| The martial arts of the world break down into 2 broad types: armed and unarmed. Armed martial arts comprise such styles as; archery, fencing both eastern and western, kobudo (Japanese study of ancient weapons) and obviously firearms. The Edwards system teach defence against weapons used in stabbing, cutting and striking. Many weapon based systems are impracticable for self defence though they are still popular and some are useful for keeping fit.
How To Choose The Right Style For You
Unarmed combat in the martial arts is by far the most popular and itself breaks down in to 3 broad divisions: striking styles which comprise kicking and punching, wrestling styles and styles which comprise both striking and wrestling.
Striking Styles
These styles come from around the world though mainly from the East. Styles such as: Boxing originally from Britain in its modern form or Karate from Japan, Kung Fu (there are 100’s of kung fu styles some of which combine all 3 elements) from China, Tae Kwon Do from Korea, Muay Thai from Thailand and Savate from France. In recent years kickboxing has emerged from both Europe and the US and has overtaken many of the more traditional styles.
Wrestling Styles
Wrestling (or grappling styles) come from all over the world too and include: Greco Roman, Freestyle, Catch wrestling, and the like. Then there is Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Aikido and of course Japanese Sumo. Sambo from Russia , Indian Wrestling, and Turkish plus Lutte from around France and Italy .
Striking & Wrestling Styles
Mixed Martial Arts is from many different countries, Ju Jitsu from Japan, Hapkido from Korea, Krav Maga from Israel, Aiki Jutsu and Atemi Jutsu from Japan also and Vale Tudo from Brazil
Which style you choose depends very much on what you want to achieve with your martial arts. Whether you want self defence, fitness, strength, confidence or self discipline. Some styles will give you one but not another whilst a few will give you all of these.
How To Choose The Right Style For You
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