A Handbook To The Martial Arts

Introduction: The First Punch

Have you ever watched a film all about martial arts and felt an overwhelming desire to learn one for yourself? Martial arts is a great skill that can be used for fitness as well as releasing emotions and feelings. Martial arts not just fighting – it is an impressive form of art itself.

There are over 180 styles of martial arts, so wanting to learn one is not as simple as reading an article and booking a class. You need to choose the best option for you so that you can excel and make the most of your training.

Martial arts were originally considered ancient combat techniques. While there are so many different styles that it is impossible to generalize them, they all use technical and powerful moves that impress anyone lucky enough to witness them.

Combat doesn’t always have to involve weapons, but some do use swords, sticks, and bow and arrows. Others rely solely on the body as the weapon, incorporating punches, kicks, and strength into it.

Martial arts is a disciplined skill that requires perfect agility, resilience, and concentration. You need to have endurance and be flexible to conduct the moves. As well as improving your physical wellbeing, martial arts can also help mental endurance.

Today we’re going to be looking into everything you need to know about martial arts. From all of the different styles to what is most popular in each country, you’re sure to have a better understanding of the best style for you to study after we’re finished here today.

How Many Styles Of Martial Arts Are There?

There are over 180 styles of martial arts to admire, but some are more popular than others. You might be able to think of 5 to 10 styles off of the top of your head right now, but almost no one would be able to name all 180 without a little help.

The origin of martial arts can be seen in early literature and figurative art pieces. Some of the oldest artwork dates back to 3000BCE. Asia has long been known as the driving force of the martial arts world, and many of the popular styles originate from the continent.

Throughout the years, different cultures have found their own styles of martial arts to use as survival techniques. This is why martial arts first came about, but since then people have used it for different purposes.

Some use it to become one with their mental stability, others use it as a release of anger and stress. Martial arts make good competition and many people hone their skills for many years.

Practicers often find that they’re never happy with their progress and that they want to continue pushing themselves to be better.

While there are 180 styles of martial arts, the most common you might have heard of are Judo, Karate, MMA, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Krav Maga, and Jiu-Jitsu. They have been developed in areas such as Japan, China, and Israel.

Having said that, as martial arts became more popular more Americans hopped on the trend and made it popular all over the world. So, you know that you want to begin training in a martial art, but which one is the best one for you? Let’s find out.

Your Journey: What Style Is Right For You?

With so many styles of martial arts, it can be difficult to know which is the best for you. Before you get started, you should know that studying a martial art costs a lot of money and time. For this reason, you don’t want to choose the wrong one.

You’re only going to stick with a martial art if you genuinely enjoy learning it. So, the decision is bigger than using the technique of trial and error. Below we’ve summarized the most popular types of martial arts on offer, with some benefits and drawbacks of learning them.

Type of martial art	Why so many people love it…	Why it might not be the best for you…
Boxing	Boxing is a great workout and it’s beneficial knowing how to self defend yourself.	Boxing can be difficult and taxing on the body. You might end up with injuries.
Muay Thai (Kickboxing)	Adds another layer to boxing. Teaches you discipline and self-defense.	You will need to invest in lots of lessons to learn Muay Thai.
Jujutsu	Grappling techniques ensure that people of all sizes can defend themselves.	It is very technical and difficult for people to learn. You need to be up close and personal with your opponent.
Krav Maga	Offers real-life scenarios to teach with, such as learning how to disarm an attacker. Great at learning self-defense.	If you’re not looking to learn how to defend yourself, Krav Maga might not be the best option for you.
Karate	People of all ages can learn Karate. Again, this martial art is excellent for learning how to defend yourself.	Karate doesn’t translate well to MMA techniques. If you want to learn how to fight, Karate is more technical.
Tae Kwon Do	Tae Kwon Do mixes techniques from all sorts of martial arts, so you’re getting the best of both worlds.	There are not a lot of Tae Kwon Do gyms around, and the existing ones are usually targeted towards kids rather than adults.
Judo	Judo is popular when it comes to competitions and the throws can be translated into other martial art training. Great for core training.	Judo doesn’t teach you much in the way of self-defense, although you might be able to use some techniques in a real-life situation.
MMA	MMA gives you a great range of techniques and allows you to learn a little bit about every martial art.	Studying MMA requires a lot of time, commitment, and money. Many people consider it the hardest sport in the world.
Tai Chi	Tai Chi is a gentle martial art that is great for people who want to work on their health and spirituality.	You don’t get as much of a workout with Tai Chi. It also might be too slow-paced for some people.

