Among thousands different styles it’s very easy to choose the one that’s not suitable for you, and get nothing from the classes except hurt pride and white coat.
In this article we will try to help you choose the appropriate type of martial art by narrowing down the range of choices. The characteristics of your psychology, health and physical fitness all play a role when choosing the type of martial arts that you should engage in.
First, you need to put aside excess pride and honestly admit what you can handle and what you can’t.
We invite you to answer a few questions that will help direct you to the right section of the article, where, depending on your body type, you can choose a type of martial arts for yourself.
However, do not forget that we are only presenting general recommendations, the choice is yours to make. Learning martial arts is a long process, during which your body will get used to, adapt to new conditions and gain experience in the martial arts that you choose.
Questions:
- Does jogging 1.5 kilometers make you short of breath?
- Yes - go to Section 1.
- Do you consider yourself inflexible?
- Yes - go to Section 2.
- No - move on to the next question.
- Are you afraid of being beaten, breaking a bone, or seeing your own blood?
- Yes - go to Section 3.
- No - go to Section 4.
Section 1
Lack of stamina is not an obstacle to practicing martial arts. Styles that don't require strong lungs but can help you develop the stamina you may be lacking are good for you.
Ectomorph: Tai chi chuan (tai chi chuan)
This graceful, non-offensive Chinese martial art emphasizes stability, balance, poise and is ideal for thin people.
A set of controlled, smooth movements will train all your muscles to work together and harmoniously.
Do not confuse tai chi chuan with tai chi offered in fitness clubs. Real schools are more challenging and allow their students to master many different weapons, including a double-edged sword.
Mesomorph: Aikido
Aikido does not focus on exhausting punches and kicks. The focus is on using the opponent's own energy against him, in order to incapacitate him (using wrist locks or arm locks) or throw him back.
This style is easier for people with an athletic build, since most offensive movements are more effective with developed muscles.
Additionally, unlike most martial arts that require 10 ranks to achieve a black belt, this Japanese martial art only has 6 levels.
Endomorph: Judo
A Japanese martial art that aims to disrupt the opponent's balance and throw him to the mat. Stocky people have an advantage when performing defensive maneuvers, as the extra weight helps them stand more stable in the ring.
Shortness of breath will not be a problem in the initial stages of training, which are devoted to improving grips, contraction maneuvers and how to fall correctly. To reach a more advanced level you will need to develop stamina.
Section 2
The inability to do the splits is not an obstacle to practicing martial arts. Most of the more popular martial arts do not require as much flexibility and agility as you might think.
Ectomorph: Wushu
This chinese style also called kung fu. There are more than 300 varieties of Wushu. Of these, wing chun (yunchun, “ eternal spring") is suitable for people with a lack of weight and dimensions.
This style allows a small, lightweight person to defeat a larger opponent by targeting sensitive areas of the body that are not protected by muscles (eyes, throat, groin, knees and specific nerve points).
Special flexibility is not required since most strikes are thrown low (kneecaps or shins).
Mesomorph: Eskrima (arnis and kali - two related styles)
A Filipino martial art, a kind of form of modern fencing. This style involves 12 basic blows that are delivered with a pair of wooden fighting sticks.
Moving the body while performing these movements while repelling an attack requires a flexible, powerful physique, which is formed during such exercises.
Among these three Filipino styles, there are also varieties of unarmed martial arts, including kicks, punches, traps, and grappling.
Don't expect the usual protocol for most martial arts here. Black belts are unusual in that most styles avoid using a ranking system, and shoes are required during training to protect feet from falling or thrown poles.
Endomorph: Karate
Based on a combination of cultures (with roots in both Japan and Okinawa), karate is also a mixture of different fighting methods. Students learn hand fighting techniques and several weapon techniques, including nunchucks.
Although this combat sport does not involve grappling or throwing, stocky people benefit from a stronger and more stable stance, which gives more power to their strikes and blocks.
Most varieties of karate are worth choosing, but if you are afraid of pain, then be wary of styles that have “Kenpo,” “Kempo,” “American Freestyle,” or “Full Contact” in their names.
Section 3
The following types will require you to high level strength of spirit and ability, but they all draw a clear line between safety and madness.
Ectomorph: Taekwondo (taekwondo, taekwondo)
It is advisable to be lean, light and free-spirited for this Korean martial art, as it is best known for its wide variety of high, flashy kicks.
This fighting style relies more on the legs than the fists. Head strikes are common, so you should at least be able to lift your leg to the height of your opponent's face.
During classes you need to be prepared for the fact that you will receive a couple of painful blows, but in general case contacts are not very violent.
In addition, students of Taekwondo do not only train in fighting each other, since it is one of the martial arts where breaking boards and bricks with hands and feet is part of the training regimen.
