Pi Qua Quan

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Aikido: (Japan) A system of self-defense (See Do, Budo) developed in the 1920s by Morihei Usehiba from
techniques of Daito-ryu aiki jujitsu and other influences that stresses the harmonizing of the body with
offensive actions and energies in order to neutralize aggression.

Aiki jujitsu: (Japan) Any jujitsu discipline that incorporates principles of "aiki." One of the oldest of these
disciplines is Daito-ryu whose origin some suggest traces back to the Heian period (794-1156) and whose
techniques provided technical inspiration for many aiki jujitsu disciplines as well as aikido, which developed in
the first half of the 20th century.

Arnis: (Philippines) A Philippine self-defense art, also known as Kali, Tagalog, Escrima, Estogue or Fraile
(depending on the region) employing unarmed and armed (using stick/blade) techniques.

Atemi: (Japan) A general and inclusive term referring to the arts (or various arts) of striking anatomical weak
points. Atemi in some form was prevalent in virtually all Japanese close range combat disciplines such as that
of the sword (kenjitsu) as well as in later unarmed systems such as jujitsu and judo.

Bajujitsu: (Japan) The art of horsemanship practiced by Japanese professional warriors (bushi or samurai) for
mounted warfare which required strict control of the horse's actions within a battlefield conflict. As part of this
art warriors developed their leg strength to enable them to maintain the proper posture for prolonged periods
of swift riding and to control the horse with their legs during battle when their arms were occupied with

Bando: (Burma) A general term meaning "way of discipline" or "system of defense" referring to those styles of
unarmed and armed self-defense developed in Burma that employ striking, kicking, grappling and locking
techniques, throws, plus weapon techniques introduced into the US by Dr. Maung Gi, a college professor in
1960 (Head of the American Bando Association). Bando is often called Burmese karate.

Baraqah: A rare and little-known martial art with its origins in North Africa. It has traveled the globe, primarily
in the Near and Middle East, following the path of Islamic civilization. Its followers, though rare, may be found
anywhere Islam has left its mark.

Masters of Baraqah do not claim to be teaching a fighting style: the maneuvers of Baraqah are considered
features of Islamic sacred science, designed to cultivate the grace of Heaven and to perfect physical health.
However, in spite of such protestations, these techniques are quite capable when used as self-defense

Baraqah's fighting techniques are practiced slowly and gracefully, but when applied in combat are delivered
with a dizzying speed. Most of Baraqah's techniques deal with defense, although some close-range striking is
involved: primarily low kicks to joints and punches to pressure points and sensitive spots.

Baraqah is rarely seen, even in the Islamic world: its masters and students practice their art behind closed
doors, separated from the secular and the mundane. When used as a combat art in public, it is transformed
into something more plain and utilitarian, its techniques watered down to their bare minimum. Schools," Most
Baraqah Masters are Sufis -- Muslim mystics who cultivate a deeper communion with the divine. Training in
Baraqah traditionally includes the study of Islamic scriptures, calligraphy, and other sacred arts, as well as
hours of prayer and meditation. Baraqah halts are segregated by gender, with men and women taught

Baraqah is rarely taught outside the Islamic world. The best schools may be found in Persia and Asia Minor,
although a few are rumored to remain in Spain.

Members: Almost all Baraqah stylists are Muslims, whether from Africa, Malaysia, or the Middle East. Only the
spiritually minded and most disciplined are allowed to advance to the style's highest levels.
Battojitsu: (Japan) Also Battojutsu. The classical bujitsu art of drawing a sword and cutting in one action. The
art from which iaijitsu was later derived.


powerful of which could break a sword or shatter a bone.




own traditions.

adoption of bo techniques based on other Japanese weapon systems.
Capoeira: (Brazil) A beautiful and dramatic Brazilian martial discipline founded by African slaves more than
300 years ago in Angola and practiced as a religious dance before being brought to Brazil where it was
transformed into a self-defense system. The system uses gymnastic type back flips, cart wheels, sweeping
movements and high kicks for evasion rather than blocks to avoid attack. Many counter kicks are done from a
hand stand-position, and most offensive techniques employ the feet.

Cheibi Gad-Ga: (India) This is one of the oldest Manipur martial arts that in modern times has evolved into a
competitive art. Contestants use a stick (known as "Cheibi") encased in leather and about two and a half feet
long in combination with a leather shield (with three foot diameter) to represent an actual sword and shield.
The competition takes place on a flat circular surface approximately twenty one feet in diameter. Within the
circle are two lines each approximately three feet long and six feet apart. The winner is the person who scores
the most points by skillfully striking his opponent. In ancient practice, actual swords and spears were

Chin na: (China) The Chinese art of seizing and locking that uses striking and seizing of acupuncture points,
grasping of tendons and blood vessels and the locking of joints, techniques widely incorporated into Chinese
fighting arts. Included also is a mix of throwing, takedowns, kicking, punching and joint manipulations that
parallel techniques in judo, jujitsu and karate. Techniques are also associated with dim mak.

