What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the phrase “martial arts,,? For some, movies with Bruce Lee, for others, fighters in white uniforms wrestling on mats. For people with personal experience, perhaps the mystical fervor of the hunter-warrior hidden deep within each of us. Martial arts have been here since the very beginning of humanity. They are part of cultural heritage, they shaped history, and at the same time gave us knowledge of the human body that we still use in medicine today. So let's take a closer look at the most well-known martial arts in the world.
„He who understands the impact of violence will not walk the path of power.“ Sun-Tzu
Karate
Karate is probably the most famous martial art of all. It spread from Japan into the world after World War II. Karate translates as empty hand or the way of the empty hand (kara-te). Strikes, kicks and attacks on sensitive points on the human body are used in combat. The range of techniques and their resulting use always depends on the specific style of Karate.
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The spread and teaching were different than today. Techniques were often kept secret and clans or families did not voluntarily exchange them with each other. Students who were allowed to learn were selected directly by the sensei (teacher, founder of the given style). This applied to any martial art across the world. Members of other nations and clans encountered them only directly in combat.
History
It might seem that Karate is originally Japanese. However, it is not that simple, and one beautiful island in the East China Sea, which belonged under Japanese administration for a few centuries - Okinawa - is responsible for that. Okinawa lies on the border between Japan and China and is a mixture of the cultures of both countries. It formed a transit point on the voyage from China. Thanks to this, the island received the influence of monks from the Shaolin monastery with their form of combat, as well as Chinese veterans working as ship crews.
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The Japanese empire annexed Okinawa militarily. The locals were forbidden to own weapons and practice close combat. It went to such an extreme that only 1 butcher knife, was allowed per settlement, guarded by Japanese soldiers. This was one of the main impulses for the creation of Karate and several other styles, for example Kobudo. Kobudo uses weapons that were originally tools. Tonfa or the nunchaku were originally agricultural tools for threshing rice straw.
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Master Funakoshi
The father of modern Karate is Gichin Funakoshi (born 1868), who came from Okinawa. In 1922 he moved to Tokyo, where he began teaching karate at schools. He created a standardization for kata (form) and kumite (sparring). Over his lifetime he significantly contributed to the spread of karate to the rest of the world. Some of his rules are still used in competitive karate today. Karate includes, besides physical exercise, also a spiritual and philosophical dimension of life. The cornerstones of karate are self-discipline, self-development, respect and patience.
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Main branches of Karate
Shorin-ryu
It is considered one of the oldest and most original styles of Karate. It was influenced by Chinese techniques.
Goju-ryu
Goju combines hard (go) and soft (ju) techniques. It is specific for its deep stance and strong strikes.
Shotokan
It is one of the most widespread Karate styles in the world. Similarly to Goju, it is characterized by a deep stance, straight strikes combined with great strength and explosiveness.
Kyokushin
Kyokushin is among my favorite Karate styles. It is precisely because of its fighting spirit and practicality. It was founded by Masutatsu Oyama (shortened to Mas Oyama), who was of Korean origin. Master Oyama is among the last great masters of Karate, he died in 1994. Kyokushin places great emphasis on breathing, tensing the whole body and using momentum to increase the power of a strike. It rightly ranks among the toughest styles in the world. Kyokushin is generally known for its full-contact nature and toughness in kumite matches.
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Shito-ryu
Shito is a combination of various styles and is known precisely for its wide range of techniques.
Wado-ryu
Wado-ryu places emphasis on defensive techniques and natural movement. It excels in flexibility and, thanks to a more natural execution of techniques, also in effectiveness.
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Modern Karate
Karate nowadays is not just a martial art, it also has its sporting form. This is a natural process in many martial arts, since the era of medieval wars has ended and a sporting match is the only way to test one's skills in practice, of course in a more civilized manner. Even small children start with Karate, for whom competitions are also held. Sport Karate has 2 main forms. Kata and kumite. Kata is a set of techniques where their execution is evaluated. It is a certain form of simulation without an opponent. Kumite is contact combat with an opponent.
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Equipment
The basis is formed by a white kimono. The kimono consists of a jacket, drawstring trousers and a belt (obi). The color of the belt indicates a specific technical rank. The kimono is a reference to the times of the samurai. It was originally a burial shroud worn under armor as a sign that the warriors were willing to fight to the end and had made peace with death. The basis of competition equipment consists of a mouthguard, a helmet, karate gloves, a groin guard, shin guards and instep guards, so-called foot pads. Children and juniors also tend to use a chest guard. The whole match takes place on tatamis. Tatami is a type of mat. In modern times it takes the form of a foam puzzle mat, but was once made of rice straw.
