• All Types Of Fighting Styles
• Types Of Fighting Styles In Ufc
• List Of Martial Arts
• What Is The Best Martial Art
• Types Of Martial Arts

There are many different types of martial arts, including taekwondo, karate, and jiu jitsu, as well as MMA (mixed martial arts). Below are definitions of some of the most popular styles.

With this information, the next time someone asks, “What’s the difference between the different types of martial arts?” you’ll have an answer.

Fighting styles are simply systems of combat. They are either taijutsu or strategy and tactics. In taijutsu or ninjutsu, different fighting styles are systems of codified practices and traditions of training for physical education, exercise and combat.A ninja's fighting style is an approach to combat that make use of that ninja's strengths and talents; one example is Sakura Haruno, in Part II. This list of 180+ martial arts styles provides you with details about their techniques, kata & forms, history, etc. It ranges from well-known styles (such as Karate, Taekwondo, Krav Maga, BJJ and MMA) to more unique martial arts styles (such as “Drunken Fist” Kung Fu, Sherlock Holmes’ Bartitsu and Zulu Stick Fighting).

• Aikido: considered a grappling art, aikido is a Japanese martial art performed by flowing with the motion of the attacker rather than opposing it straight-on. This requires much less physical strength, as the practitioner directs the attacker’s momentum with entering and turning motions, followed by various throws or joint locks.
• Hapkido: a Korean martial art which uses joint locks, kicks, punches, and other striking attacks. Weapons such as sword, nunchaku, rope, cane, and staff are also used, although their emphasis varies. Hapkido focuses on using circular motions, non-resisting movements, and control of the opponent, using footwork and body positioning to gain leverage and avoid strength against strength. Although aikido and hapkido are thought to share a common history, they differ significantly in philosophy, range of responses, and execution of techniques.
• Judo: a relatively modern Japanese martial art (created in 1882). The goal of judo is to either throw or takedown one’s opponent to the ground and immobilize or subdue them with a grappling maneuver, joint lock, strangle hold, or choke. Strikes and thrusts by hands and feet or weapons are only allowed in pre-arranged forms (kata), and are not allowed in competition or free practice.
• Jiu Jitsu (Jujitsu, Jujutsu): a Japanese martial art for defeating an armed and armored opponent in which one uses no weapon, or only a short weapon. Practitioners neutralize an enemy with pins, joint locks, and throws by using an attacker’s energy against him, rather than directly opposing it (as with other martial arts such as karate). There are five main areas or arts of training: blocking, fulcrum throw, non-fulcrum throw, escaping, and striking.
• Karate: a martial art developed in Okinawa, Japan that stresses striking techniques, such as punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands (karate chop). In comparison to tae kwon do, karate tends to focus more on hand strikes, whereas tae kwon do emphasizes kicking techniques. The major traditional styles of karate are Shotokan, Shito Ryu, Goju Ryu, and Wado Ryu.
• Krav Maga: a hand-to-hand combat system developed in Israel that involves wrestling, grappling and striking techniques, mostly known for its extremely efficient and brutal counter-attacks used to keep the practitioner safe and incapacitate the opponent by any means necessary. Generally, there are no rules in krav maga, and it has no sporting federation. In addition, there is no official uniform, although some organizations recognize progress with rank badges, levels, and belts.
• Kung Fu (Chinese martial arts): a number of fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in China. There are common themes to the various styles (which are usually classified by families, schools, or sects). Some styles include physical exercises that mimic animal movements, while others are inspired by Chinese philosophies, religions, and legends. Internal styles focus mainly on harnessing of qi, while external styles concentrate on improving muscle and cardiovascular fitness. Some of the more common styles include Eagle Claw, Hung Gar, Five Animals (Shaolin Kung Fu), Monkey, Praying Mantis, and Wing Chun. (The term kung fu is often used in the west to refer to Chinese martial arts, however its original meaning refers to one’s expertise in any skill, not just martial arts.)
• MMA (Mixed Martial Arts): a full contact sport that allows a variety of fighting styles to be used (including martial and non-martial arts techniques). Striking and grappling techniques, either standing or on the ground, are allowed. The early years of the sport saw a wide variety of traditional styles, but as the sport evolved many styles were shown to be ineffective. It is now common for fighters to train in multiple styles, creating a more balanced skill set.
• Muay Thai: a martial art from Thailand which uses stand-up striking and clinching techniques. It makes prominent use of punches, kicks, elbow strikes, and knee strikes, using eight points of contact, in contrast to the hands and feet (four contact points) more often relied upon in other martial arts. Numerous techniques associated with Muay Thai can be found in MMA.
• Taekwondo: the Korean art of self-defense, one of the oldest forms of martial arts (reaching back over 2,000 years), and the most widely practiced martial art in the world. Training involves learning a system of blocks, kicks, punches, and open-handed strikes, as well as varying forms of take-downs, throws, and joint locks, all of which develop strength, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina. Taekwondo is known for its emphasis on kicking techniques, as compared to other martial arts such as karate. In addition to self-defense training, students learn prearranged sequences of techniques known as forms or poomsae (known in other martial arts as kata). Tae kwon do and judo are the only two martial arts included in the Olympic Games.
• Tai Chi: an internal Chinese martial art practiced for both its defense training and its health benefits. A multitude of training forms exist, including the westernized, standardized version of tai chi (tai chi chih) which has visual similarities to the Chinese tai chi (tai chi chuan), but no martial arts aspect. Some forms are particularly well known because of their slow movement.

