The list below consists of ten of the best martial arts for self-defense. If you are interested in choosing a single combat for the most effective defense, then you definitely need to read this rating to the end.
Kickboxing - combat sports which originated in the USA in the 1960s. It is based on punches and kicks along with martial arts techniques (sweeps, throws, etc.). It has quite a few branches, the most famous of which is Muay Thai - roughly translated as "the art of eight limbs."
Karate is a Japanese martial art that uses precision-guided powerful blows hands and feet applied to vital points of the body. This sport was invented in 1929 by Funakoshi Gichin under the influence of the ideas of Zen Buddhism. In Karate, special emphasis is placed on evasion.
In eighth place in the ranking of the best martial arts for self-defense is Aikido - a Japanese martial art, the peculiarity of which is the use of throws and grabs. It was founded by Morihei Ueshiba between the 30s and 60s of the 20th century. Aikido focuses on using the opponent's strength against himself. It is considered one of the most difficult Japanese martial arts to master.
Wing Chun is a Chinese martial art that uses a variety of martial techniques. It is for this reason that it is considered an applied direction of wushu. It is characterized by effective escapes from the line of attack, complemented by instant, straight-line attacks at very close range. Often the fight ends with knee and elbow strikes. An experienced fighter with the Wing Chun style is capable of inflicting up to eight blows per second on the enemy.
Jiu Jitsu is the most versatile style on this list. This is a real hybrid, which includes elements of wrestling, hard strikes, choke techniques, locks, etc. Jiu-jitsu belongs to one of the oldest types of Japanese wrestling. The main principle of jiu-jitsu is not to go into direct confrontation, but to yield to the onslaught of the opponent, directing his actions in the right direction until he is trapped, and then turn the strength and actions of the enemy against him.
Jeet Kune Do was created by Bruce Lee and translated from Chinese means "the way of the leading fist." Today, this style of martial arts is considered one of the most popular in the world. It is taught in many countries. However, Bruce Lee himself did not call Jeet Kune Do “style”, but preferred to call it “method”. According to his philosophy, the Jeet Kune Do method can be used in any kind of martial arts. Here the emphasis is on hitting speed and combination.
The fourth place in the list of the best martial arts for self-defense is boxing. I think that almost everyone knows that a boxer has the fastest, strongest and most accurate punch compared to a trained fighter with any other martial art.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art, which is an international combat sport, the basis of which is wrestling in the ground, as well as painful and suffocating techniques. This art is based on the principle that a person of an underdeveloped physique can successfully defend himself and defeat a more powerful opponent using the appropriate technique (painful holds and strangulation).
Keysi Fighting Method (KFM) is a self-defense system based on the development of human natural instincts and a number of techniques taken from the arsenal of boxing and street fighting. KFM is based on a small arsenal of techniques adapted to a specific situation. The system was created in 1957 by the Spaniard Justo Dieguez and the Englishman Andy Norman, both of whom are Jeet Kune Do instructors.
The best martial art for self-defense is Krav Maga, an Israeli martial art developed by Imi Lichtenfeld for self-defense purposes. In Krav Maga, there are no exact rules and there is no distinction between training for men and women. The system is not considered a sport, it does not have a specific dress code and competition, although some organizations, as they learn, award different levels and emblems. All techniques focus on maximum effectiveness under real-world conditions, as well as natural reflexes, simple movements and aggressive defensive techniques. The main principles of Krav Maga are: do not get injured, quickly neutralize the attacker, quickly switch from defensive to offensive techniques, use body reflexes, and vulnerabilities enemy, use any available item.
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It is still not clear which martial art is best for self-defense? Fencing? Well, walking around the doorways with a dull sword is not a good idea. Someone that only the gray-haired monk and a couple of hundred adepts around the world know about? Street fighting skills are also not always enough, because hooligans who decide to clean out your pockets most likely own them as well as you. So it is very difficult to say right away, probably everyone has their own opinion, for someone and boxing is enough. Therefore, it makes no sense to extol one martial art over others, instead we offer 7 highly effective martial arts, ideal for self-defense. Very short review and the right to choose at your own discretion.
Jujutsu
Country of origin: Japan
Also Known As: jujju
Nickname:"The art of softness"
Famous fighters: Ice-T
Jiu-jitsu history
Many of the modern and popular styles of martial arts, including judo, aikido and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, have their origins in classic Japanese jiu-jitsu.
By by and large, without jiu-jitsu, the fair of modern massacre would not be as we know it in its current form. It may seem to someone that the Jiu-Jitsu Federation paid us extra, but in fact, many martial arts would lose their effectiveness.
So, jiu-jitsu, or as they say in Japan, jujutsu was one of the fundamental methods of samurai combat training. Well, of course, if it comes to Japan, then the case, in one way or another, is connected with samurai, or with technology, or with geisha, or with very bad porn.
