This is a "textbook" type of paper that presents the geography of martial arts. For every martial art, where are they originally from, where are they practiced (% in each country), where they most popular, where are there more practitioners, more women, more children. It is an overview, a map, of what is practiced where, why and how and by whom.
Martial Arts can be defined as a system organized into a code or it may be termed as the customs that revolve around practices that may give rise to conflict. This art is used by people for a number of reasons such as safety, championship, physical up gradation subliminal and divine development (Clements, 2006).
People hold completely different perspectives towards the idea of Martial arts. A large number of people consider it as a behaviour that depicts crudeness and inhumanity. Some might consider it as a source of recreation. A huge number of studies have shown that people who possess certain knowledge about martial arts have less degree of humiliation and wrath in them. Moreover these people have knowledge of how to defend themselves and their beloved from all the situations which might be a threat to human safety. Such activities are used for physical fitness. Also, these arts help to enhance the muscular flow and smooth the blood flow. These activities help to enhance the flexibility of the body and every technique enhances the coherence among the body parts.
There have been some studies done that show which show that people who practice Tae kwon have been noticed to have become less aggressive, less anxious, have got a better quality of life and have got high self-esteem. A lot of people feeling that when they go under training their body's flexibility increases a lot as well. The reason behind this is the fact that these exercises make use of the muscles from all the body which helps in improving its flexibility. Some of the types of martial arts that are known to increase the flexibility of the body are Thai kickboxing, kung fu, tae kwon as well as some other schools of karate. Coordination also gets improved with the help of all of these types of martial arts.
One of the reasons why martial arts is really different from other kinds of physical activities is the fact that by practicing it people are able to achieve the peace of mind and at times they feel a spiritual connection as well. Therefore, these kind of trainings not only help people in achieving the mental focus but they also enable them in developing self-control as well. People who seen regular training of Martial Arts enjoy a certain level of neutrality which helps them to reduce their day-to-day tension. Furthermore these activities are a source to maintain stress. We see that people tend to seek training of Martial Arts in the form of groups where they get a chance to get over their stress. These training classes are healthy for children as they are able to gain self-confidence get over with all their fears (Clements, 2006).
These training classes focus on one of the most important attribute of human behaviour which requires giving respect. The students who tend to opt for these classes are more well-mannered. It helps them in getting disciplined not only in the classes but generally in life as well. Individuals or the student who have bad attitudes are noticed to become well behaved even by attending these classes a couple of times a week. The instructors put a lot of emphasis on the element of respect in these classes and this is the reason why respect becomes so important for the students as well. They believe in the idea of mutual respect which helps them to flourish in every walk of life. (Reid, Howard and Croucher, 1983).
The above mentioned benefits of martial arts completely explained the reason of popularity of these practices among young children and adults. But it is important to keep in mind the fact that it is not necessary that every time these activities would lead to the desired results because in case of combat fighting contrary results are obtained so one has to be careful (Reid, Howard and Croucher, 1983).
Top 10 Martial Arts in the World
No.10 Judo
Where is it originally from?
The word judo has been derived from Ju which means "soft method" or the art of using the strength of enemy against himself. This was introduced by Japanese instructor Kana Jigoro.
This game mainly focuses on work on ground rather than hitting the enemy. It also includes locks that are important for protection. Kano introduced judo in 1932 for the first time as he was hopeful that this game would seek international recognition. In 1968 it was excluded from Olympics but later became part of it (Jones and Hanon, 2010).
Where is it practiced?
Judo became famous in Tokyo in the year of 1964 as it was even played in Olympics. Today it is being practiced in many parts of the world and is taught to children in schools and special academies as defence training and physical activity (Jones and Hanon, 2010).
Where is it most popular?
As the game was introduced by a Japanese instructor, it is very popular in Japan. However, today it is being played and learnt in many others parts of the world too for the purpose self defence as well as physical activity (Jones and Hanon, 2010).
Where are there more practitioners?
The image of Judo enhanced when it became a part of the world championship in 1956. Initially it wasn't much famous as there were a total of 31 athletes' from 21 different countries. Firstly, only males used to play this game until Women championship was introduced in 1980. The events for males and females were coordinated together in 1987 except in the year where Olympics take place. Moreover an event for women in particular was organized in 1988 (Hoare, 2009).
