From the fluid movements of Tai Chi and the strikes and kicks of Karate to the technical ground-fighting of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, each discipline offers unique techniques and philosophies. Practicing martial arts not only enhances physical strength and agility but also boosts self-confidence and inner peace. All these different disciplines are linked to a rich cultural tradition, each with its own culture, language, and codes. Within martial arts, there is a distinction between the fluidity of a dance, which is seen as expression and internal practice, and the harder striking and defensive sports, as well as the forms that fall in between. Here are some of the best-known forms of martial arts, divided into seven different categories.

Striking Martial Arts (Slapping and/or kicking techniques)

Boxing 

Modern boxing evolved from rules introduced by the English aristocracy in the 18th and 19th  centuries, such as the London Prize Ring Rules and the Marquess of Queensberry Rules.  These rules brought respect and order to the sport, developing boxing from street fighting  into a respected and regulated sporting activity. It is therefore sometimes referred to as the  "gentlemen" sport. For despite its physical nature, the sport is based on honor and respect.  Boxing focuses on using the fists to hit the opponent, with techniques such as punching, dodging, and defending. 

Depending on your weight class, you will be assigned the appropriate weight of gloves. In  boxing, you use techniques such as punches including a jab, cross, hook, uppercut; defensive techniques such as blocking, dodging, and footwork. So unlike kickboxing, only fists may be used! Conditioning is a hugely important aspect in boxing, as well as body mobility. There are different styles in boxing, but the basics are universal. Competitive boxers are divided into different weight classes. Winners are chosen by a jury based on points, technical  knockout (TKO) or knockout (KO). Boxing is practiced (recreationally) by millions of people worldwide and is a wonderful martial art to develop more self-confidence, fitness and strength. 

Karate 

The word "karate" literally means "empty hand" (where "kara" means "empty" and "te" means  "hand"), indicating that this martial art focuses on techniques without weapons. This Japanese martial art includes various techniques such as straight punches, side kicks and  spinning kicks. In addition, you can create and master a Kata. These are prescribed  sequences of movements and techniques performed solo to practice techniques and maintain  traditional forms. A Kumite refers to sparring with an opponent, ranging from controlled exercises to full contact fighting. Despite  learning many attack techniques in Karate, it's often practiced as a method of self defense, focusing on fending off attacks and quickly neutralizing an opponent. From  Japanese judo, karate adopted the tracksuit and belt system for graduation. Karate has a  rich history and is practiced by millions worldwide. 

Taekwondo 

Is a martial art that originated in Korea and is known for its high kicks and powerful kick techniques. Literally translated, 'tae' means foot, 'kwon' means fist and 'do' means the art of or the way. Freely translated, taekwondo means the way of the foot and the fist. Taekwondo is originally an unarmed martial art and has an emphasis on self-defense. Taekwondo emphasizes quick and precise movements with great attention to technique and timing. The  techniques combine strength and flexibility for optimal effectiveness. It includes formal  routines, called poomsae, performed to practice techniques and forms. Sparring ranges from  controlled exercises to full-contact competitions, where points are scored through controlled  techniques. For the disciplined taekwondo practitioner, it is more than just another martial  art. The practice of sport can make a positive contribution to developing thinking, self discipline and self-confidence. 

Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) 

This martial art originated in Thailand and has been practiced there for centuries. The  martial art uses fists, elbows, knees, and shins. A major difference in normal boxing is, fighters are separated when embracing, in thaiboxing they are allowed to use knees, elbows, and throw opponents to the ground. Another difference from boxing is that in boxing  you are only allowed to KO or TKO someone with the fists and in Muay Thai this is also  allowed with the legs, knees and elbows. Thai boxing includes traditional practices such as  the ritual greeting, the wai kru ram muay, in honor of the teacher, Buddha and the Buddhist  brotherhood, in addition to fighting techniques. Thai boxers often use amulets and tattoos. If  you visit Thailand, you will also notice that almost every town or village has a Muay Thai  school. Indeed, the sport is immensely popular in Thailand and intertwined with Thailand's  cultural heritage. The martial art has an emphasis on reverence, respect and non-violence. 

