Martial arts is a broad and fascinating field, encompassing various disciplines, each with its unique history, philosophy, and techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting your journey, understanding the different types of martial arts can help you choose the style that best suits your goals. From striking-based arts like boxing and Muay Thai to grappling-focused arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, every martial art offers something unique. In this article, we’ll explore the types of martial arts and a few stand-out examples of each type.
Striking Martial Arts
Striking martial arts focus on using punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and other body parts to deliver powerful attacks. These arts emphasise distance management, timing, and speed, with practitioners often engaging in stand-up fights. Here are some popular striking-based types of martial arts:
- Boxing: Known as “the sweet science,” boxing is one of the most popular and well-known combat sports. Boxing practitioners (boxers) rely on footwork, head movement, and precise punches to outmanoeuvre and outscore their opponents. Its simplicity in terms of techniques makes it effective and accessible, but mastering it requires immense discipline and strategy.
- Muay Thai: Also referred to as “the art of eight limbs,” Muay Thai originates from Thailand and incorporates punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes. This makes it one of the most complete striking arts. Muay Thai fighters also excel in the clinch, using short-range strikes and control techniques to dominate opponents.
- Karate: A traditional martial art from Japan, Karate emphasises quick, powerful strikes using hands, feet, and knees. Various styles of Karate exist, such as Shotokan and Goju-Ryu, each with their own approaches to combat and training.
Each of these arts offers its own take on striking, but they share the same fundamental goal: to incapacitate an opponent using physical strikes.
Grappling Martial Arts
Unlike striking-based arts, grappling martial arts focus on close-range combat, with an emphasis on throws, takedowns, joint locks, and ground control. The goal is to subdue an opponent through superior positioning and submission holds. Here are some of the most prominent grappling-based types of martial arts:
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): BJJ is one of the most widely practised grappling arts, specialising in ground fighting and submission holds. Developed in Brazil, it teaches practitioners how to defend themselves by using leverage and technique to control and submit opponents, even if they’re larger or stronger. BJJ has gained tremendous popularity due to its success in mixed martial arts (MMA) and its focus on practical self-defence.
- Judo: Originating from Japan, Judo translates to “the gentle way” and focuses primarily on throws and grappling techniques. Judo practitioners (judokas) aim to off-balance their opponents and perform dynamic throws. Once on the ground, Judokas use pins, joint locks, and chokes to win matches.
- Wrestling: One of the oldest combat sports, wrestling involves taking an opponent to the ground and controlling them using body positioning and pressure. There are various styles of wrestling, such as freestyle and Greco-Roman, each with its own unique ruleset. Wrestling’s influence on modern martial arts, particularly MMA, is significant, thanks to its powerful takedown techniques and control tactics.
Grappling arts teach control, patience, and strategy, and are often favoured by those who prefer close-contact combat.
Hybrid Martial Arts
Hybrid martial arts combine elements from both striking and grappling disciplines, making them versatile and effective in various combat scenarios. These types of martial arts are particularly popular in modern martial arts competitions, including MMA, where fighters need to be well-rounded to succeed.
- Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): Perhaps the most well-known hybrid martial art today, MMA blends striking, wrestling, and submission grappling into one cohesive style. Practitioners of MMA must learn to fight both on their feet and on the ground, making it one of the most demanding and comprehensive combat sports. Popularised by promotions such as the UFC, MMA fighters must master multiple martial arts disciplines to become proficient inside the cage.
- Jeet Kune Do: Developed by Bruce Lee, Jeet Kune Do is a philosophy and martial art that advocates for the use of techniques from various fighting styles. It is based on the principle of “using no way as way” and “having no limitation as limitation,” meaning practitioners should adapt and borrow techniques from other arts, based on their individual strengths and the situation at hand.
- Sambo: Originating from Russia, Sambo is a hybrid martial art combining elements of Judo, wrestling, and striking. It’s particularly well-known for its aggressive throws, leg locks, and self-defence techniques. Combat Sambo, the sport’s more competitive form, also includes striking.
Hybrid martial arts offer practitioners the ability to adapt to any situation, providing a balance between striking and grappling for maximum effectiveness.
Traditional Martial Arts
Traditional martial arts have been practised for centuries and often incorporate a strong philosophical or spiritual component. These types of martial arts are typically more than just combat techniques—they’re also ways of life that promote discipline, respect, and self-improvement.
- Kung Fu: One of the oldest martial arts, Kung Fu originated in China and encompasses a wide range of styles, from the fluid movements of Wing Chun to the animal-inspired forms of Shaolin Kung Fu. Known for its focus on internal and external strength, Kung Fu also emphasises mindfulness and spiritual growth.
- Taekwondo: Originating from Korea, Taekwondo is known for its powerful, high-flying kicks. It combines self-defence techniques with an emphasis on respect and discipline. Taekwondo also has a strong Olympic presence, with its competitive form focusing on point-based sparring.
- Aikido: A Japanese martial art focused on blending with an opponent’s movement and redirecting their force, rather than meeting aggression with aggression. Aikido is known for its fluid, circular movements and joint-lock techniques, making it a less combative and more defensive martial art compared to others.
These traditional martial arts may not be as prevalent in modern combat sports, but they hold immense cultural and historical significance, offering a holistic approach to self-defence and personal growth.
Choosing the Right Martial Art for You
With so many types of martial arts to choose from, deciding which one to pursue can be daunting. Consider what you want to achieve—whether it’s fitness, self-defence, competition, or personal growth. Striking arts like boxing or Muay Thai may suit those who enjoy high-energy, fast-paced training. If you prefer grappling and ground control, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Judo may be more appealing. Those looking for a balance of striking and grappling might gravitate toward MMA or Sambo. Ultimately, the best martial art is the one that aligns with your personal goals and keeps you motivated.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of martial arts is the first step in finding the style that suits you best. From the dynamic strikes of Muay Thai and Karate to the intricate grappling of BJJ and Judo, each martial art offers unique benefits. Whether you’re looking to improve fitness, learn self-defence, or compete at a high level, martial arts provide a diverse array of disciplines to choose from. Explore different styles, try a few classes, and find the martial art that resonates with your goals and personality.