixed. This is a combination of the first two options, in which there are a minimum of restrictions, but there are rules. Athletes use different techniques and techniques.
Japanese martial arts
The most popular styles that originated in Japan are karate and aikido. They quickly spread to other countries. There are other martial arts in Japan which include:
Chinese martial arts
Over the past two thousand years, various martial arts have developed, of which there are many, so there are certain classifications. There are 18 provinces in China that have their own styles, so the most famous are Shanxi and Henan. According to the nature of the manifestations, physical and spiritual directions are distinguished. On a territorial basis, we can distinguish:
- Northern martial arts of China. These directions include acrobatic elements and the performance of various kicks with great power.
- Southern martial arts. They are distinguished by the use of low fighting stances and short movements, which are very powerful and are performed to a greater extent with the hands.
European martial arts
In Europe, their own types of self-defense were invented, and many of them were based on the rules of martial arts.
American martial arts
There are unique types of martial arts that have formed in America. An example would be the following options:
Martial arts of Russia
Many are sure that there are no Russian martial arts, but this is not so, although in the traditional sense there is no such phrase. I would like to highlight the following areas:
Types of martial arts
All known directions can be divided into three classes:
- Wrestling. This includes traditional and freestyle wrestling. These martial arts almost do not involve striking. Their main goal is to put the opponent on his back, using different techniques.
- Drums. Examples include boxing and kickboxing. These are contact types of wrestling and martial arts, which involve punching, and in some types, kicking.
- Oriental. Directions that develop not only physical qualities, but also focusing on spiritual education, which is why they are also called "philosophy".
Hand to hand martial arts
One of the oldest methods of attacking the enemy is hand-to-hand combat, which was used back in ancient world. An example can be given Greco-Roman wrestling, but the most famous type of martial art where hands are involved is boxing, which arose in ancient times. On the surface, the sport may seem simple, but in fact it has many subtleties regarding hitting and moving around the ring.
Another variation is Shorinji Kempo, which is a boxing style of karate. It involves the use of a series of punches, as in boxing, which are performed in most cases no higher than the waist. Most of all, this direction is suitable for large people. Many martial arts include hand-to-hand combat, for example, the following areas can be cited:
- kung Fu;
- karate;
- Shotokan karate do;
- aikido;
- kickboxing.
Martial arts kicks
Many types of martial sports use kicks, which can be performed correctly by people who have good control over their bodies. The most famous martial arts with kicks:
Martial arts with weapons
Some types of martial arts use different weapons, such as a long pole bo, sai - a certain type of knife, nunchaku and swords. An example is the following martial arts:
Dance martial arts
In many cultures, they are found that add spectacle to the action. The most popular are martial arts with dance elements:
Types of martial arts for girls
Exists a large number of different sports areas suitable for the fair sex. The most popular female martial arts are:
Martial arts films
In cinema, the topic of martial arts is popular, so the list of existing films can be listed for a long time. Let's take a look at some of them:
In our calm time, martial arts are perceived more as a hobby, but there are times in life when you need to be able to fend for yourself. If you decide to learn self-defense or send your child to a fighter course, then you should pay attention to martial arts. So, let's take a closer look at the best.
Martial arts - classification and types
All oriental martial arts can be divided into three groups:
- Chinese;
- Japanese;
- Thai and other martial arts.
They differ from each other in the philosophy of warfare.
- So Chinese species suggest self-defense. There are many elements of protection, blocks and captures. The main strategy is to turn the opponent's strengths against himself.
- And the Japanese, on the contrary, specialize in attack.
- Thai martial arts are more brutal, and the goal is the same - to survive at all costs. There are many painful blows in this discipline.
So, let's deal with each branch of martial arts in more detail.
Chinese martial arts
Let's look at some types Chinese martial arts and their features.
Wushu is the most popular Chinese martial art. Wushu or, as it is also called, kungfu, is not only physical training, but also moral education and development of a person as a person.
The goal of kungfu is self-improvement and hardening of a person, raising his self-esteem, the ability to quickly assess the situation and overtake the goal.
In ancient China, children studied in wushu schools, where they studied not only fighting techniques but also counting, writing and reading. Wushu can be called the main type of Chinese martial arts, and all listed below are its subspecies.
Features of martial arts
- Wushu is a set of breathing and gymnastic exercises.
- It teaches you to avoid conflicts, and only in extreme cases to use force.
