Types of wrestling and martial arts: overview and brief description

There are hundreds of martial arts in the world - some of them are many centuries old, some were formed in the 20th and 21st centuries. Some are purely practical in nature, others have become purely sporting. Martial arts differ in technique and style, as well as traditions and country of origin. Many martial arts have common roots, so the techniques in them are often the same.

Conventionally, martial arts can be divided into striking (kickboxing, Thai boxing, karate, taekwondo) and throwing (judo, Greco-Roman wrestling, sumo).

Impact types

A special feature of striking martial arts is the fact that only striking techniques are allowed in them. In some types, the fight is carried out using punches and kicks, in others you can fight with knees or elbows. Athletes who train in striking sports are vulnerable to those who study mixed martial arts. The fact is that they are defenseless against fighters of mixed styles when the fight is transferred to the ground.

Strike martial arts include:

• Boxing.
• Taekwondo.
• Thai boxing.
• Karate.
• Kickboxing.

What to look for when choosing a martial arts for yourself?

When there is a desire to take up some kind of sport, a person usually starts from what he himself loves, as well as from what he saw on TV. The more colorful a fight between representatives of a certain martial arts looks, the more you want to do it. But in this matter it is worth being more rational and here it is better to start from personal qualities and the general state of the body, and not from fantasies.

Personal indicators

Each person is individual, and if one loves pressure and work as number one, then the second may be the complete opposite. Therefore, the type of activity in sports must be selected to suit your psychotype. Of course, a variety of individuals are involved in sports, so it is not always correct to apply general statistics to yourself, but still they speak for themselves:

• People with a strong character, who know how to move forward and are accustomed to working first, often choose striking types of martial arts, that is: boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai and sambo;
• More restrained and calm, able to wait, are prone to sports such as wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and sometimes judo;
• Those who are looking for peace and want not only to learn how to defend themselves, but also to gain a certain spiritual core, often turn to martial arts.

But, again, this is only general data that does not always coincide with reality. Everyone ultimately goes to the room where it is more pleasant for him to be.

Physiological indicators

As for health, everything is obvious here - the first workouts will show whether the body is ready for the loads that are offered to it or not. Of course, with a sore back, joints and pressure, it makes no sense to go to martial arts, where movement and a high pace of work are important. The following indicators must also be taken into account:

• General physical fitness. The worse it is, the more difficult it will be to engage in martial arts, where endurance and strength are important. For example, karate, taekwondo and jiu-jitsu are suitable for starting even for those who have never done anything, but in wrestling and sambo training it will take a long time to get into the rhythm;
• Age. Elderly people sometimes appear in boxing gyms or MMA training, but these are exceptional cases. The older a person is, the simpler martial arts should be in terms of activity, as well as the general technique of performing techniques;
• Existing experience. This is one of the least important indicators, since in any form of martial arts there are beginners and this is normal;
• Financial question. Equipment for some martial arts can be expensive. For example, in boxing an athlete only needs a mouthguard, bandages, gloves and a helmet (sometimes they also buy groin protection). But for MMA training, you will need, on top of the above, also protection for your legs, compression underwear, shingards, for full-fledged sparring.

We've sorted this out and now let's move on to the martial arts themselves.

Boxing

Boxing is a sport that developed from fist fighting. Over time, rules were regulated and special training methods were developed. The fight takes place in a ring fenced on all sides. Athletes perform in soft gloves. Competitors who are in equal weight categories and have similar sports categories take part in the competition. The rules prohibit performing potentially dangerous actions.

Boxing is one of the most difficult sports. The fact is that the battle environment is rapidly changing. Athletes must have instant reactions and good spatial orientation. Moreover, boxers must quickly make decisions and carry out technical actions. Dexterity, speed, accuracy, good self-control and rationalism - all these qualities are inherent in a boxer. The body must be very resilient. During training, athletes learn to use their strength economically but effectively. Success in competitions depends on how much effort the athlete puts into improving the technique and tactics of combat.

Kyudo.

The fate of kyudo - the art of archery - largely repeats the fate of kendo. Like kendo, kyudo enjoyed its greatest popularity in the Middle Ages and was forgotten after the Meiji era. In 1949, the All Japan Kyudo Federation was created, and the revival of kyudo as a popular sport began.

