Martial arts are structured combat techniques developed for self- defense, military training and also for street fights. Most of these artforms are developed in Asia. They focus both on physical and psychological development.
Most of these fighting techniques have centuries of history while there are some which are relatively new. Four popular forms of martial arts are discussed here.
1. Kalaripayattu
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| Source: Medium.com |
Kalaripayattu is a 3000 years old, lethal form of fighting which makes it the oldest surviving martial art in India. The art form originated in present day Kerala.
History
Legend says that, Parashurama, the 6th avatar of Lord Vishnu’s Dasavatara, has created the art shortly after bringing Kerala out from the ocean. The art is even mentioned in the Vedas.
Other theories suggest that certain tribal groups inhabiting ancient Kerala founded Kalaripayattu in order to defend themselves against threats from other groups, like the Thiyyar of the Malabar region.
An interesting feature about Kalari warriors is that, they are trained to use very light, and basic body armor, to allow more mobility and flexibility. Some of the techniques that enhance flexibility in Kalari are also used in Keralite dance forms such as Kathakali.
Features
Kalaripayattu is considered to be one of the most comprehensive art forms because it involves both physical training and self-defensive techniques with and without the use of weapons.
It also includes treatment using the ayurvedic principles and a philosophy based on India’s Vedic culture. All these features make it the most unique from of martial art.
Popularity
This centuries old artform has been featured several times in Indian and International movies like The Myth, Padmaavat, Urumi, etc.
In 2017, Sri Meenakshi Amma, a 73 year old gurukkal (instructor) from Kerala, was awarded the Padma Sri by the Government of India for her contributions to the preservation of Kalaripayattu.
2. Taekwondo
Legend says that, Parashurama, the 6th avatar of Lord Vishnu’s Dasavatara, has created the art shortly after bringing Kerala out from the ocean. The art is even mentioned in the Vedas.
Other theories suggest that certain tribal groups inhabiting ancient Kerala founded Kalaripayattu in order to defend themselves against threats from other groups, like the Thiyyar of the Malabar region.
An interesting feature about Kalari warriors is that, they are trained to use very light, and basic body armor, to allow more mobility and flexibility. Some of the techniques that enhance flexibility in Kalari are also used in Keralite dance forms such as Kathakali.
Features
Kalaripayattu is considered to be one of the most comprehensive art forms because it involves both physical training and self-defensive techniques with and without the use of weapons.
It also includes treatment using the ayurvedic principles and a philosophy based on India’s Vedic culture. All these features make it the most unique from of martial art.
Popularity
This centuries old artform has been featured several times in Indian and International movies like The Myth, Padmaavat, Urumi, etc.
In 2017, Sri Meenakshi Amma, a 73 year old gurukkal (instructor) from Kerala, was awarded the Padma Sri by the Government of India for her contributions to the preservation of Kalaripayattu.
2. Taekwondo
The word Taekwondo springs from Korean words Tae meaning foot, Kwon meaning fist and Do meaning discipline. It is a combative sport developed by Korean martial artists in 1940s. Today, it has gained international popularity and is also included in the official Olympic games.
History
In 1945, shortly after Japan’s decolonization of Korea, new martial arts schools called Kwans started opening in Seoul. These schools were established by Korean martial artists who were mainly familiar with Japanese and Chinese martial arts.
Indigenous disciplines, like Taekkyeon, have mostly been forgotten by then because of years of Japanese repression. In 1952, South Korean President Syngman Rhee attended a martial arts demonstration by some infantry officers.
He noticed that a unified martial arts system can be introduced to the military which will help to promote nationalistic spirit. The leaders of the Kwans then began discussing the possibility of creating a unified Korean martial art.
Their efforts led to development of Taekwondo. In 1959, the Korea Taekwondo Association or KTA was established to facilitate the sport.
Features
Taekwondo is very different from other Asian martial artforms. Physically it is very rigorous with brisk movements that include a mirage of foot skills. It particularly emphasizes on head-high kicks, jumping, spinning and fast kicking techniques.
In philosophical sense, Taekwondo can be denoted as unity, i.e., unity of mind and body. When you do Taekwondo, you should ensure that your mind is peaceful and synchronize it with your movements.
One should be able to extend this harmony to his life and society.
Popularity
It is no surprise that Korea, being the country that introduced Taekwondo to the world, has dominated at most major Taekwondo championships across the globe.
South Korea has won a grand total of 232 medals in International championships since its advent. Spain, the second country to win most medals, is lagging far behind South Korea with only 109 medals.
Kung Fu is Chinese martial artform. It is also known as wushu and quanfa. When we look at word meanings, kung fu refers to any skill that is achieved through hard work and practice.
History
There are several forms of kung fu like Shaolin Kung Fu, Wing Chun, Tai chi, etc. that are practiced extensively across the world. Although most of these Chinese artforms predate kung fu, there are theories that say that kung fu has originated outside of China.
Many ancient manuscripts of the 5th to 6th century credit a Buddhist monk called Bodhidharma for establishing Kung Fu. It is said that he designed these exercises to help his disciples gain control over their body and improve in meditation.
