The History of Karate

In early times, natives to the Ryukyu Islands developed a fighting system that was simply referred to as ‘te’. The largest island in the Ryukyu chain is Okinawa Island, which is generally considered the birthplace of karate.

In 1372, trade relationships were established between the Ryukyu Islands and the Fujian Province of China, and this eventually spurred several Chinese families to move to Okinawa. These Chinese families began to share Chinese Kenpo with the native Okinawans they came in contact with, which was a blend of Chinese and Indian fighting styles. Through this, traditional Okinawan fighting techniques began to change, even if many families simply developed their own styles of martial arts in isolation. Still, there were three general styles that emerged and were named after the areas they developed—Shuri- te, Naha- te, and Tomari- te. The differences between the three styles were small and more about emphasis than anything else, as the cities of Shuri, Tomari, and Naha were all very close to one another.

The fact that weapons were banned in Okinawa in the 1400’s by the invading Shimazu clan (Japanese clan) was a factor that spurred on the development of not only martial arts and karate in Okinawa, but also the use of inconspicuous farm tools as weapons.

As relations with China strengthened, the blend of the more traditional Okinawan fighting styles with those of Chinese Kenpo and the empty handed Chinese styles of Fujian White Crane, Five Ancestors, and Gangrou-quan, became more obvious. In addition, Southeast Asia influences were also brought into the fold, though perhaps to a lesser extent.

Sakukawa Kanga (1782-1838) was one of the first Okinawans to study in China. In 1806, he began teaching a martial art he called “Tudi Sakukawa,” which translates to “Sakukawa of China Hand.” One of Kanga’s students, Matsumura Sokon (1809-1899), then taught a blend of te and Shaolin styles, which would later become known as Shorin-ryu. However, it is a student of Sokon’s by the name of Itosu Anko (1831-1915) that is often called “the Grandfather of Karate.” Itosu is known for creating simplified kata or forms for less advanced students and helped karate gain more mainstream acceptance. Along with this, he brought karate instruction to Okinawa’s schools and the forms he developed are still used to a great extent today.

Characteristics of Karate

Karate is primarily a striking art that teaches practitioners to utilize punches, kicks, knees, elbows, and open hand strikes to disable opponents. Beyond this, karate teaches practitioners to block strikes and breath properly.

Most styles of karate also extend into throws and joint locks, with the extent of this dependent upon the style. Weapons are utilized in most styles as well. Interestingly, these weapons are often farm tools, as the use of them originated during a time when weapons were banned in Okinawa by invaders. By using farm tools, Okinawans did not bring attention to the fact that they were practicing to defend themselves.

Basic Goals of Karate

The basic goal of karate is self-defense. It teaches practitioners to block the strikes of opponents and then disable them quickly with pinpoint strikes. When takedowns are employed within the art, these tend to be used to set up finishing strikes.

Karate Substyles Budokan Goju-ryu Kenpo Kyokushinkai Shito-ryu Shorin-ryu Shotokan Uechi-ryu Wado-ryu

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So whether you’re talking about an American or European referring to the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) styles of stick and sword fighting as Kali, or a resident of the Philippines more comfortable labeling them as Eskrima or Escrima, one thing is for certain.

If you want to know how to use weapons to protect yourself and devastate an opponent, Kali is a very efficient way to go.

The History of Kali

The history of almost any martial arts style is difficult to pin down because written records usually fail to accompany their beginnings. Kali’s history is no different. However, it is generally believed that these native Filipino styles were started by various tribes in order to defend against one another. Further, it is quite possible that these styles originally emanated from or were strongly influenced by martial arts from other areas, such as India.

Regardless, the documentation indicates that Filipino Martial Arts styles were used when the Spanish conquistadores arrived in the 1500’s and generally differed based on the tribe or area of origin. As was the case with many martial arts styles, the native practice of Kali or Eskrima was later hidden from the occupying Spaniards by clouding practices in dances, etc. That said, it is generally believed that the practice of Kali was significantly influenced by the Spaniards as it was refined over the years.

The presence of conflict in the Philippines has no doubt helped practitioners of Kali to find what truly worked in their art and discard much of what did not. In recent years, practices have become more systemized, making the art easier to learn.