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Judo (Judó)
While karate is more about hard kicks and strikes, Judo is more about soft techniques such as throws, joint locks or chokes. Great emphasis is placed on hip techniques (koshi waza), agility and explosiveness of the whole body. Its creator is Jigoro Kano (born 1882). Master Kano, when creating Judo, drew on several wrestling styles, for example Jiu-Jitsu. Judo freely translated means "the gentle way". Similarly to other martial arts, it involves a harmonious balance of body and mind. It therefore improves not only physical condition but also the fighter's spirit and ethical approach.
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Jigoro Kano said about Judo:
"Judo is a means of using physical and mental strength most effectively. This practice means constant improvement in the psychological and physical sense through self-defense techniques. The primary purpose of Judo is thus self-improvement, learning to be useful to the world around us."
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Basic concepts in Judo (so-called Waza)
Ippon: The highest score rating. It is awarded for the clean execution of a technique, for example a throw.
Randori: Training matches, which are the foundation of Judo. It involves practical training of techniques with an opponent. Fighters practice techniques in a more realistic situation.
Ne-waza: Ground techniques, which are used after a throw or in case opponents end up on the ground.
Tachi-waza: Standing techniques, which are used to throw the opponent. These include throws, trips, and takedowns.
One of the advantages of Judo is equalizing the disparity between opponents. Judo fully utilizes the physics and biomechanics of the human body. Thanks to this, even a smaller fighter can defeat a bigger and heavier opponent.
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Equipment
The basic uniform is a judogi. It resembles the kimono used in Karate. The difference is in the jacket, which has a higher gram weight. The jacket must withstand strong pulls. Bowing takes place on a tatami with color-differentiated sections. Technical ranks are divided into student ranks (kyu) and master ranks (dan). They are indicated by the color of the belt (obi).
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Sport and the Olympic Games
Judo belongs to a small group of martial arts/sports that are also represented at the Olympic Games. It has been part of the Games since 1964. Sport Judo has undergone certain adjustments but still retained the basic aspects of the martial art. Some rules were revised and weight categories were reworked. Its participation in the Olympics is one of the main reasons for its popularity around the world. And it rightfully has its place there. It teaches discipline, self-control, sportsmanship, and warrior honor.
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Ju-Jitsu / BJJ
Ju-Jitsu (Jujutsu) became commonly known through incorrect translation and pronunciation as Jiu Jitsu. It has its specific offshoot from Brazil, although it originates from Japan, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu (BJJ). For easier reference, I will denote them with the abbreviations JJ for the Japanese form and BJJ for the Brazilian form. JJ, similarly to Judo, is loosely translated as "the art of the gentle way".
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JJ belongs among the oldest martial arts. The first mentions from Japanese mythology are almost 2000 years old. The beginnings of modern JJ can be dated from the 8th-16th century. Basic techniques consist of locks, throws, trips, chokes, basic strikes and kicks, and it also uses elements of weapon combat such as a knife or stick, especially for disarming an opponent. JJ was in fact the last weapon that samurai used if they lost their classic weapons in battle, e.g. katana. It is necessary to understand the context of the era in which it originated and its development. Medieval Japan was constantly torn by civil wars, in which shoguns (nobility) fought not only among themselves but also against the emperor himself. JJ directly or indirectly influenced other martial arts or adopted some of their aspects. A similar principle of biomechanics is used, for example, by Aikido, and Judo arose predominantly from JJ techniques. It also influenced styles such as Kenpo and Karate.
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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Brazilian Ju Jutsu - abbr. BJJ)
Right at the beginning of the 20th century, one person decided to transform JJ into a new form. Emphasis was placed mainly on techniques where a weaker and smaller fighter could defeat a bigger and stronger one. Kicks and strikes disappeared from the training, and the fight focused predominantly on the ground. At that moment, BJJ was born, and one name simultaneously entered the legends among the great masters. That name is Carlos Gracie.
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The path to Gracie Barra
Carlos founded his school in Rio de Janeiro, which is considered the birthplace of BJJ. This school gave rise to a family legacy, as BJJ and the Gracie family name have remained continuously connected with its development. His younger brother Hélio incorporated more techniques for fighting against bigger and more aggressive opponents. His domain was mainly grappling - fighting on the ground. We must not forget one of the first great UFC champions, Royce Gracie, or Rickson Gracie, who, with his record number of won bouts, is considered one of the best Jiu Jitsu fighters in modern history. It was precisely the exceptional performances of Rickson and Royce that were behind the enormous worldwide expansion of BJJ.
