Origins: probably with the first human fist Because there's no kicking, boxers develop an impressive amount of upper-body strength, and many are capable of knocking out an opponent with a single blow.

Using the feet and hitting below the belt is prohibited, and matches last a specified number of several-minute rounds. Perhaps the world's oldest fighting style, boxing dates back to long before its role in the original Olympic Games. Boxing What is boxing? This one's pretty simple: two competitors wearing gloves try to hit each other and avoid the other's fists. While ground-fighting techniques are its claim to fame, the practice does include some standup maneuvers as well.ДЇamous Adherents: Jessica Alba, Ryan PhillipeД¦. Brazilian Jujitsu What is brazilian jujitsu? A modified form of Japanese jujitsu, the Brazilian variety sees practitioners trying to gain superior positioning, from which they try to apply a range of chokes, holds, locks, and joint manipulations.ДЄ modified form of Japanese jujutsu adapted by Brazil's Gracie family in 1925, Brazilian jujitsu was devised to help small fighters take down larger adversaries. What to Bring: a uniform, or gi advanced classes require a mouth guard, headgear, and groin protection (for men)ДЇamous Adherents: Jessica Alba, Ryan Phillipe 5.

Beyond its physical aspects, tae kwon do also teaches respect, discipline, and other forms of personal strength. In opposition to the 'empty hand' of karate, tae kwon do literally translates to 'the way of the foot and fist.' It emphasizes power through feats such as splitting boards and bricks with the bare hands and feet. Tae Kwon Do What is tae kwon do? This Korean fighting form-one of the only two Eastern martial arts in the Olympics-is famous for its range of impressive kicks. What to Bring: a uniform, or gi some classes may require a hakama, or skirted samurai uniform (pictured above)ДЇamous Adherents: Steven Seagal, Sean Connery, Joan Baez 4. Aikido generally has a steeper learning curve than other martial arts, and many beginners may train for a year or more before they feel comfortable using the techniques outside of the dojo. Aikido What is aikido? Rather than focusing on punches and kicks, aikido uses an opponent's kinetic energy against them to take control.ДЄikido practitioners learn to redirect the force of an attack to weaken their opponents and make it easier to complete a throw or pin. What to Bring: a uniform, or gi (pictured above)ДЇamous Adherents: Christian Slater, Taylor LautnerДЈ. Like yoga and other Japanese physical practices, the philosophy of karate extends beyond the studio and into everyday life, working to enhance the individual through principles such as respect, discipline, and the quest for constant improvement. Known as the art of the 'empty hand,' karate was born in Okinawa out of necessity during a time when weapons were banned by invading armies. Karate What is karate? Although it includes powerful kicks, punches, and blocks, this Japanese martial art is centered on self-defense above all else. What to Bring: workout attire, water bottle, towel some classes may require ankle supports, boxing gloves, and headgearДЇamous Adherents: Ashley Judd, Eva MendesДў. Because of the sport's murky definitions, be sure to ask for details before taking your first kickboxing class to make sure it's the style you're looking for. Unlike muay thai and other practices, elbows and knees are not allowed. More of a catch-all term rather than a specific fighting style, kickboxing can refer to anything from a martial-arts-inspired aerobics routine to the ancient practice of muay thai. Kickboxing What is kickboxing? In the US, kickboxing as a sport is generally a fusion of boxing and karate that involves strikes using only the hands and feet. To help you make sense of which practice is right for you (or your child), we've laid out the basics on 10 of the most popular types of martial arts-classes for which can be easily booked through our site.ДЄlready know which martial art you want to try out? Click the banner below to find a deal on classes. As a result, this basic human urge has taken on myriad forms throughout the centuries and all over the world, making the simple desire to take a class in martial arts a mind-bogglingly complicated task.

As long as there have been fists, there has been fighting.

Mixed martial arts fighting styles