T​here are hundreds of different types of martial arts which have been developed and are practiced all over the world. The names and details of some of the most popular ones, among them kickboxing and karate, are described here. This web page is a very general introduction to the martial arts featured in Matt Kelly’s books. It is not intended to be an exhaustive guide in any way. The web page is intended to give only the fundamentals necessary to appreciate the martial arts found in my novels. Scroll down and find out more. . .

Kickboxing: This is a style that involves kicking and punching, which is a form of stand-up wrestling that developed from karate and boxing. In addition to self-defense, kickboxing is also practiced for fitness purposes or as a contact sport.

The kickboxing sport originated in Japan in the 1970s and gained prominence after the first world championship was held by the Professional Karate Association (PKA) in September 1974. From a historical standpoint, kickboxing can be considered a hybrid martial art that combines elements of several traditional styles. Since the 1970s, kickboxing has become increasingly popular. Additionally, in the 1990s, kickboxing was further incorporated into mixed martial arts by merging it with Brazilian jiu-jitsu or ju-jitsu (柔術) and folk wrestling.

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Karate: In Karate, literally meaning “empty hand” (空手 - kara = empty, te = hand), focuses on strikes and kicks for self-defense. Training combines practice fighting (sparring) with learning forms (kata). These forms are like the building blocks or “theory” behind karate moves.

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Because there are other martial arts that number in the hundreds if not thousands, it is felt that these other types should be discussed. However, the Matt Kelly books only discuss a few. Consequently, I have decided not to talk about them on this page. Even though, each one of them has evolved out of self-defense and is therefore equally effective.

 

Wrestling: Have you ever seen kids scuffling on the ground? That’s the basic idea behind wrestling – a fighting style centered on grappling, takedowns, and ground control. Most wrestling styles are both martial arts and competitive sports.

 

Here are some popular variations:

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• Freestyle: This style focuses on dynamic takedowns to bring the opponent to the ground.

• Folkstyle: Similar to freestyle, but with some rule variations for safety, often seen in high school and college wrestling.

• Sambo: A Russian martial art known for emphasizing joint locks, particularly targeting the legs and ankles.

• Submission Wrestling: This style prioritizes submission holds (joint locks and chokeholds) to force the opponent to tap out.

• Greco-Roman: Known for its upper-body throws, where leg attacks and defense are forbidden.

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Judō: With a special emphasis on ground and standing techniques, judō (柔道) employs throws, joint locks, and strangles. Judō translates into “soft way” or “gentle way.” It is perhaps a misnomer since anyone who has been on the receiving end of it knows what it is like. Jigoro Kano, the founder of judō, intended it to be taught as a course of physical education and as a sport. It is what it is because it is what it is.

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Jūjutsu: Jūjutsu (柔術)is one of the most ancient martial arts out there, and more than 2,500 years old. The technique was originally developed to defend against armed opponents, such as the samurai warriors of the time, against whom punches and kicks could not be used. In this technique, the objective is to bring the opponent to the ground by using locks, throws, and other defensive techniques.

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Sumō: Sumō (相撲) is a full-contact Japanese martial art, which has a history spanning centuries. In Japanese, it is a word meaning ‘striking one another.’ It’s an exercise in strength in which one wrestler attempts to force another outside the ring boundaries. This is done by forcing him to touch any part of his body other than his feet.

 

Traditionally, sumō wrestlers are required to live together in sumō training stables. The Japan Sumo Association has established strict rules that govern all aspects of their daily lives.