Kickboxing 

Kickboxing is a relatively new form of Martial Arts that combines elements of boxing and  kicking, with techniques from Western boxing, karate and Muay Thai. It originated in Japan and the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. In Japan, karateka Tatsuo Yamada  developed kickboxing by combining Muay Thai techniques with karate. In the U.S., it  became popular by martial artists who combined Eastern martial arts with Western boxing  and wanted to bring together full-contact fighting styles. Both styles have contributed to the  worldwide spread and popularity of kickboxing as a sport and martial art. Kickboxing has  several weight classes, and matches can be won by knockout or by points. There are  thousands of martial arts schools where a recreational person can practice kickboxing. The  martial arts are also becoming increasingly popular among young people, as they are able  to compete through the kickboxing better learn to deal with aggression and it is an ideal way to work on both  physical and mental strength. 

Kung Fu 

Kung Fu, also known as Gongfu, encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques. It has  its origins in prehistoric China, where people had to defend themselves against other tribes  and wild animals. The military then greatly influenced the further development of Kung Fu.  Hence the practice of military weapons such as Kwandoa, broadsword. But monks also  made the martial art "their own" and internalized the exercises. One of the meanings of the  word "Kung Fu" means "skill through hard work" and refers to any discipline or skill acquired  through intensive practice and dedication. Among the wider public, Kung Fu as a martial art  gained more name recognition through popular Western movies and series. However, these  films often give too one-sided or even wrong picture of this complex martial art. In fact, there are more than a hundred different types of styles. Each has its own unique  characteristics and is often associated with specific regions or monasteries in China. Many Kung Fu styles do share the same basic principles such as posture, balance, breathing  techniques, and coordination of movements. Movements such as punches, kicks, blocks  and stances are often similar, although different styles perform them in unique ways. 

Grappling Martial Arts (ground and grip techniques) 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial arts and self-defense system  that focuses on ground fighting and grappling techniques. Derived from Japanese jiu-jitsu and Judo, BJJ was further developed in Brazil by the Gracie family. It revolves  around controlling the opponent on the ground with techniques such as clamps, throws, grabs, and chokes. A key principle is the use of technique and leverage to overcome force, allowing smaller and weaker practitioners to defeat larger and stronger opponents. BJJ  emphasizes grappling and differs from other martial arts by focusing less on punches and  kicks. Competitions are held in both gi (traditional kimono) and no-gi (no kimono)  competitions, and practitioners earn ranks by colored belts The graduation system in BJJ is  unique and assesses progress by the teacher based on performance and competition and  has been a major influence on Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). In addition to physical training, BJJ  promotes discipline, respect, and community. The principle of "soft wins over hard" makes  the sport accessible to all, with sparring and repetition of exercises being key. BJJ has  become one of the most popular and influential martial arts worldwide, with millions of  practitioners in both recreational and competitive circuits.

Judo 

"Judo" literally means "the gentle way" in Japanese, where "ju" means "gentle" and "do"  means "way." This reflects the use of technique and leverage rather than brute force. Judo is  a Japanese martial art that focuses on throwing and ground techniques, developed by Jigoro  Kano in the 19th century. Like Karate and Aikido, among others, Judo is also used under the  Japanese term Budo. Budo is a composite of two characters from the kanji: 武 (bu), meaning war, warrior, battle or fighter and 道 (do), meaning means path or way. It refers to the various martial arts and martial arts that have a  philosophical and spiritual component, focused on development of the individual and  discipline. Judo uses a variety of techniques. For example, it is known for its throws (Nage waza). These are techniques for bringing the opponent to the ground. 

Once on the ground, there are various ground techniques (Ne-waza). These are control and  submission techniques such as holds and chokes. Judo is a self-defense sport and is known  for using the opponent's strength in a fight. Judo is also held at competition level. Here, points can be scored through effective throws or surrenders. An example is an ippon, which  is the highest score a judoka can achieve. It means that the judoka has performed a  technique that meets all the criteria for a perfect throw or hold, resulting in an immediate  victory. The level of a judoka is determined by the well-known Belt System: practitioners  wear colored belts, from white to black, with different levels within the black belt. Judo is  practiced worldwide, and for many children it is one of the first martial arts they come into contact with. This is because Judo promotes not only physical skills but also discipline, respect and self-improvement. 