During World War II, several American special operations groups stationed in the Philippines were introduced to the Filipino Martial Arts, leading to this style reaching America despite the fact that natives were reluctant to allow outsiders in on their fighting secrets.

Most recently, Kali practitioners in the Philippines have become somewhat focused on fighting without protection or dueling. Many died in the early phases of this movement, but more recently practitioners have begun to use hardwood sticks instead of knives to lessen fatalities. Further, the practice is now illegal in Filipino society, even if it is not unusual to find matches in parks and rural areas despite this.

Characteristics of Kali

Kali is a martial arts style that focuses on the ability to transition from fighting with weapons to empty hands fluidly, as there is always the possibility of losing or being without a weapon. Though there are several systems of Eskrima/Kali in use today, most teach elements of weapons fighting, striking, grappling, and throwing/ takedowns. Further, more aggressive maneuvers like biting are also taught.

Kali practitioners believe that hand-to-hand combat moves are similar to those with weapons; thus, these skills are developed concurrently. Some of the popular combinations of weapons used are the single stick (solo baston), double stick (double baston), and sword/stick and dagger (espada). Along with this, the most frequently used training weapon is the rattan, a stick about the length of its wielder’s arm.

In the end, Kali practitioners are known for their lightning-fast movements and efficient footwork in wielding weapons.

Basic Goals of Kali

Kali is primarily a weapons-based style of fighting. Thus, it involves inflicting bad, often fatal damage to opponents with the use of weapons and/or empty hand techniques as quickly as possible.

Substyles of Kali Balintawak Cabales Serrada Eskrima Doce Pares Escrima Garimot Arnis Inayan Eskrima Kali Sikaran Kalis Ilustrisimo Lacoste-Inosanto Kali Lameco Eskrima Latigo y Daga Lightning Scientific Arnis (LSAI) Modern Arnis Pekiti Tirsia Rapid arnis Sayoc Kali San Miguel Eskrima

Three Famous Kali Practitioners Angel Cabales: Cabales is widely considered the Father of Eskrima in the United States. Along with this, he was the first to open a school in Stockton, California that taught the art to both Filipinos and non-Filipinos. Leo T. Gaje: Gaje is the present Keeper of the Pekiti-Tirsia Kali System. He is also an awardee of the Karate Hall of Fame (the only non-Karate Awardee) and Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Dan Inosanto: Inosanto is perhaps best known for learning Jeet Kune Do under Bruce Lee and for being the only person granted Instructorship under him. However, he’s also very accomplished in the Filipino Martial Arts, as well as a plethora of others. In fact, he is actually known for helping to save some of the Filipino styles from extinction. Inosanto currently teaches at the Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts in Marina del Ray, California.

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A judoka is someone who practices judo. Beyond being a popular martial art, judo is also a combat sport.

The History of Judo

The history of judo starts with Japanese jujutsu. Japanese jujutsu was practiced and continually improved upon by the Samurai. They utilized the throws and joint locks common within the art as a means to defend against attackers with armor and weapons. Jujutsu at one time was so popular in the area that it is believed during the 1800’s more than 700 different jujitsu styles or systems were being taught.

But in the 1850’s Commodore Perry led the west into Japan. The guns and different ideas these foreigners brought to the area changed Japan forever and led to the Meiji Restoration in the latter half of the 19th century, a time when the emperor challenged the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and eventually overcame it. The result was the loss of the Samurai class and many traditional Japanese values. Further, capitalism and industrialization flourished, and guns were shown superior to swords in battle.

Since the state became all-important at this time, highly individualized activities like martial arts and jujutsu declined. In fact, during this time many jujutsu schools disappeared and some martial ideas and practices were lost.

Which led the world to judo.

Dr. Jigori Kano : The Inventor of Judo

Jigori Kano was born in the town of Mikage, Japan in 1860. As a child, Kano was small and often sickly, which led to his study of jujutsu at the Tenjin Shinyo ryu school under Fukuda Hachinosuke at the age of 18. Kano eventually transferred to the Kito ryu school in order to study under Tsunetoshi Iikubo.