- Kungfu is a lifestyle, a whole philosophy that allows you to know yourself, your capabilities and facets.
- Tempers and develops a person physically.
You can engage in such a martial art at any age, but as recommended, not earlier than 5 years.
2. Tui show
Tui shou or "pushing hands" as it is also called, they are mainly taught together with tai chi chuan- self-defense equipment.
The task of the tui show is: throw the enemy off balance.
But tui shou by itself is ineffective, so it is used with tai chi quan. It is together that they make up an ensemble of combat techniques and contribute to the development of coordination of movements, stamina and elasticity.
By the way, you can start at any age.
3. Sanda
Sanda is sports sparring. Blows are made with legs and arms, so the athletes start the fight in full gear (helmet, cap, boxing gloves, groin and chest protection).
If you want to send your child to such martial arts courses, then The recommended age to start is 12-14 years old.
Japanese martial arts
One of ancient species Japanese martial arts is jiu-jitsu, or as they say about it, “soft art”.
Here there is a throwing technique and a force effect on the joints which is very similar to judo. It is jiu-jitsu that is the founder of such martial arts as judo, aikido, karate, sambo.
It is recommended to start practicing this type of martial arts from the age of 8.
Judo is interesting in that it offers a lot of techniques for knocking an opponent to the ground. which is its main principle.
This art of self-defense teaches a variety of grappling and throwing techniques. , as well as the impact on pain points opponent.
When can you start training? Recommended from 5-7 years old.
6. Karate
Karate is a hostile fighting technique. This is a dangerous fight in which punches and kicks are used.
What is a good example? Just remember how karatekas break bricks with their hands or heads.
Karate develops:
- reaction speed,
- movement coordination,
- attentiveness,
- ability to concentrate.
Aikido is a defensive technique. All movements of an aikido fighter go in a circle, which allows you to constantly control the enemy. It can be compared to a whirlpool that spins a chip, taking away aggression from it, and carefully returns it to the shore.
All movements of an aikidoist smooth and beautiful, and at the same time clearly designed to block the opponent's blows, which the aikido master provides in advance.
This type of martial arts develops not only physical strength but also morale.
Since he is not considered too aggressive, you can start training as early as 4 years old.
Other martial arts
Sambo comes from Russia and is a defensive technique.
In SAMBO, painful holds on the legs are allowed, but strangulation is strictly prohibited. In this it differs from judo.
You can start after 5 years.
Thai boxing is a cross between karate and boxing. This Combat vehicles requires high endurance and pain threshold, as well as physical fitness.
There are powerful pain blows here, and injuries often occur. But, if you endure the difficult first couple of months of training, then you will have a low pain threshold, strong morale and a beautiful body. In short, Thai boxing is not for the weak.
You can start classes no earlier than 12 years.
Kickboxing combines techniques classic boxing and karate Thai boxing, wushu , which is why it is most effective in the fight.
Punches like in boxing and kicking techniques like in martial arts make kickboxing a balanced system.
It should not be forgotten that kickboxing is a contact fight, so even a novice novice has a high probability of bruising.
Martial arts are good because, in principle, they do not have any specific restrictions on physical training, sex or age. You can start whenever you want to choose any type for yourself. So good luck with your selection and training!
It is still not clear which martial art is best suited for self-defense? Fencing? Well, walking with a blunt sword through the gateways is not the best idea. Some outlandish martial art that the whole world is talking about? Street fighting skills are also not always enough, because the hooligans who decide to pick your pockets most likely know them just as well as you. So it’s very difficult to say right away, probably everyone has their own opinion, and boxing is enough for someone. Therefore, it makes no sense to exalt one martial art over others, instead, we will offer 7 highly effective types of martial arts, ideal for self-defense. Very brief overview and the right to choose at your own discretion.
Jujutsu
Country of origin: Japan
Also known as: juju
Nickname:"The Art of Softness"
Famous fighters: Ice-T
History of Jiu-Jitsu
Many of the modern and popular styles of martial arts, including judo, aikido, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, have their origins in classic Japanese jiu-jitsu.
By and large, without jiu-jitsu, the fair of modern massacre would not be what we know it in its current form. It may seem to someone that the jiu-jitsu federation paid us extra, but in fact, many martial arts would lose their effectiveness.
So, jiu-jitsu, or as they say in Japan, juju was one of the fundamental methods of samurai combat training. Well, of course, when it comes to Japan, it's somehow about samurai, or technology, or geisha, or really bad porn.