In ancient times, bows of different sizes were used. Modern kyudo uses a standard Japanese composite bow made of wood and bamboo, 2.21 m long. The targets are placed at a distance of 22 or 60 m. In addition to accuracy, the gracefulness of the archer's movements is also assessed. Kyudo is popular among women and is also included in the school physical education program.

Thai or Thai boxing

One of the most famous boxing arts is Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing. Initially, this type of boxing was developed as an army and military martial art. The monarch's personal guards were fluent in Thai fighting techniques. They trained to fight back against an enemy that greatly outnumbered them.

By the 21st century, Muay Thai had become more of a sporting form of wrestling than a real martial art. The rules have undergone significant changes and have become more flexible. As a result, the once deadly martial art became much less effective.

Kickboxing

This martial arts originated in the 60s of the last century. It has become widespread in many countries of the world. There are several types of kickboxing:

• American. It is based on full contact fights. This means that during a fight you can strike with any force, aimed at any part of the body, including the head. You can fight with your feet and hands.
• Japanese. To be honest, Japanese kickboxing is a modernized Thai boxing. The types of wrestling that formed the basis of Japanese kickboxing are very similar to modern martial arts. They have only two significant differences. Firstly, elbow strikes are prohibited. Secondly, the scoring system has been changed. In 1981, many kickboxers were caught in criminal gangs, so a number of large Japanese schools closed. Subsequently, Japanese kickboxing came under the auspices of the K-1 organization, which took it to a new level.

Karate

Translated from Japanese, this word means “the path of the empty hand.” It is based on various striking techniques. The fight is fought with the hands. The rules prohibit the use of grabs and throws, but the use of certain types of weapons is allowed, among them cold steel. The main task of athletes is to force the opponent to change his stance. The greatest role in karate is played by the sense of balance, as well as the speed and speed of the fighters.

Comparing martial arts

Which is better - boxing or Thai boxing?

These two fighting arts have many similarities, but the differences between them are obvious. A Muay Thai fighter has a serious advantage - he can and knows how to work with his feet. Therefore, his range of action is greater than that of a boxer, who has to be content with only punches.

Although, on the other hand, the boxer has an advantage in grouping, he is able to easily dodge blows, choosing tactics to continue the fight. Thai boxing is more suitable for street confrontations, but regular boxing will also be a serious help in the fight against hooligans.

Karate or Thai boxing

An experienced karateka studying in a good school shows many advantages. His strong point will be rigidity of position, refinement and clarity of movements. He will not wait or stage a performance in the form of dancing around his opponent. Most likely, he will block the first blow and immediately rush into the attack.

However, a professional Thai fighter is an even more dangerous opponent. The attack in his direction may be the last one if you miss a low kick. According to statistics, it is Thais who often emerge victorious in fights with karatekas. Of course, physical training, correctly chosen battle tactics and practical experience will play a key role.

MMA or Thai boxing

Professional athletes often turn to the experience of Thai boxers, because MMA is a combined sport based on many martial arts. However, it is believed that the latter is definitely much more multifaceted and is not limited by certain rules and prohibitions.

Thai boxing or kickboxing

The main differences between these martial arts are in the technique of performing movements. Hand work in Muay Thai fades into the background, but kickboxing uses them regularly. At the same time, it allows strikes with knees and elbows, which in the Thai version is not allowed in a series, but only with single strikes.

Clinching is also uncharacteristic of a kickboxer, thanks to which Mai Tai can be classified as a more contact art. The Ty fighter is prepared ahead of time to escape from holds, to twists and throws, which is uncharacteristic for his opponent.

Judo

In Japanese, the word "judo" means "the gentle way." It was in this country that this combat sport originated. Judo is based on all kinds of painful holds, throws, chokes and holds. Judo athletes follow the principle of unity of body and spirit. When performing certain technical actions, they spend less energy and physical strength. This is the main difference between judo and other types of wrestling and martial arts.

