A dynamic & curated guide to the world of martial arts. Explore diverse styles, their philosophies, techniques, and paths to mastery. This cheatsheet offers a vivid starting point for your journey into these ancient and modern disciplines.
Welcome! This cheatsheet is designed to give you a glimpse into some of the world's most popular and influential martial arts, including Karate, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Krav Maga, Wrestling, Aikido, Kung Fu (Wushu), and Boxing. For each art, you'll find:
This is not exhaustive, as each art has immense depth. The goal is to spark curiosity and provide a structured overview. Use the "expand" links for more details on certain topics.
Remember, the true understanding of any martial art comes from dedicated practice under a qualified and reputable instructor. Prioritize safety and respect in your training.
"The Way of the Empty Hand" – Discipline, Precision, Power.
Developed in Okinawa, Japan, from indigenous fighting methods (Te) and Chinese martial arts (Kenpō). Formalized in the early 20th century. Often associated with Okinawan Kobudō (weapon arts).
Emphasizes striking techniques using punches, kicks, knee strikes, elbow strikes, and open-hand techniques.
Structured around Kihon (basics), Kata (forms), and Kumite (sparring).
"The Art of Eight Limbs" – Power, Clinch, Tradition.
Thailand's national sport and martial art, with roots in ancient Siamese warfare (Muay Boran). Stadium fights in Thailand are major cultural events, often involving significant gambling.
Utilizes fists, elbows, knees, and shins (the "eight limbs") for powerful strikes.
Training is famously rigorous, focusing on conditioning, technique, and sparring.
"The Gentle Art" – Leverage, Ground Control, Submissions.
Developed from Judo in Brazil by the Gracie family (Carlos, Hélio Gracie) in the early 20th century, adapting techniques for greater ground fighting emphasis.
Focuses on ground fighting (Ne-waza), positional control, and submissions. Practiced with Gi (uniform) or No-Gi.
Emphasis on live sparring ("rolling"), positional drilling, and technique repetition.
"The Gentle Way" – Maximum Efficiency, Mutual Benefit, Throws & Grappling.
Founded by Jigoro Kano in Japan in 1882. Derived from older jujutsu, Kano systematized it for physical education, sport, and character development.
Focuses on throws (Nage Waza) and groundwork (Katame Waza) to control and subdue.
Training involves Kata (forms), Randori (free practice/sparring), and Shiai (competition).
"Contact Combat" – Practical Self-Defense, Reality-Based, Efficiency.
Developed by Imi Lichtenfeld in Czechoslovakia and Israel. Created for Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), later adapted for civilians. It is not a sport and continuously evolves.
Emphasizes instinctive movements and practical techniques for realistic street-fight scenarios.
Training often involves stress drills, scenario-based simulations, and high-intensity workouts.
"The Oldest Sport" – Takedowns, Control, Physical Dominance.
One of the oldest combat forms, with ancient depictions. Modern competitive forms include Freestyle, Greco-Roman, Folkstyle.
Focuses on grappling techniques to achieve dominant position or pin.
Exceptionally demanding training: strength, endurance, agility, mental fortitude.
"The Way of Harmonizing Energy" – Blending, Redirection, Control.
Founded by Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei) in Japan (early-mid 20th C). Synthesized from Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu and spiritual beliefs. Concept of "Aiki" (blending/unifying energy) is central.
Focuses on throws, joint locks, pins, often using circular movements. Senior practitioners often wear Hakama (pleated trousers).
Training is often cooperative; partners (Uke and Tori) work together.
"Skill from Hard Work" – Diverse Styles, Ancient Wisdom, Fluid Motion.
Collective term for hundreds of Chinese martial arts (Wushu), with diverse origins. Shaolin Temple is legendary. The sheer number of styles makes generalization difficult.
Extremely diverse: strikes, kicks, grappling, joint locks, throws, extensive weaponry.
Traditional: basics, forms, applications, conditioning. Modern Wushu: performance/competitive sport.
"The Sweet Science" – Precision Punching, Footwork, Strategy.
Ancient roots. Modern rules (Marquess of Queensberry) established 19th C. England. Major global sport.
Exclusively punching with gloved fists, intricate footwork, defensive maneuvers.
Rigorous: shadow boxing, bag work, pad work, sparring, intense conditioning.