Styles of Martial Arts

While I have tried to make my target audience broad, I understand that martial arts are not as popular as the generic football or basketball, and not everyone knows deeply about it. Therefore this post is to help people who don't know about martial arts to at least understand some popular ones to know what I'm saying and understand the poses for each photo that I take.

Tae Kwon Do- This is a Korean martial art. It is a striking art that emphasizes kicking. This is practiced through technique, forms, sparring, and stretching. Some use it to gain discipline while others are interested in competitions.

Karate- This is the martial art that most people should recognize. It is a Japanese striking art similar to Tae Kwon Do, but uses many more hand strikes and even incorporates some throws. It is practiced through technique, katas or forms, sparring, and stretching. It is also used for both discipline and competitions. There are also different styles of Karate.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu- This is a Brazilian martial art based solely on grappling. While wrestling is more popular, BJJ is more suited for smaller people who can use their opponent's weight and momentum against them. This is practiced through conditioning, technique, and sparring. It is used for competitions, but it is great for discipline and has been used for self- defense. 

Judo- This is a Japanese martial art that has a focus on throws. If BJJ teaches you how to fight on the ground, Judo shows you how to take your opponent to the ground. This is practiced through conditioning, technique, and sparring. It is used in competitions, great for discipline, and can also be used for self defense.

Kickboxing- This is a competition sport that is a hybrid of boxing mixed with kicks, hence the name. It is also more versatile than boxing. This is practiced through conditioning, technique, and sparring. It is used mainly for competitions and fitness.

Muay Thai- This is a martial art form in Thailand and is often referred to as the "art of eight limbs". It is a striking art that is more versatile than kickboxing. It emphasizes punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. This is practiced through conditioning, technique, and sparring. It used for competitions and is also effective in self defense.

Krav Maga- This is an Israeli fighting style who's sole purpose is to make sure you get home to your family. It is a hybrid style that has taken techniques from multiple styles of martial arts and blended it into something that is meant to be a last resort. It is raw, brutal , but effective. It also incorporates defense against armed assailants. Women are drawn to this style as they are often targeted for numerous types of crimes. This is practiced through conditioning, technique, stress drills, and in some places, under close supervision, sparring. This is meant to be pure self- defense, but can also be used for fitness.

I hope that this helps anyone who is confused about some of the different popular styles of martial arts.