Since 1964, judo has been one of the Summer Olympic sports. This martial art is subject to clear rules, therefore, at the moment of the fight, the mind controls the body, due to which judo is educational in nature. Athletes not only take part in competitions, but also explore technique, learn self-defense techniques, and also improve their spirit and physical fitness. In total, there are more than 200 national judo federations on 5 continents of the world.

Which martial arts should I send my child to?

The younger generation, especially now, lacks the attention of their parents, and the abundance of food, technology and toys makes them spoiled and extremely naughty teenagers. That is why martial arts can be an excellent additional “school”. The following martial arts are perfect for children, both boys and girls:

• Karate;
• Judo;
• Wrestling (only from a professional trainer with experience working with children);
• MMA (requirements for a coach are the same);
• Aikido;
• Kudo.

In fact, children are sent anywhere, but in this matter you need to be as scrupulous as possible in choosing a coach, since literally everything depends on him. If this is a professional, then kickboxing for a child will be interesting and, most importantly, safe. Remember one simple thing: martial arts for children is a way to strengthen spirit and character, as well as provide a basis for normal self-esteem and respect for others.

Sambo

Sambo is a martial type of wrestling. This martial arts is used for self-defense; it can be used to incapacitate an opponent. However, there is another type of sambo – sports sambo. It has a beneficial effect on the spiritual development of the individual, promotes the development of perseverance, self-confidence, and trains a person in discipline and self-control. In addition, sports sambo is a type of wrestling that strengthens the body and brings a person into good physical shape. Sambo is a unique martial art. It is the only sports competition in which competitions are held in Russian.

Jujutsu

The concept of “jiu-jitsu” is used to describe a special fighting system that is very difficult to describe in words. First of all, it should be noted that jiu-jitsu is hand-to-hand combat. As a rule, athletes do not use weapons. The use of additional items is strictly regulated. This martial art is based on punches and kicks, throws, blocks, holds, strangulations and ties. In this case, it is not the brute strength of the athlete that is important, but his dexterity and dexterity. Maximum results are achieved with minimal effort. If you follow this principle, you can learn to control your body and use energy effectively, regardless of your level of fitness.

Savat France

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Literally, “savat” is translated from French as “old shoe.” The unusual style was invented by sailors who were forced to fight with their feet on the deck of a ship, since their hands acted as balance. Savateurs wear shoes with thick soles and protruding welts. In modern savate, punches exist, but they play a secondary role.

Freestyle wrestling

Freestyle wrestling is a sport whose goal is to put the opponent on the shoulder blades, that is, on the carcass. The fight is strictly regulated by the rules. The fight between athletes lasts about 5 minutes. If the match ends in a draw, another 3 minutes are added to the main time. If after this time none of the fighters has won, then the fight continues. Points are awarded for purely executed freestyle wrestling techniques. You can perform various actions with your feet, including sweeps, hooks, and steps. In addition, grappling is allowed. Freestyle wrestling techniques include throws and other technical actions performed with the hands.

Capoeira

In 2000, while in Rio de Janeiro, I saw street acrobats. They performed jumps one over the other, and one of the acrobats somehow strangely spun in place, stepping from one leg to the other and at some point even leaning on his hands. Unfortunately, in the photo the acrobat was captured in a half-squat on his feet, that is, in a pose that does not give any idea of ​​​​the nature of the movement. I didn’t know then that the acrobat was demonstrating the art of capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that soon became popular in Russia.

Elements of capoeira are stylized as acrobatic and dance movements. The fight takes place to the music and without contact with the enemy. The goal of the fight is to use lunges and acrobatic elements to unravel the enemy’s intentions and throw him off balance. In the fitness version, which fitness clubs offer their visitors, the acrobatic elements are simplified, but in order to master them, you will have to work hard.

If, after reading this, you still haven’t decided which martial art to take up, then Sensei Azuma Takashi created it especially for you.

Grappling

Grappling is based on the principles of several martial arts, including jiu-jitsu. The rules prohibit the use of techniques called “crucifixion” and “full nelson”. You cannot pull your opponent by the hair, grab your toes and hands, bite, press on the face with your hands and knees, scratch or put pressure on the ears. Grappling is rational wrestling. The winner is the athlete who is able to correctly build battle tactics.