Use the table above to determine which is the best martial art for you. We’ve only included the most popular styles of martial arts above, but we’ve listed the complete set below.

If none of the martial arts above sounds right for you, you might be able to find a better option in the complete list.

Fighting By Country: Fighting Styles By Country

Perhaps the most fascinating thing about martial arts is how they differ by country. Every area of the world seems to have a different way of fighting, which we find so interesting.

Below we’re going to look at how 10 different areas of the world train and compete when it comes to martial arts.

American Fighting Styles

There are many different martial art styles practiced in the USA, but not that many of them were actually created in America.

The first that we’re going to talk about today is American Kenpo, first developing in the 1950s by Ed Parker. It uses traditional karate techniques as well as modern concepts.

A particularly interesting martial art that originated in America is Chun Kuk Do, created by Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris was an actor and martial artist who created his own style to continue improving his training. Other martial arts from America include Jailhouse Rock, Kickboxing, and Lua.

European Fighting Styles

Similar to America, many martial arts are practiced in Europe that originated in different countries. However, what about the martial art styles that were founded in Europe?

Fencing was once originated in Europe. While it is now considered an Olympic sport, fencing was a popular martial art.

We particularly like the sound of Shin Kicking, which is a martial art that originated in England. It focuses on the opponents kicking each other in the shins until one cannot compete anymore. We have to see that one day!

Wrestling was also founded in Europe and this is one of the most well known martial arts today. A match will end once one opponent pins the other. The Greeks and Romans first founded and made the rules for wrestling.

Chinese Fighting Styles

There have been many martial arts to come from China, some of which are the most popular in the world. Kung Fu has been practiced for many years, focusing on hand and arm strikes, kicks, and weapon training. You can find so many different schools of Kung Fu around the world.

Tai Chi is another popular martial art from China. This is considered one of the most gentle martial arts in the world and therefore it’s great for older people. Tai Chi focuses more on spirituality and health rather than combat.

Other fighting styles from China such as Tai Yi Zhang, Wing Chun, and Zui Quan.

Indian Fighting Styles

India also offers a reputable amount of fighting styles to the list of 180 martial arts in the world. Among the most popular are Silambam, which uses a staff to fight opponents with. Gatka utilizes swords and Mardani Khel also uses weapons.

The running themes from martial arts originating from India seem to be weapons or wrestling techniques. Pehlwani uses a large number of wrestling tactics as well as grappling techniques.

Japanese Fighting Styles

Much like China, a lot of the most popular martial arts have come from Japan. Karate takes the number one spot and over 100 million people practice Karate in the world. There are countless substyles of Karate, including Ashihara, Goju-Ryu, and Seido Juku.

People have found Karate and adopted it all over the world, making it the most popular martial art. Kendo, Sumo, and Aikido are among the other martial arts that have come from Japan.

Judo and Jujutsu are two other very popular martial arts that were founded in Japan. They both focus on grappling, throws, and joint locks. Jujutsu requires you to use the opponent’s force back onto them rather than you.

Korean Fighting Styles

Taekwondo is a popular martial art from Korea. It uses punches, strikes, kicks, and blocks on an opponent.

Tang Soo Do is another martial art style similar to Taekwondo, but it incorporates Karate into practice as well. Soo Bahk Do is an extension of Tang Soo Do for people who outgrew the practice.

Hapkido is another form of Korean martial art focusing on punches, throws, joint locks, and kicks. This style also has a cousin called Han Mu Do, which is considered smoother than Hapkido. It also uses more open hand combat than the alternative.