Ch'uan Fa: (China) "Fist boxing," or "way of the fist," also spelled Chan Fa. Called Ken Fat in Cantonese,
Kempo in Japanese.

Ch'uan Shu: (China) Fist art. A general term referring to various Chinese martial disciplines practicing empty
hand (without weapons) fighting techniques. Similar terms include: Kung Fu, Wushu, Gwo Chi, Gwo Sho and
Chung Ku Ch'uan.

Daito-ryu aiki jujitsu: (Japan) A derivative of daito ryu which focuses on the aiki-jujitsu portion of the art.

Daito-ryu: (Japan) An ancient system of unarmed and armed combat founded by Shinra Saburo Minamoto
during the Heian period (794-1156) and perfected in battlefield warfare. The techniques were most fully
systematized (some say modified) by Sokaku Takeda with sword and unarmed techniques practiced together. It
was the first and only tradition focused upon aiki-jujitsu. While it has inspired many succeeding disciplines,
including aikido founded by Morihei Usehiba (Takeda's student from 1911-1918), daito-ryu proponents suggest
that while the other systems share aiki jujitsu nomenclature, the understanding of aiki, as well as the
techniques themselves, they may in fact be very different. See: aiki, Daito-ryu aiki jujitsu.
Daito Ryu lays claim to being the oldest aiki-jujitsu in Japan. It is a cultural treasure that in addition to being
the progenitor of modern aikido has greatly influenced many modern other cognate budo disciplines (disciplines
derived from warrior arts). It began its development when Shinra Saburo no Minamoto (1045-1127), a relation
of the Emperor Seiwa who was to become the governor of Kai (modern Yamanashi Prefecture), studied the
body's secrets by dissecting cadavers. He researched the body's weak points in order to discover how most
effectively to attack them with a sword and how to apply locks to its joints. He further learned how muscles
support the skeletal structure. The knowledge was passed to his descendants in the Takeda family of Kai and
Daito Ryu was further developed there until the death of the family's most famous
General, Takeda Shingen in 1573.

In the mid-seventeenth century Takeda Kunitsugu, a relative of Takeda Shingen, became a senior counselor to
the son of Tokugawa Hidetaka, Lord Hoshina Masayuki of the Aizu Han. Daito Ryu was combined with the Aizu
Han's oshiki uchi techniques and became the method of self-defense for all Daimyo of the Aizu and those
responsible for their protection. Daito Ryu continued to be passed from generation to generation within the
Takeda family.
Takeda Sokaku Sensei formalized and named modern Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu. With his knowledge and skill in
Daito Ryu and Ono-ha Itto Ryu Kenjutsu (Sokaku den), he traveled all over Japan on foot, teaching and
meeting all challengers until his death in Aomori Prefecture in 1943 (Showa 18) at the age of 89. In Sokaku's
70 years of martial travels he remained undefeated, leaving behind an exceptionally rich curriculum of
techniques and his mark on the history of Japanese Classical and Modern Martial Arts. Takeda Tokimune
Sensei, Takeda Sokaku's son, organized the curriculum of some 2884 techniques into a more readily teachable
syllabus. Techniques up to the 5th degree black belt level are included in the Shoden (beginning level
techniques) syllabus of 118 techniques plus many. These techniques are executed from both sitting and
standing positions as well as against attacks from behind. Each level requires knowledge of a different set of
essential principles if one is to master the techniques.

In addition, Daito Ryu waza are categorized as Hiden Okugi, Chuden, Okuden, Goshingo no te, Aiki no Jutsu,
Daito Ryu Nito Ryu Hiden, Kaishaku Soden, Soden, and Kaiden. Only a very few Daito Ryu teachers have
extensive knowledge of these techniques, and as of this writing all of these men are Japanese. Tokimune
Takeda Sensei passed away in 1993. The present Soke (head of a school or tradition) of Daito Ryu is Takeda

    (The above historical outline was provided by Richard Carlow, Shihan Dairi of the Hakuho Kai Daito Ryu Aiki
                                                                                         jujitsu, Osaka, Japan)

Dim mak: (China) Also dim mok, or dian mai. The Chinese science of attacking the body and/or its
acupuncture points or centers in order to disrupt internal energy (ki, chi, or qi), organs, or blood flow and cause
injury, or death - immediately, or hours, days or weeks later. Techniques are associated with chin na.

Escrima: (Philippines) Also sometimes known as Arnis (see), or Escrima.

