Types of Martial Arts

Generally, martial arts can be broken down into five distinct categories: Stand-up or striking styles, grappling styles, low impact styles, weapons based styles, and MMA (A Hybrid Sports Style). Along with this, the emergence of MMA has caused quite a bit of mixing of styles in recent years to the point that a lot of dojos don't look quite the same as they used to. Regardless, below are some of the more well-known styles.

Striking or Stand-Up Styles

• Boxing
• Karate
• Krav Maga
• Kung Fu
• Kickboxing
• Tae Kwon Do

Grappling or Ground Fighting Styles

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• Russian Sambo
• Shootfighting
• Wrestling

Throwing or Takedown Styles

• Aikido
• Judo
• Hapkido
• Shuai Jiao

Weapons Based Styles

• Iaido[/link">
• Kali
• Kendo

Low Impact or Meditative Styles

• Baguazhang
• Tai Chi
• Chi Gong based styles

MMA- A Hybrid Sports Style

• MMA