I have encountered enough comments from people who do not understand the different form of martial arts. They keep confusing Tae-kwon-do with Shotokan and other forms. Let me just say it's quite a tricky sport since most forms of arts emphasise on either hands or legs or even both.
"A basic understanding of the purpose of martial arts is to defend oneself. And one has to pledge that he would only use his or her skills for self defence before embarking on this task," as one Kaizer Karimbhai a martial arts expert in Kenya would say. He also adds a basic in all forms of martial arts, ‘Never strike the first blow’.
Most of the arts have their background from Asia more so China, Japan and Korea. Other forms may have originated in Brazil (i.e.capoeira). From Wikipedia, martial arts vary widely, and may focus on one or more of these areas:
I.Striking
a)Punching - Boxing, Shao-Lin Long Fist, Wing Chun
b)Kicking - Capoeira, Savate, Taekwondo, Taekkyon
c)Other strikes (e.g.Elbows, knees, open-hand) - Karate, Muay Thai
II.Grappling
a)Throwing - Glima, Judo, Jujutsu, Sambo
b)Pinning Techniques - Wrestling, Judo
c)Joint lock - Aikido, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Hapkido, Jujutsu, Malla-yuddha
III.Weaponry
a)Traditional Weaponry - Fencing, Gatka, Silambam, Kendo
b)Modern Weaponry - Eskrima, Jukendo, Jogo do Pau
Now let's say I'll focus on those that are practised frequently and moreso in Kenya. Talking of which Kenya has been represented in continetal championships in Tae-kwon-do and won a number of gold medals. Do we have anyone out there who could please give me some background on this? Trying to get some of this information is quite hard. Most federations have offices which serve as monuments more than functional places of work.
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