Here is a glossary for all of the different martial arts and combat sports! This should help provide you with some insight into what they are all about.
| Name | Origin | Description |
| Aiki Jujutsu | Japan | Aiki Jujutsu is a martial art that uses an opponent's energy against them. It is a Japanese form of self-defense that does not rely on brute strength. Aiki Jujutsu practitioners seek to control and redirect the energy of their attacker |
| Aikido | Japan | Aikido is a Japanese martial art that uses an opponent's movements against them, rather than brute force. It can be used for self-defense or in competition. Aikido is considered a non-aggressive martial art because it does not emphasize punches or kicks, but instead focuses on redirecting an attacker's energy. |
| Bando | Myanmar (Burma) | It is a form of hard style martial arts. Bando practitioners use a wide variety of techniques including punches, kicks, elbow and knee strikes, throws and joint locks. Many of the techniques are similar to those found in other hard style martial arts such as karate, muay Thai, and taekwondo. Bando is a traditional martial art that combines elements of striking, grappling, and weapons techniques. It originated in Myanmar (Burma) and is a form of hard style martial arts. Bando practitioners use punches, kicks, elbow and knee strikes, throws and joint locks. |
| Bartitsu | UK | Bartitsu is a martial art that was developed in the late 19th and early 20th century. It combines elements of boxing, wrestling, savate and stick fighting. Bartitsu originated in the UK. |
| Bojutsu | Japan | It is a martial art that uses a long staff as its main weapon. It is a Japanese style of fighting that is based on using the Bo staff to jab, strike and block your opponent. |
| Boxing | Worldwide | Boxing is a combat sport that involves two participants using their fists to hit each other. It originated in the ancient world and has been practiced throughout history. Today, boxing is a popular sport with many fans around the world. |
| Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Brazil | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that emphasizes ground fighting and submission holds. It was created in Brazil by the Gracie family. BJJ is known for its effectiveness in Mixed Martial Arts competitions. |
| Bujutsu | Japan | Bujutsu is a term that refers to traditional Japanese martial arts. It includes Kendo and Iaido and originated in Japan. |
| Capoeira | Brazil | Capoeira is a martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music. It is known for its quick and complex maneuvers, often involving hands on the ground and inverted kicks. Capoeira was developed in Brazil by slaves who were brought from Africa. |
| Eskrima | Philippines | It is a martial art that emphasizes the use of weapons such as sticks, knives, and swords. It originated in the Philippines. Eskrima is known for its effectiveness in close-quarter combat. |
| Fencing | Worldwide | Fencing is a sport that has been around for centuries. It involves two participants using swords or other bladed weapons to hit each other. The objective of the game is to score points by hitting your opponent with your weapon. |
| Gatka | India | Gatka is a martial art that uses the traditional Indian sword and shield. It emphasizes speed, agility, and precision. Gatka originated in India and is used for self-defense, as well as for sport. |
| Hapkido | Korea | Hapkido is a modern martial art that emphasizes joint locks, throws, and pressure points. It was developed in Korea and is now practiced all over the world. This martial art is unique because it can be used for self-defense, competition, and sport. |
| Iaido | Japan | Iaido is a Japanese martial art that focuses on proper drawing and striking techniques with a sword. Iaido practitioners learn to respond instantly to an attack and draw their swords with lightning speed to strike their opponents down. The art originated in Japan and has been passed down through the generations, with each master teaching his students the secrets of Iaido. |
| Jeet Kune Do | China | Jeet Kune Do is a martial art that emphasizes simplicity and directness. It was developed by Bruce Lee, and originated in China. Jeet Kune Do is based on the idea that the best defense is a strong offense, and aims to end a fight as quickly as possible. |
| Judo | Japan | Judo is a martial art that was created in Japan. It's main focus is on throws, pins, and submissions. Judo is an Olympic sport, and is practiced by people all around the world. |
| Jujutsu | Japan | The term Jujutsu can be translated to "gentle or supple art". It is a system that uses an opponents own energy and weight against them. The goal of Jujutsu is to subdue or control an opponent without causing serious injury. |
| Kalaripayattu | India | It is a form of self-defense that includes strikes, kicks and weapons techniques. Kalaripayattu is a martial art that emphasizes strikes, kicks and weapons techniques. It originated in the southern Indian state of Kerala and is a form of self-defense. Kalaripayattu includes strikes, kicks and weapons techniques in order to defend oneself. |
| Kapu Kuialua | Hawaii | Kapu Kuialua is a martial art that was created in Hawaii. It is a unique fighting style that combines elements of striking, grappling, and weapons techniques. Kapu Kuialua is an excellent way to learn self-defense and stay in shape. |
