Throughout the country, you'll find schools that teach the arts of Karate, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Taekwondo and other well-known types of martial arts. There are some ancient martial arts, however, that are far less well known, but equally interesting. Take a look at the following unusual forms of martial arts.
Fluidity and grace are a big part of just about every martial art, but some are more artistic than others. Capoeira, for example, is a fairly popular martial art in Brazil that combines elements of fighting as well as dance. The ancient and more obscure Egyptian art Tahtib is part a celebration of ancient Egyptian folk songs and dancing, however fighters use 12-foot sticks as weapons during the choreographed dances. One fighter strikes as the other attempts to block the strike and not endure a severe head injury. These days, it's more a celebration of Egyptian culture but in the past, Tahtib was used for military training.
Stick fighting is a common practice throughout the world and most countries have some form of martial arts that involves this practice. In Ireland, the martial art of Bataireacht has been around for hundreds of years and is still practiced today. While it obviously was once used for fighting and defense, eventually it became associated with fighting among Irish gangs and interest declined because of this association. However, it has become more popular of late because many feel it is a way to preserve and celebrate Irish history and culture.
A sport or martial art need not be ancient in order have something to offer its adherents; a perfect example of this is Jeet Kune Do, which was developed by Bruce Lee. Another example of a "newer" form of martial art is Okichitaw, which was created in the 1990s by George Lepine, a member of the Plains Cree First Nation within Canada. Lepine's teachings include learning how to use a tomahawk and gunstock war club, as well as learning how to overcome an opponent who might attack you with these weapons. In addition, the philosophy incorporates the "Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers," which includes wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, truth and humility.
Hawaiian warriors had their own special form of martial art, Kapu Kuialua, which focused on variety of bone-breaking techniques, joint locks, strikes and throws. In addition to learning some bad-ass fighting maneuvers, warriors also learned how to use some interesting weaponry, including using slings, canoe paddles, spears and the truly frightening Leiomano, a club-like weapon that is covered in shark teeth.
For the Maori people of New Zealand, their own form of martial art or combat called Mau rakau. This method of fighting includes the use of several different weapons but most especially a special stick often fashioned from whale bone. This weapon, known as a taiaha, is said to have been a gift to the Maori from their God of War and their God of the Forest.
Fluidity and grace are a big part of just about every martial art, but some are more artistic than others. Capoeira, for example, is a fairly popular martial art in Brazil that combines elements of fighting as well as dance. The ancient and more obscure Egyptian art Tahtib is part a celebration of ancient Egyptian folk songs and dancing, however fighters use 12-foot sticks as weapons during the choreographed dances. One fighter strikes as the other attempts to block the strike and not endure a severe head injury. These days, it's more a celebration of Egyptian culture but in the past, Tahtib was used for military training.
Stick fighting is a common practice throughout the world and most countries have some form of martial arts that involves this practice. In Ireland, the martial art of Bataireacht has been around for hundreds of years and is still practiced today. While it obviously was once used for fighting and defense, eventually it became associated with fighting among Irish gangs and interest declined because of this association. However, it has become more popular of late because many feel it is a way to preserve and celebrate Irish history and culture.
A sport or martial art need not be ancient in order have something to offer its adherents; a perfect example of this is Jeet Kune Do, which was developed by Bruce Lee. Another example of a "newer" form of martial art is Okichitaw, which was created in the 1990s by George Lepine, a member of the Plains Cree First Nation within Canada. Lepine's teachings include learning how to use a tomahawk and gunstock war club, as well as learning how to overcome an opponent who might attack you with these weapons. In addition, the philosophy incorporates the "Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers," which includes wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, truth and humility.
Hawaiian warriors had their own special form of martial art, Kapu Kuialua, which focused on variety of bone-breaking techniques, joint locks, strikes and throws. In addition to learning some bad-ass fighting maneuvers, warriors also learned how to use some interesting weaponry, including using slings, canoe paddles, spears and the truly frightening Leiomano, a club-like weapon that is covered in shark teeth.
For the Maori people of New Zealand, their own form of martial art or combat called Mau rakau. This method of fighting includes the use of several different weapons but most especially a special stick often fashioned from whale bone. This weapon, known as a taiaha, is said to have been a gift to the Maori from their God of War and their God of the Forest.
About the Author:
Rod Bourgoine enjoys blogging about mixed martial arts benefits. To get more information about martial arts in San Diego or to find San Diego boxing lessons, please visit The Arena MMA site now.
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