These styles mostly focus on defense of the person practicing these martial arts. These are primarily striking and stand up styles. Blocks, kicks, punches and usage of knees of elbows characterizes these styles. The degree and the way these are delivered depends on each style and training. Some of these styles teach fighting as well, even if it that is not their main focus. These are the most prominent of this family of martial arts. The list of martial arts styles in this category are:

     Karate: Karate is a hybrid of Chinese and Japanese martial arts styles. It in fact originated in the island of Okinawa. It is an offensive style and aims at self defense through correct breathing techniques along with utilization of punches, kicks, blocks by knees and elbows and open hand strikes. Read more on martial styles-comparison.

     Taekwondo: Taekwondo’s special features are athletic kicks. The training requires you to build immense stamina and flexibility. Practitioners are further asked to break bricks and wooden planks, which further strengthen the taekwondo practitioner.

     Kick Boxing: Perhaps the most aggressive of the martial arts, with a combination of kicks as well as punches and incorporating techniques from other martial arts is kick boxing. It is closely related with Muay Thai, originating in Thailand. Take downs, throws, knee and elbow strikes are the unique features of this martial art.

     Kung Fu: Kung fu too, is meant for self defense. The aim of disabling the opponent is attained through kicks, punches and joint locks. Beautiful flowing forms is an excellent feature of Kung Fu. In addition to this, Krav Maga is another striking style in martial arts. Read more on deadliest style of martial arts.

     Sword Martial Arts Styles
     Laido is one of the martial arts which uses a sword. It is a Japanese martial art meaning L = being, Ai = harmony and Do = way. In short, laido is all about drawing a sword from the scabbard, slashing the opponent and putting it away again, before the blood drips from the sword! Whoa! Seems scary, right? The precision is creepy! Here the practitioners are taught how to stay in the present and have a good presence of mind. The students while practicing do individual forms, sometimes even two person forms are practiced. Initially a wooden or an blunt sword is used. Drawing sword from several positions is taught, basically.

     Takedown Styles
     To get the opponent to hit the ground is one of the best ways you can gain an upper edge in a combat. An effective method to do that is to use takedowns and throws. The grappling styles also train for takedowns and so do the throwing styles.

     Judo: The gentle way or Judo is not exactly a gentle method. It is fundamentally a style of throwing in martial arts. What makes it unique is that the fighters use the force of the opponents against them. It also involves pinning down the aggressor by using a submission hold. Founder of this art was Dr, Jigori Kano. Read more on martial arts styles and descriptions.

     Hapkido: Hapkido is one of the mixed martial arts styles, incorporating elements from other martial arts for self defense. It is a complete fighting technique, having soft techniques like using an opponent’s energy against him or her, with throws and joint locks. On the other hand punching and kicking techniques are also used, mostly from taekwondo. It has circular rather than linear movements which make it different from others.

     Low Impact Styles
     These are mostly concerned with breathing techniques, fitness and inner strength and spirituality more than combat. Still, this is not to say that these styles were not useful for combat. These are Tai Chi and Baguazhang. While basic goals of Tai Chi are health and meditation, Baguazhang is interspersed with slow moving and flowing forms and focuses on the mind and the things happening internally and externally. Read more on types of martial arts.

     These were the main martial arts styles, with their components. Be it an offensive style or a defensive, it is sure to add to to your physical and mental stress, which reminds me of what Vince Lombardi had said - “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”

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