Taekwondo (South Korea)
Korea's signature martial art, centered on kicking techniques. Became an official Olympic sport starting at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, spreading widely around the world.
Judo (Japan)
Founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano, judo is characterized by using an opponent's force to throw and control them. Became an official Olympic sport starting at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Karate (Japan β Okinawa)
A striking-focused martial art that developed in Okinawa, emphasizing punching and kicking techniques. Made its Olympic debut as an official sport at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Kung Fu / Wushu (China)
An umbrella term for the many traditional Chinese martial arts, especially well known for its association with the Shaolin Temple. Characterized by fluid movement and diverse weapon techniques.
Sumo (Japan)
A traditional Japanese form of wrestling in which two competitors try to push each other out of a circular ring (dohyΕ) or force a fall. Considered Japan's national sport, with a long history and distinctive rituals.
Muay Thai (Thailand)
Known as "the art of eight limbs" for its use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Considered Thailand's national martial art.
Silat (Malaysia/Indonesia and Southeast Asia)
A traditional martial art passed down across several Southeast Asian countries, notable for incorporating traditional weapons like daggers alongside hand and foot techniques.
Capoeira (Brazil)
Developed among enslaved Africans brought to Brazil, capoeira is a distinctive art form that naturally blends music, dance, and acrobatic movement with combat technique.
Boxing (United Kingdom)
Fist-fighting has existed since ancient times, but was codified into a modern sport with the 1867 Queensberry Rules in Britain. Characterized by the exclusive use of fists.
Fencing (France/Italy and Europe)
Derived from traditional European swordsmanship using thrusting and slashing blades. A storied sport that has been an official event since the first modern Olympics in 1896.
Wrestling (Ancient Greece)
A combat sport with deep history, included as an official event at the ancient Olympics as early as 708 BCE. Victory is determined by throwing and controlling an opponent without striking.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Brazil)
Developed independently in Brazil by the Gracie family after learning Japanese judo. Specializes in ground techniques like joint locks and chokes.
Mixed Martial Arts β MMA (United States)
A modern combat sport combining techniques from striking, ground fighting, and joint locks across multiple martial arts. Became popularized worldwide after the UFC was founded in the US in 1993.
Krav Maga (Israel)
Developed as a practical self-defense system for the Israeli military, Krav Maga prioritizes fast, efficient control in real threat situations over elaborate technique.
Aikido (Japan)
Founded by Morihei Ueshiba, aikido centers on using an opponent's own force and movement to throw or control them, rather than striking directly.