As you know, the equipment of a samurai made him a killing machine, but in battle anything can happen, and in frequent cases, when a warrior was left without a sword, dagger and bow, he had to fight with the last weapon that he had left - with his hands and feet, and more often everything, against an armed enemy.
The literal translation of "jujutsu" can be confusing. The Art of Softness ... are you serious !? Powerful and effective techniques, invented in order, if not to kill, then simply to lay down the enemy with bare hands, least of all give off softness.
Why is jiu-jitsu one of the best martial arts?
Jiu-jitsu is one of the most effective martial arts in the world because it harnesses the attacker's aggressiveness and impulse against himself. In fact, this is the art of counterattacking, self-defense in its purest form. For a shackled and orderly tired samurai, there was no point in throwing himself on the edge of a spear or sword, it was easier for him to kill the enemy with his own energy. In addition, punching and kicking armor is not entirely effective, but dodging, intercepting the blow and planting the enemy on his own weapon is quite useful.
The basic principle of jiu-jitsu is “not to go into direct confrontation in order to win”, not to resist, but to yield to the onslaught of the enemy, only directing his actions in the right direction until he is trapped, and then turn the strength and actions of the enemy against himself.
Jiu-jitsu fighting techniques are based on knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and psychophysiology, as well as on filigree technique, brought to automatism and nuances of strategy and tactics of conducting a duel. There is no place for all kinds of dance "pas" and techniques in the style of "cinema". The task is one: to destroy your enemy or enemies as quickly as possible, using any methods in your arsenal.
Taekwondo
Country of origin: Korea
Also Known As: Taekwondo, Taekwon
Nickname:"The path of the hand and fist"
Famous fighters: Barack Obama, Steven Seagal, Jessica Alba, Willie Nelson
Taekwondo history
Taekwondo is very closely intertwined with the history of Korea itself, and this is probably why in last years is developing as well as the southern neighbor of Kim Jong-un.
There were originally nine kwan (schools) in taekwondo that were recognized by the Government South Korea... Each school had its own unique style taekwondo. In 1955, nine kwan were combined into one that is commonly studied today. In order to describe the history of this art in more detail, a separate article will be needed, suffice it to say that all political events, including the notorious Korean War, had a strong impact on the appearance of martial arts.
Why is taekwondo one of the best martial arts?
When a fighter kicks quickly and briskly for one frame in films with high intensity martial arts, he is most likely using taekwondo. Actually, powerful high kicks, and make taekwondo so effective view martial arts.
The main charm of taekwondo is not only that one good blow legs can disable the opponent, but the fact that this martial art is extremely effective against several rivals. Unless, of course, they do not know taekwondo.
The word "taekwondo" is made up of three words: "te" - a leg, "kwon" - a fist (hand), "do" - art, the path of taekwondo, the path to improvement (the path of the hand and foot).
Taekwondo is the only martial arts on this list that is Olympic view sports. But Olympic restraint and fear of death did not make him less effective.
Krav Maga
Country of origin: Israel
Also Known As:"Contact battle"
Famous fighters: Eyal Yanilov
History of Krav Maga
Krav Maga has long been recognized as one of the best self-defense martial arts in the world. This type of martial arts owes its birth to the outstanding fighter Imi Lichtenfeld. He originally trained his fighting system in Bratislava to help defend the Jewish community from Nazi militias. He created a group of trained thugs with characteristic surnames and noses who, as best they could, defended the Jewish population from the growing, and at the same time very radical, manifestations of anti-Semitism.
After arriving in Palestine, Lichtenfeld began teaching hand-to-hand combat at the Haganah. After the formation of the State of Israel in 1948, he became the chief instructor in physical training and hand-to-hand combat at the Israel Defense Forces Combat Training School. Lichtenfeld served with the IDF until 1964, constantly developing and improving his system. After retirement, Krav Maga was adapted by him to civilian realities. In fact, Krav Maga is his brainchild.
Why is Krav Maga one of the best martial arts?
Krav Maga is designed to quickly neutralize the threat. The techniques are simple and often very dirty. However, the Jews did not have to choose. There is even a saying: "If the reception looks good and beautiful, then this is not Krav Maga."
There are three main principles of Krav Maga:
The most important thing is to neutralize the threat.
- Simultaneous defense and attack. Unlike many styles of martial arts, attacks and defense in Krav Maga are intertwined during the fight.
- All blocks are built to open up the opportunity for the fighter to counterattack.
All attacks by Krav Maga target vulnerable areas of the human body, such as the eyes, face, throat, neck, groin, and fingers. There is no place for ceremonies, philosophy and other nuances inherent in oriental martial arts. This art was created in order to quickly and painfully eliminate an opponent. That is why it was adopted by the Israel Defense Forces. The military does not need to bow, the military needs to be killed, or at least cut down.