Hakuda: (Japan/Okinawa) In Japanese the term is used to refer to Chinese Ch'uan Fa systems (Kempo in
Japanese), meaning to "beat by hand." Another term with the same meaning is Shuhaku. In Okinawa the term
hakuda was used more specifically to refer to the art of striking the vital points (atemi) of another person in
self-defense without making the self impure. Hakuda in this context means "white strike," or "striking without
impurity," which is an ancient Buddhist poetic description of the art. "Haku" means white (the color symbolizing
purity) and "da" means to strike or hit. Hakuda is often combined with grabbing techniques (hakushu) found
within many Japanese, Okinawan kata and Korean hyung.

Hapkido: (Korea) The way of coordinated energy (internal). A Korean martial discipline that combines karate
like moves (noted for its spectacular high kicks), judo throws and aikido circularity and joint manipulations
combined with Ki (Chi) or internal energy. Hapkido was founded by Young Shui Choi in the late 1930's and
early 1940's but was practiced under a variety of names up until the 1960's. Choi had previously studied daito
ryu aiki jujitsu which he combined with his native hwarando and taekyon (a kicking art not to be confused with

Hojojitsu: (Japan) "Cord Tying Art." This art offers quick and efficient methods of tying and restraining an
opponent who is often struggling to escape. During the feudal warring period confrontations between armed
opponents didn't always end in death, and this art was often used to finish off those who had already been
subdued or incapacitated. Often opposing warriors were taken prisoner. Grappling techniques ended in hold
downs, or other incapacitating positions. At this point special techniques of tying up an opponent were utilized,
the art known as hojojitsu. Various binding patterns and methods were used for different classes (warrior,
noble, farmer, merchant, artisan, monk, etc.) based on their habits, weapons and skills and/or anatomical
differences. The tying methods were intricate and assumed aesthetically beautiful patterns.
Hsing-i: (China) Also spelled Hsing-yi. "Mind Form." A powerful ancient Chinese martial discipline based on
Chinese Cosmology (five element theory) that stresses direct linear techniques combined with the use of
internal energy (chi). Hsing-i moves use power and speed to confront power directly and overwhelm it. Hsing-i
also employs several weapons including the knife and the sword. Its forms are drawn from observations of
animals and their fighting methods. The system mimics concepts of animal fighting, along with postures based
on the five elements. The animals in some systems include: the horse, tiger, monkey, swallow, snake, bear,
leopard. cockerel, calercaille, dragon, hawk and water skimmer. Other systems substitute the dove, turtle,
falcon, eagle and others. While the system visually resembles the hard styles of Chinese kung fu (that
emphasize muscle power), its real emphasis is the development and control of internal energy (chi kung).
"Hsing" meaning "form" and "i" meaning "idea," or "idea behind the external form" which includes not only
physical movements but knowing the intention or ideas of the opponent (intuition). The emphasis on intuitive
knowing is shared with Pa-qua (often taught with Hsing-i) whose more circular, non-direct and evasive actions
complement hsing-i's the more linear technique .

Hsing-i came originally from the north of China (San Shih province) spreading to Hepei, then to Hunan and
Peking. Weapons include the knife and sword. Hsing-i is a northern style that originated and spread elsewhere
including Peking. A famous story recounts how the famous Hsing-i boxer Kua Yun-Shen challenged Tung Hai
ch'uan, a famous pa qua teacher to a match. Pa Qua was known for it evasion and circularity of technique that
lay in stark contrast to hsing-i's powerful linear style. The match lasted three days. During the first two neither
could gain advantage. Both were equally matched. But on the third Tung defeated his challenger - the two
ending up as friends and vowing to thereafter teach the two styles together. Thus, even today when you find
one system the other is often taught along with it. Both are classified as internal disciplines that develop and
utilize internal energy of Ki (chi in China). Both disciplines share the concept that the mind unites actions and
thought into one, so that training the mind allows transformation of the internal to the external technique.

Hsing-yi: (Japan) See Hsing-i.

Hwarang-do: (Korea) "Flower man way," or "The way of the flowering manhood." A broad based and complex
Korean martial discipline that combines body movements with kicks, blocks and strikes, throws, joint
manipulations, choking and submission techniques, ki training, weapons and the healing arts. The original art is
said to have been created over 1800 years ago by a Buddhist priest, Won Kwang Bopsa. He was asked to
instruct members of the royal family of Silla (one of three kingdoms that divided the area that is now Korea) in
a variety of subjects, and his students went on to become warriors, statesmen and leaders known collectively
as the hwarang. Later, during periods of political turmoil, training continued in secret within Buddhist
monasteries and was preserved. In the modern era, two brothers, Joo Bang Lee and Joo Sang Lee, trained
under the 57th successor of the system, the Buddhist monk Suahm Dosa, and they were given permission to
teach publicly in 1960. Since then the art has spread under the direction of the World Hwarang-do Association.

