Friday, May 10, 2013

Obscure Forms Of Martial Arts

By Rod Bourgoine


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.

There is a definite grace adherent in most forms of marital art; some are more artistic than others. Take for example Capoeira, which hails from Brazil and includes elements of fighting as well as dance. In Egypt, dance and fighting are taken up a notch in the ancient art of Tahtib. In addition to dance, the participants also use huge sticks and take turns striking and defending with the sticks. While Tahtib is mostly ceremonial and a celebration of folk dance and folk music, head injuries certainly can and do occur.

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.

If you were a warrior in ancient Hawaii, you would be well-versed in Kapu Ku'ialua, which basically translates to the "art of bone breaking." Practitioners learn many painful maneuvers such as throws and joint locks and just some quick ways to break the bones of your enemy. In addition, you also learn how to use a variety of weapons including knives, spears, canoe paddles and a curious-looking club surrounded by shark teeth.

Some martial arts are based on physical contact with no weapons, and some are a combination of both hand-to-hand techniques and weapons. Mau rakau, an ancient martial art from the Maori tribe in present-day New Zealand, is an art that relies almost entirely on several different weapons. One special weapon, created from whale bone, is known as the taiaha. This weapon along with a type of axe and several different types of clubs are all part of this martial art and are even more special because as the story is told, Maori Gods gave these weapons to the warriors to help them defend their land.




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