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50 Powerful Martial Arts Styles You Need to Know About

Posted: August 10, 2024

Embark on a Journey Through the World's Martial Arts

Welcome to our comprehensive guide showcasing 50 of the most fascinating martial arts from around the globe. This list serves as your gateway to the diverse and rich world of combat disciplines, self-defense systems, and physical philosophies that have shaped cultures and individuals for centuries.

From the ancient battlefields of Asia to the modern urban landscapes of the Americas, each martial art on this list tells a unique story. You'll find striking arts that focus on powerful punches and kicks, grappling styles that emphasize throws and joint locks, and internal arts that cultivate energy and mindfulness.

Whether you're a curious beginner looking to start your martial arts journey, an experienced practitioner seeking to broaden your knowledge, or simply an enthusiast eager to learn more, this list offers something for everyone. Discover the origins, core principles, and distinctive features of each style as we explore these captivating fighting arts.

Prepare to be inspired by the discipline, respect, and personal growth inherent in these martial traditions. Let's dive into the world of martial arts and uncover the perfect style to ignite your passion!

Here is a list of 50 martial arts styles with a brief description of each:

1. Karate - Focuses on striking with hands and feet using techniques like punching and kicking.

2. Taekwondo - Korean striking art known for its powerful and fast kicks.

3. Judo - Olympic sport centered on throwing techniques and groundwork.

4. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Gracie family system specializing in ground combat and submissions.

5. Muay Thai - Standup striking art from Thailand using punches, kicks, knees, and elbows.

6. Aikido - Japanese martial art based on using an attacker's momentum against themselves.

7. Kung Fu - Umbrella term covering various Chinese styles like Wing Chun, Hung Gar, etc.

8. Boxing - Standup combat sport utilizing punching skills and combinations.

9. Wrestling - Competitive sport involving takedowns, pins, and throws on the ground.

10. Kickboxing - Combat hybrid of martial arts kickboxing with karate, Muay Thai and boxing.

11. Sambo - Russian martial art focused on fighting skills applicable against multiple attackers.

12. Sumo - Traditional Japanese wrestling sport focused on grappling and throwing opponents.

13. Hapkido - Korean combatives system using joint locks, throws, and pressure point strikes.

14. Savate - French martial art integrating lower-body kicking techniques with boxing.

15. Systema - Russian style focused on body mechanics and skills applicable in self-defense scenarios.

16. Krav Maga - Israeli system designed for real-world self-defense situations.

17. Capoeira - Afro-Brazilian martial art disguised as a dance and incorporating acrobatic movements.

18. Ninjutsu - Martial art of the legendary shinobi spies focusing on weapons and stealth tactics.

19. Hapkidology- Korean martial emphasizing pressure point strikes and fluid self-defense techniques.

20. MCMAP - Martial arts system of the United States Marine Corps blending various styles.

21. Tae Kwon Do - Korean martial art known for jumping and spinning high kicks.

22. Tang Soo Do - Korean martial art similar to Tae Kwon Do with influence from Karate, Kung Fu and wrestling.

23. Hwa Rang Do - Korean martial art focused on practical self-defense and weapons training.

24. Yaw Yan - Burmese martial art that utilizes acrobatic kicks, elbow and open hand strikes.

25. Pencak Silat - Indonesian martial art that employs kicks, punches, and weapon-based combat.

26. Kali Eskrima Arnis - Filipino martial art specializing in stick, knife and bladed weapon combat.

27. Kajukenbo - Hybrid martial art blending techniques from Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, Kenpo.

28. Jeet Kune Do -Bruce Lee's philosophy emphasizing practical fighting optimized for self-defense.

29. Kenpo - Okinawan/Japanese system focused on natural body movements and self-defense scenarios.

30. Kempo - Refers generally to any number of Karate or Kung Fu offshoot styles focused on practical combatives.

31. Krabi Krabong - Thai martial art specializing in sword, staff and knife combat.

32. Bando - Burmese martial art known for circular movements and log-like striking techniques.

33. Silambam - Ancient South Indian martial art utilizing staff fighting skills and techniques.

34. Kung Fu San Soo - Northern Chinese martial art focused on palm, elbow and open hand attacks.

35. Wushu - Chinese martial art practiced as a performance art incorporating weapons and empty hand forms.

36. Bajiquan - Chinese internal martial art centered around dynamic power generated from the ground up.

37. Tai Chi Chuan - Internal Chinese martial art promoting serenity and a flowing circular style of motion.

38. Xing Yi Quan - Chinese martial focusing on linear strikes and targeting pressure points.

39. Baguazhang - Chinese internal martial art based around circular foot movements and variations of the palm.

40. Shaolin Kung Fu - Styles developed by Chinese Buddhist monks at Shaolin Temple like Long Fist.

41. Krav Maga - Israeli system focusing on practical street self-defense techniques and combatives.

42. Shudokan - Japanese martial art that blends elements of Karate, Jujitsu, Aikido with body conditioning.

43. Kajukenbo - Hybrid martial art blending techniques from Karate, Judo, Jujitsu and Kenpo.

44. Wally Yan - Form of Chinese Kenpo focusing on fluidity between hard and soft techniques.

45. Chin Na - Branch of Chinese martial arts specializing in grappling, joint locks and pressure point strikes.

46. Pankration - Ancient Greek martial art and combat sport that inspired modern MMA.

47. Lethwei - Traditional Burmese combat sport similar to Muay Thai known for headbutts.

48. Shooto - Japanese full-contact martial art centered on takedowns and ground fighting.

49. Ssireum - Traditional Korean wrestling and combat sport focused on belt grabs.

50. Shuai Jiao - Ancient Chinese wrestling and standing grappling martial art.

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