Martial arts has various purposes ranging from being used as a self-defence mechanism to preserving cultural heritage. There are many different styles and forms of martial arts which vary according to country, region and tradition.
While most martial arts are unarmed combat sports, it requires strict discipline and perseverance for one to master it. Some of the renowned forms of martial arts are Karate, Muay Thai, Wushu and many more.
With globalisation, martial arts is gaining popularity around the world. It is not only being incorporated in military training and law enforcement but also used to enhance physical, mental and spiritual development. Many even use it as a workout to keep fit. There are plenty of resources to learn martial arts these days thanks to the evolution of technology where almost any information can be found online.
It has gained so much support and attention globally that some forms of martial arts have turned into competitive sports and are a part of the Olympics such as Boxing, Judo and Taekwondo with many fans and followers. It has also made its way to the TV screens through movies featuring martial arts like Ip man showcasing Wing Chun and Ong bak exhibiting Muay Thai featuring famous martial artists like Tony Jaa and Bruce Lee.
In this article, we share a list of some of the unique martial arts disciplines from Asia, Africa and Australia.
Kung Fu
Kung fu is a martial art that needs no further introduction due to its popularity as it has been featured in many famous movies. For example, Kung fu hustle and crouching tiger, hidden dragon, incorporate the many different styles of Kung fu, which has even encouraged people from various parts of the world to learn it.
Even though it is a well-known martial art form, there is a common misconception by many that the term Kung fu describes a single martial art like Judo or Aikido. Kung fu which means “achievement through great effort,” is a general term that represents hundreds of styles of Chinese martial arts.
There are various styles of Kung fu such as Long Fist, Eagle Claw, Wing Chun, Hung Gar, and many more. It is not only considered a self-defence technique when someone is in danger but also an art form that incorporates various beautiful movements. The holistic nature of this martial art and the self-discipline instilled in its practitioners set Kung fu apart from other types of martial arts.
The theory of Kung fu is based on classical Chinese philosophy and has a long history. Though, the exact history of the origins of Kung fu is difficult to trace as there are no clear written records of it. Most people attribute the start of Kung fu to the Shaolin temple but some argue that it has been around even before the existence of the temple. The Shaolin monks introduced the more modern version of Kung fu that we know today.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a martial art originating from Korea. Its name is derived from three words namely tae, kwon, and do. Tae can be interpreted as kicking, kick technique, or crushing with the feet. Kwon means hand or fist, while Do means art or way. In simple terms, taekwondo is a martial art where strength lies in kicking and boxing.
This Korean martial art which combines sports and exercise was introduced worldwide by General Choi Hong Hi, a South Korean military commander. It combines taekkyeon, Okinawan karate, and other types of martial arts. This is a sport that places great emphasis on speed and competition. It allows the opponent to use hands, feet, and pure speed if they find themselves in an unarmed combat situation. You use your strength, survival skills and speed to win over even the most formidable opponents.
It not only teaches its members about physical combat skills but also teaches the value of discipline that forms the identity of its practitioners. Today, taekwondo has emerged as a global sports body that has gained an international reputation and stands alongside other official sports, especially at the Olympic Games.
Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu or Kalari is an ancient martial art from Kerala in Southern India which was considered very dangerous in the past. It was banned during the British colonialism period in India, out of the fear of revolution and rebellion using this martial art against the British empire.
The word kalarippayattu is a combination of two words, namely 'Kalari' (land or teaching place) and 'Payattu' (fighting or combat). It has two distinct styles which are Vadakkan (Northern) style and Thekkan (Southern) style. The Vadakkan style is known for its graceful body movements and use of weapons while the Thekkan style is distinguished by its powerful movements, pressure point strikes and free-armed techniques.
This martial art requires a high level of discipline and hard work in its training. The practice of Kalaripayattu can be broadly divided into four stages which are Maithari (body control exercises), Kolthari (the practice of wooden weapons), Ankathari (the practice of metal weapons) and Verumkai (bare hand fighting techniques).
This martial art also incorporates in training its practitioners in treatment with traditional medicines. This is a healing system based on the knowledge of the vital spots in the body known as Marmas which can also be used in combat.
The training of Kalaripayattu also includes training students in ayurveda (ancient Indian medicine and healing system) and in locating the 108 vital points of the body, known as marma, which could be used in combat.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a martial art of Thai origin, considered by many to be violent because it involves all parts of the body and almost everything is allowed. It is known as the art of eight limbs, referring to the eight points of contact that are used to strike the opponent. As it allows the use of both elbows, knees, fists and feet. This art is very similar to kickboxing, but unlike kickboxing, it uses more parts of the body during the fight.
Therefore, it provides great toning and muscle development and improves the flexibility and strength of the whole body. It also helps with weight loss as these exercises are intense and demanding for the body.
Muay Thai training involves great physical preparation, including fitness exercises such as running, push-ups and sit-ups and stretching to improve flexibility. Another unique element of Muay Thai is the hip rotation to deliver powerful punches and kicks.
This martial art which is also popularized by movies such as "Ong Bak" and martial arts events, has now become a choice for people of all groups as a form of physical exercise as well as for self-defence. Today, Muay Thai is a national sport in Thailand.
Coreeda
Coreeda is an Aboriginal form of wrestling and it's claimed that it's one of the oldest sports in the world. This Aboriginal fight was recorded 30,000 years ago on the walls of a cave at Mount Grenfell Historic Site, near Cobar.
The word Coreeda carries the meaning “Kangaroo Spirit” in the language of the Ngiyampaa people of western New South Wales. The legend of how this martial art came about is based on a dream story of a lizard man called Beereun, who was told by a giant snake to watch the Kangaroo buck so he could learn how to fight without using weapons. He then took what he learned back to his tribe.
This way, the style of Coreeda is from boxing Kangaroos where fighters use only their arms to grapple with their opponents. Modern Coreeda started being taught in 1998 and is still being taught by the Coreeda Association.
Silat
Silat is one of the martial arts of the Malay Archipelago that is famous all over the world and has been practised for a long time.
This knowledge of Silat is preserved and passed down to the younger generation by martial arts teachers who, according to folklore studies, are known as active carriers of the tradition. It was originally passed down within the royal household where the inheritors will improve upon the techniques which resulted in many styles and variations of the silat martial art.
In the classic Malay texts, there are records related to war and descriptions of war actions that are told in detail. The description of war techniques or the fight between Malay heroes is a description of Malay Silat which is more than 2000 years old. For example, the depiction of the fight between Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat in the Hikayat Hang Tuah is described in great detail.
Among the weapons used during Silat training in ancient times are keris (a weapon with a wavy blade), various knives, ropes and tongkat (tough wooden walking sticks) among others.
Do you want to learn martial arts but don’t know where to start? Are you unsure which type of martial arts you would like to pursue? You can check out Martial Arts in Europe, South America and North America for more options!
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