Mesomorph: Kendo
A Japanese martial art that involves wielding a bamboo sword, dressing like a samurai, and repeatedly striking an opponent's neck and head. It sounds threatening, but in this martial art the body is protected by armor similar to knightly armor, which reduces damage to a minimum.
Speed and strong shoulders and arms are essential attributes for sword fighters, so a lean, muscular build would be ideal.
Endomorph: Shorinji-kempo
This boxing style of karate is more suitable for larger people for several reasons.
First, he uses a series of punches, similar to boxing, where stability in the ring due to a powerful physique is more important than strong fists.
A strong physique will also be useful for mastering techniques to evade opponents' blows. Throwing punches will require flexibility, but punches are usually thrown no higher than the waist.
Section 4
Nothing beats the taste of your own blood? The following styles are merciless and painful, but mastering them can impart a sense of fearless hurricane of unstoppable combat frenzy when used outside of school.
Ectomorph: Kickboxing
We are not considering cardio training offered in fitness clubs under the name kickboxing. A typical day of learning kickboxing involves a boxing ring, a set of karate-style kicks and punches, and the desire for opponents to knock each other out.
This American style- a fairly young type of martial art. Suitable for strong and fast people who can quickly dodge an opponent’s blows and attack even faster.
This is a pure combat confrontation, where the only desire is to defeat the opponent.
Mesomorph: Muay Thai (Thai boxing)
Thai martial art with full contact with the opponent. Instead of simply using fists and feet, the opponent is struck with a series of strikes to the elbows and knees. Most suitable for athletic people with developed muscles around the joints.
Those wishing to master this type of martial arts should be prepared for early retirement, since serious practitioners have a rather short career (4-5 years maximum).
Endomorph: Jujutsu (jujutsu)
This Japanese technique combines many dangerous offensive and defensive techniques. This type of martial arts is merciless, as it was originally developed to train an unarmed person to neutralize an armed soldier.
Mastering jiu-jitsu will be easier for those who are used to stress and have endurance and flexibility.
How to choose a martial arts school?
When you have decided on the choice of martial art, you can find the phone number of the association or federation of this martial art, where they will tell you the address of the school closest to you.
If you have created a list of schools that are conveniently located for you, make sure that they meet the following standards:
- Ask to sit in on one lesson and watch the instructor work (if they don’t allow it, then you have nothing to do there). Make sure the teacher gives clear instructions and is attentive to each student.
- If you want to enroll in the school of a famous master, make sure that he also teaches and not just runs a business, which will allow you to pay for more than just the name.
- Inspect the equipment. The hall should have mirrors, punching bags, mats for wrestling, etc. There may be some scuffs or tears on the equipment, but not too many to show that it has been used.
On our website you can find martial arts associations and federations or immediately select a martial arts school in your city.
Martial arts have been successful at any time, but now they have reached the world level as one of the areas of sport. There are now a great variety of types of martial arts, and they can be divided into two large groups: martial arts and European.
Types of martial arts:
Karate. This martial art originates from the island of Okinawa. The very first Okinawan style of karate was especially brutal, and was not at all similar to the one that everyone knows now. Only after moving to Japan in the 19th and 20th centuries did karate styles become more athletic and less combative. Therefore, this type of martial arts is deservedly considered Japanese, and is so popular all over the world and in Russia, in particular.
Kung Fu. In China, this word is used to describe all Chinese martial arts in general. This term is akin to the Russian one - “hand-to-hand combat”, which implies any combat training of a person. However, in China its more common synonym is wushu. Has become very popular recently wing chun.
Jujutsu. Another Japanese martial arts that was previously used in battle by Japanese samurai. His technique is similar to those of karate, judo and aikido.
Judo. This martial art was developed on the basis of jiu-jitsu, and is now a type of wrestling.
Aikido. It also originated from jiu-jitsu and is currently very popular. His technique is to push his opponent off balance and use his strength against him.
Taekwondo. This martial art was created in Korea. There, in the Korean special forces, taekwondo-keksul is still used - a more martial style, but it is impossible to master it outside of this country.
Muay Thai. This type of martial art is more common in Thailand; it is very dangerous, as it is based on strikes with knees and elbows.
Types of European and Russian martial arts:
Boxing. The most popular and old look European martial arts, the goal of which is the ability to strike without damaging the hand.
Savat. This type of martial arts is also called French boxing. The peculiarity of this technique is the use of kicks to the lower level, trips and sweeps.
Sambo. Sambo was developed on the basis of the national techniques of wrestling and judo in the USSR for use in law enforcement agencies and in sports.
In addition to these main types of martial arts, there are also such as capoeira, kickboxing, Krav Maga, combat hopak and many others.
