There are many different martial arts styles that span the globe.
Martial arts have been around for centuries. Individual styles developed over time in different countries, and each style was reflective of the culture and the individual challenges that the region faced. Some styles were designed as more striking-based disciplines while others attempted to nullify striking by teaching grappling and ground submission tactics. While the prominence of mixed martial arts has lessened the popularity of individual styles, different types of martial arts do still exist.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a striking art that originated in Thailand in the early 1200s. There is no definitive written history of the art prior to the twentieth century since techniques were traditionally passed down orally. When the Thailand was being formed, countrymen frequently had to defend themselves from invaders and the citizens had to protect the country since there was no functioning military. The most common weapons during that time were short-range stabbing weapons like spears and knives, so Muay Thai was meant to defend against these weapons as well as to utilize the natural weapons of the body, specifically the fists, elbows, knees and shins. Muay Thai specialists are very good close-range fighters, and one favored technique involves hooking the opponent's head and pulling it down to incoming knee strikes.
Jiu Jitsu
Jiu jitsu is a grappling style that likely originated from Greek wrestling and pancration, an ancient Olympic event. Some of jiu jitsu techniques were brought to India during the reign of Alexander the Great, around 356 BC. After that, this style reached China with the spread of Buddhism, and then instructors traveled from China to Japan. The art was then taught in Brazil, and the Gracie family became famous for spreading the art form throughout Brazil and the United States. Jiu jitsu is a grappling-based style that is designed on the concept of a smaller man having to disable a larger and stronger attacker. A jiu jitsu practitioner will frequently grapple or trip an opponent to the ground before utilizing the combined strength of his arms and legs to neutralize the attacker's arm, leg or neck by either breaking a limb or choking the attacker into unconsciousness.
Capoeira
Capoeira originated in Africa over 400 years ago when natives developed a self-defense style to protect themselves against slave traders and overlords. They needed to keep their training secret from the people in power, so they disguised their self-defense style as a dance, which allowed them to practice it openly without much fear of reprisal. Capoeira is an acrobatic art that uses very fluid movements and circular strikes to confuse an opponent. It is still taught as both a dance and a fighting style, depending on what school you are attending. The style received more recognition in the United States with the rise in popularity of actor Wesley Snipes, who utilizes Capoeira in many of his films.
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