Kuk Sool Won, Taekkyeon, and Won Hwa Do are just a few of the other Korean martial arts available to practice.

African Fighting Styles

While there are not as many martial art styles from Africa, the martial arts that originated there are well known and popular by many. Laamb is a martial art similar to wrestling that allows punching as well as traditional wrestling moves.

Dambe is similar to Boxing but allows kicking techniques as well, so we suppose it’s also similar to Kickboxing. Zulu Stick Fighting uses weapons and Tahtib is a stick fighting martial art in which the student uses a four-foot wooden stick.

Vietnamese Fighting Styles

Quite a substantial number of martial arts have been founded in Vietnam; however, they are mostly only practiced within their originating country.

There are some martial art styles that have made their way around the world, but only a small percentage of the entirety of Vietnamese fighting styles.

Cuong Nhu uses elements from many different martial arts such as Aikido, Wing Chun, Tai Chi, Boxing, Shotokan Karate, Judo, and Vovinam. Vovinam is a style that uses combat, weapons, and grappling to beat an opponent.

Filipino Fighting Styles

Dumong, Panantukan, and Yaw Yan are Philippine martial arts that focus mostly on wrestling or kickboxing techniques. Kino Mutai was originally founded in the Philippines, and this style involves unconventional techniques such as eye-gouging and biting your opponent.

Sikaran focuses only on kicking, and Eskrima (Arnis & Kali) uses weapons such as sticks and blades. These are all of the martial arts that were originally created in the Philippines.

Brazilian Fighting Styles

Finally, we have the Brazilian fighting styles. Much like from the Philippines, there are not that many martial arts from Brazil. However, a very popular style is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, focusing primarily on ground fighting.

Luta Livre is another grappling martial art founded in Brazil, with Capoeira incorporating acrobatic movements into martial arts. Vale Tudo boasts of being similar to Mixed Martial Arts but without as many rules. There are only four martial art styles originating from Brazil.

Martial Arts Styles: An End-To-End Guide

Now we’re going to break down the 180 martial art styles for you so that you can make an informed decision on which one sounds like it suits you best. So, get comfortable and get ready for a crash course on every martial arts style that there is.

We’ve listed all of the styles from the most popular to the least, but that doesn’t mean that one of the lesser-known styles isn’t the perfect one for you! Make sure to read the entire list so that you don’t miss out on your perfect match.

Karate

Originated in Japan
There are lots of different sub-styles of karate
Focuses on elbow strikes, kicks, punches, and hand strikes

Judo

Originally from Japan
Focuses on grappling, throws, and joint locks

Jujutsu

Attempts to redirect force from an attack back onto the opponent
Japanese martial art

Tai Chi

Considered a gentle martial art
Uses slow movements to reduce stress and improve health

Kickboxing

Focuses on powerful kicks and punches
An extension on boxing

Boxing

Focused only on powerful punches and blocks

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Originally from Brazil
Focuses on ground fighting

Kung Fu

Chinese martial art
Focuses on strikes, kicks, and weapons
Lots of different styles of Kung Fu

Mixed Martial Arts

Uses techniques from many different martial art styles

Wrestling

Better known today as a sport
Ancient martial art
You need to pin the opponent to win

Coreeda

Originated in Australia
Focuses primarily on wrestling

Daido Juku Kudo

Founded in Japan
Focuses on mixed martial arts
Practicers wear a traditional gi

Muay Thai

Similar to kickboxing with strikes
An element of MMA training

Krav Maga

Formed in Israel
Uses combat in real situations

Shin Kicking

English martial art
Focuses on kicking the opponent in the shin

Fu Jow Pai

Chinese martial art

Hung Ga

Founded in South China
Mixes five animal styles – dragon, crane, snake, tiger, and leopard

Huyen Langlon

Created in North East India

Gongkwon Yusul

Korean martial art
Blends elements from Jujutsu, Boxing, Judo, and Hapkido

American Kenpo

Also known as Kenpo Karate
Hybrid martial arts style

Taekwondo

Korean martial art
Uses punches, strikes, kicks, and blocks

Kyuk Too Ki

Originally from Korea
Kickboxing

Kyusho Jitsu

Targets pressure points

Laamb

Senegalese martial art
Blends wrestling with punches

Aikido

Originated in Japan
Focuses on blocking attacks and redirecting the energy back to the opponent
Full of throws, joint locks, and traditional Japanese weapons