Martial arts are special complexes techniques and techniques for self-defense. Proficiency in any martial arts is considered the best way emerge victorious in a fight with an opponent. They became widespread in Russia in the 90s. To a large extent, this was facilitated by the desire of part of the younger generation to become bandits, and the other part of this generation to protect themselves from bandits.
Motives for practicing martial arts
The most basic incentive for those who decide to enroll in a school or martial arts section is that a man must be able to fight, protect himself, his girlfriend, relatives, loved ones, etc. In adolescence, the fact of practicing martial arts greatly increases the status of the practitioner. in the eyes of friends and classmates. Many young people begin training with the goal of enlisting in the Airborne Forces or other elite troops, or making a career in law enforcement agencies. Girls begin to attend classes more often in order to, and at the same time, get a lot of attention within the male team and learn how to defend themselves from street hooligans and rapists. Many people train to make a career in professional sports.Myths and truths about martial arts
Thanks to the media, an incredible amount of myths and fiction have spread about martial arts.Myth 1. A martial artist is able to emerge victorious in a fight with a whole crowd of opponents.
In fact, some preparation significantly increases the chances of defeating your opponent. But if there are two or more of these opponents, the chances decrease in proportion to the number of “enemies”. Much depends on the focus of your martial arts: sports, recreational or combat. However, hand-to-hand training never hurts if you're up against a serious crowd. At least you will always know when to fight and when to run away.
Myth 2. Martial arts help protect yourself from a hooligan armed with a knife.
Again, not always. Even in order to successfully defend against an enemy with a knife, during training it is imperative to study the appropriate techniques and bring them to automatism. Much depends on how well the opponent wields his weapon. Moreover, even high combat training does not guarantee against injury. A knife wound means loss of blood followed by loss of consciousness. Readers of MirSovetov should not forget about this.
Myth 3: Increasing proficiency in martial arts automatically eliminates the need to improve physical fitness.
This myth is very developed among practitioners of aikido, the Kadochnikov system and similar martial arts. In fact, lack of physical fitness turns any martial art into a form of dance or fitness. Conversely, good physical training can replace martial arts training.
Myth 4. Martial arts will help a girl defeat men, and a frail teenager - a hefty guy.
This is also not true. Throughout the civilized world, competitive weight categories are accepted and taken into account in all competitions. In addition, men have always had and will have an advantage over women in physical strength and reflexes. Therefore, in order for a girl to defeat a street hooligan, she must be a master of sports, and he must have a very modest understanding of combat and physical training, and preferably, he must also be drunk. However, for a girl it can help to neutralize the enemy, at least temporarily. For example, taking advantage of the fact that no serious resistance is expected from her, strike at the painful point. In extreme cases, this will help you just break free and run away.
Myth 5. Victories in training matches and competitions mean victories in street fights. This is true and not true at the same time.
Training matches will teach you to use your knowledge and skills on a living opponent, indicate your limits, and teach you how to take blows. Winning competitions means you have learned a lot. But a real fight is not at all like in gym. On the street several people will beat you at once, they will strike you in the most vulnerable places, or they will even pull out knives and sticks. Both unpreparedness and inability to act in such conditions will definitely play a cruel joke on you.
Styles and schools of martial arts
Over the millennia-long history of human development, ways and means of causing harm to others have been systematized and formed into a wide variety of types, subtypes and varieties of martial arts. It is very difficult to understand them. For example, in China alone there are more than 1000 different schools, styles and trends. But on a geographical basis we can distinguish: oriental martial arts, European and domestic martial arts, as well as all the others.Martial arts
Kung Fu (Wushu). This is a collective term meaning common name for all Chinese martial arts. Just as in Russia the phrase “hand-to-hand combat” means everything related to combat training, in China all martial arts are called kung fu or wushu. Moreover, the term “wushu” is more familiar to the Chinese themselves, and the term “kung fu” was invented for foreigners. China is a leader in the diversity of all types and varieties of combat systems, and even simply listing them is quite difficult. Therefore, martial arts are briefly divided into “external” and “internal” styles. “External”, for the most part, trace their history back to the legendary Shaolin monastery and are characterized primarily by striking techniques for the arms and legs, and rigorous physical training. The “internal” styles are Tai Chi Quan, Xing Yi and Bagua Zhang. Currently, they are practiced exclusively for health purposes, and the combat component has almost been lost. Although the ancient Taiji masters easily emerged victorious in a fight with students from Shaolin. It is worth mentioning separately about all sorts of exotic combat systems in China. These are imitative styles that imitate the behavior of animals, birds, insects, including fictional ones, as well as the style of a drunkard, imitating the behavior of a tipsy person. The main value of such martial arts lies in the fact that their wearer moves completely unpredictably in battle, strikes from unimaginable positions, and this confuses any unprepared opponent.
