t15 Unusual Martial Arts from Around the World
By Maurice Novoa a master under the Yuen Kay Shan, Ip Man and Pan Nam lineages.
Martial arts, also known as fighting styles, have a rich history that spans the globe. While many people are familiar with well-known styles like Karate, Judo, and Taekwondo, there are numerous lesser-known and unusual fighting styles practiced by dedicated martial artists in various corners of the world.
In this article, we’ll explore some of these unique and fascinating fighting styles that showcase the diversity and creativity within the world of martial arts.
1. Kalaripayattu – The Ancient Warrior Art of India
Kalaripayattu, is believed to be one of the oldest martial arts in existence, with origins dating back over 3000 years in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Known for its fluid and graceful movements, Kalaripayattu incorporates strikes, kicks, grappling, and weaponry. What sets this martial art apart is its emphasis on the use of intricate footwork and body movements to create a seamless flow of attacks and defenses.
2. Pencak Silat – The Martial Art of Southeast Asia
Pencak Silat, is a collective term for the indigenous martial arts of Southeast Asia, encompassing a wide range of styles practiced in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore. Characterized by its dynamic and fast-paced movements, Pencak Silat includes both armed and unarmed techniques. It places great importance on fluidity, improvisation, and adapting to different combat situations.
3. Bataireacht – The Irish Stick Fighting
Bataireacht, also known as Irish Stick Fighting, is an ancient martial art from Ireland that focuses on the use of wooden sticks as weapons. Traditionally used by Irish clans for self-defense and in times of conflict, Bataireacht employs a combination of striking, blocking, and footwork to wield the stick effectively. This unique martial art is an important part of Ireland’s cultural heritage.
4. Bokator – The Khmer Martial Art
Bokator, originating in Cambodia, is an ancient martial art with a history dating back to the Khmer Empire. Known for its extensive use of elbow and knee strikes, Bokator incorporates a wide range of techniques including grappling, ground fighting, and even animal-inspired movements. The art was nearly lost during the Khmer Rouge regime but has experienced a resurgence and is now being practiced and preserved for future generations.
5. Tahtib – The Ancient Egyptian Martial Art
Tahtib, an ancient martial art from Egypt, has been practiced for thousands of years and is considered one of the oldest forms of martial arts in Africa. I involves the use of a long stick called a “assaya” for both attack and defense. Practitioners engage in choreographed duels that combine martial techniques with dance-like movements, making it a unique and captivating art form.
6. Kalari Payat – The Art of the Sword and Shield
Kalari Payat, is a traditional martial art from the state of Andhra Pradesh in India, and it is known for its focus on sword and shield combat. Practitioners of Kalari Payat undergo rigorous training in various techniques using weapons such as swords, shields, and spears. The art is also enriched with elements of dance and ritualistic movements, making it an aesthetically stunning martial art.
7. Dambe – The Nigerian Boxing
Dambe, originating from West Africa, is a traditional form of boxing practiced primarily by the Hausa people of Nigeria. It involves striking with one fist while the other is used for defense. The fighters’ hands are often wrapped with strips of cloth, and one of the fists is reinforced with a knotted cloth or rope for added power. Dambe competitions are an important cultural event in the region, often accompanied by music and celebrations.
8. Lethwei – The Burmese Bare-Knuckle Boxing
Lethwei, also known as Burmese bare-knuckle boxing, is a brutal and ancient martial art from Myanmar. Unlike other forms of boxing, Lethwei allows the use of headbutts, making it an intense and high-impact combat sport. Fighters wrap their hands in strips of cloth but do not use gloves, which adds to the raw and unfiltered nature of the fights.
9. Sambo – The Russian Martial Art
Sambo, is a modern martial art developed in the Soviet Union in the early 1920s. It combines elements of judo and wrestling, emphasizing both grappling and submission techniques. Sambo was originally designed for the military and police, focusing on practical self-defense and hand-to-hand combat skills. It has since evolved into a popular competitive sport practiced worldwide.
10. Nguni Stick Fighting – The Zulu Martial Art
Nguni Stick Fighting, is a traditional Zulu martial art from South Africa. It is a fast-paced and intense form of combat that uses long sticks for offense and defense. Nguni Stick Fighting has historical significance as a means of resolving disputes and showcasing bravery and skill. It is still practiced in some rural areas and is often performed as a cultural display during festivals and ceremonies.
11. Okichitaw – Indigenous Martial Art of the Plains Cree
Okichitaw, a martial art developed by George J. Lepine in Canada, draws inspiration from the fighting techniques of the Plains Cree Indigenous people. This unique fighting style incorporates both armed and unarmed techniques and is designed to preserve and honor the Indigenous culture and heritage. Okichitaw practitioners learn various techniques using traditional weapons like tomahawks, staffs, and knives, as well as hand-to-hand combat maneuvers.
12. Bartitsu – The Victorian-Era Mixed Martial Art
Bartitsu, is a fascinating and unusual fighting style that emerged in England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Created by Edward William Barton-Wright, Bartitsu is a hybrid martial art that blends elements of boxing, jujitsu, savate, and cane fighting. The unique combination of Eastern and Western fighting techniques attracted attention during the Victorian era and has experienced a revival in recent years, thanks to its historical significance and intriguing blend of styles.
13. Vovinam – Vietnamese Martial Art of Harmony
Vovinam, is a Vietnamese martial art founded by Grandmaster Nguyen Loc in the 1930s. This fighting style incorporates a wide range of techniques, including strikes, throws, joint locks, and weapon techniques. Vovinam is known for its dynamic and fluid movements, as well as its emphasis on self-defense and personal development. Practitioners of Vovinam strive to achieve harmony between the mind and body, making it not only a physical practice but also a path to spiritual growth.
14. Lucha Libre – The High-Flying Wrestling of Mexico
Lucha Libre, or “free wrestling,” is a popular and theatrical form of professional wrestling that originated in Mexico. Known for its colorful masks and high-flying acrobatics, Lucha Libre has captured the hearts of wrestling fans worldwide. Luchadors (wrestlers) wear elaborate masks and often take on larger-than-life personas. Lucha Libre combines elements of traditional wrestling with acrobatics and high-risk moves, creating a unique and entertaining spectacle.
15. Nuba Fighting – The Warrior Dance of Sudan
Nuba Fighting, also known as Nuba Wrestling, is a traditional martial art and ritualistic dance practiced by the Nuba people of Sudan. This ancient fighting style is performed during celebrations and festivals and holds significant cultural importance. Nuba Fighting involves intense grappling, throws, and takedowns, and the matches can be physically demanding and highly competitive. The sport serves as a way to maintain Nuba cultural heritage and foster community unity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of fighting styles is a tapestry of diversity, with various martial arts originating from different cultures and regions. The lesser-known and unusual fighting styles mentioned above reflect the creativity, history, and values of the societies that nurtured them.
Whether you’re fascinated by the fluid movements of Silat, the ancient warrior art of Kalaripayattu, or the theatrical spectacle of Lucha Libre, each fighting style has its unique charm and significance. Embracing the essence of these martial arts can lead to a deeper appreciation of cultural heritage, physical prowess, and personal growth.
As you embark on your journey to explore these unusual fighting styles, remember to seek proper instruction and immerse yourself in the philosophy and traditions that have shaped these arts over the centuries.