Top 10 Most Popular Martial Arts in the History

The martial art is a collection of combat systems, strategies, and philosophies that date from ancient techniques of war. There is a long history belonged to this art. It is true that almost all martial arts were born due to the need of survival from the wars and inhouse fights. In recent years, many countries have even made hundreds of movies on these techniques. Let us see the top 10 most popular martial arts in the history

10. Karate

Developed in Okinawa, Japan, Karate is one of the best striking arts. It combines various styles of combat such as Wado-Ryu and Shotokan. In this martial art, the use of punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes is common. The technique alo involves palm-heel strikes, and was developed in 16^th century.

9. Systema

This martial art was an answer of Russia to Kung Fu. Systema literally means “the system”, referring to several body systems like nervous system, muscular system, respiratory system etc. This martial art involves a distinctive style tailored to the harsh Russian weather conditions and they were expert to deal with exotic weapons. Once it took popularity, this even became a part of Russian special forces by uniting Alpha, GRU and Vympel.

8. Wing Chun

Wing Chun was developed in 17^th century in China during the Qing Dynasty. It is one of the most sophisticated martial arts taught in the Shaolin Temples of Southern China. It combind both striking and grappling skills, and has specialized combat. It was used for forming various offspring arts, such as the Israeli Krav Maga.

7. Kali

Kali is a weapons-based martial art. It was originated in Philippines in 8^th century. The Spaniards encountered the martial art during Spanish colonisation of Philippines. The technique involved fighting with multiple opponents, while retaining tough strikes.

6. Sambo

Sambo was developed by the Soviet Red Army in 1990s. This martial art helped a lot to improve the army’s hand-to-hand combat skills. It involves effective techniques of other martial arts and has combined them into a deadly strategy to take revenge. It is, sometimes, paired with Systema for better combat styles.

5. Jiu Jitsu

Founded by Takenouchi Hisamori, a Japanese military strategist, Jiu Jitsu was used as a combat for wars where weapons were not effective. It involves a person’s body flexibility, and distinctive fighting style. It was developed in the days of the samurai, and used as the base of various martial arts such as Hapkido, Judo, Jeet-Kune-Do, Ninjutsu, and Aikido.

4. Hapkido

Hapkido has been derived several Asian martial art styles. It was developed in Korea and literally means “The art of coordination and internal energy”. It is also known as Daito-Ryu, and was developed with incorporated strategies of fighting styles like Taekwondo and Judo. Hapkido is known to be unique of its style. Nowadays, it is taught to US special forces.

3. Aikido

Aikido is considered a relatively new martial art. It was developed not more than a century ago in Japan. It was founded by Morihei Ueshiba, who entered the world of combat after getting inspiration from his father’s attack by local thugs. This martial art combines sword-play (Kenjitsu), spear-play (Sojitsu), and Jiu Jitsu.

2. Muay Thai

It is known as the “art of eight weapons”, and refers to the feet, fists, elbows and knees. Muay Thai was developed in Thailand, and deals with armed and armored opponents. The style includes punches, kicks, knee and elbow strikes etc.

1. Krav Maga

Developed for the Israeli army by Israeli-Hungarian fighter Imrich Lichtenfeld, Krav Maga is a famous martial art of the history. It combines brutal attacks and aggresive threat neutralization in the boxing style. It is being used in the Israeli army and special forces such as Shin Bet and the Mossad.