| Karate | Japan | Karate is a martial art that uses punches, kicks, and strikes with the hands and feet. It originated in Japan and is now practiced all over the world. People of all ages can learn karate and benefit from its discipline and self-defense techniques. |
| Kendo | Japan | It is a martial art that emphasizes the use of a bamboo sword and protective armor. It originated in Japan and is used for sport as well as self-defense. The swordsman, or kendoka, uses the sword to strike their opponent with precision and accuracy. The goal is to strike specific areas on the body, such as the head or hands. |
| Kobudo | Japan | Kobudo is a martial art that uses traditional weapons such as the Bo staff, Nunchaku, and sai. It originated in Japan and emphasizes the use of these weapons. |
| Krabi-Krabong | Thailand | Krabi-Krabong is a martial art that emphasizes the use of weapons such as swords, staffs, and knives. It originated in Thailand and is still practiced there today. Krabi-Krabong is a unique martial art in that it focuses on using weapons rather than fists or feet to defeat an opponent. |
| Krav Maga | Israel | Krav Maga is a martial art that was developed for military and self-defense purposes. It emphasizes practical fighting techniques, and it originated in Israel. |
| Kung Fu | China | Kung Fu is a martial art that originated in China. The term Kung Fu can be used to refer to any of the Chinese Martial Arts styles. Kung Fu styles are characterized by their focus on striking and grappling, as well as their use of traditional Chinese weapons. |
| Kyudo | Japan | Kyudo is a martial art that emphasizes the use of the traditional Japanese longbow. It is unique among martial arts, as it places great emphasis on form and technique over brute strength. Kyudo practitioners believe that the act of shooting an arrow is a metaphor for leading a virtuous life. |
| Lama Pai | China | Lama Pai is a martial art that emphasizes internal power and spiritual development. It is a system of exercises and techniques that helps to improve one's health and well-being, as well as providing self-defense skills. Lama Pai also has a strong emphasis on morality, ethics, and character development, making it not only an excellent choice for those interested in martial arts, but also for those seeking to improve themselves both physically and spiritually. |
| Lathi | India | Lathi is a martial art that uses a long stick as a weapon. It originated in India and is still practiced there today. Lathi can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes, making it a well-rounded form of self-defense. |
| Lathi Khela | Bangladesh | Lathi Khela is a martial art that emphasizes the use of the Lathi stick as a weapon. It originated in Bangladesh and is still practiced there today. The Lathi stick is about four feet long and made of bamboo. It is used to strike an opponent on the head, shoulders, or legs. |
| Lerdrit | Thailand | Lerdrit is a martial art that emphasizes strikes, kicks, and weapons techniques. It originated in Thailand and is the military martial art of the Thai Army. |
| Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) | Worldwide | Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is a full-contact combat sport that allows for techniques from various martial arts forms, such as boxing, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It originated in the early 1900s and has since become popular worldwide. |
| Mok Gar | China | Mok Gar is a martial art that emphasizes the use of low stances and leg techniques. It is a southern Chinese martial art, which means it likely originated in Guangdong or Fujian provinces. The 'Gar' in Mok Gar comes from the Cantonese word for 'knee'. |
| Muay Thai | Thailand | Muay Thai is a martial art that emphasizes the use of the hands, feet, elbows, and knees for striking. It originated in Thailand and is also known as "The Art of Eight Limbs" because it makes use of punches, kicks, elbows and knees- making it unique from other martial arts. Muay Thai practitioners are known for their strong legs which they use to deliver bone crushing kicks to their opponents. |
| Ninjutsu | Japan | Ninjutsu is a martial art that emphasizes stealth and unconventional warfare techniques. It was created in Japan and is still practiced there today. Ninjas were specially trained warriors who used their skills to serve their lord or daimyo during feudal times in Japan. |
| Pankration | Greece | Pankration is a martial art that was created in ancient Greece. It combines the elements of boxing and wrestling, and was even featured as part of the Olympic Games back then. Nowadays, it's still practiced by people all over the world who appreciate its unique style. |
| Pencak Silat | Indonesia | Pencak Silat is a martial art that emphasizes strikes, kicks, and weapons techniques. It is unique to the Malay Archipelago, and has roots in Indonesia. The fighting style is known for its quick and powerful movements, which can be used to take down an opponent quickly and efficiently. |
| Quan Fa | China | Quan Fa is a martial art that emphasizes the use of fists, strikes, and kicks. It originated in China and has been practiced for centuries. Quan Fa practitioners believe that the best way to defend oneself is to strike first and strike hard. |