As you know, the equipment of a samurai made him a killing machine, but anything can happen in battle, and in frequent cases, when a warrior was left without a sword, dagger and bow, he had to fight with the last weapon that he had left - with his hands and feet, and more often everything against an armed enemy.
The literal translation of "jujutsu" can be confusing. "The Art of Softness"... are you serious!? Powerful and effective techniques designed to, if not kill, then simply lay down the enemy with bare hands give the least softness.
Why is Jiu-Jitsu one of the best martial arts?
Jiu-jitsu is one of the most effective martial arts in the world because it uses the aggressiveness and momentum of the attacker against him. In fact, this is the art of counterattack, self-defense in its purest form. It made no sense for a chained and tired samurai to rush to the tip of a spear or sword, it was easier for him to kill the enemy with his own energy. In addition, hitting the armor with your hands and feet is not entirely effective, but dodging, intercepting the blow and planting the enemy on his own weapon is quite useful.
The basic principle of jiu-jitsu is “do not go into direct confrontation in order to win”, do not resist, but yield to the onslaught of the enemy, only directing his actions in the right direction until he is trapped, and then reverse the strength and actions of the enemy against himself.
Jiu-Jitsu fighting techniques are based on the knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and psychophysiology, as well as on filigree technique, brought to automatism and the nuances of the strategy and tactics of the fight. There is no place for all sorts of dance "pas" and techniques in the style of "cinema". There is only one task: to destroy your enemy or enemies as quickly as possible, using any methods that are in your arsenal.
taekwondo
Country of origin: Korea
Also known as: Taekwondo, Taekwon
Nickname:"The Path of the Brush and the Fist"
Famous fighters: Barack Obama, Steven Seagal, Jessica Alba, Willie Nelson
History of taekwondo
Taekwondo is very closely intertwined with the history of Korea itself, and this is probably why last years is developing as successfully as the southern neighbor of Kim Jong-un.
Originally there were nine taekwondo kwans (schools) that were recognized by the Government South Korea. Each school had its own unique style of taekwondo. In 1955, the nine kwans were merged into the one commonly studied today. In order to describe the history of this art in more detail, a separate article is needed, it is enough to say that all political events, including the notorious Korean War, strongly affected the appearance of martial arts.
Why is taekwondo one of the best martial arts?
When in films with high-intensity martial arts for one frame, a fighter kicks quickly and briskly, then most likely he uses taekwondo. Actually, powerful high kicks, and make taekwondo so effective view martial arts.
The main charm of taekwondo is not only that one good hit legs can incapacitate an opponent, but the fact that this martial art is extremely effective against several opponents. Unless, of course, they know taekwondo.
The word "taekwondo" is made up of three words: "tae" - leg, "kwon" - fist (hand), "do" - art, the path of taekwondo, the path to improvement (the path of the arm and leg).
Taekwondo is the only martial art on this list that is olympic view sports. But Olympic restraint and fear of death did not make it less effective.
Krav Maga
Country of origin: Israel
Also known as:"Contact Fight"
Famous fighters: Eyal Yanilov
Story
Krav Maga has long been recognized as one of the best martial arts for self-defense in the world. This type of martial arts owes its birth to the outstanding fighter Imi Lichtenfeld. Initially, he taught his fighting system in Bratislava to help protect the Jewish community from Nazi armed groups. He created a group of trained thugs with characteristic surnames and noses, who did their best to protect the Jewish population from the growing, and at the same time very radical, manifestations of anti-Semitism.
After arriving in Palestine, Lichtenfeld began teaching hand-to-hand combat in the Haganah. After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, he became the chief physical education instructor and hand-to-hand combat at the Israel Defense Forces Combat Training School. Lichtenfeld served in the IDF until 1964, constantly developing and improving his system. After his retirement, Krav Maga was adapted by him to civilian realities. In fact, Krav Maga is his brainchild.
Why is Krav Maga one of the best martial arts?
Krav Maga is designed to quickly neutralize the threat. The tricks are simple and often very dirty. However, the Jews did not have to choose. There is even a saying: "If the reception looks good and beautiful, then this is not Krav Maga."
There are three main principles of Krav Maga:
The most important thing is to neutralize the threat.
- Simultaneous defense and attack. Unlike many styles of martial arts, attacks and defenses in Krav Maga are intertwined during combat.
- All blocks are built on opening the fighter the opportunity for a counterattack.