Wrestling 

Wrestling is considered the oldest martial art in the world. Cave paintings in Lascaux,  France, which are about 15,000 years old, already show wrestlers. Similar depictions have  been found in caves worldwide, from Mongolia around 7000 B.C. and Libya around 6000  B.C., to prehistoric caves in Japan. In wrestling, roughly two styles can be distinguished:  Greco-Roman and free style. In Greco-Roman style, only holds from the head to the hips are allowed, i.e. arms, torso and head. In the free style, there are no restrictions on the  attack zones, and holds from the head to the legs and feet may be used. Women exclusively  practice the free style. Unlike many other combat sports, techniques that cause pain or injury in wrestling are prohibited. Since 1896, Greco-Roman wrestling has been an Olympic  sport, followed by the free style in 1904. Women's wrestling was added to the Olympic  program in 2004. There is often confusion between wrestling and "pro wrestling" or catch.  While wrestling is a competitive sport, catch focuses heavily on entertainment, with the  outcome and sometimes the course of the matches often predetermined. In the wrestling we describe here, you can win by flooring your opponent, pressing both shoulders to the mat.  You can also win by technical superiority, for example in Greco-Roman wrestling with a difference of 8 points or more, or in freestyle with a difference of 10 points or more, or by  performing a five-point hold or two three-point holds in one period. If the regulation time is  up, the one with the most points wins. Winning can also be done by giving up or excluding  the opponent. Wrestling is practiced as a sport, a martial art and a form of training. It is also a part of many mixed  martial arts (MMA) disciplines. 

Sambo 

Sambo is originally an Russian martial arts and self-defense system developed in the early  20th century. It combines traditional Russian wrestling techniques, judo and other fighting  techniques. The name Sambo, which is an abbreviation of the Russian phrase  "samozashchita bez oruzhiya" (self-defense without weapons), emphasizes both grappling  and throwing techniques. Two main forms of Sambo can be distinguished, viz. Sport-Sambo, which is performed in competition form with techniques for throwing, holding  and ground fighting, similar to judo and wrestling. Major difference with judo is that there is no belt system. A sambo match lasts five minutes (four minutes for youth). Both sambokas start standing and try to floor the other with a perfect throw or hold that leads to giving up. The match ends earlier if one fighter achieves an eight-point lead. Points are gained by  throwing the opponent on the back (4 points), side (2 points), or belly/buttocks (1 point). In  the event of a tie, the last scorer or the one with the fewest penalty points wins. Penalty  points are given for inaction. In addition to the Sport-Sambo, there is the Combat-Sambo.  This is a practical variant that includes punches and kicks and is aimed at self-defense and military training. This variant was developed in the 1930s as the exclusive method for the  Spetsnaz and the KGB. It later evolved into a competitive sport. Five-time world sambo  champion Fedor Emelianenko and two-time world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov also  perform excellently in MMA. 

Luta Livre 

Luta Livre is a martial art originating in Brazil, which literally means "Freestyle Fighting." The  sport was founded in 1927 by Euclydes "Tatu" Hatem, a former catch wrestler. Luta Livre  revolves around grappling techniques by which you make an opponent give up by clamping and strangling. The sport emphasizes skill and technique over strength and is practiced  without a set uniform, usually wearing long pants and a rashguard. There are two main  variants: the sporting version ( Luta Livre Esportiva) without punches and kicks and the Luta  Livre Vale Tudo version, which is similar to MMA and where punches and kicks are  allowed. The style received a huge boost in 1940 after a major clash between Tatu and George Gracie (BJJ) and again in 1968 when his student Euclides Pereira won over Carlson  Gracie. The main difference from BJJ is the uniform; while BJJ uses the kimono (GI), in Luta  Livre people fight without a fixed uniform, which has evolved to the use of long pants and a t shirt or rashguard. Similar to BJJ, Luta Livre also has a belt system. Each band in Luta Livre  represents a higher level of skill and experience. 

Progress is judged based on training time, technical ability, competition performance and  dedication to the sport. Contest rules also differ, especially in NO-GI or grappling contests,  where more clamps are allowed. This makes the sport more complex because more details  must be paid attention to, such as the position of feet and hands. In BJJ matches, most leg and ankle clamps are not allowed, but in grappling they are.

Hybrid martial arts styles 

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

The word actually says it all, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is an amalgamation of different types  of fighting styles. It combines various techniques and styles, such as punching, kicking,  grappling and ground fighting. It includes elements of boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, Brazilian  jiu-jitsu and other martial arts. In MMA matches, fighting can be either standing or on the  ground, with the goal of defeating the opponent by knockout, technical knockout or points. Although the roots of MMA go back much further in history, it gained name recognition  among the general public in the early 1990s. This was due to the creation of the successful  organization UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). The UFC is the largest Mixed Martial  Arts (MMA) organization in the world and organizes matches between top fighters in various  weight classes. The UFC is known for its high level of competition and extensive media  reach. The popularity of MMA has increased worldwide in recent years, with a growing  number of gyms, clubs and organizations offering MMA training and competitions. The  United States leads the way, with as many as thousands of MMA schools and clubs. 