Karate (karate-do). This is the most popular martial art not only in our country, but throughout the world. It is considered Japanese, although its history comes from the island of Okinawa. Okinawan peasants, under conditions of a strict ban on all piercing and cutting objects, used the “external” styles of Chinese kung fu to protect themselves from the samurai. Over time, knowledge and skills formed a harmonious and effective combat system, including techniques for using objects peasant life as a weapon. This is how the nunchucks and tonfa known to many appeared. Then, in late XIX- At the beginning of the 20th century, the martial arts of Okinawan peasants became widespread in the main archipelago of Japan and received the name “karate”. In order to popularize, Japanese masters replaced training fights in full contact with non-contact or limited contact. The result is that training has become significantly less traumatic, and everyone can take up karate. Over time, most styles became more athletic and less combative. Truly martial, Okinawan, karate styles are highly rigid and have nothing to do with sports. The styles closest to them are Kyokushin-kai and Ashihara karate.
Jujutsu (jiu-jitsu). Historically, hand-to-hand combat techniques of Japanese samurai. There are a lot of styles, just like in karate. The techniques and techniques of jujutsu have a lot in common with karate, judo and aikido and many other modern martial arts, not necessarily oriental. This is explained by the fact that in the middle of the 20th century, jiu-jitsu was incredibly popular all over the world, and before that it was extremely popular in Japan. Therefore, many masters who created their own styles of martial arts seriously studied jujutsu. Currently, this type of martial arts remains a fairly effective combat system for both girls and young men. The latter, however, are recommended to supplement jujutsu techniques with karate strikes.
Judo. Currently, it is a wrestling sport developed on the basis of jujutsu. Based on this art, the Soviet sambo wrestling system was developed. Therefore, many Soviet athletes simultaneously studied both judo and sambo. The second wave of popularity in our country began with the coming to power of Putin, who is her admirer. If you forget about sports rules and restrictions, judo is no less effective than jujutsu and sambo and is quite useful for defense against street hooligans.
Aikido. One of the most popular descendants of jiu-jitsu. Aikido is characterized by unbalancing an opponent, using his energy against himself and a variety of techniques for defending against an armed opponent. The effectiveness of Aikido is similar to Jujitsu and Judo. However, due to the specificity of the techniques, more time and effort must be devoted to mastering aikido, otherwise the techniques may become useless outside the gym. Aikido is very popular among girls and intelligent young people, because from the outside it seems like a fairly simple and injury-free way to learn how to fight. In fact, the danger of getting injured in aikido is no less than in combat sambo. A large number of joint fractures and throws take their toll.
Aikido has perhaps the most complex and intricate philosophical and religious component. In many schools it is taught rather poorly, so many fans abandon it completely. Also, in this martial art there are officially no attack techniques, so competitions among aikido practitioners are not held and it is quite difficult to find out who is the strongest.
Hapkido. Korean version of Japanese Aikido. According to legend, the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, and the founder of hapkido, Choi Yongsol, studied together at the school of aiki-ryu jujutsu. Hapkido, however, is very different from its Japanese counterpart - it emphasizes hard locks, striking techniques and weapons study. Training is as close as possible to real conditions, but competitions are held very rarely due to their extreme risk of injury. The effectiveness of hapkido is evidenced by the fact that it is official system training of South Korean police and soldiers.
Muay Thai. Hard martial art from Thailand. The main emphasis is on hard strikes with elbows and knees. It is in this martial arts that you can quickly become a formidable fighter, both in the ring and on the street. But the price of this is an extremely high risk of injury. The career of a professional Muay Thai athlete very rarely lasts longer than 5 years, but very often ends in disability.
Taekwondo (taekwondo). A Korean martial art similar to karate, but with more varied kicking techniques. Thanks to Korean propagandists, taekwondo became an Olympic sport, while karate is still far from this. The performances of taekwondo athletes are very spectacular due to the abundance of high kicks. But outside the gym, using your legs can lead to disastrous results. In winter, on ice, in elevators and stairwells, in cramped spaces, it is extremely difficult to kick, and hand technique in taekwondo is poorly developed. There is a more effective and fighting style of taekwondo - keksul. Korean special forces are studying it, but it is impossible to find an instructor outside this country.
Kendo, kobujutsu, nunchaku-jutsu and other martial arts with weapons. Kendo is a samurai school of wielding a katana, a Japanese sword. Kobujutsu is the art of using improvised objects as weapons, which, together with karate, was in the “weapons” of Okinawan peasants. For obvious reasons, students in these schools are allowed to practice sparring only after several years of training and only with practice weapons. And in kendo, you also wear traditional samurai armor, which makes fights quite safe. There is no practical benefit in the form of self-defense skills from such training, so only amateurs practice these arts and only “for themselves.” However, this does not prevent the halls from being filled with students not only in Japan, but also far beyond its borders.