Aikijujutsu

Subgenre of Jujutsu
Focuses on blending with the opponent
Moving joint locks and other specialized principles

Catch Wrestling

Grappling martial arts
Mixes techniques from Judo, Wrestling, and Jujutsu

Canne de Combat

Originated from France
Considered a sportier version of cane fighting

Singlestick

Ancient English martial art
Uses wooden rod
Originally designed for teaching fighting to sailors

Military Martial Arts

Developed by the military
Uses real-life situations of combat

Kobudo

Focused on weapon training
Weapons used are the bo staff, nunchaku, sai, and tonfa
Originated in Japan

Kokondo

Combines techniques from Jujutsu and Karate

Lua

Founded in Hawaii
Focused on wrestling, weapons, and breaking bones

Mau Rakau

Weapons based
Founded by Maori of New Zealand

Sumo

Founded in Japan
Focused on wrestling

Gatka

Originated in India
Focuses on swords for weapons

Glima

Originally from Scandinavian countries
Created by the Vikings

Small Circle Jujitsu

American martial art
Uses modified techniques from Judo and Jujutsu

Sojutsu

Originated in Japan
Focuses on spear fighting

Tang Soo Do

Similar to Karate and Taekwondo
Korean martial art

Monkey Kung Fu (Hou Quan)

Uses different angles and positions to disorientate opponent
Unorthodox martial art

Muay Boran

Originated from Thailand

Soo Bahk Do

Korean martial art

Pencak Silat

Umbrella term for Indonesian martial arts

Ninjutsu

Developed by ninjas

Pankration

Greek martial art
Uses boxing, grappling, and kicking

Pehlwani

Originated in India
Focuses on wrestling and grappling

Combat Hapkido

Focuses on self-defense and grappling

Danzan Ryu

The American form of Jujutsu
Otherwise known as Kodenkan

Shintaido

Blends Kenjutsu, Bojutsu, and Karate with meditation

Shootfighting

Similar to Mixed Martial Arts
Focuses on total body submission grappling

Hwa Rang Do

Uses sparring, weapons, and self-defense techniques

Vale Tudo

Originated from Brazil
Similar to Mixed Martial Arts, but with fewer rules

Systema

Used in various Russian special forces

Taekkyeon

Focuses on low kicks, sweeps, trips, and pushing the opponent
Originated in Korea

Xtreme Martial Arts

Combines martial art techniques with gymnastics

Zui Quan

Better known as Drunken Fist
Substyle of Kung Fu

Yabusame

Japanese martial art
Focuses on archery while on horseback

Hapkido

Focuses on kicks, punches, joint locks, and throws

HEMA – Historical European Martial Arts

Primarily focuses on sword fighting
Uses 1300-1800s European techniques

Eagle Claw Kung Fu

Originated in China
Known for gripping techniques

Ssireum

Korean martial art
Focuses on wrestling

Tahtib

Egyptian martial art
Uses stick fighting techniques

Enshin Kaikan

Japanese martial art
Involves punches, kicks, and throws
Turns attacks back onto the opponent