Shootfighting 

Shootfighting is an originally Japanese martial arts and self-defense system that combines  various elements of martial arts and wrestling. The name Shootfighting, consists of "shoot,"  which refers to direct attacks and takedowns, and "fighting," which denotes the martial art  itself. The name emphasizes the effective nature of the techniques. The martial art was  developed in the 1980s by Japanese martial artists. The term "shootfighting" originated  earlier in the 1970s when Karl Gotch taught Japanese wrestlers catch wrestling techniques. In 1976, Antonio Inoki organized a match against Muhammad Ali which turned into a real  "fight match," which increased interest in effective techniques. This led to the creation of shoot wrestling and the development of pure "shoot" organizations such as Shooto and  Pancrase in the 1990s. The martial art is a mixture of techniques from judo, wrestling, and  Muay Thai, as well as elements of traditional martial arts such as karate. You can therefore  call it a hybrid martial art with rules less extensive than those of Mixed Martial Arts. Professional matches are for heavyweights (200 lb or more) and last 30 minutes, while  amateurs fight for up to 10 minutes. In the ring, participants may use kicks, knees and  elbows, and head punches, but no punches to the head. Joint clamps and chokes are  allowed. Matches are won by a 10-count knockdown, five knockdowns, or giving up. Holding  on to the ropes counts as 1/3 of a knockdown, and 15 holds means loss. When time runs  out, the match ends in a draw. Through this link you can find a video where Shootfighting is  practiced. 

Jeet Kune Do

Developed by Bruce Lee in the 1960s, Jeet Kune Do focuses on combining the best techniques from  various martial arts. "Jeet Kune Do" literally means "the way of the intercepting fist" in  Cantonese. Bruce Lee developed this martial art because he felt that traditional martial arts  were too impractical. JKD is a non-traditional martial arts and philosophy. It focuses on practical, direct techniques from  various martial arts and emphasizes efficiency, speed and effectiveness. JKD encourages practitioners to choose techniques that best suit their personal needs without being bound  by fixed styles or forms. The goal is a flexible and adaptable fighting style aimed at  neutralizing an opponent quickly and effectively. Famous quotes by Bruce Lee, in relation to  this martial art are: "Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless like water." And, "Now, you  put water into cup, it becomes a cup; put it into a teapot, it becomes a teapot. Now, water  can flow, or crash." And finally, perhaps the most famous: "Be water my friend." It is about  the philosophy, that you must be able to adapt to circumstances, not resist, but become one with yourself and the "opponent. But it is also about internalization, about the "opponent"  within yourself, with whom you must come into reconciliation. About practicing being present  in the "now. This philosophy resonates with the core values of Warrior Code, where the P in  the word R.E.S.P.E.C.T. , stands for Presence. Translated, this is presence. Presence in the moment of body and mind. Bruce Lee has had a lasting impact with his developed martial arts on millions of practitioners. 

Traditional and Weapon-based Martial Arts 

Kendo 

Kendō, or "The Way of the Sword" (ken=sword, do=way), is a Japanese swordsmanship art  that originated in the 16th century by uniting several techniques. Kendo stems from the  Samurai tradition and interfaces with other budo disciplines such as aikido and judo.  However, modern kendo was not developed until later in the second half of the 20th century.  A practitioner of kendo is called a kendoka. Kendo is an exercise in self-discipline, unlike kenjutsu, which is a true combat technique. Kendo practitioners use bamboo swords (shinai) and wear protective clothing (bogu), consisting of a mask (men), chest protector (do), gloves (kote) and a hip protector (tare).  Training focuses on physical techniques and mental discipline, with an emphasis on  precision, speed and spiritual development. Competitions are held worldwide in which points are scored through accurate and well-executed attacks. 