Ninjutsu. Something more than just a martial art. This is a comprehensive training system for medieval Japanese spies, including hand-to-hand combat, the study of all types of ninja weapons, methods of camouflage, and so on, up to vaulting. Ninja hand-to-hand combat techniques are not very different from jujutsu, but the main emphasis is on destroying the enemy with one blow. This is important for readers of MirSovetov to know, since currently 95% of ninjutsu schools are quackery and profanity. Take several different combat systems, combine them together, add weapon work and survival techniques - and a new style of ninjutsu is ready!
Russian and European martial arts
Boxing. One of the oldest types of European martial arts. It was an Olympic sport back in the days Ancient Greece. There is even a legend that ancient Greek philosopher and the mathematician Pythagoras was a multiple Olympic champion in boxing. The first rules of boxing matches took shape in England, so the British consider it their national sport. The sports direction in boxing is no different from the applied one. A boxer just needs to learn how to throw punches without boxing gloves, so as not to injure his hand, and also learn how to defend himself from blows below the belt. A very effective martial art from the point of view of use on the street, and good results can be achieved in a relatively short time. Savate (French boxing). Street fighting system with extensive use of low kicks, sweeps and trips. The punching technique was initially undeveloped, but was later supplemented with boxing punches. Sports savate differs from applied savate by the extensive use of legs, including for blows to the head. An interesting branch of French boxing is fencing with canes with metal knobs, which were once an indispensable attribute of any French gentleman.
Sambo. It was created in the USSR on the basis of judo and national wrestling techniques and was intended both for sports and for training representatives of law enforcement agencies in hand-to-hand combat. That is why sports sambo is essentially a highly modified judo, and combat sambo is a highly effective combat complex with striking techniques, not intended for the general public. With the fall of the USSR, many people began to study combat sambo and use it to win various mixed-fight championships.
Kadochnikov system. A martial art developed taking into account scientific knowledge - physics, anatomy, physiology. The training system of each fighter can be adjusted to his individual physical, anatomical and physiological parameters. It was developed for the needs of the Ministry of Defense, in order to make a fighting machine out of every soldier in the shortest possible time. Currently, there are almost no instructors who know all the subtleties and nuances of the Kadochnikov system, and those who teach know only the technique of performing the techniques. Evil tongues often call the Kadochnikov system the Skazochnikov system because for many students, even after several years of training, the techniques they have learned do not work even in a friendly fight. It should be noted that the system was developed as a second martial art for professional soldiers in addition to the already existing first one and to the existing physical training. And without these most important components it cannot have any practical significance.
Other types of martial arts
Kickboxing. Classic boxing with the addition of elements from karate and taekwondo. In particular, kicks. Kickboxing was born in the USA thanks to American promoters of the same karate and taekwondo. Sports kickboxing is distinguished by the variety of different federations, each of which has its own competition rules and very different techniques. Some people focus on hand work, adding a little kicks, while others do the opposite. The applied effectiveness of taekwondo largely depends on the physical training of the fighter. Capoeira. A Brazilian martial arts dance that uses only the legs in combat. Capoeira was developed by Brazilian slaves. They were forbidden to raise their hands against the white masters, so they began to use only their legs in their martial arts. Slaves were also forbidden to study any martial arts, so capoeira was disguised as a dance. For the uninitiated, the training looked like just a celebration with songs and dances. The difficulty of mastering capoeira is approximately equal to the difficulty of breakdancing, and the effectiveness on ice and in cramped spaces is almost non-existent.
Krav Maga. A martial art created in the Czech Republic and Hungary by the Jew Imi Lichtenfeld based on jiu-jitsu so that Jews could protect themselves from various kinds of “enemies.” Subsequently, Lichtenfeld emigrated to Israel and proposed his developments for the War Ministry. Since then, Krav Maga has been officially studied by the Israeli military, police and intelligence agencies. The system is very effective, since the simplest and most effective techniques of jujutsu are combined with exactly the same effective techniques from other martial arts. The training is focused solely on application in life. There are no good Krav Maga instructors in our country: Jews are happy to emigrate to Israel, but there are no people willing to return.
Battle hopak (cathedral). Ukrainian national martial arts. Although fans of hopak say that their system has Old Slavic roots and dates back to Kievan Rus, but they provide no evidence for this. The techniques used in it are a rough compilation of techniques from other martial arts. There is no reliable data on the applied value of hopak.
