ShareThisMartial arts take various forms.
Akido: The defensive style uses fast movements to turn an attacker's force against him.
Iaido: In its modern application, it involves dull swords.
Judo: A grappling art, it uses throws, arm locks and pins to control an opponent.
Jujitsu, jujutsu: Similar to judo, it involves strikes, kicks, throws, joint locks and choking.
Karate: The style of kicks and hand strikes originated on the Japanese island of Okinawa.
Kempo, Kenpo, American Kempo: An Eastern art modified in Hawaii, it's similar to karate but focuses more on circular moves (hooks and uppercuts) and includes grappling moves and throws. It relies equally on hands and feet.
Krav Maga: Developed by the Israeli Army, it combines elements of judo, jujitsu and boxing.
Kung fu: The term describes all styles of Chinese origin. They concentrate on striking blows at vulnerable areas using fluid movements of the hands and feet.
Mixed martial arts: Term for contests involving a mix of martial arts and other fighting styles, as in "cage fights" like Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Muay Thai: Fighting style marked by devastating knee and elbow strikes and shin kicks.
Tae kwon do: Of Korean origin, it emphasizes kicking but includes hand strikes.
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)
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