While training, Kano, whom eventually earned the name Dr. Jigori Kano, started to formulate his own opinions regarding martial arts. This eventually led him to develop a martial arts style all his own. In principle, this style sought to utilize an opponent’s energy against them and eliminated some of the jujutsu techniques he deemed dangerous. By doing the latter, he hoped that the fighting style he was refining would eventually gain acceptance as a sport.

At the age of 22, Kano’s art came to be known as Kodokan Judo.

His ideas were perfect for the times he lived in. By changing martial arts in Japan so that they could be sports and teamwork friendly, society accepted judo.

Kano’s school, called the Kodokan, was established in the Eishoji Buddhist temple in Tokyo. In 1886, a contest was held in order to determine which was superior, jujutsu (the art Kano once studied) or judo (the art that he had in essence invented). Kano’s students of judo won this competition easily.

In 1910 judo became a recognized sport; in 1911 it was adopted as a part of Japan’s educational system; and in 1964 it became an Olympic sport, giving credence to Kano’s long ago dreams. Today, millions of people visit the historic Kodokan Dojo every year.

Characteristics of Judo

Judo is primarily a throwing style of martial arts. One of the main characteristics that sets it apart is the practice of using an adversary’s force against them. By definition, Kano’s art stresses defense.

Though strikes are sometimes a part of their forms, such maneuvers are not used in sport judo or randori (sparring). The standing phase when throws are employed is called tachi-waza. The ground phase of judo, where opponents are immobilized and the use of submission holds may be employed, is called ne-waza.

Basic Goals of Judo

The basic goal of a judoka is to take an opponent down by using their energy against them. From there, a judo practitioner will either gain a superior position on the ground or subdue an aggressor by employing a submission hold.

Judo Substyles

Like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, judo doesn’t have as many substyles as karate or kung fu. Still, there are some splinter groups of judo like judo- do (Austria) and Kosen Judo (similar to Kodokan but more grappling techniques are utilized).

Three Famous Judo Fighters in MMA Pawel Nastula: This Polish fighter was the 1995 and 1997 Judo World Champion and also took home gold at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Though he maintains a losing MMA record, losses to Josh Barnett, Aleksander Emelianenko, and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira are nothing to be ashamed of. Karo Parisyan: This Armenian American is probably the most successful judo practitioner turned MMA fighter in the history of the sport. He’s mixed it up with a who’s who list of mixed martial artists, defeating Ryo Chonan, Matt Serra, Nick Diaz, and Shonie Carter along the way. Parisyan, unlike most other judo fighters, has been successful in employing judo throws without the use of the gi in MMA, which is illegal in UFC competition. Prior to becoming a star in MMA, Parisyan managed to achieve six Junior National belts in the sport. Hidehiko Yoshida: Yoshida won a gold medal in judo at the 1992 Olympics Games in Barcelona, Spain. Further, he is a very popular mixed martial arts fighter from Japan that was an MMA mainstay in the former PRIDE Fighting Championships. Yoshida was well-lauded for two close decision losses to former PRIDE Middleweight Champion Wanderlei Silva, and victories over Don Frye and Tank Abbott.

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The History of Kung Fu

The start of martial arts in China came about for the same reasons it did in every other culture: In order to aid in hunting endeavors and to protect against enemies. Along with this, evidence of martial techniques, including those tied to weapons and soliders go back thousands of years in the history of the area.

It appears that China’s Yellow Emperor Huangdi, who took the throne in 2698 B.C., began to formalize the arts, however. In fact, he invented a form of wrestling taught to the troops that involved the use of horned helmets called Horn Butting or Jiao Di. Eventually, Jiao Di was improved upon to include joint locks, strikes, and blocks and even became a sport during the Qin Dynasty (approximately 221 B.C.).

It would also seem important to add that the Chinese martial arts have long held philosophical and spiritual significance within the culture. Along with this, the Chinese martial arts grew alongside the ideas of Confucianism and Taoism during the Zhou Dynasty (1045 B.C.- 256 B.C.) and beyond, not in isolation from them. For example, the Taoist concept of Ying and Yang, the universal opposites, ended up being tied in a large way to the hard and soft techniques that make up what is kung fu. The arts also became a part of the concepts of Confucianism, as they were tied to the ideal things people should practice.