Injuries in martial arts
As sad as it may be, injuries do happen during classes and competitions. Only those who have been engaged in physical training for several years or already have experience in martial arts can avoid them, but this rarely happens. The most common injuries in striking martial arts are broken noses, knocked out teeth, injuries to fingers and wrists, and fists. In wrestling, the most common causes are sprains, ligament tears, ear damage, injuries from falls, joint dislocations, retinal detachment and other troubles, including spinal fractures. Knee injuries and concussions are also common in martial arts of all types.Methods of protection against injury are known to everyone - use is mandatory protective equipment, knowledge of safety precautions when conducting training, conducting training matches with limited contact (one-third of the strength) or non-contact. Full contact is only allowed at serious level competitions.
Restrictions for practicing martial arts
Considering all the injuries described above, there are restrictions for those who want to learn martial arts. Musicians, artists, jewelers, surgeons, illusionists and representatives of other professions that require delicate manual work should not engage in martial arts. The reason is that quite probable hand injuries, which often happen to many, can put an end to the profession. The solution may be to study aikido or internal wushu styles. But remember that mastering these styles requires much more time and effort than many others. Especially if your goal is to actually learn how to defend yourself.There are also medical restrictions on practicing martial arts. Be sure to consult your doctor before enrolling in the section. For example, weakened vision after the first missed blow to the head can lead to retinal detachment. And heart problems put restrictions not only on martial arts, but also on many other sports.
Many travelers who choose tours to Japan strive to get to know the exotic culture of the Land of the Rising Sun as closely as possible. Bright National costumes, music and traditions attract tens of thousands of tourists from our country, but the most active part of them are fans of Japanese martial arts.
Martial arts, which arose in ancient times, attract people with their complexity, spectacularity and the ability to achieve truly inhuman capabilities. Outstanding masters devoted their lives to studying a specific set of techniques and methods of combat, and millions of followers around the world do not allow the accumulated knowledge to sink into oblivion.
Samurai armor
All Japanese martial arts are based on the universal martial art of bu-jutsu - “the art of killing.” This art was once practiced by samurai and ninjas. He had a wide technical arsenal, which combined striking techniques with legs and arms with a complex of throws, grabs and escapes, and painful techniques.
These techniques were especially effective against an armored enemy with bladed weapons. Bu-jutsu also used the technique of possession different types cold steel, including samurai sword.
Important: Bu-jutsu was precisely a martial art, since its goal was to quickly and effectively neutralize the enemy, even to the point of killing him, in contrast to modern trends, where the main thing is victory in a sports match. There were no rules in this type of hand-to-hand combat, since victory was achieved by any means.
Judo
Judo is translated from Japanese language as the "soft path". It was founded in the 80s of the 19th century by master Kano Jigoro. He borrowed from jujutsu (jiu-jitsu) techniques that were most suitable for sports competitions, but were the least traumatic.
He complemented the struggle with spiritual and personal improvement. The purpose of judo is self-defense without weapons through throws, painful holds, holds and chokes.
There is almost no striking technique in judo, especially in sports judo, unlike karate. Due to the technical techniques in judo, great physical strength is not required, so it is accessible to most comers. It has been included in Olympic sports since 1964.
Judo competition
Karate-do
Karatedo means “Way of the Empty Hand”. It originated in Okinawa when the kingdom was a state. Karate is based on several types of Chinese martial arts. Karate is a form of self-defense without weapons, which uses mainly striking techniques with legs and arms.
Funakoshi Gichin is considered the first master to introduce karate to Japan. In 1920, he conducted an entire advertising campaign demonstrating karate techniques. Since then, karate has become one of the types of Japanese martial arts. Karate is very popular in the world, as it has a lot of showiness and entertainment.
Karate training
Jujutsu
Considered the progenitor of Aikido, the art of jiu-jitsu was founded back in the 16th century by master Hisamori Takenouchi. It was he who was the first in Japan to develop a technique for maximally saving a fighter’s strength and abandoning striking techniques. He placed grabs, throws, and the use of the enemy’s energy to disarm him at the center of battle tactics.
Special meaning In jiu-jitsu, emphasis is placed on breathing, stance, and the ability to move in front of the opponent. Evasion is one of the main techniques, while grappling is the key goal. If the goal was to neutralize the enemy, then the students practiced precision strikes on painful points of the upper half of the body.
Aikido
Aikido means "the path to harmony of spirit." This type of martial arts was founded by master Morihei Ueshiba in the 20s of the last century. It is fundamentally different from other types of martial arts in that its main principle is to use the strength and energy of the enemy against him.
Aikido techniques are dominated by escapes, movements and so-called “controls”, which allow you to defeat your opponent by dodging his weapon, such as a sword, arm or leg, and then neutralizing him. Since aikido does not require a lot of physical strength, this type of martial arts is popular among women.
Aikido technique demonstration
Bojutsu
Considered an element of a number of martial arts, bojutsu combat is much older than karate or judo. The bo in the name of the martial arts is a staff, which, according to the philosophy of art, is an extension of the fighter’s limb and is not considered a weapon.