It is a deadly fighting style that does not accept etiquette. It was born on the basis of fighting techniques of other martial arts, in street fights with Jewish pogromists with exactly one goal - to help the Jews survive. So if you need a simple and effective method to survive in real conditions, and not a beautiful solemn combat with your inner culture - then all the attention is on Krav Maga.
Aikido
Country of origin: Japan
Nickname:"The Way of Spiritual Harmony"
Famous fighters: Steven Segal, Matt Larsen
History of aikido
Aikido is not exclusively a combat system. The founder of aikido, the legendary Morihei Ueshiba, studied several areas of traditional ju-jutsu, ken-jutsu, as well as the art of calligraphy. On the basis of the knowledge gained, he formed his own system - Aikido - as opposed to the traditional bu-jutsu (the art of killing). Aikido - budo (the way to stop killing), teaches murderous techniques of bu-jutsu, not only with the aim of killing, but with the aim of stopping them, making a person strong, helping others, uniting all people on the basis of love. As they say, goodness should be with fists.
Ueshiba once said, "Controlling aggression without causing harm is the art of peace."
Aikido is also a highly spiritual martial art. The word aikido means "the way of the harmony of the spirit" ("Ai" means harmony, "ki" means spirit or energy, "do" means the way, way or way).
Why is aikido one of the best martial arts?
As a preface, aikido is one of the most difficult of all Japanese martial arts. If you want to quickly, in a short time, learn self-defense, then aikido is not your assistant here.
Aikido is a derivative of jujutsu, and in the same way focuses on merging with the opponent's attack, redirecting the attacker's energy and ending with a painful grip or throw. Aikido fighters use the aggression and momentum of the enemy to incapacitate him, or make his attacks useless.
However, one should not think that since mastering aikido takes a long time, and the style itself promotes peace and tranquility, there is little sense from it. It is one of the best martial arts for self defense.
Wing Chun
Country of origin: China
Also Known As: Wing Tsun
Nickname:"Singing Spring"
Famous fighters: Bruce Lee, Robert Downey Jr., Christian Bale
Wing Chun history
The history of Wing Chun is a mixture of facts and legends. Most boil down to the fact that it was developed in the 17th century as an offshoot of one of the more complex martial arts styles taught by the tough and die-hard Buddhist monks. There is talk of the nun Umei, who created a martial art capable of being effective regardless of size, weight or gender.
Why is Wing Chun one of the best martial arts?
As in other wushu techniques, it is based on the technique of "chi-sao" - "sticky hands", thanks to which the fighter learns to constantly be in contact with the enemy with his hands, to feel all his movements and to prevent him from carrying out his techniques. But Wing Chun fighters are fighting on short distance, where you can reach the opponent with your hand, or even better with your elbow. In order to break through to a sufficiently close distance, they use special types displacement. Kicking is used in conjunction with punching. Usually kicks in the knees of the opponent simultaneously with the attack with the hands on the upper level.
What the Wing Chun masters are really proud of is their balance between attack and defense, they can attack and defend at the same time. And real masters are famous for their ability to correctly choose a position, so competently that it is literally impossible to take them by surprise.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Country of origin: Japan / Brazil
Also Known As: Jiu Jitsu, Gracie Jiu Jitsu
Nickname:"Human Chess"
Famous fighters: Carlos Gracie, Helio Gracie, BJ Penn, Joe Rogan, Paul Walker, Michael Clarke Duncan
History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Like aikido, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an adapted version of Jiu Jitsu. Brazil is very fond of martial arts, and therefore with pleasure they developed the technique shown by the outstanding master of jiu-jitsu Mitsuyo Maeda during his visit to the sunny country.
The founders and creators of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (bjj) are the brothers Carlos and Helio Gracie. Carlos showed the knowledge he had received from Maeda to his numerous brothers, trying to teach Eastern wisdom to everyone except the frail and too young Helio. An annoyed boy who was already complexed by the fact that he was much younger and sicker than his brothers took and developed the basics of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This new style of martial arts allowed him to use leverage and choke rather than brute force to control combat.
But the real popularizer of the martial art was the son of Helio - Royce Gracie. Speaking in the UFC, with the help of road safety techniques, he easily laid opponents several times higher and heavier than himself. After the success of Royce, the popularity of road safety increased significantly.
Why is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu one of the best martial arts?
BJD is undoubtedly one of the most effective martial arts styles in the world. Nearly all MMA and UFC fighters have studied road safety extensively. The style teaches fighters to use leverage and proper weight distribution to defeat stronger opponents.
Leverage is the isolation of an adversary's limb to a specific body position, which forces the joint to move in a straight line (rotate on its axis) outside of its normal range of motion. With an increase in pressure on the limb, the opponent, who has not managed to avoid this position, surrenders. He may surrender verbally or pat the opponent several times (clapping on his own is dangerous because the opponent may not hear). Strangulation is used to disrupt the oxygen supply to the opponent's brain, which can cause him to become unconscious if he does not surrender soon enough. It is clear how dangerous it is, deadly dangerous species sports, therefore, in some countries, road safety sections and tournaments are not approved by law.
