Top 10 Most Popular Martial Arts Around the World

Aikido, a martial art that originated in Japan, was founded by Master Morihei Ueshiba. In terms of physical technique, Aikido is known for its precise joint locks and throwing techniques. Rather than focusing on direct attacks, Aikido uses the opponent's energy and movement against them, either to defend or to throw them off balance.

Did you know that each technique in Aikido is not only a sophisticated combination of the founder's martial practice but also reflects his deep philosophical beliefs about peace and universal harmony? Today, Aikido continues to evolve, with diverse interpretations and practices by martial artists worldwide.

Taekwondo is the national sport of North Korea and one of the most practiced forms of martial arts in the country. It is also one of the most popular sports worldwide. While some mistakenly believe that Taekwondo evolved directly from Karate, which Japan introduced to Korea during the 1950s and 60s, Taekwondo is actually a distinct martial art that was developed to separate itself from Karate’s influence.

Incorporating elements of the traditional Korean martial art Taekyon, Taekwondo emphasizes powerful kicks and leg techniques, reflecting its athletic nature. Although it shares similarities with Chinese Kung Fu and other Korean martial arts like Tangsudo and Hapkido, Taekwondo is characterized by its focus on using the feet and legs for powerful, dynamic strikes.

Wushu is a modern martial art from China that incorporates a wide variety of traditional styles such as Shaolin, Emei, Wudang, Kongdong, Tai Chi, and Wing Chun. It is a highly structured discipline combining performance routines (forms) and practical combat techniques.

While Wushu leans more towards being a sport than a traditional combat art, it is taught systematically in martial arts schools across China and many other countries worldwide. Wushu is considered a quintessential martial art that represents the essence of Chinese martial arts culture.

Judo (meaning 'The Way of Gentleness') is a famous Japanese martial art founded by Kano Jigoro in 1882. It evolved from the traditional Japanese martial art Jujitsu (Jujutsu). Judo focuses more on sportsmanship than violence, emphasizing techniques such as joint locks, throws, pins, and chokeholds rather than using weapons.

Although strikes and weapons are part of Judo training, they are only practiced in controlled forms and are not allowed in competitive matches or regular training. Practitioners of Judo are known as judoka. Judo is primarily practiced for self-defense, physical fitness, and mental discipline.

Tai Chi (Taijiquan) is a traditional Chinese martial art known for its slow, flowing movements and focus on breath control and relaxation. It is said to have originated over 300 years ago, created by a man named Chen Wangting from Chenjiagou, Wenxian County, Henan Province. Tai Chi combines physical exercises with philosophical principles, aiming to harmonize body and mind.

In Vietnam, thanks to the influence of popular martial arts novels by Jin Yong, many people believed that the legendary Zhang Sanfeng was the original creator of Tai Chi. However, with the rise of the Tai Chi Classic written by Wang Zongyue during the Qing Dynasty, scholars now lean toward Wang as the true founder of Tai Chi.

Wing Chun, also known as Ving Tsun, is a martial art that originated from the Southern Shaolin Temple in Fujian Province, China. There are varying opinions on its exact origin, but most agree that Wing Chun was developed approximately 200 years ago. The style is known for its direct, rapid strikes and emphasis on efficiency and structure.

Wing Chun gained worldwide recognition after Bruce Lee’s success in the 1970s, which helped popularize the style globally. Originally passed down secretly within families, it has since become one of the most widely practiced martial arts in the world, attracting many devoted practitioners.

Muay Thai is a traditional martial art and popular sport from Thailand. Often referred to as Thai boxing in the West, it differs significantly from Western boxing. This martial art has been practiced since the 1500s, initially called Muay Boran during the reign of King Naresuan, where it was taught to soldiers as a method of unarmed combat.

Though Muay Thai originated in Thailand, similar forms of Muay are practiced throughout Southeast Asia, with different regional variations. One story suggests that Muay Thai was founded by Nai Khanomtom, a Siamese soldier who, after being captured by the Burmese, defeated 10 of their top fighters using techniques he learned in the military.

Do you think martial arts are only for men, with dangerous moves and violent punches? Well, that's only partially true. Kickboxing is actually a hybrid martial art that combines powerful leg techniques from Muay Thai with the hand strikes of boxing. It's a great workout that helps practitioners build strength and resilience to face any challenges they encounter.

For instance, actress Diem My 9x has become more alluring through her training in this discipline. Kickboxing is also considered an effective fat-burning exercise and has become a popular fitness activity in gyms around the world, including in Vietnam, especially in recent years.

Boxing, also known as the sweet science, is a combat sport originating in the West, where two opponents engage in a contest of skill and strength using punches. The art involves combining powerful strikes with footwork, head movement, and body positioning to outmaneuver and outlast an opponent.

Amateur boxing is featured in many global sporting events, including the Olympic Games. The legendary boxer Muhammad Ali is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in this sport's history.

Karate, or Karatedo, is a traditional martial art originating from Okinawa, Japan. This discipline is known for its striking techniques, which include punches, elbow strikes, kicks, knee strikes, and open-hand techniques. Karate emphasizes speed, precision, and power.

In addition to the basic strikes, Karate also incorporates hooks, joint locks, combined striking and blocking techniques, and attacks to vulnerable areas. It uses the hara (core) and kime (focus) to generate maximum power and energy during attacks, making it a highly effective and disciplined martial art.