Iaido: (Japan) The way of drawing the sword derived from Iaijitsu. See budo, do.

Iaijitsu: (Japan) The art of drawing the sword and cutting as a single motion. It was traditionally a sub-
specialization of kenjitsu and one of several martial disciplines usually practiced by traditional warriors before
the modern era. In the 1930's it was popularized as a separate discipline (iaido).
Jeet Kune Do: (United States) "Way of the intercepting fist." An unarmed approach to combat developed by
Bruce Lee in 1967 and popularized with his martial arts movie career. Jeet kune do is distinctive in that it does
not employ a specific method of fighting or collection of techniques as in other systems, but rather stresses
freedom to choose any technique or method best used by an individual practitioner according to his physical
makeup and skills. It is thus more of a concept or approach to produce speed, power, timing, coordination,
footwork and intuition. Techniques are drawn from any number of arts - aikido, jujitsu, wing chung, boxing,
karate, tae kwon do, northern style kung fu, wrestling and the weapon arts of escrima (kali). No kata is
practiced, since kata, it is believed, teaches specific methods, stances or techniques, the very things from which
jeet kune do attempts to free itself. Instead jeet kune do stresses constant flowing change and broken rhythm
that mimics actual combat and reflects the truth that exists outside all molds and patterns. Students are guided
to their own truth, a process of self-discovery that each person must find for himself.

"Using no way, as the way. To have no technique, is to have all technique."

Such as it was said in his book, The Tao of Jeet Kune Do and such is the way taught by the master, Bruce Lee.
Loosely translated to mean "the way of the intercepting fist", while there are no exact defining martial arts that
have influenced Jeet Kune Do, it's been surmised that Bruce Lee's inspiration to create this formless fighting
system originated as an expression of Lop Sao, a grabbing/punching technique attributed to Wing Chun. The
principles behind Jeet Kune Do is to have none; Bruce Lee theorized that martial arts in their current form are
restricted by set patterns or as he said in his book: "Set patterns, incapable of adaptability, of pliability, only
offer a better cage. Truth is outside of all patterns." The point behind Jeet Kune Do is to unlearn and strip away
the useless techniques from and create the simplest, most effective form of martial art according to every
individual. A good analogy is to think of Jeet Kune Do like the way a woodcarver shapes a certain piece of wood
- strip away what you don't want to create the true form for oneself. Adhering to his art, Bruce Lee took several
principles from various martial arts, streamlined their efficiency and combined the disciplines together to create
a pure fighting form. Jeet Kune Do stresses accuracy, efficiency, and distance so that when you attack with a
kick, no effort is wasted on delivering the attack and no energy is wasted on hitting the target any harder than
it should.

Jobajitsu: (Japan) The Japanese art of military horsemanship.

Jodo: (Japan) The way of the jo derived out of jo jitsu. See jo, do. Included are methods of striking, parrying,
blocking and sweeping often practiced in kata (prearranged practice) sets.

Judo: (Japan) "Gentle or flexible way." A modern competitive system, or sport involving throwing and ground
grappling that was founded by Jogoro Kano in 1882. In 1964 it was recognized as an Olympic sport. Judo is
composed of two characters, "ju" meaning gentle or flexible and "do" meaning way or path.

Jujitsu: (Japan) Jujitsu is a generic term that refers to all Japanese systems of combat characterized by
unarmed combat against armed and unarmed opponents using joint techniques, throws, chokes and strikes.
"Ju" meaning soft or gentle; "jitsu"(also spelled Jutsu) meaning reality, truth, technique or method. Although
the kanji (character) for "Ju" suggests suppleness and yielding, these arts were actually brutal in application,
using strikes and kicks, joint dislocations, throws and grappling. During the feudal period most jujitsu systems
were an integral part of other weapon combat systems, the techniques used as extension of the weapons
themselves or complimentary to them. After 1860 many totally separate jujitsu systems arose, most being
specialized in certain techniques. In more modern times jujitsu systems are more inclusive of a wider range of
techniques. Modern judo is also a result of a synthesis of several older jujitsu systems modernized for safe

Jukendo: (Japan) "Way of the bayonet." While bayonet techniques were developed early as the1600's with the
introduction of rifles into Japan, in the Meiji era, a standard from of bayonet fighting was developed, Juken
Jitsu. It was taught in a special Tokyo military training school (Toyama Gakko). Following World War II (1945)
the study was prohibited by the Allied occupation, only to be revived in a new form, Jukendo. As a "do" form
(meaning the "way" or "path") Jukendo encompassed goals of spiritual and mental development as a byproduct
of disciplined practice. The discipline is practiced by Japanese self-defense forces (armed forces) as well as
other non-military clubs. Jukendo is practiced by kata and two man drills. A competitive format was also
adopted to test skill levels. Contestants wear protective gear while rifles and bayonets are simulated by wooden
counterparts (mokuju). Techniques include proper posture, thrusting and blocking aimed at three principal
areas which simulate a kill: heart, throat and lower left side. Kata is sometimes used to practice technique.
Kiai jitsu: (Japan) The esoteric art of using a loud shout (kiai) as weapon, or as a tool to compliment