Muay Thai
Country of origin: Thailand
Also Known As: Thai boxing
Nickname:"The Art of Eight Limbs"
Famous Fighters: Tony Jaa
Muay thai history
Muay Thai is a Thai style of martial arts with very deep roots. National Thai fighting style, which is not only a sporting but also a cultural heritage of the country. The secrets of Muay Thai were passed down from older warriors and fathers to children, from generation to generation, and perhaps it was thanks to this traditional struggle that Thailand, surrounded by sworn enemies, managed to survive through the ages.
A cruel spectacle from which one could emerge either victorious or defeated. They fought to the death, in the truest sense of the word. It was impossible to give up - shame and contempt for life, so the defeated one left the battle either badly beaten or dead.
Over the years, only one thing has changed in Muay Thai - thanks to the introduction of glasses, it became unnecessary to die, but the combat itself did not become softer, deaths are also not uncommon.
Why is Muay Thai one of the best martial arts?
Muay Thai is not only one of the most effective martial arts in the world, it is also one of the best martial arts for self-defense. In modern Muay Thai, punches, feet, shins, elbows and knees can be pounded, which is why it is called the "eight-limb fight." Essentially, every part of the body turns into a weapon, a deadly weapon. The hands became daggers and sabers; elbows with clubs and hammers; the knees are like axes, and the shins and forearms protect the body like armor. There are many discouraging lethal strikes that have helped Muay Thai win a number of impressive victories over other martial arts. And to this day, this harsh single combat evokes sacred fear and admiration in all.
Martial arts - various systems of martial arts and self-defense of different, often East Asian origin; developed mainly as a means of hand-to-hand combat. Currently, they are practiced in many countries of the world mainly in the form sports exercise aiming at physical and conscious improvement.
Classification
Martial arts are subdivided into directions, types, styles and schools. There are both quite old martial arts and new ones.
- Martial arts are divided into wrestling, drums and oriental martial arts (includes not only the study of techniques, but also the philosophy of combat and life).
- With or without weapons. Martial arts with the use of weapons include: all types of shooting, throwing knives, darts, etc., knife and stick fighting, fencing (foil, saber), various oriental martial arts (for example, wushu, kung fu, kendo) using nunchaku, poles, sabers and swords. Unarmed martial arts include all others, in which only different parts of the arms, legs and head are used.
- Types of wrestling by country(national). Each nation has its own types of martial arts.
Let's consider the most famous of them.
- Japanese karate, ju-jutsu (ju-jitsu), judo, aikido, sumo, kendo, kudo, iaido, kobujutsu, nunchaku-jutsu, ninjutsu (a comprehensive system of training medieval Japanese spies, including hand-to-hand combat, disguise, learning ninja, methods etc.).
- Chinese wushu and kung fu. In addition, in China there are also various styles that imitate the behavior of animals, birds, insects, as well as a style that imitates the behavior of a drunk person ("drunkard" style).
- Korean hapkido, taekwondo (taekwondo).
- Thailand muay thai or Thai boxing.
- Russians sambo and Combat Sambo, hand-to-hand combat.
- European boxing, French boxing (savat), freestyle and Greco-Roman (classical) wrestling.
- Brazilian capoeira, jiu-jitsu.
- Israeli Krav Maga.
- Mixed kinds... MMA (mixfight), K-1, kickboxing, grappling are mixed types, techniques in which are taken from other martial arts and martial arts.
- Olympic types of single combats... Some of the types of wrestling, single combats and martial arts are included in the program Olympic Games... These include boxing, freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, judo, taekwondo, various types of shooting.
The difference between martial arts and martial arts
All sports martial arts differ from real martial arts in that they are always aimed at fighting one person (therefore they are called martial arts), who is always honest and a good athlete, and always acts within the framework of certain predetermined clearly agreed rules.
Also, in combat sports, there is most often a division by weight category, weapons, dastardly techniques and the effect of surprise are not used there, as well as techniques that can very seriously injure a person.
But naturally, in a real battle on the street, such excellent combat conditions are rare. There can be attacked by three of them, they can put a knife to the throat, or even strike from behind without warning in advance, so let's try to further discuss more effective and applied types of martial arts.
Aikido
This self-defense system was created by the master Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) based on one of the directions of jiu-jitsu. Certain aikido techniques were borrowed from the so-called Chinese wushu. soft styles, where the vector of application of force to the enemy coincides with the direction of movement of the enemy himself. The fundamental difference between aikido and other martial arts is the lack of offensive techniques. The main sequence of the fighter's actions boils down to grabbing the opponent's hand or wrist, throwing him to the ground and already here, with the help of a painful hold, finally neutralize. Aikido movements usually follow a circular path.
