This part of our guide focuses on martial arts, codified systems and traditions of combat practiced for self-defense, military and law enforcement applications, competition, physical and mental development, and cultural preservation. Originating mainly from East Asia, martial arts employ both armed and unarmed techniques.

Martial arts employ a wide range of combat practices and traditions, each with its techniques, philosophies, and cultural origins. Martial arts disciplines are practiced for various reasons, including self-defense, physical fitness, mental discipline, spiritual development, and competition.

Martial arts can be categorized according to several criteria: traditional versus contemporary styles, the techniques taught, or applications.

Traditional martial arts, such as Kung Fu and Karate, have deep historical roots and cultural significance. Contemporary styles, like Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), combine techniques from various disciplines to create a more versatile fighting system.

Martial arts can also be divided into armed (Kendo, Escrima) and unarmed (Taekwondo, Judo) techniques, or further split into striking (Muay Thai, Krav Maga) and grappling (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo) forms.

Martial arts serve different purposes, including self-defense, combat sports, choreography, physical fitness, meditation, and competition, and some forms of martial arts are better adapted for each of these.

The core components of martial arts include techniques, equipment, and training methods. Techniques vary widely depending on the style and can include strikes, kicks, throws, joint locks, and weapon use. The equipment includes protective gear (gloves, helmet), training aids (punching bags, mats), and weapons (swords, sticks). Training methods are designed to develop physical conditioning, the acquisition of skills, and mental discipline. Common methods include sparring, forms (kata), and drills.

The history of martial arts dates back thousands of years. Early evidence of martial arts can be found in ancient civilizations in China, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. These can probably be linked to military training.

However, the martial arts practices in China, Japan, and Korea have greatly influenced the development of various styles of martial arts practiced today.

Martial arts became globally popular in the 20th century, with styles like Judo and Taekwondo becoming Olympic sports. The rise of MMA in the late 20th and early 21st centuries brought martial arts further into vogue.

Testing in martial arts is a means of measuring a practitioner's progress and skill level. Many martial arts use a colored belt system to signify rank and progression. Testing typically involves demonstrating techniques, forms, and sparring. Higher ranks, such as black belts, often require vigorous testing, including written exams, physical demonstrations, and sometimes teaching experience.

Martial arts competitions vary widely depending on the style. In forms (kata) competitions, practitioners perform pre-arranged sequences of movements, which are judged on precision, technique, and expression. Sparring involves controlled combat between two practitioners, with scoring based on effective strikes, throws, and defensive maneuvers. MMA combines techniques from various martial arts in full-contact bouts, popularized by organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Martial arts is not practiced purely as a sport. There are several potential applications, including self-defense, military, law enforcement, physical development, mental discipline, entertainment, and competition.

There are hundreds of martial arts traditions, some of which differ significantly while others are similar. While lists vary, the ten most commonly known martial arts may include Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Mixed Martial Arts, Krav Maga, Aikido, and Kendo.

These and any of the other martial arts are appropriate for inclusion in this category. However, retail websites should be listed in the corresponding Shopping & eCommerce category.

Boxing is often included in lists of martial arts. However, traditional martial arts often include a wide range of techniques, including strikes, kicks, grappling, and weapon training, while boxing focuses primarily on punches and footwork, lacking the diversity of techniques found in the other martial arts. Additionally, many definitions of martial arts emphasize their origins in East Asian cultures, where they are often intertwined with spiritual and spiritual practices not found in boxing. For these reasons, we have elected to include boxing as a combat sport, but not with the martial arts.

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