Kalari Payattu: (India) "The art of wielding weapons in the arena." Kalari Payattu is an ancient form of combat
from southern India. According to its tradition, this Ancient martial art was founded by the Sage Parasurama
around the fourth century A.D. It was promoted heavily by the warrior Chieftain Thacholi Othenan of North
Malabar reaching its peak of popularity in the sixteenth Century. This art was historically practiced by both men
and women. One of the most famous practitioners of this art was the legendary heroine Unniyarcha who won
many battles through her great skill. This art includes both armed and unarmed techniques (known as
"Verumkai") in which punches, kicks and strikes are directed toward 108 Marman, or vital points. Movements
are further taught to be in coordination with breathing (pranayama). Body exercises known as "maipayattu"
include body twisting and turning combined with leaps and jumps.

The kalaripayat student learns the efficient use of such weapons as the "modi" (a double gazelle horned
dagger), and the "otta" (an "s" shaped stick made from a type of hardwood from the tamarind tree). The otta
stick is approximately two feet in length and usually has a knobbed end for use in digging into various points of
the central nervous system. Metal weapons called "anga thari" are also used in training. In combat these
weapons consist of swords, sword and shield combinations, knives, daggers, spears and the "urumi" a type of
very flexible double edged sword.

Karate: (Japan) "Empty hand." Karate is a general term referring to the tradition of combat oriented empty
hand fighting methods that originated in Okinawa, often referred to as karate- jitsu. Karate was introduced into
Japan proper in the early 20th Century where it was modified and systematized into a budo form, known as
karate-do. After World War II karate proliferated world-wide.

Although Karate was formally created in Okinawa, one can trace the history of Okinawan Karate to Shaolin
Kung Fu. There's no clear person or persons who may have introduced Chinese martial arts to Okinawa, or if an
Okinawan resident brought the martial art to the island. On top of that, each house in Okinawa emphasized
different karate techniques. Although it's not stated what school of karate Hitomi specializes in, it's a safe bet
that the rigid style, powerful blows, and solid techniques resemble one of the most popular forms of karate,
Shotokan Karate. Founded by Gichin Funakoshi in the late 1800s, Shotokan karate is essentially a mixture of
many Okinawan karate styles; Gichin Funakoshi was so skilled when he began his training at 11, he was able to
master several karate techniques before creating his style.

Karate-do: (Japan) The way of karate. Karate that follows the principles of budo or do.

Karate-jitsu: (Japan) The art of karate. Karate that is combat or purely self-defense oriented, more concerned
with proper technique and effectiveness than attainment of spiritual values or self-improvement. See jitsu.

Kendo: (Japan) "The way of the sword". Kendo is a modern do form ("do" is a philosophical term meaning
"way" or "path") which evolved from kenjitsu (warrior's art of the sword). Kenjitsu, a general term referring to
various sword arts, originated in the 7th or 8th century and became a focus of training for the professional
warrior beginning in the 16th century until the modern era, which began in 1868. Today kendo it is one of the
most popular martial disciplines in Japan and is taught as part of the public school curriculum. Although a
competitive sport, it emphasizes practice as a discipline to develop personal, moral, ethical and spiritual values.

Ken fat: (China) Cantonese for ch'uan fa (kung fu) called kenpo (kempo) in Japan.

Kenjitsu: (Japan) The art of the sword or the sword art of professional warriors (bushi) which flourished the
9th century onward only to decline rapidly during the long period of peace (Edo period) just preceding the
modern age.

Kempo: (Japan) (1) Way of the fist. The Japanese term for Chinese Temple Boxing, or organized kung fu
known as ch'uan fa (quanfa) in mandarin or ken fat in Cantonese. Also pronounced kenpo.

Kenpo: (Japan) (1) Sword art, an old name for kenjitsu.(2) Way of the fist. Another pronunciation of kempo.
(3) Fist method. A synthesized martial discipline similar to karate developed in Hawaii.
Kung Fu: (China) Literally "energy time" (katutei jitsu in Japanese). A general term referring to the Chinese
martial arts popularized by Bruce Lee films in the 1960's and early 1970's as well as by the TV series "Kung Fu"
starring David Carridine. However, the term traces its roots to the early 19th Century where it applied to a wide
range of Taoist qi gong (chi kung) energy (ki in Japanese) exercises. More recently the term has been applied
to those martial systems for fighting using empty hands or weapons that number in the hundreds. Other similar
terms include Wu Shu (Mandarin dialect) popularized during the latter part of the 20th century, Kuo Chi
(popularized in the late 1920's), Ch'uan Fa (way of the fist), Ch'uan Shu, Gwo Sho, and Chung Ku Ch'uan.