Therefore, today it is being practiced by men, women and children in many parts of the world. It is even a part of some of the schools' curriculums where children are taught Judo as a self defence exercise (Jones and Hanon, 2010).
No.9 Aikido
Where is it originally from?
This art came from Japan somewhere around 1900. Followers learnt to use the power of the aggressor against them. This is a bit different as during the training period the student is taught to be careful with the opponent as they are not to harm the other person. Moriheir Uesbhiba was the one who introduced Aikido. He said that if one hopes to be successful in aikido he/she has to first receive 99% of the attack from the attacker and literally stare death in the eyes, only then can a person master the art of aikido and learn to use the strength of an opponent against him. (Shishido and Nariyama, 2002).
Where is it practiced?
Minoru Mochizuki introduced it to the work in 1951 when he was on a trip to France. Tadashi Abe followed him and became the representative of Aikido in 1952. Tomikii went with a group of important representatives of martial arts to U.S. In 1953 and visited 15 continents. Koichi Tohei went to Hawaii for one year and there he got a chance to set up dojo. From the year of 1955 to 1965 there were various delegations that went to Germany, Italy, Europe and Africa. Seiichi Sugano introduced aikido to Australia in the year of 1965. Steven Seagal represented Aikido in Hollywood films in the year of 1900 (Shishido and Nariyama, 2002).
Where is it most popular?
Today aikido is being practiced all over the world. It has mainly been able to achieve such popularity due to its appearance in the Hollywood movies (Shishido and Nariyama, 2002).
Where are there more practitioners?
It is being practiced all over the world by men, women and children as it teaches self-defence along with mind and body control (Shishido and Nariyama, 2002).
No.8 KravMaga
Where is it originally from?
This came from Israel. It was frequently used by the police in order to harm the opponent up to an extreme. It can pose serious threat to the life of the other person as in many cases any object can be used as a weapon to hurt the other person. It works on a three step approach Firstly it helps to respond to any attack, then react to it and finally neutralize its effect (Aviram, 2009).
Where is it practiced?
It is being practiced by the Israeli Defense forces. There are many intelligence and defence agencies that have made practices by keeping Krav Maga as their basis. Various organizations in United Kingdom give proper training of KravMaga (Aviram, 2009).
Where is it most popular?
This is most popular among the Israeli Defense forces that use this technique frequently. They also adopt various variations according to their requirement (Aviram, 2009).
Where are there more practitioners?
Krav maga is being practised by men as well as women in many counties of the world. However, majority of the women who practice it are the ones who belong to defence forces whereas, men from forces and otherwise practice it (Aviram, 2009).
No.7 Jujutsu
Where is it originally from?
Jujutsu was introduced by Japanese samurai and is termed as the "art of softness." It mainly includes various practices that may be deadly in some situations. It includes various different techniques. There are many factors that are focused upon in jujutsu such as; rolls, grappling, locks and throws. As compared to the other kinds of martial arts which have a lot of different rules, this is the kind in which anything and everything is fair. Student that start their training for jujutsu are taught poking, gouging and biting which can prove to be very deadly when they are used along with some of the other standard practices (Mol, 2001).
Various instructors introduced different styles and were able to create their own school. Various forms of martial arts such as aikido, bartitsu and hapkido came into existence through jujutsu. In 1905 jujutsu schools collaborated with Kodokan. These schools have similar syllabus and share a complicated relationship (Mol, 2001).
Where it is most popular?
They are popular in the area of North America, the main reason behind this is the fact that it can be played easily in closed quarters and small places (Mol, 2001).
Where is it practised?
Jujutsu is being practised in Japan as well as many western countries. However, today many different styles of jujutsu have been introduced by the western practitioners and these styles are being taught in many western countries. Although jujutsu has become westernized but still it has some similarities with traditional style (Kan?, 2006).
Where are there more practitioners?
Jujutsu is a king of art form that is being practiced in the western as well as eastern countries. However, today many different kinds of jujutsu have been created in the west and are being practised there. Since jujutsu is considered to be rough as compared to the other types of martial arts its mostly practiced by men as compared to the women (Mol, 2001).
No.6 Ninjutsu
Where it originated from?