There are no competitions or championships in aikido. Nevertheless, it is very popular as the art of self-defense and quickly incapacitating the enemy. Like karate and judo, aikido is widespread outside Japan, including in Russia.
American kick boxing
Another type of boxing is "American kickboxing" according to the legend, its name and even the development of the fighting style is prescribed to the famous actor and of course multiple champion in kickboxing Chuck Noris. Kickboxing is translated almost literally as "Kicking and punching."
Because kickboxing has become a mixture of martial arts wushu, English boxing, muay thai, karate and taekwondo. Ideally, fights should take place at full strength and at all levels, that is, kicks and punches are allowed at full strength throughout the body. This allows kickboxers to become quite dangerous opponents both in the ring and outside it, but nevertheless, this is a sports system and it was not initially sharpened for street fighting.
English boxing and French boxing
Although that modern English boxing, which we know, since about 1882, was recognized in its former form as hazardous to health and began to be conducted according to the rules known today, which finally reduced its combat effectiveness. But after this time, a bunch of similar combat "boxing" systems from different countries of the world have become known.
Of the most famous types of boxing, the French boxing "Savat" was once generally one of the best street fighting systems in Europe.
Savat is European combat combat, also known as "French boxing", is characterized by effective technique punches, dynamic kick technique, mobility and subtle strategy. Savat has long history: this kind of martial art originated as a synthesis of the French school of street hand-to-hand combat and English boxing; in 1924 he was included in the Olympic Games in Paris as a demonstration sport.
Greco-Roman wrestling
Classic wrestling is a European type of martial arts in which two participants come together in a fight. The main task of each athlete is to put his opponent on his shoulder blades with the help of a number of different elements and techniques. The main difference Greco-Roman wrestling from other similar martial arts - this is a ban on the implementation of any techniques with feet (running boards, holds, sweeps, etc.). Also, you cannot do leg grabs.
Judo
Judo in translation from Japanese means "soft way". This is a modern combat sport originally from the Land of the Rising Sun. The main judo is throws, painful holds, restraint and strangulation. Judo is based on the principle of unity of mind and body and differs from other martial arts in less application physical strength when performing various technical actions.
Professor Jigoro Kano founded judo in 1882, in 1964 judo entered the program of the Summer Olympic Games. Judo is a codified sport in which the mind controls body movements, it has the most pronounced educational character in Olympic program... In addition to competitions, judo includes the study of technique, kata, self-defense, physical fitness and improving the spirit. Judo as a sports discipline is a modern and progressive form of physical activity. International Federation Judo (IJF) includes 200 subsidiaries national federations on five continents. More than 20 million people practice judo, a sport that perfectly combines education and physical activity... IJF organizes over 35 events annually.
Jujutsu
Jiu-jitsu is a general name used for a combat system that is almost impossible to describe clearly. This is hand-to-hand combat, in most cases, without the use of weapons, and only in some cases - with weapons. Jiu-jitsu techniques include kicking, punching, throwing, holding, blocking, choking and tying, as well as using certain types of weapons. Jiu-jitsu relies not on brute strength, but on dexterity and dexterity. Using minimal effort to achieve maximum effect... This principle allows anyone, regardless of their physical form or physique, control and use your energy most efficiently.
Capoeira
(Capoeira) - Afro-Brazilian national martial art, a synthesis of dance, acrobatics and games, all accompanied by national Brazilian music. According to the generally accepted version, capoeira originated in South America in the 17-18 centuries.
But nevertheless, experts still argue about the homeland and the time of the emergence of such a unique art. No one knows exactly where it came from, who was the founder of the ancient skill and, like capoeira, has achieved rapid popularity from century to century.
There are several main hypotheses for its origin:
- The African zebra dance, which was common among local tribes, became the prototype of the militant movements.
- Capoeira is a fusion of ancient cultures - Latin American and African dances.
- A slave dance that gradually developed into a martial art. It is associated with the landing of Europeans on the continent and the birth of the slave trade.
Karate
Karate ("the path of the empty hand") is a Japanese martial art that offers different ways of fighting with your hands and several techniques with the use of weapons, including edged weapons. In this single combat, grabs and throws are not used. The main principle is speed and speed, and the main task is to maintain the main stance for a long time. Therefore, first of all, balance plays a role in karate.
Kendo
During sports fights, fencers hold resilient bamboo swords, and special training armor covers their head, chest and arms. For purely executed strikes on certain parts of the opponent's body, the participants in the fight are awarded points.
Nowadays, kendo is not only popular view sports, but is also an integral part of physical education program Japanese schools.
Kobudo
The term "kobudo" in translation from Japanese means - "ancient military way". The original name is "kobujutsu" - "ancient martial arts (skills)". Under this term, the arts of possession of various types of eastern types of cold weapons are represented today.