Which is why it is very important to talk about Buddhism in terms of kung fu. Buddhism came to China from India as relations between the two areas grew during the years 58-76 A.D. In accordance with this, the concept of Buddhism grew more popular in China as monks were sent to and fro between the countries. An Indian monk by the name of Bodhidharma is particularly mentioned in the martial arts history books. Bodhidharma preached to the monks at the newly formed Shaolin Temple in China and appears to have changed not only their way of thinking by fostering concepts such as humility and restraint, but also may have actually taught the monks martial arts movements.

Though the latter is disputed, one thing appears clear. Once Bodhidharma arrived these monks became famous martial arts practitioners that worked extremely hard at their craft. At the same time, Taoist monasteries in the area also continued, teaching different styles of kung fu during the same era.

Initially, kung fu was really only an elite art practiced by those with power. But due to occupations by the Japanese, French, and British, the Chinese began to encourage martial arts experts to open their doors and teach what they knew to the native masses in an effort to expel foreign invaders. Unfortunately, the people quickly found out that the martial arts could not repel the bullets of their adversaries.

Some time later, kung fu had a new opponent- Communism. When Mao Zedong eventually took hold of China he attempted to destroy almost everything that was traditional in order to grow his particular brand of Communism. Kung fu books and Chinese history, including much of the literature on the art at the Shaolin Temple, was put under attack and in many cases destroyed at this time. Along with this, several kung fu masters fled the country until the Chinese martial arts, as had always been the case, became a part of the culture once again some time later (in this case, communist culture).

Characteristics of Kung Fu

Kung fu is primarily a striking style of martial arts that utilizes kicks, blocks, and both open and closed hand strikes to defend against attackers. Depending on the style, kung fu practitioners may also possess knowledge of throws and joint locks. The art utilizes both hard (meeting force with force) and soft (using an aggressor’s strength against them) techniques.

Kung fu is widely known for its beautiful and flowing forms.

Basic Goals of Kung Fu

The basic goals of kung fu are to protect against opponents and disable them quickly with strikes. There is also a very philosophical side to the art, as it is strongly tied, depending on the style, to the Buddhist and/ or Taoist principles that were brought up with it.

Kung Fu Substyles

Due to the rich and long history of Chinese martial arts, there are over 400 substyles of kung fu. The northern styles, such as Shaolin Kung Fu, tend to put a level of importance on kicks and wide stances. The southern styles are more about the utilization of the hands and narrower stances.

Below is a list of some of the more popular substyles.

Northern

Southern

Kung Fu on the Television and Movie Screen

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For the purposes of this article, martial arts styles will be broken down into the following sections: striking or stand- up styles, grappling or ground fighting styles, throwing or takedown styles, weapons based styles, low impact or meditative styles, and the hybrid/ sports style of MMA.

Striking or Stand-Up Styles

The primarily striking or stand up martial arts styles teach practitioners how to defend themselves while on their feet by utilizing blocks, kicks, punches, knees, and elbows. The degree to which they teach each of these aspects depends on the specific style, substyle, and/ or instructor. Further, many of these stand up styles teach other aspects of fighting as well, even if that’s not their primary focus. Some striking styles include:

Grappling or Ground Fighting Styles

The grappling styles in martial arts focus on teaching pracitioners how to take opponents to the ground where they either achieve a dominant position or utilize a submission hold to end the fight. Some grappling styles include:

Throwing or Takedown Styles

Combat always starts from a standing position. The only sure way to get a fight to the ground is via the use of takedowns and throws, and that’s where these throwing styles come in. Please note that all of the grappling styles listed earlier also teach takedowns, and most of these throwing styles teach grappling. Thus, there is a significant amount of overlap. Still, the primary focus with these styles is takedowns. Some throwing styles include:

Weapons Based Styles

Many of the aforementioned styles utilize weapons within their systems. For example,Goju-ryu karate practitioners are taught to use the Bokken (wooden sword). Still, there are martial arts styles that concern themselves with weapons as a primary focus. Some weapons based styles include:

Low Impact or Meditative Styles

Those that practice the low impact styles of martial arts are more concerned with breathing techniques, fitness, and the spiritual side of things than combat, even if all of these styles were once used for combat. Some low impact styles include:

MMA- A Hybrid Sports Style

The truth is that most martial arts styles utilize techniques found in other styles. That said, in recent years, via the popularity of mixed martial arts tournaments, many schools are simply labeling the teaching and utilization of several martial arts styles together as mixed martial arts. Still, the term MMA generally refers to training to compete in a sports style of martial arts that allows for grappling, stand up fighting, takedowns/ throws, and submissions.