Kenjutsu 

Another well-known traditional Japanese swordsmanship art is kenjutsu. The word  "kenjutsu" literally means "the art of the sword" (ken = sword, jutsu = art or technique). This  martial art was also developed by the Samurai during the feudal era of Japan. It includes a  wide range of techniques and strategies for both offensive and defensive sword use. Training in kenjutsu ranges from kata (predetermined forms and movements) to sparring  with wooden swords (bokken) or bamboo swords (shinai). Unlike kendo, which focuses on  athletic competition and self-discipline, kenjutsu places more emphasis on practical and  deadly techniques for real combat situations. Kenjutsu is still practiced as a traditional  martial art and is an important part of Japan's cultural heritage. It also serves as a  foundation for other swordsmanship arts such as kendo and iaido.

Eskrima, Arnis & Kali 

Eskrima, Arnis, and Kali are traditional Filipino martial arts, known for their use of both  weapons and unarmed techniques. Although the terms are interchangeable, there may be  regional differences in terminology. These martial arts developed in the Philippines, influenced by different cultures. Thus, they were used by both past warriors and civilians. These martial arts focus on the use of sticks, knives, and other weapons, with training often  beginning with weapons. In addition, they include unarmed techniques such as punches, kicks, clamps, and throws, and combine kicking and grappling techniques. In addition to  these attack techniques, Eskrima, Arnis, and Kali, are practical ways to defend yourself.  These movements emphasize speed, precision, and adaptability. They are popular  worldwide because of their effectiveness and the influence of Filipino martial artists in films and martial arts communities. 

Internal martial arts 

Tai Chi Chuan 

The term "Tai Chi Chuan" literally means "ultimate extreme fist" and combines both physical and spiritual aspects of self-defense and health. Tai Chi Chuan is known to be taught often in parks as well. Groups or individuals then practice the slow, flowing movements that  improve balance, flexibility and coordination. The martial art is popular among young and old worldwide because of the mental and physical benefits of its practice. It is like a moving  meditation, with a focus on breathing and awareness. Besides being an ideal way to  exercise, it promotes relaxation and life energy (Qi). In addition to the inner and meditative  aspect of Tai Chi, the martial art nevertheless includes self-defense techniques based on neutralizing the opponent's strength. In short, Tai Chi is therefore the ideal accessible martial  art that you can practice throughout your life. 

Bagua Zhang 

Bagua Zhang was developed in the 19th century by Dong Haichuan. He is said to have learned from Taoist and Buddhist masters in the mountains of rural China in the early 19th  century. They would have taught him with knowledge of the I Ching, among other things.  Bagua, which means the "eight direction," was in fact inspired by the eight trigrams of the I Ching. The I Ching is a millennia-old Chinese oracle based on the idea that everything is  constantly changing and nothing stays the same. This law also applies to Bagua. The style  includes circular walking training and spiral techniques aimed at developing internal energy  (Qi) and mental focus. But the circle and spiral movements also allow practitioners to attack  or defend during movement. Bagua Zhang promotes flexibility, adaptability and quick  reactions. It is practiced for both self-defense and health benefits.

Xingyi Quan 

Xingyi Quan is a Chinese internal martial art. "Xingyi" literally means "form and intention"  (where "xing" stands for form and "yi" stands for intention). It can also be understood to mean first forming a "will fist. This is because the intention determines the power of the  action. It is difficult to determine who originated Xingyi Quan. Much of what we know about  the origins of Xingyi Quan is based on oral tradition and writings of later practitioners.  Practiced by thousands, the martial art is known for its direct and powerful attacks, with  straight-line movements and fast, explosive techniques, unlike the circular movements of  Bagua Zhang or the fluid movements of Tai Chi Chuan. The style includes 12 basic  techniques, the "12 Diagrams" or "12 Animal Forms," inspired by animals such as the tiger  and crane, and are designed to develop strength and dynamism. Training includes form  training (kata), where a structured series of movements and techniques are practiced as a  partner training. The workouts focus on improving strength, speed and precision. Breathing, as in any martial art, also plays a fundamental role in the integration and practice of martial  arts in Xingyi Quan. Xingyi Quan is valued for its practical applications for self-defense, with  an emphasis on breaking through an opponent's defenses quickly and forcefully. 