Currently, there is a division of kobudo into two autonomous independent directions:
- Nihon-kobudo is a direction combining systems common on the main islands of Japan and using in their arsenal cold weapons of samurai origin and weapons from the ninjutsu arsenal.
- Kobudo (other names Ryukyu-kobudo and Okinawa-kobudo) is a direction that unites systems originating from the islands of the Ryukyu archipelago (modern Okinawa prefecture, Japan) using in the arsenal of tools (objects) of the peasant and fishing use of the inhabitants of these islands.
Sambo
Sambo belongs to the unique types of martial arts that have spread all over the world. It has become the only type of sports where international communication is held in Russian. There are two types of sambo, the first of which is combat, used to protect and disable the enemy. The second kind of this struggle is sports sambo, promotes the development of personal characteristics, temper the character and body, allows you to develop self-control and discipline.
Sumo
Sumo rules are very simple: to win, it is enough to either force the opponent to lose balance and touch the ring with any part of the body, except for the feet, or simply push him out of the ring. Usually the outcome of a fight is decided in a few seconds. The accompanying ceremonies can take much longer. The wrestlers are dressed only in a special loincloth.
In ancient times, sumo champions were venerated as saints; according to Japanese beliefs, the fighters, shaking the earth, not only make it more fertile, but also scare away evil spirits; Sumo wrestlers were sometimes hired to "drive disease" out of wealthy homes and even entire cities.
Therefore, such attention is paid to the weight of the wrestler (in sumo there is no weight categories). Since ancient times, a variety of diets and exercises have been preserved, which make it possible to most effectively gain Weight Limit... The age of professional wrestlers ranges between 18 and 35 years old. Most of the sumo champions become popular idols.
Thailand boxing
Muay Thai was developed as a military and army martial art, the fighters of which, with and without weapons, had to enter the personal guard of the king and actually confront entire armies of the outnumbered enemy on the battlefield.
But today, like the previous ones sports types martial arts, Muay Thai has undergone quite a lot of changes in the direction of sports, it has also changed a lot modern rules which have become much more loyal and made this super-tough and even deadly martial art an order of magnitude less effective.
Although in more closed schools and even sects, even outside Thailand, which also teach Thai boxing, there are still people teaching more effective forms of it.
Taekwondo (taekwondo, taekwondo)
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art. His characteristic feature is that the legs are used more actively in the fight than the arms. In taekwondo, both straight kicks and kicks with a turn can be applied with equal speed and force. The martial art of taekwondo is over 2000 years old. Since 1955, this single combat has been considered a sport.
Wushu
Literally translated as martial art. This is the general name for traditional Chinese martial arts, more often called kung fu or Chinese boxing in the west. There are many different directions, wushu, which are conventionally divided into external (waijia) and internal (neijia). Outside or tough styles suggest good sports uniform fighter and high expenditure of physical energy during training. Indoor or soft styles require a lot of focus and flexibility.
As a rule, the philosophical basis of external styles is Ch'an Buddhism, and internal ones - Taoism. The so-called monastic styles are traditionally external and originate from Buddhist monasteries, one of which is the famous Shaolin Monastery (founded about 500 BC), where the Shaolin Quan style was formed, which influenced the development of many styles of Japanese karate.
Which martial art to choose?
The choice of activities depends primarily on your preferences and physical features... Talitsa will help determine your body type and the appropriate type of struggle for this correspondence. Keep in mind, however, that only general guidelines are provided. Learning martial arts is a long process, during which your body will get used to, adapt to new conditions and gain experience in the martial arts that you choose.
Ectomorph
Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Chi Chuan)
This graceful non-offensive Chinese martial arts emphasizes stability, balance, balance and is ideal for thin people. A set of controlled, fluid movements will train all of your muscles to work together and in harmony. Do not confuse tai chi chuan and tai chi, which is offered in fitness clubs. Real schools are more challenging and allow their students to master many different types weapons, including a double-edged sword.
This Chinese style is also called kung fu. There are over 300 varieties of wushu. Of these, Wing Chun (yunchun, "eternal spring") is suitable for people with a lack of weight and size. This style allows a small, lighter person to defeat a larger opponent by affecting sensitive areas of the body that are not protected by muscles (eyes, throat, groin, knees and specific nerve points). No particular flexibility is required as most of the shots are delivered low (kneecaps or shins).
Taekwondo (taekwondo, taekwondo)
It is desirable for this Korean martial arts to be lean, light and loose, as it is best known for its vast variety of high impact kicks. This fighting style relies more on feet than fists. Strikes to the head are common, so you should at least be able to raise your leg to the same height as your opponent's face. In class, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will receive a couple of painful blows, but in general, contacts are not very violent. In addition, taekwondo learners do not only train in battles with each other, as it is a type of martial arts where breaking boards and bricks with hands and feet is part of the training regimen.