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Equipment
The basic uniform in JJ/BJJ is similar to that in Judo. It consists of a thicker jacket with thinner pants (judogi, or gi for short). Technical ranks differ by the colors of the belt (obi). Fighting takes place on a mat (tatami).
In competitive form, fighters are divided into weight categories. Fighting takes place in two types of clothing. One form is the classic match in gi, the other is referred to as no-gi. This form has become popular especially in recent years in BJJ, where ground fighting, so-called grappling, dominates. In the no-gi form, fighters wear modern tight-fitting shirts made of synthetic material, often with colorful decorative motifs (rash guard) and shorts. Rash guard is functional clothing also used in MMA. It is breathable, quick-drying, and protects against abrasions.
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Aikido
Aikido was founded by Ō-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) in the 1920s-1930s. It consists of soft techniques such as joint locks, transfer of kinetic energy through body movement, or attacks on sensitive points. Ō-Sensei Ueshiba created Aikido based on the fundamental principles of Ju Jutsu and Judo. Aikido translates as "the way to harmony". Analyzing the meaning of the Kanji characters in the name Aikido, however, would take several long paragraphs.
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Its foundation consists mainly of standing techniques. The techniques are designed for effective defense against a larger attacker and for maximum control over him. As a result, you don't cause the attacker greater injuries than the situation or your action would require. This is where the spiritual side of Aikido shows itself. The main principle is the harmony of body, mind and spiritual attitude. Besides the techniques themselves, it contains a lot of philosophy and spirituality.
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The techniques are purposefully designed for multiple situations. Similar movements are used for defense against a strike from above, disarming a sword/stick cutting from above, or a strike with the edge of the hand (shuto). Defense techniques against a knife or sword are, in their execution, based mainly on the medieval style of combat. The blade had to penetrate several layers of armor. The attack therefore took the form of a single forceful thrust or cut, instead of a series of quick, uncoordinated stabbing-cutting strikes, as we encounter in modern times.
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Expansion
After World War II, many masters spread across the world, including students of Aikido. In the 1950s, it reached Europe and North America, where it soon gained great popularity. However, the greatest expansion occurred in the 1970s. New federations and dozens of new schools emerged. Aikido is currently taught in approximately 140 countries around the world.
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Equipment
Aikido, like other Japanese martial arts, is taught in a school called dojo (phon. dódžo). The floor of the dojo consists of tatami. The basic clothing is a white kimono or otherwise called keikogi, black loose outer trousers tied around the waist (hakama) and a belt (obi). Unlike other styles, obi are divided only into white student belts (kyu) and black master belts (dan). The exception is perhaps only children, where colored belt distinction serves more for their motivation. Aikido also uses weapons for teaching disarmament. We encounter a training knife tanto (made of rubber or wood), a training sword (bokken) or a stick with a length of 130 cm (jo).
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Muay Thai / Thai Boxing
Muay Thai originated in Southeast Asia somewhere in the region of present-day Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. Muay Thai has several local names. In Myanmar (formerly Burma) it is called Lethwei, in Myanmar Muay Boran. Muay in old Thai means wrestling or fighting.
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History forming one of the oldest civilizations
The first mentions date from the 7th century. However, the exact period of origin is not known. It is only known that it was the basic form of close combat of Thai soldiers at that time. Ordinary people noticed its effectiveness, so its techniques soon spread beyond the army as a form of self-defense. The Ayutthaya period (14th-18th century) is considered the golden era of Muay Thai. Experienced Thai boxing fighters were the building block of Thailand's military expansion (similarly during the period of the ancient kingdom of Angkor). In common society, they were held in great respect. Muay Thai was one of the foundations of the education of the nobility, including the royal family. They were trained in schools focused purely on Muay Thai.
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The art of eight limbs
Muay Thai is rightly nicknamed the art of eight limbs. It uses a combination of strikes, kicks, locks, clinch (a way of holding the opponent) and sweeps. In combat it uses fists, elbows, knees, shin and instep. In terms of technique, it intermingled in combat with other martial arts from the region, for example Krabi-krabong. Thai fighters are known as Nak Muay, the “western” ones as Nak Muay Farang.
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Wai Khru
Wai Khru is a traditional ritual before fights. It is an expression of respect for the teacher, ancestors and Thai boxing itself. It takes the form of flowing movements accompanied by traditional Thai music. It is meant to help the fighter concentrate and at the same time warm up the body before the fight.
