Sports
Martial Arts
Major martial arts disciplines from around the world with their origins, styles, and notable practitioners.
martial artssportscombatself-defense
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Name↕ | Origin Country↕ | Founded / Era↕ | Type↕ | Olympic Sport↕ | Notable Practitioner↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karate | Japan (Okinawa) | 17th century | Striking | Yes (2020) | Gichin Funakoshi |
| Judo | Japan | 1882 | Grappling | Yes (since 1964) | Jigoro Kano |
| Taekwondo | South Korea | 1940s-1950s | Striking | Yes (since 2000) | Choi Hong Hi |
| Boxing | Ancient Greece | 3000 BCE | Striking | Yes (since 1904) | Muhammad Ali |
| Wrestling | Mesopotamia / Greece | 3000 BCE | Grappling | Yes (since 1896) | Alexander Karelin |
| Fencing | Spain / Italy | 15th century | Weapon (Sword) | Yes (since 1896) | Aladar Gerevich |
| Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Brazil | 1920s | Grappling | No | Helio Gracie |
| Muay Thai | Thailand | 16th century | Striking | No | Buakaw Banchamek |
| Kung Fu (Wushu) | China | 5th century BCE | Striking / Mixed | No (demonstration) | Bruce Lee |
| Aikido | Japan | 1920s-1930s | Grappling (Defensive) | No | Morihei Ueshiba |
| Krav Maga | Israel | 1930s | Mixed (Self-defense) | No | Imi Lichtenfeld |
| Capoeira | Brazil | 16th century | Striking / Acrobatic | No | Mestre Bimba |
| Sambo | Russia | 1920s | Mixed (Grappling / Striking) | No | Fedor Emelianenko |
| Kendo | Japan | 18th century | Weapon (Sword) | No | Miyamoto Musashi (historical) |
| Sumo | Japan | Ancient (pre-8th century) | Grappling | No | Hakuho Sho |
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