Musti Yudha: (India) "Mukki Boxing." This brutal form of bare hand fighting devoid of leg techniques existed
for some three hundred and fifty years in the Benares (India) prior to being officially banned. It then went
underground in its practice. It is alleged to have experienced a revival from the most unlikely of benefactors,
the British Police Chief. Multiple opponent bouts were often held although this has given way to the more
common individual bout. Few rules exist and one may target any point on the body save the genitals. Deaths
within these contests are reputed to be numerous. Mukki Boxers are known for their extreme emphasis on hand
conditioning, and a well trained boxer can shatter a coconut with a blow

Muay Thai Kick Boxing: One of the most feared martial arts in the world, the exact origins of Muay Thai Kick
Boxing have been lost due to the past wars in Thailand with the Burmese. The roots of Muay Thai Kick Boxing
can be found in the close combat battlefield techniques developed by Thai soldier during the early 9th century.
When disarmed or fighting in very close quarters, the use of kicks, knees, and elbow strikes were practiced and
perfected, making Thai soldiers some of the most feared fighters on the battlefield. During the period of peace
that followed, the royalty of Thailand kept their soldiers fit for battle by practicing these unarmed techniques -
even the royal family practiced Muay Thai Kick Boxing. In fact, a well-known king often referred to as the "Tiger
King" would often go to villages in Thailand in disguise to challenge the local champions. Due to the rise of
deaths due to the sport in the early years of its popularity, where groin kicks and ropes with shards of glass
embedded in the seams were worn on the hands, Muay Thai Kick Boxing became a regulated sport of Thailand
in the early 1900's. Thai kick boxers are some of the most well-built athletes due to their rigorous training that
is often more intense than that of Western boxers.

Ninjitsu: Ninjitsu originated around the ninth century in Japan and was definitely influenced by Chinese. Much
of the philosophy behind Ninjitsu originates Sun Tzu's "The Art Of War". The actual fighting style of Ninjitsu is
actually called Ninpo and is divided into eighteen basic techniques and eighteen advanced techniques. More
than any martial art, training in Ninjitsu is a very comprehensive learning process that includes hand-to-hand
techniques, weapon training, and religious practices. The fighting technique of ninjas has one sole purpose: to
incapacitate or kill an opponent as quickly as possible. Thus, Ninjitsu techniques include various leaping attacks,
quick hand and kick techniques, and grappling skills that can be performed to silence an enemy very quickly.
Ninjitsu is also one of the few martial arts to apply psychological aspects to their fighting methods; the ability
to confuse, stun, or surprise the enemy gave the martial artist a better advantage and that can explain the use
of poison, smoke bombs, and other unconventional weaponry of this martial art.
Martial Art of Classical Greece
By Paul McMichael Nurse, Ph.D.

Contrary to popular perception, fighting arts are not exclusively an Asian phenomenon, but exist in practically
every culture and across all historical time-frames. It is doubtful if any people, anywhere on earth, ever lacked
completely for some kind of combative techniques with which to fight savage nature or their sometimes-more
savage fellowmen. Moreover, beliefs and practices that Europeans and North Americans associate with Asian
combative systems often find their counterparts in western fighting methods. The kiai (shout) of the Japanese
martial artist is similar in purpose and scope to the war-cries of many non-Asian peoples such as Africans,
Amerindians, Celts, Greeks, Romans and Slavs, while the concept of chí or ki can be found readily in the
Grecian belief in pneuma (air, breath, spirit), an inner power which burns brightly inside each human and, when
properly used, can aid them in attaining superior physical results. Greek and Roman pugilists frequently broke
planks and stones to demonstrate their prowess, while wrestlers sometimes stood on oiled shields and invited
challengers to push them off--an act reminiscent of aikido and tai chi ch'uan adepts withstanding the combined
force of several men by concentrating on their center of gravity.

                                              (525-500 B.C.)

