Martial arts are a series of techniques created for defense and fighting in combat. They are characterized by the organized form of their combat methods, the coherence and codification of their techniques, which have allowed them to differentiate themselves from street fights. Currently martial arts are practiced for various reasons: personal protection, sports, health, mental discipline, self-confidence.
The most representative features of these techniques is the way in which the balance between body, mind and spirit is exercised; adding a philosophical current for each discipline that emanates, and that is transferred from generation to generation, improving each time the style. Martial arts have been practiced since millennia, emerging as a way to preserve physical integrity, causing the least possible damage in the face of aggression and perfecting strength and resistance.
Martial arts are generally linked to the ancient and legendary arts of the eastern world, which is why the people who practice it the most are from China and Japan.
The modern conception of martial arts comprises a great variety of styles that vary depending on their origins or philosophy. However, they are classified into two types: those oriented towards armed combat and those that stand out for not using any type of weapons.
Martial arts that make use of weapons:
Ninjutsu: it is a Japanese martial art, used for espionage and guerrillas. Traditionally this method was used in ancient times by ninjas on battlefields. Currently ninjutsu is only restricted to the use of blows, joint dislocations, knockdowns and the use of traditional weapons, among which the "ninjato", a kind of very sharp sword, stands out; the "kaginawa" (hook attached to a rope); the "tekken" (rings with several metal tips).
Kenjutsu: represents a Japanese martial art of the old school, whose purpose is to teach how to fight effectively using the saber. At present many practicing schools of this style, still remain. Kenjutsu dojos still remain throughout the Japanese territory. However, the number of practitioners is very small, this may be due to the martial nature of the practice and the detachment of the new generations to preserve the most typical aspects of Japanese culture.
Eskrima: it is a Filipino martial art, which was for a long time influenced by different eastern and western martial disciplines, one of the newest being classical Spanish fencing. This technique is based on the use of various combat weapons: wooden staves, daggers, machetes, axes, etc.
Martial arts that do not employ the use of weapons:
Karate: it is a traditional martial art of Japan, which consists of giving dry blows with the edge of the hand, elbows and feet.
Kung Fu: is a traditional Chinese discipline whose philosophy is "healthy body and good health. " This martial art was originally practiced by Buddhist monks who performed it to help them in their meditations; over time they were transformed into fighting skills.
Taekwondo: is a martial art of Korean origin, very popular today. This discipline combines methods of karate and kung fu.