This sport promotes the development of flexibility, strength, and plasticity. During training, athletes learn to defend themselves using their entire body, not just their arms and legs. The sense of equilibrium and balance plays a very important role. Sometimes grappling is called wrestling with the last of your strength, since opponents often reduce each other to unconsciousness using suffocation, pinching and various painful techniques.

Kalari Payattu India

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Indians claim that Vishnu himself developed this art. Kalari Payat is considered the oldest fighter in the whole world - it is from the tradition of “fighting of God” that almost all modern fighting styles have grown. Real Kalari Payat masters know how to stop an enemy with one blow - and in order not to be tormented by conscience for an innocently murdered soul, these guys also study the medical system - Siddhi.

Mixed styles

Universal types of wrestling belong to the group of mixed martial arts. They use various striking techniques, choking and painful techniques, as well as wrestling elements. Athletes who engage in these types of wrestling have a technical and strategic advantage over other wrestlers. There are several nuances with which you can distinguish between mixed martial arts.

• Kimono is not used in all types.
• The quantity and type of equipment used during competitions.
• Prohibition on the use of painful and/or choking techniques.
• The amount of time allotted for wrestling on the ground and for the duel.
• The number of points awarded for various techniques.

Since it is impossible to master absolutely all technical actions allowed in wrestling and striking types of wrestling and martial arts, not all techniques are used in competitions. Coaches discard some of them if they consider a particular technical action to be ineffective. Therefore, each fighter has his own fighting style, which makes mixed martial arts the most spectacular. These include:

• Combat Sambo.
• MMA (Mix Fight).
• Hand-to-hand combat.
• Wushu.

Aikido

Having appeared relatively recently in Russia, aikido has managed to gain some popularity. This martial art was founded by master Morihei Ueshiba in 1945. The main concept of Aikido is for the fighter to achieve harmony between his own life energy and the surrounding world. In combat, an aikidoist strives to use the enemy's aggression against him. This type of martial arts is more a means of defense rather than attack, and therefore is suitable for balanced, non-aggressive people. Aikidoists compete in short white kimonos and wide black hakama trousers, which makes the fight spectacular.

Like karate-do and wushu, aikido has its own internal directions. The most popular of them can be called volumes of aikido, combining the techniques of traditional aikido with judo techniques. Tomiki Aikido includes competitions in the training program, which is very atypical for eastern martial arts, because it is believed that it is more important to master the art of combat than to win competitions. It is worth mentioning tanto randori-ho, the art of fighting without weapons with an armed opponent. For training, a soft knife is used, which is wielded by one of the athletes, and at the end of one fight they change roles.

Hand to hand combat

This sport has roots in ancient times. It is divided into two groups:

• Army. The military was the last to resort to fighting with arms and legs without the help of improvised means. For many centuries they studied this discipline. Bayonet fighting, knife fighting and fighting without the use of weapons are all components of army hand-to-hand combat. This fighting system is aimed at quickly incapacitating opponents.
• Police hand-to-hand combat has its own specifics, since law enforcement officers often deal with unarmed lawbreakers. In this case, the enemy must be neutralized without causing injury to him. Therefore, police hand-to-hand combat was based on punches, kicks, sticks, techniques of disarming and releasing from grips.

Krav Maga

photo: MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP (Getty Images)

Krav Maga is the official combat system of the Israeli Defense Forces. This is a martial art of survival, aimed at the brutal destruction of everyone who meets on the way.

Krav Maga prepares for situations such as attack or defense from danger on the streets, a fight in a bar, or the need to disarm a stronger opponent. Krav Maga is contact combat in the name of victory by any means necessary.

There are military and civilian versions of the Krav Maga hand-to-hand combat system. Some techniques are similar between the civilian and military versions, but the military version is tougher.

Wushu

The main types of wrestling include kung fu, or, as it is also called, wushu. There are at least 300 varieties of this martial arts. Among them, Wing Chun stands out, which means “eternal spring”. It is aimed at people who are not in great physical shape. Lack of weight and size is not a problem for Wing Chun wrestlers. This sport is based on influencing the enemy’s unprotected pressure points, such as the groin, eyes and throat. For the most part, punches are thrown below the belt, so special flexibility is not required for athletes.

