by Jules Willis

Created on: August 07, 2008

Mixed martial arts are currently experiencing a great deal of popularity. But what is the basis behind MMA? What are the traditional martial arts that have contributed to the popularity explosion?

Karate uses kicking, punching and blocking techniques. There are many different styles of karate but all practice kihon, which are the basics or fundamentals of the different types of striking, kicking and blocking techniques. Kata (forms) reinforces the kihon through the use of choreographed movements with imaginary attackers. Kumite (sparring) is where learning has an opportunity to meet realistic situations. However, sparring techniques may sometimes impede the learning of the karateka (student) if they are focused solely on tournament style sparring with an emphasis on making points in competition. Karate is more of a "standing" martial art, though in many classes some grappling techniques are also taught.

Judo and Jujitsu are primarily grappling martial arts. Judo is more of a sport form than Jujitsu. Dr. Jigaro Kano founded the style of Kodokan Judo by taking parts from various styles of Jujitsu and removing the lethal techniques. Jujitsu also contains striking techniques and some kicking techniques. In Judo, taking the opponent to the mat is a prime objective since throws, chokes and joint locks are avenues to winning a match. In Jujitsu, ground fighting isn't emphasized since the focus is primarily self-defense. Both arts have much in common but Judo is primarily used for competition and Jujitsu is used for self-defense.

Muay Thai is a martial art that has spawned many mixed martial artists. Many MMA fighters have integrated Muay Thai's strikes with various forms of grappling arts and been fairly successful. Muay Thai came from the battlefield into the sporting arena. It contains devastating kicks, knee techniques, and punching and elbow strikes. Muay Thai training camps and facilities often train Mixed Martial Artists.

The Chinese martial arts can be divided into internal (soft) and external (hard) arts. Soft martial arts include Tai Chi and Bagua. Karate, Kung Fu and Muay Thai are considered to be hard martial arts. In Japanese and Okinawan martial arts both Judo and Jujitsu are considered soft martial arts. Soft arts are characterized by the use of the attacker's momentum and energy against them. A hard martial art meets force with force. The philosophy is that , force must be met with softness and that force may be used to redirect an assault. To illustrate this philosophy, Lao Tsu wrote in the Tao Te Ching, "The soft and pliable will defeat the hard and strong." Most MMA fighters are more prone to use a combination of the two and are able to integrate arts to their advantage.

There are many different martial arts. Most can be broken down into categories like grappling and striking or hard and soft. All have have similarities and differences. One of the greatest similarities in all, is the focus on the betterment of the individual. Whether it be emotional and spiritual balance, good health and fitness or development of good character, all martial arts encourage growth in those who choose to study them.

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