The old supporters of this particular strange Japanese martial art were guerrilla warriors and assassins. They were the ones who brought it to North U.S. And they were the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Likely thought of as criminals currently, these ninjas make use of the skill of stealth to astonish and overpower their enemies. Japanese by birth and born in the era of feudal age, ninjutsu was made to kill. Feet and hands are utilized in this particular martial art; however supporters also take weapons education, employing devices like throwing swords, spears, staffs, stars, and explosives. More important during its glory days, ninjutsu is not particularly taught presently, yet a lot of martial arts use a few of its factors (Morris, 1993).
Portrayals of ninja comes anywhere between practical to fantastically overstated, both primarily and aesthetically. A ninja has to wear a dark hood, or even a mask, and can walk in a cautious or secretive way. Ninjas are even usually a topic of parody. Erotic art was created in the late 19th century using ninja theme.
Ninja narrative and movies in Japan still have a factor of eroticism, with some pornography, usually concentrating on kunoichi (ninja females). As said by Glenn Morris, ninjutsu has been wrongly thought of as unemotional and heartless killer in the Western popular media because of the effect of Eric van Lustbader, Ashida Kim and Frank and. As said by The Guardian, "in Japan, ninjas are basically what we call a national myth, somewhat cartoonish creation of old folk stories and modern pop culture (Morris, 1993)."
Where is it practiced the most?
Ninja is famous theme for long in Japanese tradition, jidaigeki literature as well as in the performing arts. For instance, in many of the kabuki plays the focus was on Ishikawa Goemon. In many of Japanese children's stories back in 1911 Sarutobi Sasuke was seen. Koga Unon Ninjutsu Kogaryu, an unvoiced film from 1916 was probably the primary ninja film. Ninja-based movies and novels became a chief Japanese pop-culture trend from the time period of 1950s and beginning of 1960s, ever since then increasing into a lot of video games and comic books. In Japan, shinobi and its modifications are usually used as an alternative of "ninja" (Morris, 1993).
The earliest major introduction of ninja in the Western pop-culture was from the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice (1967), as a covert commando power used by Japanese intelligence service. TV series back in 1960s The Samurai created a major wave of attention of ninja between younger watchers in Australia, however the in other parts of the western nations this force wasn't really felt until much later.
Western attraction with the ninja occurred in the 1980s, particularly in U.S.. Many American ninja films starring Sho Kosugi were shown in the initial years of 1980s, mainly accountable for introducing ninja to U.S. pop culture and making the global ninja-mania reach huge scale. These incorporated megahit media franchises like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles back in 1980s to initial years of 1990s as well as Naruto in 2000s (Morris, 1993).
Where is it most popular?
It is very popular in Japan as it is not only being practiced there but is also a part of their culture as well. Ninjitsu is also being practised in the western countries, especially since its been shown in the Hollywood movies as well.
Ninja men are frequently identified by their making use of customary blade and weapons in contemporary and even at times science fiction scenarios, as well as many superhuman capabilities. Though shown as almost-invincible fighters (usually when they appear as heroes in the stories), they are repeatedly equally shown as disposable "cannon fodder" that can be dispatched by the character of hero, particularly one who himself is a ninja.
So, contemporary entertainment has depicted the ninja as someone who is either nonessential "redshirts" attacking in huge numbers or as almost invincible solitary fighters. Due to this general approach, a single or small group of hero ninjas may often with no trouble overpower waves of useless opponent ninja on numerous occasions, just to have a lot more problem when coming face-to-face with a more capable lone ninja - this apparent inconsistent depiction is for a laugh referred to as the "Inverse Ninja Law" (also known as "conservation of ninjutsu") by the ironic "Inverse Ninja Law, which says ninja are not strong when they are in huge groups (Morris, 1993).
Where are there more practitioners?
The practitioners of ninjitsu are found all over the world but Japan has the highest number of practitioners for the fact that ninjitsu has a strong cultural importance there. Men practice it a lot more than women as, we it's the men who are often seen as ninjas in the movies and plays (Morris, 1993).
No.5 Taekwondo
Where it originated from?
This art came into existence after World War II and is known as "the way of the fist and foot." This art includes the usage of both physical and mental capabilities and is famous for its kicks. The practitioners of taekwondo are skilled to have a lot of skill, speed, flexibility, stamina and balance. As the follower has to be strong and needs to maintain focus on the target (Sik and Lee, 1999).
Where is it practised?