Many schools in Japan and around the world teach fighting using bojutsu techniques. In Okinawa, art is included in the compulsory training of soldiers of the Japanese army, and fighting with a staff is still given importance great amount hours. Among other things, bojutsu is part of the demonstration performances of many masters.
Kendo
Kendo is a Japanese martial art that uses weapons - the art of fencing with swords. Kendo has always had great importance in the training of Japanese warriors, and under the Tokugawa rule it became the center of this training. It was during this time that modern weapons for training were created: the shinai made of bamboo and the bokken made of wood, as well as armor for protection.
During the Meiji period, with the abolition of caste divisions, the wearing of swords was prohibited. In 1895, the All-Japan Martial Arts Federation was created in Japan, which began to introduce martial arts into the school physical education curriculum and promote these arts as elements of Japanese national culture.
Juttejutsu
Another type of Japanese martial arts dedicated to a specific weapon is jutte. This metal club, shaped like the legendary sai dagger, is the main means of striking the enemy.
Unlike the famous dagger version, the jutte club is intended primarily for defense and not for attack, although modern versions of the weapon include side blades. The signature technique of juttejutsu is blocking the blow of an attacker with a weapon.
Kyudo
The fate of kyudo - the art of archery - is in many ways reminiscent of the fate of kendo. Like kendo, it was used to train Japanese warriors. Then, just like kendo, it was forgotten after the Meiji Restoration. In 1949, after the creation of the All Japan Kyudo Federation, it began to be revived as a popular sport.
Currently, sports kyudo uses a standard Japanese composite bow made of bamboo or wood. The length of the bow is 2.21 m. Targets are placed at a distance of 60 and 22 m. When shooting, not only accuracy, but also the gracefulness of the archer’s movements is assessed.
Naginatajutsu
Named after special type samurai weapons, the type of martial art naginatajutsu is currently experiencing a rebirth. Polearms with a blade at the end were known back in the Middle Ages, but by the 20th century they were practically forgotten, although in the heyday of the samurai even women mastered the fighting technique.
Naginata training is now carried out in all prefectures of Japan; this type of fighting has gained particular popularity among students due to its entertainment. Now elements of this martial art can be seen in kendo and a number of other martial arts.
Kudo
Kudo is modern look Japanese martial arts, invented and finally presented in 1981. The uniqueness of martial arts lies in the combination of striking techniques of Thai boxing, some karate techniques and some other types of wrestling. Full contact combat is quite tough, so the competition is dynamic - only 3 minutes are given for one fight.
For protection, the fighters wear gloves, as well as a specially designed helmet. In addition, due to the officially sanctioned groin strike in equal weight classes, appropriate protection is required.
Naginatajutsu
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Let's start with the fact that the most best school- the one that suits you personally, your physical fitness and seeing yourself in martial arts. You can succeed in any of them if you have the desire - but to master the heights of sumo, an asthenic person, for example, will have to spend more time. In the end, martial arts are the same training, only with striking or throwing techniques.
Different types of martial arts develop different qualities and even muscle groups. Some of them teach you to use the opponent’s energy, others are aimed at practicing powerful punches, others - with legs, and others will build up endurance or develop jumping ability.
In some ways, martial arts are reminiscent of yoga: in them you can find your spiritual path, or you can take only the technique and learn to stand up for yourself. Below is a description of the most popular types of martial arts that will help you decide on the choice of school.
Jujutsu
This martial arts is suitable for those who want to learn self-defense techniques. Jiu-jitsu emphasizes the fighter’s skills on the ability to defend himself, free himself from holds, and use tactics not of attack, but of using the enemy’s strength to his advantage.
Kicks and punches are present, but the technique does not descend into hand-to-hand combat. The main thing here is efficient use energy (your own and someone else’s), which allows you to defeat a larger and stronger opponent. Jiu-jitsu is not an aggressive type; this martial art improves dexterity and dexterity.
Taekwondo
This Korean martial art is so popular that in 1988 it was included in the program Olympic Games. Translation of the name into Russian: “the path of the hand and foot,” which clearly hints at the upcoming mastery of the art of striking with all limbs. Taekwondo combines both offensive combat and self-defense techniques; moreover, it is an exercise, an official sport, meditative techniques and an entire Eastern philosophy.
IN current state Taekwondo focuses on defense and control. The emphasis is placed on kicks from a standing position, since legs can reach further and cause more damage than hands. Martial arts techniques include various sweeps, painful holds, open palm strikes and grabs.
Aikido
One of the youngest martial arts in Japan. Just like many martial arts of the Land of the Rising Sun, Aikido includes physical and spiritual practices. It is also effective in developing strength, agility, and the ability to stand up for oneself - regardless of physical characteristics. Aikido is an art of defense for everyone, because there are no restrictions on age or physical development.