Jeet Kune Do

Created by Bruce Lee

Bojuka

Focuses on self-defense
Main moves involve grappling and strikes

Bojutsu

Weapon based
Uses a long staff called a Bo

Jojutsu

Focuses on using a short staff called a Jo
Founded in Japan

US Army’s Modern Army Combatives Program

Taught by the US army

Won Hwa Do

Known for circular techniques
Korean martial art

Keijojutsu

Originally created in Japan
Uses police stick combat

Kendo

Founded in Japan
Focuses on sword fighting

Yamanni-Ryu

Focuses on Okinawan weapons

Yaw Yan

Philippines version of Kickboxing

Varma Kalai

Focused on pressure points

Hanbojutsu

Uses a three-foot wooden staff called a Hanbo

Han Mu Do

Korean martial art
Considered a cousin to Hapkido

Kuntao

Founded in southeast Asia
Uses hand strikes, grappling, and martial arts weapons

Kyudo

Japanese martial art
Focuses on archery

Dumog

Primarily focuses on wrestling.
Founded in the Philippines

Hojojutsu

Originated in Japan
Uses ropes to disable an opponent

Wing Chun

Founded in China
Focused on grappling, strikes, and weapons

Silat

Focuses on strikes, takedowns, and weapons

Siljun Dobup

Sword fighting martial art
Based on Korean and Japanese traditions

Itto-Ryu

Japanese martial art
Focuses on sword fighting techniques

Kumdo

Sword fighting martial art
Similarities to Kendo

Nunchaku Do

Uses nunchaku in the way of sports

Pradal Serey

Originally from Cambodia
Similar to Kickboxing and Muay Thai

Kung Fu To’a

Originated from Iran
Combines Kung Fu and Yoga

Jailhouse Rock

Developed in the US prison system

Angampora

Originally formed in Sri Lanka
Focuses on unarmed combat as well as weapons
Common moves are grappling and finding pressure points

Araki Ryu

Originated in Japan
Focuses on traditional Japanese martial arts weapons

Combat Hopak

Ukrainian martial art

Bokh

Traditionally practiced by Mongol warriors
One of the first wrestling martial arts
Also known as Mongolian Wrestling

Budokon

Combines martial arts with the practice of yoga

Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu

Originally a Japanese martial art
Focused on unarmed combat, strikes, and joint locks

Defendu

Originally founded in Britain
Taught to troops and allies of WWII

Iaijutsu

Combat alternate to Iaido

Gungsol

Originated from Korea
Focuses on archery

Haidong Gumdo

Focuses on sword fighting techniques
Founded in Korea

Jukendo

Originated in Japan
Focuses on the bayonet

Juttejutsu

Founded in Japan
Focuses on a weapon called Jutte

Iaido

Founded in Japan
Focuses on drawing a sword from its holder
Does not use sparring too much

Nippon Kempo

Japanese martial art
Uses punches, joint locks, kicks, and grappling

Shooto

Created by Satoru Sayama in Japan
Similar to Mixed Martial Arts

Butthan

Originally from Bangladesh
Focuses on self-defense and meditation

Choy Li Fut

Type of Kung Fu

Krabi-Krabong

Founded in Thailand
Focuses on using weapons

Leopard Kung Fu (Bao Quan)

Chinese martial art
Focused on using speed and agility to defeat opponents

Nunchakujutsu

Uses nunchaku for self-defense training

Okichitaw

Combines traditional fighting techniques with Judo and Taekwondo

Kuk Sool Won

Korean martial art
Focuses on strikes, grappling, weapons, and healing

Lerdrit

Military martial art used by the Royal Thai Army

Kino Mutai

Founded in the Philippines
Usually, illegal tactics used such as eye-gouging and biting

Lethwei

Similar to kickboxing but with headbutts and other illegal techniques

Bando

Originated in Southeast Asia

KAPAP

Hebrew acronym for ‘face to face combat’
Used by many Israel military units

Kenjutsu

Founded in Japan
Uses sword fighting
Unlike Kendo, Kenjutsu doesn’t focus on sparring

Panantukan

Boxing portion of Filipino martial art

Luta Livre

Brazilian martial art
Otherwise known as free fighting

Malla Yuddha

Martial art from India and Southeast Asia
Focused on combat wrestling

Eskrima

Martial art from the Philippines
Uses sticks and blades for weapons
Also named Arnis and Kali

Fencing

Now known as an Olympic sport
‘Historical fencing’ uses it as a martial art

Chun Kuk Do

Created by Chuck Norris
A hybrid between Korean and American techniques

Dambe

African martial art
Uses boxing techniques as well as kicking

Quarterstaff

British martial art
Uses a 6 to 9-foot wooden staff as a weapon
Can be seen in Robin Hood