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Who didn’t love watching Chuck Norris defeat entire armies of Vietnamese soldiers back in the day? What guy out there didn’t get a little pumped when Jet Li proved to be a worthy adversary against both Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon 4? Not to mention those Jean Claude Van Damme spinning 360 degrees kicks. Yep, martial arts movie actors are a different breed. You simply know that when any of the soon-to-be mentioned actors are in a flick, that means edge of your seat action and fight scenes.

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Along with that, here is a list of some of the more popular martial arts movie actors for your reading pleasure.

Popular Jet Li Movies

Kung Fu Style Guide

Tai Chi Style Guide

Top 5 Steven Seagal Movies

Aikido Style Guide

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The sport of kickboxing often takes place in a ring where combatants, depending on the style of kickboxing being practiced, may utilize kicks, punches, elbow strikes, headbutts, knee strikes, and/or throws against one another.

The History of Kickboxing

Muay Thai Boxing is a hard martial art that originated in Thailand. There is evidence that it can be traced back to a form of ancient boxing used by Siamese soldiers called Muay Boran. During the Sukothai era (1238 – 1377), Muay Boran began the transition to a means of personal advancement for nobility as well as a style for warriors to practice, and its evolution continued when King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) ascended to Thailand’s throne in 1868. Under Chulalongkorn’s peaceful leadership, the art transitioned to a means of physical exercise, self-defense, and recreation. Further, it began to be practiced at events like a sport, and rules were adopted which included the use of gloves and other protective gear.

In 1920, the term Muay Thai began to be used, separating itself from the older art of Muay Boran.

Many years later, a Japanese boxing promoter by the name of Osamu Noguchi came to know the martial arts form of Muay Thai. Along with this, he wanted to foster a style of martial art that held true to karate in some ways but allowed full striking, as the karate tournaments at the time did not. Along with this, in 1966 he pitted three karate fighters against three Muay Thai practitioners in a full contact style competition. The Japanese won this competition 2-1. Noguchi and Kenji Kurosaki, one of the fighters that took on the Muay Thai opposition back in 1966, then studied Muay Thai and blended it with full contact karate and boxing to form a martial art style that would eventually come to be known as kickboxing. Along with this, the Kickboxing Association, the first kickboxing organization, was founded a few years later in Japan.

Today there are several unique styles of kickboxing being practiced around the world. Interestingly, some of these styles do not consider themselves to be ‘kickboxing’ even if the general public tends to refer to them as such.

Characteristics of Kickboxing

The characteristics of kickboxing are quite varied. For the most part, it involves the striking martial arts and includes punches, kicks, blocks, and evasive maneuvers. In addition, depending on the style, kickboxing may also involve knee strikes, elbow strikes, clinching, headbutting, and even takedowns or throws.

Generally, practitioners use gloves and kickboxing competitions take place in a ring, as it is primarily a sport martial art. A branch of kickboxing called cardio kickboxing, which utilizes the use of kickboxing style strikes almost exclusively for fitness purposes, has also become quite popular in recent times.

Basic Goals of Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a sport martial art that readily lends itself to self-defense. Along with this, the goal in kickboxing is to utilize any number of combinations of punches, kicks, elbows, and sometimes throws to disable an opponent. In most styles of kickboxing, participants can win either by way of judge’s decision or knockout, which is similar to American boxing.