Self-defense systems 

Krav Maga 

"Krav Maga" literally means "contact fight" in Hebrew. Where "Krav" stands for combat and  "Maga" stands for contact. Krav Maga was developed by Imi Lichtenfeld (1910-1998), who  created the self-defense system for unarmed combat. It is a fighting system that focuses on direct, effective techniques for self-defense and safety in confrontations. Krav Maga is known for its application of simple and direct techniques designed to quickly and effectively neutralize a threat. Consider techniques designed for use in realistic scenarios, in both unarmed and armed  attacks. The practitioner of Krav Maga learns during training sessions, scenario exercises and drills to improve reactions to various attacks, with a focus on both physical techniques and mental preparedness. The essence of Krav Maga is safety and effectiveness. The system emphasizes self-protection and avoidance of dangerous situations, with techniques  that are easy to learn and apply. As a result, the martial art is practiced worldwide by young and old alike, and there are thousands of schools where you can learn it. 

Hapkido 

Hapkido is a fairly young Korean martial art focused on self-defense, combining techniques  from various disciplines. The name "Hapkido" means "the way of harmony with energy" and  refers to the philosophy of using fluid, circular movements to redirect the power of an attacker. "Hap" (합/合) means harmony of body and mind, "Ki" (기/氣) represents inner strength, and "Do" (도/道) means the way or  will to achieve something. There are different styles of Hapkido, but central to all styles are the use of circular techniques and making powerful  punches and kicks. You will also learn a wide range of other techniques such as: fall  breaking, pressure point techniques, joint clamps and throw and levers to throw opponents off balance. Attention is also given to the advanced student to be able to fight with  weapons. During training, these are various wooden sticks and swords and are primarily  designed to help students understand the principles of Hapkido. These three fundamental  principles are: none-resistance, where the opponent's force is redirected rather than  opposed; the use of circular movements to neutralize force; and fluidity, or the ability to  react smoothly to attacks. During training, in addition to learning to be able to apply the  techniques described in various situations, the emphasis is on breathing techniques, focus, and discipline. The philosophy emphasizes ethics and responsibility, using violence only as  a last resort. Hapkido promotes both physical and mental discipline and is suitable for all ages and skill levels. 

Cultural and performance martial arts 

Capoeira 

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines dance, acrobatics and music, and is like a  game without winners or losers. It has its origins in the games and rituals of (West) African  peoples, who brought them to Brazil during slavery and developed them further. In the 16th century, capoeira served as a form of self-defense and cultural expression for many Brazilian Africans. Capoeira continues to evolve without a central organization. "Capoeira Contemporânea" is a  new style stemming from Mestre Bimba's capoeira regional, with variations such as capoeira angola, benguela, and regional. Capoeira Angola schools see the "Contemporânea" schools are often considered less authentic. Capoeira incorporates  movements such as the Ginga, a basic movement for flexibility in attack and defense. Steps are performed acrobatically, and flips, jumps, and spins contribute to the graceful and  unpredictable nature of the art. Music plays a crucial role, with instruments such as the  berimbau, pandeiro, and atabaque, and Portuguese songs accompany the movements and set the mood in the capoeira roda, the circle in which capoeira is practiced. Capoeira is  more than a martial art; it is a cultural tradition that emphasizes respect, community, and  resilience, and combines self-expression, play, and strategy, promoting social interaction. 

Wushu 

Wushu is a Chinese martial art known for its spectacular movements and stunts, and  incorporates both traditional and modern elements. The name literally means "martial art," where "wǔ" stands for "fight" and "shù" stands for "art." Although Kung Fu is often used as a  synonym for Wushu, Kung Fu means "skill through hard work." Today, Wushu usually refers  to the competition-oriented style, while Kung Fu more often designates the traditional styles. Traditional Wushu includes ancient fighting techniques and styles such as Shaolin and Wudang, which focus on self-defense and discipline. Modern Wushu, developed for sports and competitions, emphasizes technical perfection and acrobatics. This includes Taolu (forms) and San Shou (free contact). Wushu has both internal styles, such as Tai Chi, which  focus on soft movements and internal strength, and external styles, such as Shaolin, which  emphasize powerful, explosive movements. Although not yet recognized as an Olympic  sport, Wushu is supported by the IOC and is often practiced in competition and  demonstrations, with a strong emphasis on cultural and philosophical values such as  respect and discipline. 

Find your martial arts gym here!

On the Warrior Code website, you will find a listing of different types of martial arts gyms.  Martial arts are not only physical disciplines, but also a means to promote personal growth,  mental discipline, and cultural connection. Whether for self-defense, competition, or  recreation, martial arts offer a rich and diverse world to explore and practice. Find the martial arts school that is right for you.