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24 Martial Arts

Martial arts are systems of codified practices and traditions of training for combat. They
may be studied for various reasons including combat skills, fitness, self-defense, sport,
self-cultivation / meditation, mental discipline, character development and building self-

confidence, or any combination of the above. Identify the martial arts and write its name
in the spaces given. (Refer Help Box)

1. Meaning “Empty hand” in Japanese, it is one of the most
popular martial arts. Originated centuries ago from the island of
Okinawa. There are many different styles within this art, but they
are all characterized with the same hard blocks, punches, and kicks.

2. Although in the Korean language it can be loosely translated as
“The way of hand and foot”, it is distinguished more by its powerful
kicks rather than hand strikes. Practitioners believe that since the

legs are longer and generally stronger than the arms, it is the best
weapon a martial artist has.

3. Well-known to the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters around

the world is this art of fighting, which focuses on grappling and
ground-fighting techniques. Borrowing from Japanese Judo, the
system was developed by the Gracie family.

4. The term does not technically mean Chinese martial arts,
but rather “skill or ability to do something”. A more accurate name

would be “Wushu”, which is the modern name for the Chinese
martial arts. It is believed that thousands of years ago the Buddhist
monk Bodhidharma created the art to help his students concentrate
during meditation.

5. The national sport of Thailand, this form of kickboxing is
different than Western kickboxing because fighters are allowed to
use fists, feet, shins, knees, and elbows in their strikes.

(a) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, (b) Tae Kwon Do, (c) Karate, (d) Muay Thai,
(e) Kung-Fu

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