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Fighting is an inescapable human phenomenon
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For the entirety of human history there has been fighting. Whether it be for fun, for displays of dominance, or for defensive purposes, fighting is as rooted in human existence as love making or religion. As human civilization progressed, so did the manner by which human’s fought one another. The practicing of Martial Arts can be dated all the way back to the 20th century B.C., and from that point forward, people have developed near countless techniques for inflicting harm on one another.
In the current American lexicon words like Karate, Kung Fu, Savate, Judo, Wing Chun and Muay Thai float around with near effortless differentiation. The interesting thing is that most Americans have absolutely no concept as to what separates each respective discipline. What is Karate? What is Kung Fu? Are they not the same thing? How and why are they different?
It is not so difficult to distinguish between the fighting styles once you can get to know each one a little better. Below is a small list of the more popular brands of martial arts as practiced around the globe.
Karate – This discipline is the most well known of any of the martial arts. Karate originated in Japan as early as the 13th century A.D. The martial arts style of Karate utilizes multiple hand strikes, knee strikes, kicks, and joint strikes. In some styles, grappling and throws are also taught. The underlying philosophy of Karate teaches humility and patience. A student must be able to receive criticism and must be willing to listen with an open mind.
Judo – In Japanese, Judo means, “Soft Method”. The combat sport originated in the 19th century A.D. in Japan. Judo focuses upon grappling and throwing. The goal is to throw the opponent to the ground and force their submission either by joint locking or choking. Beyond the aspect of fighting, Judo attempts to better the life of the practitioner by improving oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Wing Chun – The development for Wing Chun was for the purpose of training warriors for intense, close range combat. Originating in China, Wing Chun focuses largely on hand strikes and incorporates some kicks. The main concept behind the fighting style is to “attack the attack” as a defensive measure. The philosophy of Wing Chun relates to relaxation and simplicity. It seeks to simplify the art of hand to hand combat.
Muay Thai – Also know as “The art of eight limbs”, Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand. A person’s hands, knees, elbows, and shins are all used without particular emphasis on any one body part. This is because all are used with great effectiveness and intensity. Muay Thai is a very traditionalistic art. Before any bout takes place, both fighters must perform a Wai Khru Ram Muay, which a dance honoring their teachers, family, and all things which are valued.
Savate – This is a French style form of kickboxing. The word Savate in French means, “Old Boot” and originated on board fishing vessels as a sport participated in by the crew. Savate incorporates both the hands and feet but does not allow the shins or the knees to be used while fighting. The sport of Savate is practiced around the globe and will have world wide championships starting in 2010.
Kung Fu is not an isolated fighting style. It refers simply to “Chinese Martial Arts” as a whole. Technically any fighting style in China could be referred to as Kung Fu.
BOB BEERS
Culture Writer