Mesomorph
Aikido
Aikido does not focus on exhausting punches and kicks. The main focus is on using the opponent's own energy against himself, in order to incapacitate him (using locks on the wrist or grab his hands) or knock him back. This style is easier for people with an athletic build, as most offensive movements are more effective when the muscles are well developed. Also, unlike most martial arts, which requires you to complete 10 ranks before getting a black belt, this Japanese martial arts only has 6 levels.
Kendo
A Japanese martial art that allows you to wield a bamboo sword, dress like a samurai, and repeatedly stab your opponent in the neck and head. It sounds menacing, but in this combat, the body is protected by armor, similar to knightly armor, which minimizes damage. Speed, strong shoulders and arms are essential attributes of sword fighters, so a lean, muscular physique is ideal.
Muay Thai (Thai boxing)
Thai martial art with full contact with the opponent. Instead of just using fists and legs, the opponent is hit with a series of punches to the elbows and knees. Most suitable for people of athletic build with developed muscles around the joints. Those wishing to master this type of martial arts should be prepared for early retirement, since serious practitioners have a rather short career (4-5 years maximum).
Endomorph
Judo
A Japanese martial art that aims to upset an opponent's balance and throw them onto the carpet. Stocky people have an advantage in him when performing defensive maneuvers, as the extra weight helps to stand more stable in the ring. The onset of breathlessness will not be a problem in the initial stages of training, which are devoted to improving grips, maneuvers, and how to fall correctly. To reach a more advanced level, you will need to develop endurance.
Karate
Based on a combination of cultures (with roots in both Japan and Okinawa), karate is also a mixture of different martial techniques. Students learn how to fight with hands, several techniques with the use of weapons, including nunchucks. Although grabs and throws are not used in this combat, stocky people benefit from a more solid and stable position, which gives more power to their punches and blocks. Most varieties of karate are worth choosing, but if you are afraid of pain then be careful with styles that include kenpo, kempo, American freestyle, full contact in the name.
Shorinji-kempo
This boxing style of karate is more suitable big people for several reasons. Firstly, he uses a series of punches, like in boxing, where stability in the ring due to a powerful physique is more important than strong fists. A strong physique will also be useful for mastering the techniques of dodging the opponent's punches. Punching will require flexibility, but punching is usually no higher than the waist.
Jiu-jitsu (jujutsu)
This Japanese technique combines many dangerous techniques of attack and defense. This type of single combat is merciless, since it was originally developed to train an unarmed person to neutralize an armed soldier. It will be easier to master jiu-jitsu for those who are accustomed to loads, have endurance and flexibility.
The idea that a secret and deadly martial art could kill a person with bare hands or cripple a crowd of gopniks has always warmed the hearts of nerds around the world. And, of course, the thought of fighting like Jackie Chan, breaking boards with his bare hands. The dispute about how realistic or unrealistic it is to kill everyone with bare hands runs like a red thread through all holivars in many forums. We are writing this only in order to tell you something interesting.
1. Sambo. Country of origin: Russia
An interesting observation: the more often a country has to defend itself and attack various neighbors, the more often it all translates into an interesting martial art. Russia is just such a country. After the revolution, all the numerous experience of bare-handed wrestling was combined into "Self-defense without weapons" or sambo. Both government agents and ordinary soldiers were trained in this type of struggle.
And here is sambo in action.
2. Muay Thai. Country of origin: Thailand
Thailand's borders were also often violated, so there is nothing surprising that they had their own martial art, no. Another name for Muay Thai is fight with eight limbs, or Thai boxing. What are the extra limbs? Elbows and knees, of course! The fighters use them like clubs, masterfully beating their opponents with them. The power of the blow in this kind of martial arts is simply amazing. One smart man once said that Muay Thai is "Hit the bull with one blow." And he was damn right.
As is always the case with good things, there are many legends associated with Muay Thai. the most famous and partly true dates back to 1774, when the kingdom of Burma invaded Thailand, then Siam. Against the great muay thai master Nai Khanom Thom, who was captured, the king of Burma, for the sake of general jubilation, put up a great master of Burmese martial art, called lethvey. They say that dude lasted 10 seconds against Tom and was brutally killed. But the judge decided that Tom was cheating by distracting his opponent. Being a true gentleman, the Muay Thai master agreed to another nine(!) battles that he won with amazing ease and cruelty. The King of Burma was impressed by Tom's skill and offered him, along with the freedom to choose, two awards: two very beautiful girls and a bag of money. Tom refused the money (happiness is not in them), but he took the women. And he rode off with them into the sunset on a horse.
3. MCMAP - Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Country of origin: USA
The martial art for the United States Marine Corps was invented in the eighties. Its peculiarity was the ability to use a pistol, bayonet-knife, rifle with a bayonet as an improvised weapon for close combat. Most often, the program is used to neutralize the enemy, breaking a couple of his bones, immobilizing him with hellish pain, but you can also kill it.