                                                    (Circa 520)

                                                                        Photos taken with permission of the
                                                                         New York Metropolitan Museum

What is also not generally known is that there existed in the ancient world an unarmed fighting art which not
only compares favorably with later Asian systems, but as an event in the ancient Olympic Games was
considered the truest test of an athlete's combative ability. This was the martial art known as pankration, a
blend of Hellenic wrestling, boxing, strangulation, kicking and striking techniques, as well as joint locks. Indeed,
the only practices not allowed in pankration were biting, gouging, or scratching -- all else were considered legal
acts during competition.
As a word, pankration comes from the adjective pankrates, meaning "all encompassing" or "all powers." Its
earliest reference occurs in 648 B. C., when it made its debut in the 33rd ancient Olympic Games, but its
introduction into the Olympic program denotes that it had to have become a systematized art long before this
date. In short order it became the most popular event of every Greek athletic festival, including the Olympics,
usually climaxing the festival following boxing and wrestling. A mark of its enormous popularity came in 200 B.
C., when a boys' division was added to the Olympics.

Pankration matches were significantly rugged endeavors -- serious injuries and even deaths were "occupational
hazards" of the pankratist and not considered extraordinary events. Those wishing to train in pankration did so
at the palaestra (training hall), within a special room set aside for the exclusive use of boxers and pankratists
known as the korykeion. This chamber contained punching and kicking equipment known as korykos; bags or
balls filled with meal or fig seeds and suspended from the ceiling at chest level. Similarly, a sandbag was
suspended approximately two feet off the floor for kicking, although some trainees preferred practicing their
kicks against tree trunks. Records indicate that some prankratists possessed the ability to kick through war

                                                              (400-300 B.C.)

                                                (0-22 A.D.)

                                                              (0-200 A.D.)

                                Photos courtesy Jim Arvanitis and his Pankration website

During practice sessions trainees were usually divided into pairs, with techniques taught progressively. The
novice pankratist was first compelled to learn basic techniques and combinations before he was allowed to
participate in "loose play;" i. e. free sparring with other fighters. Although participants wore protective
equipment in sparring, such as padded gloves known as spheres and earguards called amphotides, full-contact
was emphasized to bring practice matches as near as possible to actual contest conditions. Stamina and
flexibility were stressed: stretching, running, abdominal exercises, as well as a kind of shadowboxing known as
skiamachia made up the bulk of conditioning. To toughen one's physique, trainees would first strike a punching
bag with their fists and then allow the rebounding bag to hit them fill-impact in the stomach, chest, or back.
Actual contests began by drawing lots from a silver urn. Match winners continued to fight until the final two-
man bout -- thus the winner, as in old-style judo contests, was always undefeated. Originally pankratists fought
in the characteristic Greek way of nude and oiled. Later, rawhide thongs wrapping the hands and forearms were
used, and later still sheepskins were attached to the thongs to allow fighters to wipe sweat, blood, and
sometimes tears from their eyes. When pankration was transplanted to Rome, Italian fighters began wearing
loincloths to protect their genitals. Eventually they came not only to be partially-clothed but armed as well,
wearing the pugilist's deadly caestus which were studded gloves which could open a gash to the bone.

The Greek version of pankration, however, remained an art, with skill held in higher esteem than mere
bloodlust. Pankratists usually began a match by sparring with their fists or open hands, using short, hooking
blows to the head. These opening maneuvers were called krocheirismos and every pankratist had his favorite
standing technique. One fighter from Sikyon was nicknamed "Fingertips" because of his habit of breaking his
opponents' fingers at the start of a bout to gain an advantage. Different city-states also had their preferences.
The Spartans, for instance, who practiced pankration as part of their training but did not compete in it
(reckoning it was effected because it didn't include everything), preferred hard foot sweeps to bring an
opponent to the ground, while the Eleans were acknowledged masters of the stranglehold. Some arm-twisting
was done while standing but the norm was punches and low, rising kicks to the stomach or groin. Kicks above
the stomach were never attempted when standing, and kicks to the chest or head were done only to a
grounded competitor.

A particularly popular standing technique was called chancery: a fighter grabbed the hair of his enemy, pulling
the head down while delivering an uppercut to the throat or face with the free hand. Occasionally while
standing a competitor's foot or ankle was grasped and the leg tilted upwards until the opponent tumbled
backwards to the ground. One Sicilian pankratist was known as "Jumping Weight" due to his penchant for
throwing his enemies backwards manner while attempting to twist their ankles out of their sockets. Shorter,
squatter fighters could sometimes prevent being thrown backwards by balancing themselves on their heads and
hands and spinning out of harm's way.

Usually, sooner or later, the match ended up in the dirt, where striking was less effective and grappling,
strangulation, and joint-locking took over. Strangulation techniques appear to have been mostly of the "choke
holdî" or hadakakime (naked choke) of the modern judoka variety, in which the forearm is used across the
opponent's windpipe or carotid artery to force submission or unconsciousness. A favored technique used both
prone or standing was called the klimakismos or "ladder trick," in which a competitor leaped or otherwise
worked his way onto his opponent's back, encircling him with his legs and simultaneously strangling him from
behind while scissoring the abdomen with the thighs -- an early example of double Jeopardy. "Flying mares"
and "stomach throws" were also popular, especially as a hard blow or fall could knock the wind out of one's
opponent and leave him momentarily defenseless.