Sambo

Originated from Russia
The two styles are Combat Sambo and Sports Sambo

Kenpo or Kempo

Similar to American Kenpo

Keysi

Self-defense system
Featured in films such as Batman

Bartitsu

Originated in England
Combines boxing, jujutsu, and cane fighting
Peak interest comes from Sherlock Holmes

Bataireacht

Also known as Irish Stick Fighting

Kalaripayattu

Ancient martial art originating from India

Shindo Jinen Ryu

Combines Aikido, Karate, and Jujutsu

Shuri-Ryu

Blends techniques from Karate and Kung Fu

Tantojutsu

Focused on knife fighting
Uses a Japanese Tanto

Tessenjutsu

Based on the use of Tessen
Originally from Japan

Bujutsu

Japanese martial art
Practiced by Samurai
Uses both short and long-range techniques

Defendo Alliance

Founded in Europe
Focuses on realistic forms of self-defense

Icho-Ryu

Created for law enforcement officers
Fuses Jujitsu, Aikido, Karate, Judo, Aikijujutsu, and Goju Ryu

Cuong Nhu

American/Vietnamese hybrid martial art
Combines Aikido, Wing Chun, Judo, Boxing, Tai Chi, Shotokan Karate, Vovinam

Thien Mon Dao

Vietnamese martial art

Sibpalki

Originated from Korea
Uses close combat techniques

Sikaran

Philippines martial arts
Primarily uses kicking

Silambam

Focuses on staff fighting
Indian martial art

Taiho Jutsu

Originally created to help the police capture armed criminals

Kyujutsu

Originally from Japan
Focuses on archery with a Yumi

Bokator

Ancient martial art from Cambodia
Focuses on weapons, strikes, and grappling

Shorinji Kempo

Uses spirituality, personal growth, and health with self-defense techniques

Shuai Jiao

Focused on wrestling and grappling

Kajukenbo

Originated from America
Uses lots of different techniques from other martial arts

Lathi Khela

Founded in Bangladesh
Stick fighting

Zulu Stick Fighting

Weapons based martial art
Originated from South Africa

Vovinam

Originated in Vietnam

Byakuren Kaikan

Founded in Japan
Focuses on full contact sparring

Special Combat Aggressive Reactionary System (SCARS)

Taught to US Navy Seals in the late 90s

Spochan

Uses airsoft weapons to learn fighting techniques

Taido

Founded in Japan
Uses Karate techniques with dynamic movements

LimaLama

Originated from Samoa

Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP)

Uses knife training and unarmed combat

Naginatajutsu

Originated from Japan
Uses a long pole called Naginata as a weapon

Capoeira

Acrobatic martial art
Originated from Brazil

Bagua Zhang

Otherwise known as circle walking
One of the most well-known Wudang styles

Bajutsu

First created in Japan
Focuses on military equestrianism

Shaolin Kung Fu

Developed by monks at the Shaolin Temple in China
A substyle of Kung Fu

Kinomichi

Originated in France
Created by a student of the creator of Aikido

Niten Ichi-Ryu

Created by Japanese samurai Miyamoto Musashi
Uses two swords

Qwan Ki Do

Vietnamese martial art

Wushu

A modern-day version of Kung Fu

Yoseikan Budo

Japanese martial art
Combines Aikido, Judo, Kobudo, Boxing, Jujutsu, and Karate together

Nam Hong Son

Founded in Vietnam

Bakom

Peruvian martial art
Combines street fighting with Jujutsu

Praying Mantis Kung Fu

Focuses on redirection and trapping tactics

Shaolin Kempo Karate

Blends techniques Karate, Shaolin Kung Fu and Asian wrestling

Nhat Nam

Vietnamese martial art

Linh Quyen Dao

Vietnamese martial art

Bajiquan

Founded in China
Known for its explosive moves
The key move is elbow strikes

Niyuddha

Ancient Indian martial art

Sanshou (or Sanda)

Developed for Chinese military

Savate

Otherwise known as French Kickboxing

Schwingen

Swiss martial art

Getting Started: How To Start Fighting & Training

So, you’ve managed to find the right martial art for you out of the amazing 180 styles to choose from. Now you want to know how to begin training and learning the skill. Perhaps the easiest way to do this is to join a gym or class focusing on the martial art you have chosen.

