There are many distinct styles and schools of martial arts. Sometimes, schools or styles are introduced by individual teachers or masters, or as a brand name by a specific gym. Martial arts can be grouped by type or focus, or alternatively by regional origin. This article focuses on the latter grouping of these unique styles of martial arts.
For Hybrid martial arts, as they originated from the late 19th century and especially after 1950, it may be impossible to identify unique or predominant regional origins. It is not trivial to distinguish "traditional" from "modern" martial arts. Chronology is not the decisive criterion, as, for example, "traditional" Taekwondo was developed in the 1950s, while the "modern" hybrid martial art of Bartitsu was developed .
A large portion of traditional martial arts can be categorized as Folk wrestling (see the separate article), although in some cases a folk wrestling style and a modern combat sport may overlap or become indistinguishable from each other once the sport has been regulated.
Afro-Eurasia Africa
Angola Engolo
Egypt Tahtib
Madagascar Moraingy
Nigeria Dambe
Senegal Lutte Traditionnelle Senegalese wrestling
Somalia Istunka
South Africa Nguni stick-fighting
Sudan Nuba fighting
Europe
Austria Ranggeln
Finland Hokutoryu Ju-Jutsu
France Canne de combat French school of fencing Gouren Qwan Ki Do Savate Greco-Roman wrestling
Germany German Ju-Jutsu German school of fencing Ringen Unifight
Greece Ancient Greek boxing (Pygmachía) Greek wrestling (Pále) Pankration
Iceland Glima
Italy Italian martial arts Italian school of fencing
Ireland Irish martial arts Bataireacht Collar-and-elbow
Poland Koluchstyle
Portugal Jogo do Pau
Russia Russian martial arts Sambo Systema ARB (martial art) Unifight
Serbia Real Aikido
Spain Leonese wrestling Lucha Canaria
Switzerland Schwingen
Ukraine Combat Hopak
United Kingdom Bare-knuckle boxing Bartitsu Boxing Catch wrestling Combat pistol shooting Cornish wrestling Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling Defendu Devon wrestling English Longsword School Historical fencing in Scotland Lancashire wrestling Suffrajitsu Singlestick Shin-kicking Scottish backhold
Others Historical European Martial Arts Archery Armored combat (sport) Duel Fencing Shooting MMA
Asia
Bangladesh Bangladeshi martial arts Butthan
Cambodia Bokator Pradal serey Kbach Kun Khmer Boran
China (PRC)/Taiwan (ROC) Chinese/Taiwanese martial arts Shaolin Kung Fu Baguazhang Tai chi Bajiquan Wing Chun Shuai Jiao Choy Gar Fut Gar Sanda Hung Gar Choy Li Fut
India Indian martial arts Mardani khel Malla-yuddha Kalaripayattu Vajra-mushti Adimurai Gatka
Indonesia Indonesian martial arts Pencak silat Tarung Derajat
Israel Kapap Krav Maga
Japan Sumo Japanese martial arts Aikido Ninjutsu Naginatajutsu Bojutsu Okinawan kobudo Iaido Judo Jujutsu Jukendo Kenjutsu Karate Kūdō Kusarigamajutsu Kendo Kyudo Kyujutsu Kyusho jitsu Bajutsu Yoseikan budō Taidō Tantojutsu Tessenjutsu Shurikenjutsu Sojutsu
Korea Korean martial arts Gongkwon Yusul Choi Kwang Do Ssireum Kyukgido Kyeok Too Ki Kunguk-Do Hwa Rang Do Kuk Sool Won Kumdo Kyeok Sul Subak Taekkyon Taekwondo Tang Soo Do Hap ki do Yongmudo
Laos Muay Lao
Malaysia Silat
Mongolia Mongolian wrestling
Myanmar Lethwei Bando Banshay Naban Pongyi thaing
Philippines Filipino martial arts Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali Yaw-Yan
Sri Lanka Angampora Cheena di
Thailand Krabi–krabong Lerdrit Muay boran Muay Thai Silat Pattani
Turkey Matrak Oil wrestling Sayokan
Vietnam Vietnamese martial arts Vovinam Nhất Nam Cuong Nhu
Oceania
Australia Coreeda
New Zealand Mau rākau
Hawaii Kajukenbo Kapu Kuialua
Samoa Limalama
America North America
Barbados Bajan stick-licking Canada Defendo SPEAR System Wen-Do Haiti Tire machèt United States American Kenpo American Kickboxing Chulukua Collegiate wrestling Combatives Danzan-ryū Jujitsu Emerson Combat Systems Gouging (fighting style) Jeet Kune Do Jailhouse rock (fighting style) LINE (combat system) Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Model Mugging Shootfighting Small Circle JuJitsu Special Combat Aggressive Reactionary System 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu
South America
Brazil Brazilian jiu-jitsu Capoeira Huka-huka Creole Knife Fight - (in port. "Esgrima Crioula") Luta Livre Vale Tudo
Colombia Colombian grima
Cuba Juego de maní
Peru Bakom
See also
List of martial arts weapons List of practice weapons Outline of martial arts List of sports