MMA

MMA is an acronym that stands for Mixed Martial Arts, which translates as “mixed martial arts.” This type of wrestling in sports contains the most effective techniques from various martial arts. Athletes are divided into several weight categories. In battle, protective ammunition is used. Boxing gloves have been replaced with pads that are open on the inside. They not only allow you to perform throws and various painful techniques, but also protect athletes from all kinds of injuries. The rules prohibit the use of blows to the groin area, throat and spine. In addition, technical actions aimed at capturing small joints cannot be performed.

Wrestling at the Olympic Games

The Olympic Games program includes 4 types of martial arts. Among them are wrestling, boxing, judo, taekwondo.

• Wrestling is an Olympic sport that has been part of the Games program since Antiquity. It is conventionally divided into two styles, one of which is freestyle wrestling. As mentioned earlier, in this sport it is allowed to perform technical techniques with the legs. Greco-Roman wrestling competitions are also included in the program of the Olympic Games. They are known as classical wrestling. The fight takes place in a circle marked on the wrestling mat. Leg holds are prohibited.
• Boxing first took part in the Olympic Games in 1904. Since 2012, not only men, but also women compete in this discipline. The rules of modern boxing are based on laws called the rules of the Marquis of Queensberry. They appeared at the end of the 19th century in England.
• Judo has been considered an Olympic sport since 1964. This type of wrestling is based on techniques from jiu-jitsu and other martial arts. Competitions are held on a hard wrestling mat, on which a square is outlined. Judges award points for correctly executed throws and techniques. Participants in the fight wear a kimono. The special shape allows you to perform all kinds of technical actions, including spectacular throws.
• Taekwondo was included in the Olympic Games program in 2000. The fight is held on a hard mat, the participants wear a special uniform and protective equipment. Opponents perform kicks to the opponent's head and body.

Participants in all Olympic martial arts are divided into weight categories. In addition, the rules of fights and refereeing are clearly regulated.

National martial arts

There are less popular, but even more spectacular types of wrestling. These include the national martial art called capoeira, which arose from the fusion of African and Brazilian cultures. It is a synthesis of dance, acting and acrobatics. Athletes fight accompanied by national Brazilian music.

Various types of Japanese wrestling have become widespread in all corners of the planet. However, not only karate and judo, but also kendo originated in the Land of the Rising Sun. The peculiarity of this martial art is that athletes use bamboo swords in competitions. The competitors wear special armor for training. For each cleanly executed blow that hits a certain part of the opponent’s body, points are awarded. Kendo is now part of the curriculum in Japanese schools.

Martial arts using weapons

Kenjutsu is martial arts in Japanese armor and using a sword. The combatant's behavior should be aggressive: this frightens the opponent, helps to breathe correctly and raises the fighter's morale. There are two types of swords used in kenjutsu - the long two-handed katana and the short wakijashi.

Kendo is similar to kenjutsu, only the sword used is bamboo, which is more aerodynamically convenient than metal. Also, the athlete is not dressed in armor, but in a national Japanese combat suit and a lattice mask. The “kiai” cry, known to most readers from films, is considered important in kendo. They shout in almost all eastern martial schools, but in kendo shouting has a particularly important, almost ritual meaning.

Nagintado is a combat sport using the bamboo naginata halberd. Interestingly, according to tradition, nagintado is practiced mainly by women.

Currently, these recently completely unknown martial arts in our country are gaining popularity, and you can even learn them in fitness centers. It is worth keeping in mind that in fitness centers the lessons of these martial arts are usually called blade and are a simplified fitness version. Trainers say that Japanese fencing is a rather difficult art, and only after a considerable period of time do students begin to feel the feel of a sword or halberd.

In general, there are a great many oriental martial arts, and, unfortunately, it is impossible to consider them all in one article. However, in my opinion, such martial arts as pencak silat (Indonesia), yet vo dao (Vietnam) and varma kalai (India) will not soon become not only popular, but also somewhat famous in our country. Those interested can see demonstration performances in these styles at specialized festivals of oriental martial arts that are regularly held in Moscow.

The East is the East, but the West is trying to keep up with it, and therefore, in addition to martial arts, there are several Western directions that also require attention.