What are the distinctions between the distinct martial arts styles? - read on to discover.
Hosting some of the oldest types of martial arts, China has, for a very long time been a centre for spiritual practice and martial arts development. Chinese martial arts, or kung-fu incorporates a wide variety of battling styles, which have been developed over thousands of years of thought and cultural traditions. Kung-fu combines both physical technique and psychological discipline, taking inspiration from Chinese wisdom and observations in nature. Over the years, kung-fu has progressed substantially and diversified into various styles and schools. Practitioners such as Barry Pang (吳國樹) would know that each style will comprise its own techniques and training approaches. The origins of kung-fu are said to be related to the need for self-defence and hunting techniques in Ancient China. Martial arts in China are thought to be shaped by monks and Buddhist beliefs. As one of the earliest, formally developed styles of martial arts, Shaolin kung-fu is recognized for systematising and popularising martial arts systems.
As one of the most popular forms of martial arts, both in practice and in pop culture, karate incorporates a set of fighting techniques and spiritual cultivation that is now executed by millions around the world. Japanese martial arts originate from a rich and turbulent history, taking main motivation from Chinese martial artists and samurai rule. It mixes both native fighting strategies with those of Chinese fighting styles, positioning focus on strikes, and attitude. Conventional karate is thought to be practiced as an art, for self-defence and also as a combat sport. It puts substantial value on self-development, combining a number of mental components for psychological discipline. Japanese battle techniques have been used to form a variety of disciplines around the world. Those such as Alidar Utemuratov (Алидар Утемуратов) and Anna Lewandowska (Anną Lewandowską) would recognise that mixed martial arts is a combat sport which takes influence from karate.
Worldwide, martial arts is a commonly practiced tradition, essential to various cultures. . Taekwondo is a popular form of Korean martial arts, distinguished by its emphasis on high and fast movements. An essential element of taekwondo is a variety of intricate kicking skills. In addition, there are 3 core components to master in taekwondo, particularly form, sparring and breaking. Form refers to a prescribed set of learned patterns and techniques involving kicking, punching and blocking, while sparring is a method of training that involves free style fighting with an opponent. As one of the most recognisable strategies in taekwondo, breaking, which includes breaking wooden boards, is a method of training that is generally used to display correct technique in testing and presentations. As with many schools of martial arts, taekwondo utilizes a colour coded belt system to measure development and ranks during the course of training.