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| STYLES |
| When it comes to styles of Martial Arts there are many and NOT limited to Asia. They cross the world from Europe to Africa, South America and even the United States.. Styles differ because of different philosophies and doctrines (Beliefs) on how combat should be approached. Also there are styles with in styles: The same beliefs on combat but variations of handling a situation...different enough to be set apart...but not so different to be called a completely different Art. For example there are 110 recorded styles of Karate in Japan. Goju-Ryu has plenty of techniques and uses both HARD, EXTERNAL, SOFT and INTERNAL principles. However Shotokan Karate has fewer techniques and uses HARD and EXTERNAL only. The Korean Art of Hapkido has at least 73 recorded styles. Some are more defensive using bigger circles, being more SOFT... while others are more aggressive using smaller circles and more direct such as in the Jin Jung Kwan style of Hapkido. Also Kung Fu in Chinese means skill or learned skill. A general term that be applied to anything, but in the West we apply it to ALL Chinese Martial Arts. When someone says they study Kung Fu they include over 300 recorded styles of Kung Fu/Martial Arts in China. So which one do they study? Bagua Zhang? Wing Chun? Praying Mantis? There are plenty of Arts to choose from and variations of those Arts. To learn more about the Arts just choose a style from the below sites and read what information is provided. HOWEVER it would be in your best interest to also type the name of what style you choose in any search engine and look over SEVERAL sites pertaining to that Art. This will give you a more balanced look and in depth understanding as some sites don't always have good information. STYLES: The Martial Arts Registry-Shows styles and brief Histories Martial Arts Styles-Great overview of Styles Martial Way-Also great overview on Styles Below is a link to the most comprehensive list of Martial Arts to date. Currently showing 1037 styles from 29 countries. However it is not a list which provides definitions or explanations. Just a list that shows what styles are out there in each country to date. So from that list you can type in names of Styles in any search engine and get more indepth information. Understand that just because it may not listed in your country doesn't mean there isn't someone in your approximate area who teaches it. Search for yourself. May you find a Style that best fits your needs... SUGGESTED READING LIVING THE MARTIAL WAY-FORREST E. MORGAN BARRACKS BOOKS THE MARTIAL ARTS SOURCE BOOK-JOHN CORCORAN HARPER COLLINS THE MARTIAL ARTS ENCYCLOPEDIA-CORCORAN/FARKAS/SOBEL PRO-ACTION PUBLISHING |
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| The path of the Warrior is lifelong, and mastery is often simply staying on the path. - Richard S. Heckler, In Search of the Warrior Spirit |