Kickboxing Substyles

Adithada

American kickboxing

Gwon-gyokdo

Japanese kickboxing

K-1

Lethwei

Muay Boran

Muay Thai

Pradal Serey

Sanshou / Sanda

Savate

Shoot boxing

Yaw-Yan

Three Famous Kickboxers Toshio Fujiwara: A former Japanese kickboxer that won 123 of 141 matches, including an astounding 99 by knockout. Fujiwara was also the first non-Thai to win a national muay thai title belt in Bangkok. Nai Khanom Tom: A legendary Muay Boran/ Thai fighter that defeated a Burmese champion and then nine more in succession without rest in front of the Burmese king. His successes are celebrated on Boxer’s Day, sometimes also called National Muay Thai Day. Benny Urquidez: The man they call “The Jet” achieved an impressive record of 58-0 with 49 knockouts from 1974-93. He helped champion full contact fighting in the U.S while it was still in its infancy.

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In that sense, it’s formulation was quite important, even if its history doesn’t go all that far back.

The History of Krav Maga and Founder Imi Lichtenfeld

Imre Lichtenfeld, perhaps best known by part of the Hebrew calque of his name Imi, was born in Budapest in the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1910. However, he grew up in Pozsony, which is now called Bratislava. His father, Samuel Lichtenfeld, had a great influence on his life. Samuel was a chief inspector with the Bratislava police force and was known for a considerable and impressive arrest record. He was also an excellent athlete that prior to working with the police force, had been a circus acrobat.

Samuel owned and taught self-defense at Hercules Gym. Imi trained under him, eventually becoming a successful boxer and wrestler with national and international championships to prove it. In fact, he was a member of the Slovakian National Wrestling Team.

During the 1930’s Imi was forced to protect himself and sometimes his community against fascists. His experience in the streets combined with sport fighting and training with his father all came together for him. Imi realized that real world self-defense was not the same as sport fighting and began to build a repertoire of useful techniques as a result of this.

Unfortunately for him, the effectiveness of those techniques made him quite unpopular with authorities in the World War II, Nazi-fearing society of the late 1930’s. Therefore, he was forced to flee his homeland for Palestine (now Israel) in 1940.

Soon after his arrival, Imi began teaching self-defense to a paramilitary organization called Haganah while helping his comrades to create the independent state of Israel. When the Hagana eventually incorporated into the Israeli Defense Force, Imi became the Chief Instructor of Physical Training and the lead teacher of what his martial arts style became known as.

Krav Maga.

All experts in Krav Maga lived in Israel and trained under the Israeli Krav Maga Association prior to 1980. However, in 1981 a group of six Krav Maga instructors brought their system to America (mostly Jewish Community Centers). This spiked American interest- especially from the FBI- and compelled 22 Americans to travel to Israel in 1981 to attend a basic Krav Maga instructor course. These people, of course, brought what they had learned back to the U.S., thus allowing Krav Maga into the fabric of American culture.

Krav Maga is currently the official system of self defense utilized by the Israeli Defense Forces. It is also taught to the Israeli police.

Characteristics of Krav Maga

In Hebrew, Krav means “combat” or “battle” and Maga translates to “contact” or “touch”. Krav Maga is not a sports style of martial arts, rather focusing on real life self-defense and hand to hand combat situations. Along with this, it emphasizes stopping threats quickly and getting away safely. In order to safely deal with threats, brutal attacks to vulnerable parts of the body like the groin, eyes, neck, and fingers are taught. Further, the use of available objects, in essence turning them into weapons, is also encouraged. The bottom line is that practitioners are taught to defeat threats and avoid harm through a variety of means or by any means necessary. They are also taught to never give up.

Krav Maga is not known for uniforms or belts, though some training centers do utilize rankings systems. In training, attempts to simulate real world situations outside of the training center are often utilized.

Finally, forms or katas are not a part of this style of self-defense. The fact that there are no rules in a real fight is emphasized, as are palm or open hand strikes.

Basic Goals of Krav Maga

Simple. Practitioners are taught to avoid harm and neutralize attackers by any means necessary. Avoiding harm and ending problem situations with speed are considered paramount. This may involve pre-emptive strikes or the utilization of weapons and almost always involves techniques to vulnerable parts of the body.

Sub Styles of Krav Maga

There have been numerous breaks from the original system taught by Lichtenfeld over the years. In accordance with this, since his death in 1998, there has also been infighting regarding the lineage of these various break-offs.

The following are some of the more well-known spin-offs from the original art. Commando Krav Maga Special Forces Krav Maga Tactical Krav Maga

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In the end, the sheer variety of martial arts techniques available to practitioners is numerous. Thus, an overview of these in category form seems an appropriate beginning step for readers looking to understand a little bit more about the moves that truly make martial arts special.

