As martial arts have become more popular, keeping track of them all can be difficult. With the vast array of martial arts styles available, it is important to understand the specific characteristics that make each unique. So, we’ve compiled a complete list (A-Z) of martial arts worldwide. Based on the most popular, its country of origin, to the easiest to hardest to learn. Let’s get into it.
Most popular martial arts in the world
- Karate – a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on physical self-defense and spiritual growth.
- Taekwondo – a Korean martial art that emphasizes striking and kicking.
- Judo – a Japanese martial art focused on throws, pins, and submission holds.
- Jiu-Jitsu – a Brazilian martial art designed for self-defense without using weapons.
- Aikido – a Japanese martial art focused on defending oneself without causing harm to the attacker.
- Kung Fu – a Chinese martial art based on traditional Chinese martial arts and philosophy.
- Muay Thai – a Thai martial art that combines stand-up striking with clinching techniques.
- Boxing – a martial art focused on using punches to defeat opponents.
- Capoeira – a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance and acrobatics.
- Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – a combat sport that combines elements of multiple martial arts disciplines.
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The complete list of martial arts from A to Z
- Aikido – Japanese martial art focusing on redirecting an opponent’s force and using their momentum against them.
- Arnis – Philippine martial art emphasizing the use of sticks and other weapons.
- Ba Gua Zhang – Chinese martial art focusing on circular movements and flexibility.
- Bajiquan – Chinese martial art emphasizing powerful punches and elbow strikes.
- Bakom – Filipino martial art emphasizing fluid movements and versatility with weapons.
- Bando – Burmese martial art emphasizing strikes, grappling, and the use of weapons.
- Bojuka – Japanese martial art emphasizing the use of the bo staff.
- Bokator – Cambodian martial art emphasizing strikes, grappling, and weapons use.
- Bokator – Cambodian martial art incorporating grappling and strikes.
- Bokken – Japanese martial art emphasizing the use of wooden swords.
- Boxing – A striking style that uses punches and footwork to defeat an opponent.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Ground fighting style originating from Japan, focusing on grappling and submission holds.
- Bully Kung Fu – Chinese martial art emphasizing hand-to-hand combat and grappling.
- Burmese Boxing – Myanmar martial art emphasizing strikes and grappling techniques.
- Capoeira – Afro-Brazilian dance-like martial art combining acrobatics and music.
- Chhau – Indian martial art combining dance and acrobatics with combat techniques.
- Chinese Kenpo – Chinese martial art emphasizing strikes, kicks, and grappling.
- Choy Li Fut – Chinese martial art emphasizing powerful strikes and grappling.
- Chuan Fa – Chinese martial art emphasizing strikes, kicks, and grappling.
- Chun Kuk Do – American mixed martial art combining techniques from various styles.
- Daito Ryu Aikijujitsu – Japanese martial art emphasizing grappling and joint locks.
- Dambe – West African martial art emphasizes hand-to-hand combat and weapons use.
- Dim Mak – Chinese martial art emphasizing pressure points and strikes to vital areas.
- Eskrido – Filipino martial art emphasizing hand-to-hand combat and grappling.
- Eskrima – Filipino martial art emphasizes using weapons, including sticks and knives.
- Gatka – Indian martial art emphasizes using weapons, including swords and shields.
- Glima – Nordic martial art emphasizing grappling and throws.
- Hapkido – Korean martial art emphasizing grappling, joint locks, and throws.
- Hwarang Do – Korean martial art emphasizing both physical and mental discipline.
- Iaido – Japanese martial art emphasizing the use of the samurai sword.
- Jeet Kune Do – Bruce Lee’s personal style, emphasizing simplicity and versatility in combat.
- Jodo – Japanese martial art emphasizing the use of the wooden staff.
- Judo – Japanese grappling art emphasizing throws and pinning techniques.
- Kajukenbo – Hawaiian martial art combining techniques from various styles.
- Kalarippayattu – Indian martial art focused on hand-to-hand combat, grappling, and the use of weapons.
- Kali – Philippine martial art emphasizing the use of sticks and other weapons.
- Karate – Japanese martial art focusing on strikes, kicks, and grappling.
- Kendo – Japanese style of martial arts using bamboo swords and armor.
- Kenjutsu – Japanese martial art emphasizing the use of the samurai sword.
- Kobudo – Japanese style of martial arts using blades, armour, firearms and combat with horse riding.
- Kombatan – Philippine martial art emphasizing hand-to-hand combat and weapons use.
- Krav Maga – Israeli self-defense system designed for real-world scenarios.
- Kuk Sool Won – Korean martial art combining techniques from various styles.
- Kung Fu – Chinese martial art with a wide range of styles, including Wing Chun, Shaolin, and Wushu.
