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.
While you might have heard of Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that combines dance and fighting, the Egyptian art of Tahtib is far less well known. Practitioners combines traditional folk dancing and fighting with sticks. The stick is about 12 feet long and you are meant to take turns striking each other in the head with the stick. Typically, these days Tahtib is more ceremonial than actually injurious, but sometimes dancer/fighters do get carried away as the music increases in intensity.
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.
In ancient Hawaii, Kapu Ku'ialua, also known just as Lua, was an impressive form of martial art that was in some ways similar to Jiu-Jitsu in that some fighting techniques include joint locks and manipulating pressure points on the body. However Lua also incorporated a variety of weaponry helping fighters utilize whatever items were readily available. For instance, one is taught to use a canoe paddle as a weapon, as well as the Leiomano, which is club with imbedded 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.
While you might have heard of Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that combines dance and fighting, the Egyptian art of Tahtib is far less well known. Practitioners combines traditional folk dancing and fighting with sticks. The stick is about 12 feet long and you are meant to take turns striking each other in the head with the stick. Typically, these days Tahtib is more ceremonial than actually injurious, but sometimes dancer/fighters do get carried away as the music increases in intensity.
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.
In ancient Hawaii, Kapu Ku'ialua, also known just as Lua, was an impressive form of martial art that was in some ways similar to Jiu-Jitsu in that some fighting techniques include joint locks and manipulating pressure points on the body. However Lua also incorporated a variety of weaponry helping fighters utilize whatever items were readily available. For instance, one is taught to use a canoe paddle as a weapon, as well as the Leiomano, which is club with imbedded 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 writing about mixed martial arts benefits. To get more info about martial arts in San Diego or to find San Diego boxing lessons, please visit The Arena MMA site today.
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