General Martial Arts Techniques

Blocks: The act of stopping an opponent’s attempt at striking, usually with the arm. However, other limbs are also used for blocking purposes.

Footwork and Stances: Footwork is one of the most underrated skills a martial artist must possess in order to effectively defend themselves. Professional fighters work on these martial arts techniques to a great extent. In addition, stances are important to both sport and traditional martial arts. One example of a stance utilized in more traditional martial arts styles like Kung Fu and karate is the Horse Stance.

Stick and move, people!

Strikes: Striking in martial arts generally refers to the stand up offensive game. In other words, punches, kicks, elbows, headbutts, knees, and the like. Of course, strikes can also be used in ground fighting as well.

Submissions: Submissions basically refer to joint locks and choke holds. Generally, these are done on the ground—though some can be executed while standing—and the idea is to cause an opponent to give up or submit. Of course, if they don’t give up when a submission hold is employed then serious damage could occur.

Takedowns: Takedowns refer to the act of taking an opponent to the ground. This can be done either through wrestling moves such as single and double leg takedowns or throws.

Throws: Throws are a specific type of takedown that is more defensive in nature. These can generally be defined as martial arts maneuvers or techniques whereby a practitioner locks up with someone and uses their own strength against them to take them to the ground.

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The More Distant History of MMA

In a sense, all martial arts styles and therefore martial arts history in general has led up to what we now refer to as MMA. Along with this, those that practice fighting techniques have been testing their skills against one another likely before history even began to be recorded. Still, Greek Pankration, a fighting event that became a part of the Olympic Games in 648 B.C., is the first documented full contact, few rules combat competition in history. Pankration events were known for their brutality; even more so were the Etruscan and Roman pancratium events that sprouted from it.

More recently, there have been many examples of full combat fights designed to measure one style against another. One of the more notable occurred in 1887 when then heavyweight boxing champion John L. Sullivan took on Greco-Roman wrestling champion William Muldoon. Muldoon reportedly slammed his adversary to the canvas in just a couple of minutes. Reinforcing this, many other reported matches between famous strikers and grapplers also took place in and around this time, with grapplers often demonstrating a significant advantage over their striking or stand up fighting counterparts.

Interestingly, MMA style competitions also sprouted up in England in the late 1800’s via Bartitsu events. Bartitsu pitted Asian and European fighting styles against one another. The inclusion of the Asian fighting styles made them somewhat unique for the time period.

In the early 1900’s, full contact combat with mixed styles began happening in a variety of places. However, there were two spots that were perhaps more noticeable and noteworthy. First, there was vale tudo in Brazil, which began in the early 1920’s. In sum, vale tudo was born of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the Gracie family. The history behind this is noteworthy enough when it comes to MMA to go into it further.

In 1914, a Kodokan Judo master by the name of Mitsuyo Maeda taught Brazil’s Carlos Gracie (Gastao Gracie’s son) the art of judo in appreciation of his father’s help with business in the country. This was an amazing turn of events as the Japanese tended to hide jujutsu and judo from the western world. From there, Carlos’s youngest and smallest brother Helio, refined the art that had been taught to Carlos into one that used less strength and more leverage in order to suit his more diminutive frame.

What came of this was Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a grappling art that taught practitioners how to utilize joint locks and choke holds to their advantage on the ground. In addition, one of Helio’s major accomplishments was in refining how fighters could compete from their backs utilizing a technique called the guard.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu performers did exceptionally well in mixed style vale tudo matches in Brazil, one of which was Helio Gracie.

In addition, there were mixed martial arts matches being put on by Antonio Inoki in Japan in the 1970’s. One of these took place between Inoki himself and famed heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali on June 25, 1976. In reality, it appears that this 15 round draw, which netted Ali six million dollars and Inoki two million dollars, was staged. Further, several rules were put into place to help Ali just before the fight went off (including a rule that only allowed Inoki to kick if one of his knees were down). However, the match certainly generated a lot of interest in mixed style competitions.

Eventually, all of this led to the first UFC event in 1993.

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