- Kyokushin – Japanese karate style emphasizing full-contact sparring.
- Laido – Japanese martial art emphasizing the use of the long sword.
- Lau Gar – Chinese martial art emphasizing hand-to-hand combat and grappling.
- Leopard Kung Fu – Chinese martial art emphasizing agility and fluid movements.
- Lion Dance – Chinese martial art combining dance and acrobatics, performed with lion costumes.
- Long Fist Kung Fu – Chinese martial art emphasizing long, powerful strikes.
- Lumao – Philippine martial art emphasizing hand-to-hand combat and the use of weapons.
- Malla-yuddha – Indian martial art emphasizing grappling and the use of weapons.
- Maphilindo Silat – Southeast Asian martial art emphasizing fluid movements and versatility with weapons.
- Muay Thai – Thai martial art combining punches, kicks, knees, and elbows.
- Muay Thai Boran – The traditional form of Muay Thai emphasizes strikes, grappling, and weapons use.
- Ninjitsu – Japanese martial art emphasizing stealth and surprise tactics.
- Ninjutsu – Japanese martial art focused on stealth, espionage, and surprise attacks.
- Pak Mei – Chinese martial art emphasizing strikes and grappling techniques.
- Pancratium – Ancient Greek martial art combining boxing and wrestling techniques.
- Pencak Silat – Indonesian martial art emphasizing strikes, grappling, and weapons use.
- Pradal Serey – Cambodian martial art emphasizing strikes and grappling techniques.
- Qi Gong – Chinese martial art emphasizing breathing techniques and meditation.
- Rossui Karate – Okinawan karate style emphasizing grappling and throws.
- Sambo – Russian grappling art combining judo and wrestling techniques.
- Sanda (San Shou) – Chinese full-contact fighting style incorporating strikes, grappling and throws.
- Savate – French martial art emphasizing kicks and grappling techniques.
- Shaolin Kung Fu – Chinese martial art originates from the Shaolin Temple, focusing on physical and mental discipline.
- Shindo Jinen Ryu – Japanese martial art emphasizing strikes, grappling, and weapons use.
- Shinkendo – Japanese martial art emphasizing the use of the samurai sword.
- Shorin Ryu – Okinawan karate style emphasizing strikes, grappling, and use of weapons.
- Shorinji Kempo – Japanese martial art emphasizing strikes, grappling, and meditation techniques.
- Shotokan – Japanese karate style emphasizing linear techniques and powerful strikes.
- Shuai Jiao – Chinese martial art emphasizing grappling and throws.
- Shuri-te – Okinawan karate style emphasizing strikes and grappling techniques.
- Silambam – Indian martial art emphasizing the use of sticks and weapons.
- Silat – Southeast Asian martial art with a focus on fluid, circular movements and using weapons.
- Systema – Russian martial art emphasizing fluid movements and adaptability in combat.
- Taekwondo – Korean martial art emphasizing fast, high kicks and jumping techniques.
- Tai Chi – Chinese martial art emphasizing slow, meditative movements and breathing techniques.
- Taichi Chuan – Chinese martial art emphasizing slow, flowing movements and breathing techniques.
- Taijitsu – Japanese martial art emphasizing grappling and throws.
- Tang Soo Do – Korean martial art emphasizing strikes, grappling, and the use of weapons.
- Thang-ta – Indian martial art emphasizing the use of weapons and grappling techniques.
- Tijitsu – Japanese martial art emphasizing grappling and throws.
- Tomoi – Malaysian martial art emphasizing strikes, grappling, and weapons use.
- Tong-Il Moo Do – Korean martial art combining techniques from various styles.
- Toyama Ryu – Japanese martial art emphasizing the use of the samurai sword.
- Uechi Ryu – Okinawan karate style emphasizing strikes and grappling techniques.
- Wing Chun – Chinese martial art emphasizing close-range strikes, grappling, and use of weapons.
- Wushu – Chinese martial art with a focus on acrobatics and athletic movements.
- Xing Yi Quan – Chinese martial art emphasizing strikes, grappling, and the use of weapons.
- Yaw-Yan – Philippine martial art emphasizing high kicks and grappling techniques.
- Yoshinkan Aikido – Japanese martial art emphasizing fluid movements and joint locks.
- Yudo – Korean martial art emphasizing grappling and throws.
- Yun Chun Do – Korean martial art emphasizing hand-to-hand combat and weapons use.
- Zhan Zhuang – Chinese martial art emphasizing standing meditation and internal energy cultivation.
- Zui Quan – Chinese martial art emphasizing acrobatics and drunken-style movements.
List of martial arts by country of origin
- African martial arts
- Brazilian martial arts
- Hawaiian martial arts
- Thai martial arts
- Russian martial arts
- Western martial arts