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Muay Thai today
Like other martial arts, Muay Thai has also become a commercial combat sport. Several international federations have emerged, along with the standardization of rules. Its popularity has been growing in recent decades, and a major contribution comes from its influence on other martial arts or sports, mainly MMA and self-defense systems, which adopt techniques and training methods from Muay Thai.
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Equipment
The fight takes place in a ring surrounded by ropes. Fighters wear short shorts with a wider cut. Protection consists of gloves similar to boxing gloves, only with a different cut, mouthguards teeth protection and bandages. For beginners, also a helmet and shin guards.
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Capoeira
Capoeira (pronounced Kapuera) is among the most unusual martial arts. It includes not only fighting but also a cultural and artistic aspect. In combat, footwork and hip movement predominate over direct strikes. Unlike Karate or Taekwondo, fighters do not use more static stances but are in constant motion. Instead of direct strikes, spins and arcing kicks or strikes complemented by acrobatic elements predominate.
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History and reason for its origin
To understand why Capoeira is so drastically different, we must look back 5 centuries, specifically to the beginning of the slave trade from the eastern coast of Africa to Brazil. Slaves were forbidden, under threat of the death penalty, to practice fighting. However, they were allowed, to a limited extent, their cultural ceremonies. Africans from the regions of sub-Saharan Africa and the coast have one specific feature. Any event is accompanied by singing, dance and music. In an effort to free themselves from the slaveholders, they therefore disguised fighting techniques within their ceremonies. What seemed to plantation owners to be a dance or a ritual imitating animals was in fact practice of kicks and wrestling. Physical contact was often absent. It could be compared to kata training, as known from Karate.
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In the songs accompanying jogos (a duel between two fighters), they passed on stories of fighters, life in Africa, or the daily suffering in chains under the whip of Portuguese and Arab slaveholders. In Capoeira, there are not many striking techniques with the hands. Slaves often had their hands bound. Kicks and takedown techniques using the torso were therefore often the only way to disable an opponent.
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Mestre Bimba
Manuel Dos Reis Machado (1899-1974) was a Brazilian master (mestre) of Capoeira and the founder of the regional style. All capoeiristas address each other by nicknames, and so he is known in the world as mestre Bimba.
Mestre Bimba opened the first official Capoeira school. He also created teaching techniques, a set of exercises, and significantly contributed to Capoeira leaving its former illegality, no longer being understood merely as an art used by gangs and the lower social class. It is generally believed that he had the greatest share in Capoeira becoming an official Brazilian national cultural heritage.
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Present day
Capoeira has several styles. The duel itself is called jogos (game). They differ in tempo, focus, or acrobatics. Angola is slower and is played at low heights close to the ground. Sao Bento, on the other hand, is fast and contains a large amount of acrobatics. Basulo focuses on wrestling, takedowns, and swinging strikes. Maculele uses sticks (once also machetes).
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Capoeira develops agility, cardio, flexibility, reflexes, explosiveness, and functional strength. Besides the physical side, it also teaches self-development, working within a community, and mutual respect. One should not forget the cultural aspect either, as it also includes playing musical instruments, singing songs in Portuguese, and learning about Brazilian and African culture and history. It is a great start for children and is often used as a supplement to other sports for developing flexibility, agility, and distance judgment. Today there are dozens of federations covering millions of practitioners worldwide, for example Abadá, Oxumaré, or Vem Camará. Athletes can test their skills at various continental championships and world championships.
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Equipment
The basic outfit consists only of loose, flexible trousers and a rope belt (corda). Women, of course, also wear a T-shirt or tank top. It is practiced barefoot. The color of the corda distinguishes the individual technical levels and refers to the everyday clothing of capoeiristas in the past. They came from poor conditions, so the belt was made of the rope used to bind bundles of cotton in ports and on plantations.
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The jogo (pronounced 'zhoga') is played in a circle called roda, around whose perimeter stand the other practitioners and the surrounding audience. The capoeiristas fighting in the middle of the circle start in front of the musicians and one is continuously replaced by a capoeirista from the edge of the circle. They must react not only to the speed of the tempo at which the musicians play but also to their surroundings, so that during acrobatics and kicks at full speed they do not hit those standing around. The basic musical instruments consist of the berimbau (which has the form of a bow with a metal string, where the resonator is made of a hollowed-out gourd - calabaza) and a tall drum - atabaque. Those standing around clap the rhythm and also take part in the collective singing.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo mainly uses powerful kicks and strikes. It could simply be divided into traditional martial art and competitive Taekwondo. It also includes forms known as poomse or tul. These are sets of ordered exercises that could be compared to kata in Karate. Demonstrations also include breaking techniques, where fighters break roof tiles or stacked building ytong blocks with parts of their body.