| Sambo | Russia | Sambo is a martial art that combines elements of judo and wrestling. It is a system that was developed with the intention of being practical, efficient, and devastating. Sambo practitioners train to be able to defend themselves in any situation, against any opponent, armed or unarmed. |
| Sanshou | China | Sanshou is a martial art that combines elements of Sanda and Shuai Jiao. It emphasizes the use of strikes, kicks, and throws. Sanshou originated in China. |
| Shinkendo | Japan | It is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes the use of the sword. Shinkendo was developed by Obata Toshishiro and it originated in Japan. |
| Shooto | Japan | Shooto is a dynamic and versatile martial art that incorporates elements of wrestling, judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is an exciting fighting style that will keep you on your toes and leave your opponent guessing. Shooto is a great choice for anyone looking for a well-rounded martial arts experience. |
| Shorinji Kempo | Japan | Shorinji Kempo is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes striking, grappling, and weapons techniques. It was founded in 1947 by So Doshin and has since spread to over 50 countries. The main goal of the art is to train the mind and body to work together in harmony. |
| Shuai Jiao | China | Shuai Jiao is a martial art that emphasizes the use of throws and joint locks. It originated in China and is one of the oldest martial arts in existence. Shuai Jiao practitioners use their opponent's momentum to their advantage, making it an effective form of self-defense. |
| Sikaran | Philippines | Sikaran is a martial art that emphasizes fast and powerful kicks. It is a close-quarters combat system that was developed in the Philippines. Sikaran uses quick, explosive movements to take down an opponent. |
| Silat | Southeast Asia | it is a form of self-defense that uses punches, kicks, and weapons. Silat is a group of martial arts that originated in the Malay Archipelago. It emphasizes strikes, kicks, and weapon techniques. Silat is a form of self-defense that uses punches, kicks, and weapons to defend yourself. |
| Sumo | Japan | In Sumo, two participants face each other in a ring and try to push each other out. The sport originates from Japan and is still popular there today. |
| Systema | Russia | Systema is a fluid and natural martial art that emphasizes movement and breath control. It is an ancient practice that originated in Russia and can include elements of striking, grappling, and weapons techniques. Systema provides practitioners with a unique way to defend themselves and build strength, flexibility, and coordination. |
| Taekwondo | Korea | Taekwondo is a dynamic and exciting martial art that emphasizes fast, powerful kicks. It is the national sport of Korea and has become popular all over the world. |
| Tai Chi | China | Tai Chi is a martial art that emphasizes slow, flowing movements. It helps with your health and is also used for meditation purposes. Tai Chi originated in China and has been around for many years. |
| Thang-Ta | India | Thang-Ta is a martial art that primarily uses swords, spears, and other weapons. It originated in India and has since been adapted by many cultures. Thang-Ta is an incredibly versatile form of combat that can be used in both offense and defense. |
| Vale Tudo | Brazil | Vale Tudo is a full-contact combat sport that has few rules, allowing for a combination of techniques from various martial arts forms. It originated in Brazil and has since become popular all over the world. |
| Wing Chun | China | It is a close-range combat system that was designed to be used by people of all sizes. It is based on the principle of using an attackers own energy against them. Wing Chun is considered to be one of the most effective martial arts in the world. |
| Wrestling | Worldwide | Wrestling is a combat sport that involves two participants trying to gain control over each other by grappling and holding. It requires split-second decisions, immense strength, and unmatched agility. It originated in Worldwide and has been enjoyed by people of all cultures for centuries. |
| Yabusame | Japan | Yabusame is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes horseback archery. It is said to have originated in the 12th century, during the Kamakura period. Yabusame was originally used as a form of ritual purification, but later became a popular sport and method of training for samurai warriors. |
| Yagyu Shinkage-ryu | Japan | Shinkage-ryu is a martial art that was developed by the Yagyu clan. It emphasizes the use of the sword and originated in Japan. This fighting style uses quick and powerful strikes to take down opponents. |
| Yaw-Yan | Philippines | yaw-yan is a martial art that emphasizes speed and power in your kicks. It was created in the Philippines and is unique to that region. The style is characterized by its strong and fast kicks, which makes it a popular choice for self-defense and competition. |
| Zui Quan | China | Zui Quan is a martial art that emphasizes unpredictable and unorthodox movements. It originated in China and is also known as "Drunken Fist." Zui Quan practitioners strive to imitate the actions of a drunk person, including staggering and falling down. |