Virtually every country and culture has developed at least one type of martial art, and we all have heard of or practiced an art such as Taekwondo, Judo, Muay Thai, Karate or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While these are commonly known martial arts among Americans, there are many more martial arts that are far more obscure. Check out the following arts that are probably unknown to you.
There is a definite grace adherent in most forms of marital art; some are more artistic than others. Take for example Capoeira, which hails from Brazil and includes elements of fighting as well as dance. In Egypt, dance and fighting are taken up a notch in the ancient art of Tahtib. In addition to dance, the participants also use huge sticks and take turns striking and defending with the sticks. While Tahtib is mostly ceremonial and a celebration of folk dance and folk music, head injuries certainly can and do occur.
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.
While Okichitaw is not an ancient sport, it is fairly unusual. It was developed by George Lepine, of the Plains Cree First Nation in Canada. Okichitaw combines a variety of hand-to-hand combat techniques, as well as the use of weapons, including a tomahawk as well as what is known as the gunstock war club. This club resembles its namesake, a gun stock, and has been used by various First Nation tribes for more than 200 years.
If you were a warrior in ancient Hawaii, you would be well-versed in Kapu Ku'ialua, which basically translates to the "art of bone breaking." Practitioners learn many painful maneuvers such as throws and joint locks and just some quick ways to break the bones of your enemy. In addition, you also learn how to use a variety of weapons including knives, spears, canoe paddles and a curious-looking club surrounded by shark teeth.
The Maori, the ancient people of New Zealand, developed their own system of martial arts known as Mau rakau. This is a weapon's based martial art with emphasis on the use of the taiaha, a type of club or stick that generally was made out of a whale bone. Legend has it that the taiaha and other weapons were given to the Maori from the God of the forest and the Maori God of war.
There is a definite grace adherent in most forms of marital art; some are more artistic than others. Take for example Capoeira, which hails from Brazil and includes elements of fighting as well as dance. In Egypt, dance and fighting are taken up a notch in the ancient art of Tahtib. In addition to dance, the participants also use huge sticks and take turns striking and defending with the sticks. While Tahtib is mostly ceremonial and a celebration of folk dance and folk music, head injuries certainly can and do occur.
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.
While Okichitaw is not an ancient sport, it is fairly unusual. It was developed by George Lepine, of the Plains Cree First Nation in Canada. Okichitaw combines a variety of hand-to-hand combat techniques, as well as the use of weapons, including a tomahawk as well as what is known as the gunstock war club. This club resembles its namesake, a gun stock, and has been used by various First Nation tribes for more than 200 years.
If you were a warrior in ancient Hawaii, you would be well-versed in Kapu Ku'ialua, which basically translates to the "art of bone breaking." Practitioners learn many painful maneuvers such as throws and joint locks and just some quick ways to break the bones of your enemy. In addition, you also learn how to use a variety of weapons including knives, spears, canoe paddles and a curious-looking club surrounded by shark teeth.
The Maori, the ancient people of New Zealand, developed their own system of martial arts known as Mau rakau. This is a weapon's based martial art with emphasis on the use of the taiaha, a type of club or stick that generally was made out of a whale bone. Legend has it that the taiaha and other weapons were given to the Maori from the God of the forest and the Maori God of war.
About the Author:
Rod Bourgoine enjoys blogging about mixed martial arts benefits. For more info about martial arts in San Diego or to find San Diego boxing lessons, please check out The Arena MMA site today.
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