It was estimated in 2009 that taekwondo is practiced in almost 123 countries and there are about 30 million followers. Three million of these followers have black belts. Followers have an excellent built and strength. In that same year a publication was issued by the south Korean government according to which it was being practiced in about 190 countries with the total number of practitioners ranging upto 70 million (Sik and Lee, 1999).
In the year of 1960 there were instructors that flourished all over the area and gave standardized knowledge to the followers that were equipped with different styles. It also became popular in South Korea. Korean government demanded the formation of the Korea Tae Soo Do Association which was done by unifying the kwans that were teaching many different styles of taekwondo; its name, Korea Tae Soo Do Association, was modified to Korea Taekwondo Association in 1965 as the leading body changed. South Korean government introduced 70 million instructors in 190 countries. In 1966 International Taekwon-Do Federation came into existence along withWorld Taekwondo Federation in 1973 (Sik and Lee, 1999).
Where it is most popular?
It became famous in Seoul in 1988. In 2000 it was initiated as an official medal event in the Sydney games. Later on it was accepted as a Common wealth game in 2010 (Sik and Lee, 1999).
Where are there more practitioners?
Due to the popularity of taekwondo in the Olympics and commonwealth games it is being practised in many countries all over the world. Both men and women train in this martial art for the sake of defence as well as physical activity (Sik and Lee, 1999).
No.4 Kung fu
Where it originated from?
It is said that kung fu was introduced by Chinese Yellow Emperor Huangdi. who The throne was taken by him in 2,698 BC and it was during his reign that he introduced kung fu in his country. Traditionally, Shaolin monks taught kung fu. Even today, morality and philosophy are some of the things that are very important to its practitioners, they still pay a lot of importance to the virtues like patience, humility, trust and respect. Similar to most of the kinds of martial arts kung fu too has health as well as defence benefits (Kim, 2001).
There are a lot of concepts that can be found in the famous cultures which refer to the use and concepts of Chinese martial arts. In the past Chinese martial arts was referred to in the books and in art performances, but it was limited to Asia. Now, however, Chinese martial arts has influenced the film and television industry which has created a global appeal for this kind of martial art (Kim, 2001).
Where it is most popular?
Kung fu is being shown in movies as well as television dramas a lot. Wuxia is the literature genre in which martial arts has a very prominent role. If we go as back as the 2nd and 3rd BCE we will be able to find wuxia stories in that era as well. Even today this genre is very popular in most of the Aisa and it still has a lot of influence on the public and how it perceives the martial arts (Kim, 2001).
The influences of martial arts can be found in the theatre and dance as well especially in the Chinese opera. Chinese operas have many moments in them that are inspired from the martial arts and many martial artists can be seen as performing in the Chinese opera (Kim, 2001).
Today the popularity of the use of martial arts in the films has created a separate genre for these kinds of films. Bruce Lee's films played a huge role in creating awareness and demand for Chinese martial arts in the Hollywood movies and ultimately in west in 1970s (Kennedy and Elizabeth, 2005). This appeal that was created by Bruce Lee has been maintained and even increased by Jackie Chan and Jet Li. People often refer to the Chinese martial arts films as "kungfu movies" (Kennedy and Elizabeth, 2005). Today martial arts has become a significant part of the western action films even if these films aren't actually martial arts films they will have fighting steps of kung fu in the fighting scene. The examples of such movies can be The Transporter, The Matrix Trilogy and Kill Bill (Kennedy and Elizabeth, 2005).
Where is it practiced?
Kung fu is one of the most talked about and popular kind of martial arts, the main reason for this popularity is its use in films especially action films and dramas all around the world. Due to its popularity it is practised by the people all around the world. However, in China it is properly learnt by many people as its an important part of their culture (Kennedy and Elizabeth, 2005).
Where are there more practitioners?
The practitioners of kung fu exist all over the world due to its popularity among people. It is practiced both by men and women. The important reason for its popularity among men and women can be the fact that in films and dramas both males and females are shown performing kung fu moves in the fighting scenes (Kim, 2001).
No.3 Karate
Where it originated from?
It is believed that the early styles of karate originated in the 1300s. However, it was in 1908 that Anko Itosu, who is also known as the father of modern karate, wrote "10 Precepts of Karate." Karate has been derived from a Japanese word which means 'empty hand' and is exactly what karate is and no weapon is used in this type of martial arts. In karate legs and hands are used and they become the spears known as Itosu (Delp, 2005)."
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