4. Silat. Country of origin: Malaysia
Malaysia also suffered a lot in its time. Pirates, Portuguese, British, and even Japanese - all these dudes tried to bend the Malays. But they did not whine and invented silat.
Many martial arts have been invented to improve body and spirit, find oneself and complete one's spiritual quest. So, silat does not apply to them. The first masters of this martial art used it to beat the enemy to a state of non-standing with lightning attacks in 10 seconds, and then finish off the half-dead with something heavy. Various dastardly strikes and tricks are encouraged by the silat masters.
The most brutal and dastardly fighting methods are still taught in the jungles of Malaysia. Rumor has it that such masters at the age of 7-10 once beat an adult to a pulp. The dudes who were taught silat spent years in dark caves in which they saw nothing beyond their noses. If the Shaolin monks learn restraint, the silat madmen learn from their young nails to rip flesh like animals.
By the way, silat masters actively use kris - a wavy dagger that tears pieces of meat out of a victim. Often a deadly poison is literally melted into the kris, which is very easy to kill a person - just a scratch is enough.
5. Excrima. Country of origin: Philippines
Excrima is an ancient Philippine art of beating opponents with wooden sticks at staggering speed. Until 1521, the Filipinos practiced excrement on each other, but then Magellan arrived, and the foreigners tried on their own skin what the Filipino martial art means.
Excrima became the main defense for the rice farmers. The most famous victim of this art was Fernand Magellan, who was beaten to death with sticks. For 450 years, Excrima was banned and survived only due to the fact that it was disguised as a dance.
Almost every country in the world has its own type of martial art - sometimes more than one. People have always learned to defend themselves from an insidious neighbor (those who themselves were not in the shoes of an insidious neighbor, who, on the contrary, learned to attack).
Many sports have evolved over the centuries, gradually adjusting to existing reality. Others - here you can cite a whole galaxy of Japanese BI - remained unchanged, due to the foresight of the masters who invented them. Today we will tell you about the ten main types of martial arts around the world - everyone can choose something to their liking. 
Boxing, England
Refined manners have never prevented a real gentleman from polishing the face of another real gentleman - after all, how else should a real gentleman solve painful issues? Generally speaking, the origins of boxing can be traced back to Ancient Greece however, the very first school with elaborate rules of combat was founded in England. The island spread boxing all over the world: now, for example, this bloody sport is considered the national entertainment of the United States.
Krav Maga, Israel
This hand-to-hand combat system was developed in Israel - not from the good life. Krav Maga focuses on maximum efficiency, there is no question of any sport here. The fighter focuses on the defeat of vital parts of the body. Eye poking, groin kicks are real Street fight, only every movement is comprehended here.
Muay Thai, Thailand
The ancestor of this brutal martial arts is considered to be the Muay Boran style, which, in turn, came to the country from India. Muay Thai was developed as an exclusively military discipline - hence the effective strikes designed to destroy the enemy, which not everyone is capable of taking down.
Wushu, China
In fact, wushu is a term used for almost all martial arts in China. It can be translated as "the art of war." There are a great many subtypes of wushu, divided by regions, schools, and even individual masters. The sport is characterized by flexible, precise movements, fast movements and a lot of kicks.Capoeira, Brazil
An amazing method of fighting was developed by African slaves transported to Brazilian plantations. For the uninitiated person, capoeira looks like a dance - at demonstration performances, the fighters do not even come into contact with the enemy. This feature is due to the fact that the slaves were forbidden to train any kind of martial art and they disguised their teachings as merry dances.
Karate, Japan
The empty hand path is strikingly different from other national martial arts of the Land of the Rising Sun. This is because the system was brought from China, where the fighters were looking for the most effective and fastest way to neutralize the enemy, and not defend against him. Today, karate is one of the most widely used BI in the world - not least thanks to demonstration performances craftsmen demonstrating their skills against ice boulders, concrete blocks and planks.
Kalari Payattu, India
The Indians claim that this art was developed by Vishnu himself. Kalari Payat is considered the oldest BI in the whole world - almost all modern styles battle. Real masters of Kalari Payat know how to stop the enemy with one blow - and in order not to torment the conscience for the innocently murdered soul, these guys also study the medical system - Siddhi.
Sambo, Russia
The development of a self-defense system (sambo is just an abbreviation) began when the young Soviet state felt the need for trained fighters. Sambo is designed to educate not only the body, but also the spirit of the adept; classical masters place a significant emphasis on patriotism. Sambo philosophy is constant self-development, the struggle changes, accepting the most effective methods used in other martial arts.
Savat, France
Literally "savat" is translated from French as "old shoe". An unusual style was invented by sailors who were forced to fight with their feet on the deck of the ship, since the arms played the role of balance. Savaters wear shoes with thick soles and protruding welts. In modern savata, punches exist, but they play a secondary role.