Martial arts include a large number of sports, but they help in achieving a common goal – fitness and discipline. If you aren’t sure which martial art type is best suited for you, you can perform an online search for martial arts near me to find the options and attend for a trial period. Some styles are traditional, and some are modern. They are widely classified into the following styles:
Stand up or Striking styles
The striking style teaches its practitioners the ways and means to defend themselves, while standing on their feet, by use of kicks, blocks and punches through hands, knees and elbows. Examples of stand-up styles are Karate, Kickboxing, Kung Fu, Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Taekwondo and Capoeira.
Takedown or throwing style
This combat starts in a standing position but ends upon the ground. It uses throws and takedown techniques and includes sports like Judo, Hapkido, Aikido and Shuai Jiao.
Ground-fighting or grappling style
This style also involves throwing the opponent down to the ground either to hold him in a dominant position or to get a submission hold and end the fight. This style overlaps with the throwing style too. Examples are Jujutsu, Luta Livre, Sumo, Wrestling etc.
Weapon-based style
This allows the usage of a weapon to defend oneself like Kali, Laido and Kendo.
Meditative or low-impact style
These styles focus on breathing techniques and spiritual processes. Examples are Tai-Chi, Chi-Gong and Baguazhang
Hybrid style
Hybrid fighting styles have grown in popularity as it mixes different styles and techniques to get a unique fighting style. Examples are MMA, Shoot fighting, Ninjutsu and Jeet Kune Do.
Popularity
Certain martial arts are more widespread and enjoy a lot of popularity among the common masses. The most popular martial arts in the world are:
- Judo: It is one of the two martial arts allowed in the Olympics
- Taekwondo: Taekwondo demands discipline, training, patience and dedication. It is the second martial art to be allowed in the Olympics. It involves rigorous mental and physical training along with strength and cardiovascular fitness.
- Karate: Karate involves moves such as punches, elbow and knee strikes, along with kicks. It teaches self-control and discipline and has 50 million practitioners worldwide.
- Ju-Jitsu: Ju-Jitsu is a close contact sport and works on the principle of using the opponent’s energy against them.
Martial arts are also preferred and offered for children. There is Licensed After School Program Portland that provides the school going children with pick and drop services along with martial arts training. The centers are operated by licensed personnel and include snacks, break time, homework assistance along with crafts and creative activities. These offerings are on top of the regular martial arts training offered to students. A child can go directly to these centers after school and make positive use of his/her time.