Martial arts styles have their own individual strengths

The different martial arts styles have drawn public attention with the current craze over the MMA competitions. Martial arts, in its broadest sense, refers to the styles and techniques of fighting. It is logical to assume that martial arts came about when man first learned to fight and realized that some methods were more effective than others. As years passed, different styles have been identified and categorized. Martial arts are either grouped by technique or by origin and encompass a wide variety, some with weapons, others without. Some martial arts styles are even attributed to individuals who developed their own special forms that have become popular.

Martial arts styles may be classified as either armed or unarmed. Blades, sticks and poles belong to the armed category with martial arts styles like eskrima, silat and kalarippayattu. A focus on a specific weapon can also result in an identifiable martial art style as in arnis (stick), kenjutsu (sword), bojutsu (staff) and kyudo (bow and arrow). Modern fencing would also fall into this category.

Unarmed martial arts styles focus on movements like grappling, throwing, pinning, submission and choking. Well-known forms in this category are styles like wrestling, judo, sambo, aikido, tai chi and kung fu.

Many martial arts styles are related to religious or health practices. Japanese martial arts styles are influenced by Zen philosophy as is the case with aikido where concepts like flow of energy and fostering peace become part of the style. Gatka was developed by the Sikhs of the Punjab region while shastra vidhya came from the Hindus. The Russian style of Systema is said to focus on breath and relaxation much like tai chi, and is reputed to produce psychological and spiritual benefits.

Many of the martial arts styles evolved from folk styles, especially forms of wrestling. Sumo and pehlwani are among the better know Asian styles, but there are many European styles like Icelandic, Swiss and English wrestling. Lutte traditionelle also know as Laamb or Senegalese wrestling is the basis for an African martial arts style.

The categorization and recognition of martial arts styles will depend, to a great extent, upon commercialization. As styles become popular they become organized into bodies which, in turn, promote the style. Eventually, inclusion in the Olympics, as is the case with taekwondo and judo, or the formation of a world championship event will result in establishing the style in the public mind and qualify it as one of the bona fide martial arts styles.