Kung-Fu, or Gung-Fu, is perhaps one of the oldest of the Eastern arts. With its origins in China in the 6th century at the Shaolin temple, it is divide into two main styles, Northern and Southern. These two styles encompase a large variey of other forms including, Hungar, Black Tiger, Tiger Crane, Serpent, and Praying Mantis. The style uses graceful circular motions and the power of the "chi" or spirit. Kung-Fu is a wonderful art for people of any age.
Jui Jitsu is a Japanese art which is literaly translated as "grabbing". It became popular to Americans during World War II as American soilders learned it as a form of unarmed self-defense on the battleground. Jui Jitsu is incorporated into many traditional Karate styles and is an excellent art for self-defense purposes.
Judo, as many of the other grappling arts including Akido, was derived from Jui Jitsu. It relies on taking the opponent's force and re-directing it back toward him. Judo was the first martial art to be taught in American colleges and the first martial art to be held as an Olympic event.
Karate is a Japenese art that was imported from the Okinawan islands and originated in China. Karate, or "empty hand" was developed in Okinawa as a means of unarmed self defense as, at the time, all weapons were banned by the ruling Japanese goverment. The schools (Ryus) were shrouded in secrecy and rich traditions grew from this. In the late 19th and early 20th century great masters such as Funikoshi, Myagi, and Mabuni brought the art to Japan. Today there are four major styles taught in Japan: Shotokan, Shito-ryu, Gojo-ryu,and Wado-ryu. Karate is well suited for practitioners of any age. Due to it not stressing high kicks or lots of jumping techniques, it is ideal for adults and older people also.
Akido was derived from Jui Jitsu and attempts to blend mind, body, and spirit into one. It is a beautiful and deadly art that has recently been made famous by actor Stephen Segal
Tae Kwon Do originated in Korea and is known as "Korean Karate". The name means "the way of the hands and feet". Tae Kwon Do is known for its high kicks and flashy techniques. It is one of the most popular martial arts in America today and is excellent for young people.
Tang Soo Do is a cousin of Tae Kwon Do also originating in Korea. It has been made popular by film star Chuck Norris.
Hapkido is another Korean art. At one time it was known as "the art of royalty" as it was practiced by the royal family. It is a deadly art used by the Korean police. Hapkido concentrates on doing the most damage in the least amount of time. The Hapkido practitioner strikes and continues to strike and kick until the opponent is beaten down. It combines some of the most awesome kicks of Tae Kwon Do with the grappling techniques of Jui Jitsu ans Akido.
Kempo originated in China and spread to Japan, Hawaii, and was introduced to America by Ed Parker. The Chinese version is a soft almost Kung-Fu like art. The American version used a series of almost algebra like combinations to form a standard set of selfe-defense techniques.
Savatte is a French art which the practitioner uses their feet to fight with along with their hands.
Tai Chi along with a few other Chinese arts is very soft and flowing. It is known as an "internal" art as it uses chi flow and manipulates the chi aiming toward improved health and stamina.When used as a self sefense, Tai Chi is as effective as any hard style and causes less damage to the opponent. It is excellent for older people and is practiced daily in most towns and villages in China in public parks and town squares.
Nijitsu is the ancient Japanese art of assasination. It gained huge popularity in the 1980's through movies. Hollywood created larger-than-life heros from the legendary feats of the Ninja. Practitioners such as Stephen K. Hayes, supposedly the first American to learn the art, attempted to give it a sense of honor and dignity.
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