Explain the difference between the different types of martial arts?

Answer 1

In modern times, laypersons and street-fighters will attempt to define virtually anything to do with fighting or combat as "Martial Art." The confusion of this term having an etymology coming from the Roman mythology for God of War contributes to the misguided definition. The earliest known usage of this term was applied to the art of Fencing (sword fighting) specifically because of the blend between a formidable, refined skill of combat with a code of honor and ethical conduct. The early use of the term "Martial Art" in connection with unarmed combat was an English translation of the "Warrior Way" as taught throughout Asia. Combat and skilled soldiers have existed throughout history, but the unique term of "Martial Art" originally described those who studied a blend of deadly unarmed combat with an enlightened philosophy of harmony between body, mind, and spirit.

The primary differences in the various systems of Martial Art (other than geographical origin and language used) is mostly characterized by the primary focus of techniques and tactics during a fight. Unarmed combat is typically categorized first by range. Long range is for kicking as well as most hand strikes. Medium range is for use of elbows, and knees. Close range is for grappling.

The techniques are usually divided into three main categories: 1. striking (hands, feet, elbows, knees, etc.), 2. throwing (sweeps, reaps, flips and take-downs), and 3. grappling (pressure points, joint locks, chokes, holds, and escapes) which can be done in a variety of positions, but is most commonly associated with ground-fighting.

Each school of Martial Art follows a particular philosophy of tactical preference. Some prefer striking over throws and grappling, although they usually include some of each category. Systems like Korean Tae Kkyeon and the modern version of Taekwondo place the primary emphasis on kicking the opponent, and use the hands elbows and knees as secondary striking tools. Authentic Taekwondo schools will also include throwing and grappling, but the strategy is geared more toward release and escape to return to a striking advantage.

Systems like Chinese Kara-te, Japanese Karate-do, Okinawa-te place more emphasis on hand, elbow, and knee strikes. In this approach, kicking is a secondary tool, and throws or grappling are practiced, but not preferred. Again, the idea is to avoid ground-fighting when possible, but not be inept at defense against a grappler.

Japanese jujutsu, and Brazilian jujitsu (various spellings used) combine the striking with grappling with a greater emphasis on ground-fighting tactics. The objective is to take the opponent to the ground, and either submit them, injure joints, or choke them into unconsciousness.

Japanese Judo was developed by Jigoro Kano, who had studied jujutsu, but preferred a more "gentle" approach that focused almost exclusively on throwing the opponent, and follow up chokes and holds on the ground. The main strategy is to use the aggression, and body weight of the opponent to off-balance them, and slam them to the ground with a powerful, and painful impact. Foot sweeps, leg reaps, and a variety of flips and throws are the primary techniques.

Aikido is another Japanese art (created by Morihei Ueshiba) as an alternative to the more brutal approach in Jujutsu. While there are various schools of Aikido that have returned to a more aggressive approach, including some violent strikes, the founders philosophy was in "Harmony of spirit" or the "Art of Coordinated Energy." The attackers blows are divided into linear or circular attacks, and redirects the energy in any of the directions of the compass to send the opponent hurling away, spiraling down, or being reversed abruptly. The most violent aspect in a life-or-death struggle in Aikido would be to direct the opponent into a nearby wall, post, car, or some other solid object.

Korean Hapkido adopted the methods of Aikido while adding into it the devastating kicks and strikes. Hapkido begins with the same flowing avoidance, parries and redirections of Aikido, but tends to have a more brutal approach to sharp, snappy, and powerful finishing moves.

Kung Fu or wushu is the Chinese approach to fighting where the student is taught to perform moves that imitate the natural defenses of various animals. There are many forms or "styles" of Kung Fu, and each one differs greatly in the technical approach, but follows the same basic philosophy. Like most traditional forms of Marital Art, fighting is taught as a form of self defense to be used only when necessary. In Kung Fu, the philosophy is to avoid rather than check, check rather than hurt, hurt rather than maim, and maim rather than kill. They are taught that all life is precious, and the taking of a life is only as a last resort, but also that sometimes you must do what is necessary to prevent a greater evil. Sometimes you must cut off a finger to save a hand, a hand to save an arm, or an arm to save a life.

Sometimes, the various systems of Martial Art are categorized by being either a "hard or soft style," and "internal or external style." Hard refers to the striking systems that intend to cause physical damage to the opponent's body. "Soft" refers to the systems that redirect the opponent's force, and use momentum, gravity, and other natural forces as weapons. "Internal" systems are those that focus more on the spiritual aspects, and use ki or chi (universal or spiritual energy) as a power source. "External" denotes those that apply more muscular body strength, and applied force through laws of physics. Most Martial Art systems combine elements of each, but have a prominent feature that favors one or two.

Many ancient and modern sports have been created based on skills of the Martial Art, but are actually sports or games played under a set of rules. The Martial Art is a way of life for a warrior who is capable of ending a life with great skill, but has the self control, restraint, and a warrior's code that promotes just actions. A Martial Art is an educational system that teaches not only advanced, scientific fighting skills, but also the difference between right and wrong, and the virtue of doing what is right. A Martial Artist learns to appreciate beauty in life and various forms of art (poetry, music, painting, calligraphy, etc), harmony with the nature of forces in the universe, and lives with honor and integrity, seeking spiritual enlightenment. This is a common thread throughout all genuine Martial Art systems. Otherwise, it is just mindless brawling, street fighting , and gang-bangers, masquerading as a Martial Art.

Answer 2

Given that there are hundreds of Martial Arts, to differentiate them would be difficult. Given that they all require an understanding of the human body, they are remarkable similar, dispite having originated in such diverse places.

Martial arts are the skills used in combat. Martial arts includes the use of weapons of all types. Kung Fu is a type of martial art. Most people associate the term with the unarmed fighting techniques that come out of Southeast Asia.

Karate is a martial art. It is all under one catagory, Judo is a martial art, Tae Kwon Do is a martial art

If the martial arts can be generalized and stereotyped, Kung Fu is circular, while Karate is linear. Kung Fu uses the concept of circular motion to attain both maximum power and speed, while Karate uses linear motions for direct power and speed. Additionally, most styles of Kung Fu have some dodging work involved, however said dodging is not like in Boxing; in Kung Fu, dodging is based on foot work and knowing "how to step."