The World of Martial Arts - Martial Arts


The birthplace of some of the world's most popular martial arts
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World of Martial Arts

What are Martial Arts?

Section 1.2

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Japan & Korea

Judo

Jujitsu

Kendo

Karate

Taekwondo

Hapkido

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China

Tai Chi Chuan

Shaolin Chuan

Wing Chun Chuan

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South Asia

Kalaripayattu

Escrima

Muay Thai

Pencak Silat

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Americas

Capoeira

Brazilian Jujitsu

Jeet Kune Do

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Europe

Pankration

Greco-Roman Wrestling

Savate

Batairecht

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Famous Martial Artists

Bruce Lee

Jet Li

Jackie Chan

Yip Man

Chuck Norris

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Martial Arts Movies

Karate Kid

Drunken Master

Fists of Fury

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

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Fight Quest

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Section 10

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Section 11

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Section 12

Section 12.1

Section 12.2

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Section 13

Section 13.1

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Section 14

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Section 15

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The World of Martial Arts

A shaolin chuan demonstration by Shaolin warrior monks from Shaolin Temple, Songshan

The World of Martial Arts

Martial arts have exploded into the mainstream over the last few decades. Their growth in popularity can be attributed to their increasing use as forms of exercise and self-defence – today eastern martial arts from China, Japan and Korea are widely practiced and well known around the globe.

More significantly, however, over the last 30 years, martial arts have played a major role in popular culture. Made fashionable by books, graphic novels and especially films, today martial arts – previously the domain of warrior monks and spiritual pilgrims – are accepted as mainstream in sport and leisure activities as well as entertainment.

Photos: Associated Press, XINHUA