1. Familiarise yourself with popular martial arts styles with this review that breaks down striking, grappling, throwing, weapons-based styles and more.
2. All about the different types of spatulas with pros and cons for each type of material to help you choose and buy the right kind of spatula for cooking every meal. I spent the first two decades of my life unaware of the conflict surrounding the term spatula.

When Star Wars first came out back in 1977, it changed culture forever. It ushered in the summer blockbuster and gave society a new type of mythology. The entire world knew who Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader were, and things like the Force and lightsabers became universally accepted things you could drop in casual conversation and have everyone understand you.

As more Star Wars stories were told, the idea of what a lightsaber was began to grow. It was no longer just a fancy, futuristic version of a samurai sword. The color of your lightsaber in addition to the process of selecting your personal Kyber crystal took on greater significance, and scientists began wondering if it was possible to create a weapon of pure light in real life.

However, a lightsaber isn't a toy. It's an elegant weapon, and in the Star Wars universe, it's only something you receive after agreeing to undergo intense training. But that doesn't mean there's only one way to use this weapon. Even if you haven't been able to put a name to each fighting style, you've likely noticed Jedi and Sith have different relationships with their lightsabers. In fact, there are seven combat styles available with a lightsaber, and once you master them all, you become one of the most powerful warriors in the galaxy.

Form I: Shii-Cho

Lightsaber combat has been broken down into the seven schools. Each one is designed to take advantage of the full capabilities of the weapon, and while lightsaber users can certainly deviate from these styles, understanding them is crucial for any Jedi-in-training.

The first and most rudimentary style of using a lightsaber is referred to as Shii-Cho. It's regarded as the oldest form of lightsaber combat, and it's the variation that's taught to every Jedi youngling. Sith have also been known to adopt the Shii-Cho fighting style, but they tend to do away with it quickly in favor of more aggressive attacks.

On its own, Shii-Cho is still incredibly effective, which is why many Jedi seen throughout Star Wars: The Clone Warshave been seen using it at one point or another. It essentially involves a quick flurry of strikes in which you adopt a defensive position after an attack. While it sounds easy, one can only become a master of Shii-Cho upon attaining inner peace. The lightsaber has to become an extension of the user's being before this technique can be utilized efficiently.

Form II: Makashi

Shii-Cho was the primary form of combat for a while, but once Sith Lords and the Dark Jedi emerged, a more combative method became necessary. Lightsaber combat needed to adopt to dueling with both offensive and defensive measures, so the style of Makashi (the Contention Form) was born.

All Types Of Fighting Styles

Makashi is a more elegant type of lightsaber combat, emphasizing complex footwork and balance to outwit your opponent. Accuracy and timing are more important than brute strength. It also depends primarily on the user wielding their lightsaber with a single hand. A lot of one-handed moves emerged out of this technique, and it's the variety you can see Count Dooku utilize in Attack of the Clones. As such, it's more common to see someone practice Makashi with a curved-hilted lightsaber that fits better in the palm and gives one greater control over more fluid movements. In the Makashi form, the user can typically disarm an opponent without killing them.

Form III: Soresu

Lightsaber fighting isn't always about attacking directly. If your opponent has a ranged weapon, then you need a way to use your lightsaber to defend yourself against oncoming attacks. That's how the next form, Soresu, developed.

