Taekwondo refers to a combat sport and martial art from Korea. It happens to be South Korea’s national sport, while kyeorugi (sparring) is an event of Olympic sports. In Korean, “tae” means “to destroy with feet”, kwon means “to smash or strike with hands”, and “do” means “way”, “method” or “path”. Therefore, taekwondo can be loosely translated to “the way of the fists and feet”. ...

Silat or Penchak Silat means "fighting with self-defense tactics" and refers to martial arts from Southeast Asia with cultural roots from the Malay World. Although most popular in Indonesia, this art can also be found in various degrees through Cambodia and Thailand’s Malay-affiliated communities. In fact, is has even already reached Europe and has become very well-known Netherlands; here, it is as popular as America and karate. An estimation of hundreds of styles (aliran) and schools exist for Silat, which observe wild animals for their ways of combat, like tigers (harimau) ...

Capoeira refers to an energetic, dance-like and oftentimes acrobatic Brazilian martial art, game, and fight-dance that was created by African slaves in the 17th century. Capoeira is based mostly around kicking since slave’s hands were usually manacled. Its participants would form a circle called a ‘roda’ and take their turns singing, playing instruments, and sparring as a couple in the middle of this circle. ...

Krav maga refers to a fairly new military and self-defense hand-to-hand system of combat that was developed in Israel. It might be referred to as a mixed or hybrid style of martial arts since its tactics stem from various styles. It assumes no quarter, while focusing on ultimate threat neutralization within real-life situations. The Hebrew term “krav maga” translates to “close combat.” It became prominent after numerous Israeli Security Forces put it to use and today, both law enforcement and personnel put it to use world-wide, as do civilians. In fact, krav maga is put to use on a...