Joining a gym will allow you to be taught by a professional and you’ll always have an opponent to practice with. Not to mention that it is a sociable experience and that you can meet new peers with.

Many gyms will have all of the updated information about competitions and awards that you might be eligible for, so you can increase your skill even more.

It’s also beneficial to have people to talk to who are in the same boat as you. You’ll meet people who have been training longer than you who you can get tips and tricks from. Finally, joining a gym will keep you motivated and willing to practice.

However, a gym membership can be expensive. If you don’t have enough money to consistently go to a class teaching your chosen martial art you can opt to learn from home.

It might be slightly more difficult and take a longer time to master, but you can certainly teach yourself a martial art from home.

This is what most practitioners do as they don’t want to spend as much money on all of the gym classes. We would recommend mixing your time between gym classes and home practice sessions.

Martial arts are easy to learn at home because you don’t always need an opponent to grasp the techniques. However, we do recommend getting a partner at least once a week so that you can show how the techniques you’ve learned that week work in real combat.

If you’re learning from home, you can use YouTube video tutorials. There are plenty of teachers generously offering their services for free on YouTube, so all you need to do is find the one that you work with the best.

You won’t get along with every teacher, so it’s good to conduct some trial and error to ensure that you find the best one for you. A good teacher can make or break your practice, so don’t make the decision lightly!

Depending on the martial art style you choose, you might need to invest in some equipment. For example, weapon-based styles such as Aikido, Bojutsu, and Kung Fu require culture-specific weapons.

These might be difficult to come across if you don’t live in the originating country, but thanks to the internet you should be able to purchase one of your own.

Other martial arts, such as Boxing, Kickboxing, and Mixed Martial Arts sometimes call for equipment like a mouth guard, head guard, and athletic tape. These all protect you from injuries if you’re practicing with an opponent.

If you’re practicing on your own, you might also benefit from gloves and a punching bag. These offer you the feel of a real opponent while still training in the comfort of your own home.

These are not vital; however, as you can shadow box instead. This is where you practice punching and kicking in thin air.

Finally, some martial arts require you to wear a uniform of sorts. For example, Karate students wear a keiko-gi or just gi. If you’re practicing Kung Fu you will be expected to wear a yī-fu. A Judo student would wear a judogi, and a Jujutsu student would wear a kimono also called a gi.

Once you decide upon a martial art style to practice you should do some research into it and see whether there is a correct uniform to purchase. This will avoid you turning up to class unprepared or accidentally offending someone’s culture.

Conclusion: And, Fight!

We hope that you’ve learned something interesting and valuable from our handbook to the martial arts. Better yet, we hope that you’ve found your new favorite hobby! There are 180 martial art styles out there in the world, but you will have heard of only the most popular ones.

What we aimed to do in our article is to show you that there is more to martial arts than just Karate, Judo, and Tai Chi. If you’ve chosen one of these to begin practicing, we hope that you’ll love it as much as everyone else who practices them does!

But if you’ve chosen one of the lesser-known martial arts to study, we hope that it lives up to your expectations. The most fascinating thing about martial arts is how many styles get forgotten about behind the most popular options.

China, Japan, and Korea are where the most popular martial arts have originated from, but there are also plenty of styles created in America, Europe, Africa, and Vietnam.

While these styles are not considered the most popular or studied, one of them might just be your new favorite obsession.

Once you’ve made your decision, and we know that it won’t be an easy one, you have to figure out how you’re going to train.

Many martial artists suggest that you split your time between professionally taught classes and practicing at home so that you can hone your skills in the shortest amount of time.

However, your learning journey is individualized to you and only you have the power to decide what is going to work best for you. So, what martial art did you choose? Personally, we enjoy Karate, Shin Kicking, and Wrestling the best.

Guest Article by Rayford Baxter of https://bodymindandmodem.com/