Kung Fu: A martial art from China meaning time and effort. It is divided into many styles. Some styles are based on the attributes of animals such as tiger, snake, eagle etc. Others that are based on region such as Northern and Southern Shaolin, the location of which many temples were located. Techniques were determined because of the environment of the place. For example, practitioners of the north use long and wide techniques because the land there is flat much like Texas. However, in the south, the techniques are shorter and narrower because it is very mountainous and hilly. If you tried to do a long and wide technique you would fall off the land. A common characteristic of kung fu is the movement is flowing and circular to help practitioners remember the techniques and develop muscle memory quicker.
Karate: A martial art originating from Okinawa and Japan. Kara is Japanese word for empty. Te is the Okinawan word for hand. The Japanese had a strict code of conduct and how they interacted with one another. This influenced their technique. The discipline is characterized by fast, darting movements. They focused on linear strikes and often times seem robotic in nature. However, there are many different styles of Karate which share some principles of Kung Fu especially the flowing aspects of it.
Kali: A martial art from the Philippines. It is an acronym for Kamut Lihok meaning, hand movements. Practitioners start out with sticks then, progress to bladed weapons. These motions are then translated over to empty hand techniques (Panantukan) for stand up, and Dumog for grappling. Kali is a terminology that encompasses all forms of Filipino martial arts such as Escrima and Arnis.
Jujitsu: A martial art from Japan. It focuses on throws, joint lock manipulation, and for todays world, grappling. It was developed from sword techniques when a samurai (one who serves) lost his weapon. He still needed to continue the fight. Today it is popular in MMA competitions such as the UFC.
Muay Tai: A martial art from Thailand. It’s primary weapon is the round kick. It’s round kick differs from other martial arts in that the practitioners never snap their knees to deliver the kick. Instead, they use their hips to swing the leg horizontally and put their weight behind it; similar to a baseball bat. The art also focuses on elbows and knees along with the normal various strikes from other systems. This art is also known as the art of 8 limbs.
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