One of the biggest problems that people have when choosing a specific form of martial arts is not understanding the basic martial arts styles that they have to choose from. If you rush into making a choice based upon your favorite martial arts moves without knowing a lot about the basic style, there is a good chance that you will not continue your training and jump from one form to another. To make sure that you understanding what you getting into, here is a look at the basic martial arts styles.

1. Standing/Striking

One of the most well known styles is standing or striking forms. These forms typically involve learning how to defend yourself using punches, kicks, and blocking. While other tools will often be taught as well, such as take-downs, they will not be a focal point. More popular examples of these martial arts styles includes karate, kick-boxing, and Tae Kwon Do.

2. Throws/Takedowns

This style will still begin at the standing position, however the focal point is to use martial arts moves to get your opponent onto the ground. This is done by using take-downs and throws. As a compliment to getting your attacker on the ground, grappling will also be part of these styles, however it is not as emphasized. Martial art forms that are commonly placed in this category include judo and hapkido.

3. Grappling/Ground Fighting

These martial arts styles focus on what to do with an opponent once you get them on the ground. This is often through the use of gaining a dominant and restrictive position as well as using submission techniques to conquer them. While you will ways to get your opponent on the ground, more focus is placed on what to do once you get them their. Common forms of this style of martial arts includes wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

4. Sport/Hybrids

Across the variety of martial art forms, there is obviously a certain amount of overlap, in regards to martial arts moves, that will always exist. However, as MMA has become more popular, more people are learning sport fighting. This style is often only reserved for training to compete in the sport, however that does not mean that you need to go to tournaments in order to learn it. As the name implies, this style is a hybrid style that takes bits and pieces from a multitude of martial arts forms. It includes moves taken from every style discussed in this article.

5. Meditation

As the general fitness community has turned to martial arts as way to maintain a healthy lifestyle, meditation oriented martial art forms have become more popular. This style is very low impact and focuses more on breathing, flexibility, and the spiritual aspect involved. More popular forms include Tai Chi and Chi Gong.

6. Weapons

While weapons are often a part of many martial arts styles, they are often not the focus. However, if weapons training is your primary interest, there are some options in which weapons are the primary focus. This includes Kendo and Kali.

In order to choose the martial arts styles that you will enjoy, it is important to first identify which style is right for you. By identifying the best martial arts style first, you will likely be much more satisfied in the long run.

Author Bio: You can learn more about martial arts styles and martial arts moves to protect yourself from unexpected attacks.

Category: Sports
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