Aikido techniques mostly involve using an opponent's attack, controlling his energy, strength and movement, which ends with throws or grabs. The name itself reflects this: “aiki” means “connection with power”, “do” means the path.
Wushu
A very spectacular full contact sport. This Chinese martial art has a lot of strength, acrobatics, jumping, balancing, beautiful poses and blows (like in the movies). Another name is kung fu, since the term “wushu” itself refers to all traditional Chinese martial arts.
There are hundreds of subtypes of wushu, in some places there is more acrobatics and “stagecraft”, in others there are powerful strikes and techniques, sweeps and “twirls”. The main thing you need to know before choosing this martial art is that wushu develops strength well, and the fighting styles taught in Russian kung fu schools are reminiscent of Thai boxing.
Judo
Translated from Japanese - “soft (flexible) path.” Judo is based on throws, painful holds, and choking. Movements should be economical in terms of physical strength, there is less waste of energy, but more improvement of the spirit, more self-defense, more sports training. More than 20 million people practice judo all over the world, as it has a good educational character and teaches harmony of soul and body.
Unlike boxing, karate and other striking styles, judo explores hand-to-hand combat techniques only for throwing and grappling. This martial art formed the basis of other modern martial arts: the creators of aikido, sambo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practiced it.
Despite being sport-oriented and following the competition rules, no one would want to meet a judoka in extreme situation. These are always prepared people who will repel any villain in a dark alley.
Sambo
Sambo is a system of self-defense without weapons, which was developed in the USSR. The martial arts are based on judo, Armenian koch, Tatar kuresh and many other martial arts.
Practical sambo is based on a complex effective techniques defense and attack, which have already been practiced over centuries of donor martial arts. It is noteworthy that sambo is constantly developing, incorporating new techniques and techniques into its arsenal. The philosophy of martial arts is reminiscent of the principles of the GTO: physical development, readiness for self-defense, detaining the enemy, instilling moral fortitude.
Karate
Or karate-do, translated from Japanese as “empty sleeve.” From 2020, martial arts will become an Olympic sport, although initially it was a hand-to-hand style for self-defense.
Nowadays karate is incredibly popular, in part due to spectacular demonstrations. Masters at demonstration performances show the strength and power of practiced blows, breaking thick boards with a palm strike or splitting blocks of ice.
Unlike many Japanese martial arts, karatekas do not use holds, painful or choking techniques. But they know how to hit the opponent in vital points of the body with precise and powerful blows. Crushing and biting urakens, spectacular and swift ura-mawashi-geri... Perhaps more Japanese style and not to be found.
Boxing
Boxing is a classic that there is no point in talking about in detail. It is only worth mentioning that this sport produces fighters who REALLY know how to work with their hands, and it is difficult to compete with them in a street fight. By the way, does everyone remember the fight between UFC star Conor McGregor and professional boxer Mayweather? Same thing.
If you want to sign up for a boxing class, you should know about some nuances. Firstly, it is difficult for a boxer to cope with an armed opponent, and secondly, with kicks. The third point is that in an extreme situation you will not have gloves, a referee, ropes or a girl with a sign. On the other hand, dodging punches and knocking out is in the blood of boxers, so attack and defense are balanced here.
Thai boxing
Muay Thai is a martial art in Thailand; it is very popular all over the world and competes with karate, judo and sambo. Perhaps this is the art of combat that is closest to a real fight. The rules are tough here, but the blows are the same. Here there is full contact, striking techniques with hands and feet, and the targets are the most vulnerable places on the body.
Grappling and throwing are also important, especially chokes. If you master this martial arts, you will be able to confidently walk through the most dangerous areas of the city (but it’s better not to anyway), because the training will be harsh. The Thais are preparing real fighters without rules who can withstand any opponent.
You may find it difficult to balance training and... public performance at work because sometimes you will have bruises on your face and grab marks on your neck.
Kickboxing
Another type of martial arts that prepares you for real fights. Kickboxing was formed by karate masters who did not want to obey the sports rules of martial arts. A new style incorporated the kicking technique from several eastern directions and fist boxing techniques.
Kickboxing is popular in culture because it is spectacular, dynamic and somewhat “bloody” - full contact leaves cuts and bruises, so athletes usually use a mouthguard, a helmet (to protect the head from kicks) and a groin (for girls - a cuirass).
Kickboxers are similar to CrossFitters in that they build strength, endurance, coordination, speed and flexibility.
Professional boxers, Muay Thai, judokas, sambo wrestlers are always dangerous opponents. Choose a martial arts to your liking, but don’t forget: the best fight is the one that didn’t take place. In this sense, running can also be called a martial arts for real pacifists.