Popularity
Being a popular combat sport, kickboxing has also been included in cinema plots. Chok Dee: The Kickboxer, The King of Kick Boxers, American Shaolin are some on the greatest Kickboxing movies of all time.
Written by - Saija Bhumireddy
Edited by - Sandhya R
History
In 1945, shortly after Japan’s decolonization of Korea, new martial arts schools called Kwans started opening in Seoul. These schools were established by Korean martial artists who were mainly familiar with Japanese and Chinese martial arts.
Indigenous disciplines, like Taekkyeon, have mostly been forgotten by then because of years of Japanese repression. In 1952, South Korean President Syngman Rhee attended a martial arts demonstration by some infantry officers.
He noticed that a unified martial arts system can be introduced to the military which will help to promote nationalistic spirit. The leaders of the Kwans then began discussing the possibility of creating a unified Korean martial art.
Their efforts led to development of Taekwondo. In 1959, the Korea Taekwondo Association or KTA was established to facilitate the sport.
Features
Taekwondo is very different from other Asian martial artforms. Physically it is very rigorous with brisk movements that include a mirage of foot skills. It particularly emphasizes on head-high kicks, jumping, spinning and fast kicking techniques.
In philosophical sense, Taekwondo can be denoted as unity, i.e., unity of mind and body. When you do Taekwondo, you should ensure that your mind is peaceful and synchronize it with your movements.
One should be able to extend this harmony to his life and society.
Popularity
It is no surprise that Korea, being the country that introduced Taekwondo to the world, has dominated at most major Taekwondo championships across the globe.
South Korea has won a grand total of 232 medals in International championships since its advent. Spain, the second country to win most medals, is lagging far behind South Korea with only 109 medals.
3. Kung Fu
Kung Fu is Chinese martial artform. It is also known as wushu and quanfa. When we look at word meanings, kung fu refers to any skill that is achieved through hard work and practice.
History
There are several forms of kung fu like Shaolin Kung Fu, Wing Chun, Tai chi, etc. that are practiced extensively across the world. Although most of these Chinese artforms predate kung fu, there are theories that say that kung fu has originated outside of China.
Many ancient manuscripts of the 5th to 6th century credit a Buddhist monk called Bodhidharma for establishing Kung Fu. It is said that he designed these exercises to help his disciples gain control over their body and improve in meditation.
Bodhidharma is believed to have travelled from Kancheepuram in India to Southern China. He also established the first Shaolin monastery in China during that period.
Popularity
Kung Fu and other Chinese martial arts have attracted huge volumes audiences across the world. There is a genre of films known as Kung Fu films. Actors like Jet Li and Jackie Chan have gained phenomenal fan base in Hollywood too, by adding comedy and some dramatic aspects to their action movies.
4. Kick Boxing
Popularity
Kung Fu and other Chinese martial arts have attracted huge volumes audiences across the world. There is a genre of films known as Kung Fu films. Actors like Jet Li and Jackie Chan have gained phenomenal fan base in Hollywood too, by adding comedy and some dramatic aspects to their action movies.
4. Kick Boxing
Kick Boxing is a hybrid form of Japanese martial art which includes punching and kicking. It has aspects adopted from Karate, Muay Thai and Western Boxing.
History
In early 13th and 14th centuries, the Siamese soldiers of Thailand practiced a kind of boxing known as Muay Boran. It subsequently evolved as a combat system.
In 20th century, Osamu Noguchi, a Japanese boxing expert came across the traditional Japanese art of Muay Thai. After studying Muay Thai, he set to combine it with full contact techniques of Karate and boxing, which eventually led to present day’s Kickboxing.
In 1966, the first Kickboxing sanctioning body, called The Kickboxing Association, was founded in Japan.
Features
Kickboxing has a lot of benefits. First and foremost, you need to do immense amounts of cardio which builds stamina. A ton of conditioning is also needed so you can learn to take a hit.
Another good thing about Kickboxing is that you learn to take a punch to the face. Getting the habit of being punched in the face is a pretty good one as you will be a whole lot more careful when fighting.
History
In early 13th and 14th centuries, the Siamese soldiers of Thailand practiced a kind of boxing known as Muay Boran. It subsequently evolved as a combat system.
In 20th century, Osamu Noguchi, a Japanese boxing expert came across the traditional Japanese art of Muay Thai. After studying Muay Thai, he set to combine it with full contact techniques of Karate and boxing, which eventually led to present day’s Kickboxing.
In 1966, the first Kickboxing sanctioning body, called The Kickboxing Association, was founded in Japan.
Features
Kickboxing has a lot of benefits. First and foremost, you need to do immense amounts of cardio which builds stamina. A ton of conditioning is also needed so you can learn to take a hit.
Another good thing about Kickboxing is that you learn to take a punch to the face. Getting the habit of being punched in the face is a pretty good one as you will be a whole lot more careful when fighting.
You learn great and powerful techniques from clinches to elbows to knees to kicks to punches you will feel awesome doing these techniques.
Popularity
Being a popular combat sport, kickboxing has also been included in cinema plots. Chok Dee: The Kickboxer, The King of Kick Boxers, American Shaolin are some on the greatest Kickboxing movies of all time.
Written by - Saija Bhumireddy
Edited by - Sandhya R
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