All Krav Maga attacks target vulnerabilities human body such as eyes, face, throat, neck, groin and fingers. There is no place for ceremonies, philosophy and other nuances inherent in martial arts. This art was created in order to quickly and painfully eliminate an opponent. Therefore, it was adopted by the Israel Defense Forces. There is no need to bow to the military, the military needs to kill, or at least cut down.
This is a deadly fighting style that recognizes no etiquette. It was born on the basis of fighting techniques of other martial arts, in street fights with Jewish pogromists with exactly one goal - to help the Jews survive. So if you want a simple and effective method to survive in real conditions, and not a beautiful solemn martial arts with your internal culture - then all the attention is on Krav Maga.
Aikido - the martial art of Steven Seagal
Country of origin: Japan
Nickname:"Way of Spiritual Harmony"
Famous fighters: Steven Seagal, Matt Larsen
History of aikido
Aikido is not exclusively a combat system. The founder of aikido, the legendary Morihei Ueshiba, studied several areas of traditional jujutsu, kenjutsu, and the art of calligraphy. On the basis of the acquired knowledge, he formed his own system - Aikido - as opposed to the traditional bu-jutsu (the art of killing). Aikido - budo (the way to stop killing), teaches deadly bu-jutsu techniques, not only with the aim of killing, but with the aim of stopping them, making a person strong, helping others, uniting all people on the basis of love. As they say, kindness must be with fists.
Ueshiba once said, "Controlling aggression without causing harm is the art of peace."
Aikido is also a highly spiritual martial art. The word aikido means "the way of the harmony of the spirit" ("Ai" means harmony, "ki" means spirit or energy, "do" means a way, road or way).
Why is Aikido one of the best martial arts?
As a preface, aikido is one of the most difficult of all Japanese martial arts. If you want to quickly, in a short time, learn self-defense, then aikido is not your assistant here.
Aikido is a derivative of jujutsu, and similarly focuses on merging with the opponent's attack, redirecting the attacker's energy, and ending with a painful hold or throw. Aikido fighters use the opponent's aggression and momentum to incapacitate him or render his attacks useless.
However, one should not think that since the development of aikido takes a long time, and the style itself promotes peace and tranquility, then there is little sense from it. This is one of the best martial arts suitable for self defense.
Wing Chun is the martial art of Bruce Lee.
Country of origin: China
Also known as: Wing Tsun
Nickname:"Singing Spring"
Famous fighters: Bruce Lee, Robert Downey Jr., Christian Bale
History of Wing Chun
The history of Wing Chun is a mixture of fact and legend. Most boil down to the fact that it was developed in the 17th century, as an offshoot of one of the most difficult styles of martial arts studied by the stern and die-hard Buddhist monks. There is talk of the nun Umei, who created a martial art capable of being effective regardless of size, weight, or gender.
Why is wing chun one of the best martial arts?
As in other wushu techniques, it is based on the “chi-sao” technique - “sticky hands”, thanks to which the fighter learns to constantly be in contact with the enemy with his hands, feel all his movements and prevent him from carrying out his techniques. But Wing Chun fighters are fighting on short distance, where you can reach the enemy with your hand, and even better - with your elbow. In order to break through to a sufficiently close distance, special types of movements are used. Kicks are used in combination with punches. Usually kicks hit the opponent's knees at the same time as an upper level attack with hands.
What wing chun masters are really proud of is their balance between attack and defense, they can attack and defend at the same time. And real masters are famous for their ability to correctly choose a position, so competently that it is literally impossible to take them by surprise.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - the martial art of Chuck Norris
Country of origin: Japan/Brazil
Also known as: Jiu-jitsu, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Nickname:"Human Chess"
Famous fighters: Carlos Gracie, Helio Gracie, BJ Penn, Joe Rogan, Paul Walker, Michael Clarke Duncan
History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Like aikido, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is an adapted version of jiu-jitsu. Martial arts are very fond of Brazil, and therefore they gladly developed the technique shown by the outstanding jiu-jitsu master Mitsuyo Maeda during his visit to the sunny country.
The founders and creators of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (bjj) are the brothers Carlos and Helio Gracie. Carlos showed the knowledge received from Maeda to his numerous brothers, trying to teach the wisdom of the East to everyone except the frail and too young Helio. The frustrated boy, who already had a complex from the fact that he was much younger and frailer than his brothers, took and developed the basics of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. This a new style martial arts allowed him to use leverage and choke, rather than brute force, to control the fight.