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History
Taekwondo is among the youngest martial arts. It originated in the 1950s. However, it draws from other older styles from China, Japan and old Korean styles, collectively called Taek Kyon. In the 1960s-70s, unification and massive support for kwans (schools for teaching martial arts) took place, including from the state.
General Choi Hong Hi
He is rightly considered the "father of Taekwondo". He pushed for the unification of various Korean styles and its inclusion in the army as one of the main means of unarmed combat. He was one of the founding members of ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation), still the largest organization overseeing Taekwondo.
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Modern era
Taekwondo gained the greatest popularity after being included in the Olympic Games program in Seoul in 1988. A few years later, in 2000, it was presented in Sydney as an official Olympic sport.
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Taekwondo is overseen by two main organizations
ITF - International Taekwon-do Federation was founded by General Choi Hong Hi and emphasizes tradition and classical martial art
WTF - World Taekwondo Federation mainly takes care of the competitive form of Taekwondo and is responsible for Taekwondo at the Olympic Games
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Equipment
The basic uniform consists of a dobok. The dobok consists of a white jacket and pants. It is complemented by a belt, whose color indicates the technical rank of the taekwondo practitioner. Taekwondo involves powerful kicks and strikes. Protective equipment is therefore part of sparring. This must include a helmet, gloves, a mouthguard, sneakers, shin and instep guards, and a massive chest protector. Kicks used in matches are capable of breaking bones. Without this protection, sport Taekwondo would not be possible.
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Kung Fu
Kung Fu is among the oldest and most diverse martial arts. It includes not only a wide range of strikes and kicks but also takedowns, ground fighting, and a conditioning-meditative form. The list of styles that fall under kung fu is diverse and long. For example, Wushu, Tai chi, Shaolin, Sanda or Wing Chun. It is strongly influenced by Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. Kung Fu translates as - to master the skill. From a philosophical standpoint, therefore, anyone who perfectly masters their craft at all levels can become a Kung Fu master.
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Branches of the thousand-year-old tree
It is perhaps not possible to determine exactly when Kung fu began. However, we can agree on the period of the 2nd-3rd century BC, when the first mentions of Chinese martial arts were found. This is also due to the fact that ancient China consisted of several fragmented kingdoms that were constantly fighting among themselves. Each fighting style was influenced by a local master, the political and religious situation, or natural conditions. This is also the reason for such a diverse and wide variety of Kung fu styles.
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Shaolin Monastery
Perhaps the most famous place associated with the history of Kung fu is the monastery founded in the 5th century by Buddhist monks at the foot of Mount Song-shan. Legend says that the martial art was taught to the local monks by the Indian monk Bodhidharma. Whether or not this was the case, the local monks used and refined close combat for centuries. They used it not only for defense but also as a form of physical and psychological exercise.
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The Shaolin Monastery became for centuries a center where various styles were developed and spread to the rest of China and neighboring countries. From here, they eventually reached Korea and Okinawa as well. Kung fu also became an inseparable part of the Chinese army, where it spread not only fighting techniques but also its philosophical side. The monastery experienced several golden periods and destructions. However, it survived along with its monks and their Kung fu to this day, which makes it one of the oldest martial arts schools in the world.
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Leave a legacy
There is a huge number of people who shaped Kung fu as we know it today. Let's take a look at at least a few names who left an unmistakable legacy.
Ng Mui
Ng Mui is among the legends of Kung fu and is considered the founder of the Wing Chun style. According to legend, she was one of the five elder monks who survived one of the destructions of the Shaolin Monastery. Information about her comes only from oral tradition, so it is not certain whether she was a real person or a legend. However, she became a symbol of female strength and emancipation and inspires women to start practicing martial arts. Wing Chun is technically simpler compared to other styles and uses the opponent's own strength against them. It employs basic principles of biomechanics and physics combined with short strikes and kicks.
Yip Man - Ip Man
Master Ip was born in 1893 in the city of Foshan. He came from a wealthy family, which allowed him to devote himself fully to Kung fu. His style was Wing Chun. It is precisely the effectiveness of this style that led to it producing a great number of significant masters. During the Japanese occupation, Ip's family fell into poverty. However, this did not stop him from continuing his training, and he passed on his knowledge to ordinary people so they could effectively defend themselves against the occupiers. Ip's personality still inspires today, as he was a kind-hearted, friendly, and calm person with immense knowledge of Kung fu.
Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee is known in cinematography as a movie star. However, behind his success lies his love for Kung fu, and it is no wonder that he was among the last students of master Ip Man. He was born in 1940 in San Francisco but grew up in Hong Kong. From a young age, he was surrounded by martial arts. His enthusiasm and experience led him to create his own style, Jeet Kune Do. Thanks also to his films and personal charisma, he was among the greatest popularizers of martial arts of the last century. Bruce died prematurely at the age of 32. However, his legacy remained deeply embedded in the world of martial arts. He taught his students to train body and mind in mutual harmony, to think outside the ordinary framework and seek new paths, to be an individualist and constantly improve.
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Modern Kung fu
Kung fu is currently among the most popular martial arts. In China, it is commonly practiced in parks, where people of all age groups practice it together (e.g. Tai Chi), it is part of military training and also part of school training. It is practiced competitively, both as the more modern Sanda, and as more traditional styles.
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Equipment
Due to the diversity of styles in Kung fu, each style uses different attire and equipment. In contact combat forms, matches take place on mats. For example, in the Sanda style, the basics consist of a head guard, mouth guard, gloves, chest protector and shin and instep guards. Fighters wear red or blue shorts and tank top. In Tai Chi, a traditional light shirt with loose trousers and light sneakers is worn.
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Wrestling
Wrestling exists in many forms. Every part of the world has its own form of combat, where wrestlers try to press their opponent to the ground or push them out of a designated area. In Turkey it is Yagli Gures, in Nigeria Dambe, and in China they have Shuai Jiao. All of them share a similar basic principle involving levers, throws, holds, chokes, and control of the opponent's body.
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History as old as humanity itself
The first information about wrestling comes from Egyptian tomb frescoes dating back 3200 years BC. It is also mentioned in the Epic of Gilgamesh (Sumer, 3rd century BC). However, we have the most information and hereditary tradition of Western culture from ancient Greece. Pankration was a basic form of close combat and, apart from eye scratching and biting, contained no fixed rules. Kicks and strikes were also allowed, making it closer to modern MMA (mixed martial arts), of which it is considered the ancestor. It disappeared after ancient Christians labeled it a pagan custom and banned it. It is experiencing a revival among groups of enthusiasts who are trying to bring it back to life based on current knowledge of wrestling and archaeological findings.
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Greco-Roman style
The Greco-Roman style has a certain basis in the original Pankration. It originated in the Roman Empire after the assimilation of Greek culture. In this match, attacks on the legs are not allowed. It focuses on the strength of the upper body.
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Freestyle
It originated in the 20th century. It is the result of the influence of various European wrestling forms from the Middle Ages, the Greco-Roman style and experiences with various cultures of Africa and Asia during colonial times. It also uses attacks on the legs. The techniques are complemented by various more acrobatic elements to achieve a more advantageous position or dominance over the opponent.
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Olympic Games
In the form of Pankration, wrestling was part of the ancient Olympic Games. It has been documented as far back as 648 BC. Wrestling was brutal back then, full of blood and broken bones. Matches often ended in the death of a competitor. Masters of Pankration were among the most respected members of the population and held a certain status similar to celebrities of that time.
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In the form of Greco-Roman wrestling, it became a firm part of the modern Olympic Games from 1896. From an originally brutal martial art, a sport with uniform rules, associations and clubs emerged. Currently, all age categories engage in wrestling, and it also has its influence on self-defense and law enforcement units when detaining persons.
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Equipment
Depending on the style, helmets, mouthguards, a groin guard and wrestling shoes are used in wrestling. The clothing consists of a singlet. A one-piece tight outfit made of elastic material. Wrestling takes place on a mat - tatami.
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In Conclusion
As one of the greatest swordsmen of the old world, Miyamoto Musashi, said. It is better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war. Whichever martial art you choose, regardless of the reason, it will give you more than you expect. The acquired will and discipline will give you not only strength but also control over your body and mind. It will push you beyond your limits and create a completely new view of the world and yourself. You will discover not only new possibilities of your body but you will reach your true limits. And is there perhaps anything more valuable than pushing your abilities to a higher level and finding out what strength lies dormant within you? Especially if, along with this awareness, you also gain new knowledge and bonds between people, which only those who go through the same challenges together with you can understand.
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