Soresu utilizes more defensive strategies, and it's believed it was developed by the Jedi during the rising prominence of blasters in the galaxy. It went on to become a focal point of Jedi training with all younglings learning how to dodge laser blasts when they have their eyes covered by a shield. With greater proficiency, Soresu also incorporates short sweeps, quick dodges, and tight moves for the ultimate in defensive coverage. The goal is to make yourself as minimally-exposed to ranged fire as possible.

Soresu is also suitable when a Jedi is expecting a prolonged battle. The user can defend themself for as long as possible, observing their opponent's techniques so that they can come up with an effective attack. As such, Soresu became commonplace when a combatant wished to reason with their opponent or wanted to disarm them over time. Obi-Wan Kenobi was a noteworthy master of this technique, often choosing to defend for extended periods of time before going on the offensive.

Form IV: Ataru

Ataru is arguably the most aggressive form of lightsaber combat. The user relies heavily on the Force to guide them through a series of acrobatics to disorient their opponent, and as such, it's most commonly used with one-on-one duels. When a Force user relies on Ataru, they hope to bring a quick end to the battle.

Ataru depends heavily on sweeping strikes that come one after the next, which typically results in forcing the opponent go on the defensive. Cartwheels, somersaults, and spinning are typically seen, and a master of Ataru battles will fight from all directions, including the front, behind, overhead, and all sides. Most Star Wars fans will recognize it being used by Master Yoda during his duel with Count Dooku in Attack of the Clones.

While Jedi can master this art form, it's most commonly seen in the Sith. This is due to the fact the combat relies heavily on aggression, and masters who give in to such hate are often seduced by the dark side.

Form V: Shien/Djem So

Due to Form III giving a lightsaber user a defensive edge, combatants needed a way to break through the shielding. As such, two offensive variations emerged: Shien and Djem So.

Shien, also known as 'Perseverance Form,' came first and was designed to shield a user against blaster fire without compromising one's ability to set off a counterattack. It's best used when a Jedi is taking on hordes of opponents, necessitating defending oneself without sacrificing offensive capabilities. Djem So relies more on parries and blocks during lightsaber dueling. The user retains a defensive position for both close-quarters and ranged combat, but rather than only attack when an opening becomes available, Djem So actively requires the user to push the offense.

Form V typically isn't seen by Jedi because many believe it relies more on the Force itself rather than the lightsaber. That doesn't mean you can't see it. Shien is commonly utilized by Ahsoka Tano during the Clone Wars, and her master, Anakin Skywalker, is often seen utilizing Djem So throughout the same time period.

Types Of Fighting Styles In Ufc

Form VI: Niman

Form VI, Nima, sought to combine all of the elements of the previous iterations of lightsaber combat. The idea was that by merging all of them together, a Jedi could eliminate all of the weaknesses found in each method, but conversely, none of the offensive measures would be quite as effective.

List Of Martial Arts

Thanks to its approach of moderation, it quickly grew in favor with Jedi and was the last form developed by the Jedi Order. The reason for this is that it would allow the user to triumph over an opponent without outright dominating them. A Jedi could defend themselves efficiently and deliver justice without letting one's emotions overpower them.

What Is The Best Martial Art

As such, it's surprising that one of the main users of Niman is actually Darth Maul as seen in The Phantom Menace. It suggests that his master wanted the Sith Lord to be proficient in this dueling form so that he would be well-suited against Jedi. As proven in his battle against Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, it was indeed effective.

Form VII: Vaapad/Juyo

The final type of lightsaber combat is also the most controversial. It's called either Vaapad or Juyo, but no matter which name it goes by, it encourages the user to fully embrace their emotions, making it the most vicious combat style out there. Of course, giving into emotion goes against the Jedi way, which is why it's unsurprising that Jedi of old who practiced this style ultimately fell to the dark side.

However, Vaapad is more than just a fighting style. In order to master it, the user has to actively enjoy the fight and relish the idea of winning over an opponent. Vaapad allows one to enter a state of mind that acts as a sort of portal into the dark side, allowing even Jedi to harness the darkness and emerge victorious. While attacks through Vaapad may seem to be disconnected initially, it's all part of an elegant ballet designed to overcome even the strongest adversaries.

Types Of Martial Arts

During the era of the prequel trilogy, Mace Windu was the only known master of Vaapad. He mastered it as a way to control the inner darkness within him, and it's the reason why he was able to overcome Darth Sidious in Revenge of the Sith. Mace Windu could have taken out the most dangerous individual in the galaxy had it not been in his nature to honor the Jedi way and refuse to kill an unarmed fighter.