But the real popularizer of martial art was the son of Helio - Royce Gracie. Speaking in the UFC, with the help of BJJ techniques, he easily laid down opponents many times higher and heavier than himself. After the success of Royce, the popularity of BJJ increased significantly.
Why is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu one of the best martial arts?
BJJ is undoubtedly one of the most effective styles martial arts in the world. Almost all MMA and UFC fighters intensively studied BDD. The style teaches fighters how to use leverage and proper weight distribution to defeat stronger opponents.
Leverage is the isolation of an opponent's limb to a specific body position that will force the joint to move in a straight line (rotate on its own axis) outside of its normal range of motion. With increasing pressure on the limb, the enemy, unable to avoid this provision, surrenders. He can verbally surrender or slap the opponent several times (slapping yourself is dangerous because the opponent may not hear). Choking is used to cut off the oxygen supply to the opponent's brain, which can cause them to become unconscious if they don't give up soon enough. It's clear how dangerous, deadly dangerous view sports, therefore, in some countries sections and tournaments in traffic safety are not approved by law.
Muay Thai
Country of origin: Thailand
Also Known As: Thai boxing
Nickname:"The Art of Eight Limbs"
Famous Fighters: Tony Jaa
History of muay thai
Muay Thai is a Thai style of martial arts with very deep roots. National Thai fighting style, which is not only sports, but also the cultural heritage of the country. The secrets of Muay Thai have been passed down from elder warriors and fathers to children, from generation to generation, and it is perhaps thanks to this traditional struggle that Thailand, surrounded by sworn enemies, has managed to survive through the ages.
A cruel spectacle from which one could emerge either a winner or a loser. They fought not for life, but for death, in the truest sense of the word. It was impossible to give up - shame and contempt for life, so the defeated left the battle either badly beaten or dead.
Over the years, only one thing has changed in Muay Thai - thanks to the introduction of points, it has become unnecessary to die, but the martial art itself has not become softer, deaths it's not uncommon either.
Why is Muay Thai one of the best martial arts?
Muay Thai is not only one of the most effective martial arts in the world, it is also one of the best self defense martial arts. In modern Muay Thai, it is possible to strike with fists, feet, shins, elbows and knees - because of this it is called "fight of eight limbs". In fact, every part of the body becomes a weapon, a deadly weapon. The hands became daggers and sabers; elbows with maces and hammers; knees like axes, and shins and forearms protect the body like armor. There are many devastating lethal strikes that have helped Muay Thai achieve some impressive victories over other martial arts in their time. And until now, this severe martial art causes sacred fear and admiration in everyone.
Martial arts- Spectacular and striking in its technique. Action movies with epic fights are sometimes so captivating that you want to watch with bated breath. A vivid impression is created not due to high-quality special effects, but thanks to the real skill of actors and understudies who are fluent in various martial arts. Usually, we are talking about some oriental martial arts techniques, but there are exceptions. A whole separate sub-genre of cinema is even dedicated to martial arts.
Traditions of the West
In the 80s and 90s of the last century, a wave of love for karate action movies swept the West. At this time, many cult films about martial arts were released, which left a noticeable mark on the history of cinema. Now in Hollywood films about boxing and fights without rules are popular. The characters in these pictures can be professional athletes, and novice fighters, rapidly improving their skills. Watching them grow and win is exciting and exciting. In our online collection you will find any films from this category, both serious and comedy. Martial arts sometimes take center stage in science fiction or fantasy films as well. In this case, we are usually talking about battles with swords and other melee weapons.
Oriental martial arts
Asia is the birthplace of karate, kung fu, jiu-jitsu and other legendary fighting styles. This has found its reflection in oriental cinema. Here, martial arts films have become very popular and continue to be popular. The main characters are invincible warriors who crush any villains who challenge them. Watch their adventures in our online selection in high quality.
Why do we love martial arts movies? For their determined protagonists! Often in the center of the plot are ordinary people who go through a long path of self-improvement. Having lost at the beginning, they do not give up and, with maximum effort, become real masters. And in the end, they definitely win a triumphant victory. Such a movie charges with motivation, and the main characters inspire respect. Watching films about martial arts is always interesting, because the techniques are performed at a professional level. Choose any movie from our selection and enjoy watching online.
We have collected together both comedy films and more serious and dramatic works. All films and series about martial arts are presented in our online cinema only in good quality. So you can see in detail all the battle scenes.