Contest matches in pankration continued indefinitely until one competitor signified defeat by tapping his
opponent on the shoulder, raising one hand, or -- this being the pankration -- being killed. Skill was a definite
must, but the lack of weight categories naturally meant that the event was dominated by heavier men,
although more than one husky fighter found that his superior strength was no match against a lighter but
better trained opponent. Rules were strictly enforced by famously-impartial referees who carried rods or
switches which they used on competitors' backs and shoulders at the slightest infraction. Even so, it must be
said that even these minimal standards were often ignored in competition, since a mild beating was considered
preferable to defeat or even death at the hands of a rival pankratist. One team was dubbed "the lions" for
consistently defying the rules and biting their opponents.

It need hardly be said that a fighting art such as pankration, as well as its Olympic fame, spawned a number of
stories. One famous tale concerns the champion Arrichion of Phigaleia, who fought his last pankration match in
the 564 B. C. Olympic Games. During the bout Arrichion's opponent tried the klimakismos, leaping onto the
champion's back and strangling him furiously from behind at the same time as he wrapped his legs around
Arrichion's waist, locking his insteps behind Arrichion's thighs and squeezing. In a last ditch attempt to extricate
himself, Arrichion hooked his right leg behind his opponent's right foot and threw them both backwards to the
ground, breaking his adversary's ankle in the process. As they tumbled backwards two things happened at the
same time: Arrichion died from his opponent's strangulation while the other contestant, screaming in pain as
his ankle snapped, raised his hand in defeat. After a brief conferral the judges gave the laurels to the dead
pankratist, and Arrichion became Olympic champion once more -- this time posthumously.
Another Olympic champion, Polydamus of Scotussa, was famous for his great strength. Legends abound of his
killing a lion with his bare hands or halting a moving chariot by grabbing a wheel with one hand. His most
famous moment, however, came when he and some companions were in a mountain cave and the roof began
to collapse. With his hands Polydamus held up the falling roof until all his friends had crawled to safety, at
which point the mountain finally gave way and caved in on the gallant pankratist.

A third anecdote has to do with a fighter named Dioxippus, Olympic champion by default in 336 B. C. when no
other pankratist dared meet him. Alexander the Great became Dioxippus' friend and sponsor, but the pankratist
soon quarreled with a warrior named Coragus and the two were forced to meet in a duel to settle their
differences. Coragus wore a full complement of Battle-armor and bore javelin, lance, and sword, while
Dioxippus appeared pankration-style, nude and wearing a sheen of olive oil, and carrying nothing but a club.
Coragus first hurled his javelin, which Dioxippus easily dodged, and then Alexander's warrior rushed his enemy
with his spear. A blow from Dioxippus' club shattered the other's spear, whereupon Coragus tried to draw his
sword from its scabbard, only to have Dioxippus grab the Macedonian's sword-arm with his left hand while with
his right he threw Coragus off-balance and footswept him to the ground. The heavily-armored Coragus fell to
the earth, helpless in his battle-dress, at which point Dioxippus completed his victory by placing his foot on his
antagonist's neck. Unfortunately, this marvelous example of pankration's effectiveness as a combative system
had a bad end. Alexander was so angry at the thought that Dioxippus had defeated one of his own warriors that
he had the champion fighter framed for theft and forced to commit suicide as punishment.

We have seen how the Romans modified pankration for their own games, and how it eventually degenerated to
little more than a bloody spectacle. Even in Greece, however, the art suffered. During the poet Pindar's time
(522?-443 B.C.) sparring was emphasized, but by the philosopher Plato's era (427?-347 B.C.) it had descended
to nearly-immediate ground fighting, where grappling became all-important and there was little to differentiate
pankration from a rougher form of wrestling. For this reason Plato, himself an Olympic wrestler, thought little of
pankration as military training, since it did not teach men to keep on their feet.

Even so, there is little doubt that hoplites (Greek infantry) used pankration as part of their training, and that
with their invading armies it spread far and wide. When Alexander the Great invaded India in 326 B. C. his
soldiers took pankration with them, practicing the art in large collapsible tents with their other athletic
endeavors. Some researchers have speculated that this diaspora of pankration techniques on the Subcontinent
influenced Indian combative arts such as vajramusti ("the adamant fist"), laying the framework for the later
diffusion of fighting techniques from India into China and Okinawa. This theory, however, does not take into
account the historical reality of the spontaneous rise of indigenous combative forms in a majority of cultures, as
well as the expatiation of fighting techniques across many centuries and from many nations, so the concept
that pankration is the linear "ancestor" of Asian combative systems must remain little more than conjecture.

However, pankration cannot be described as a "lost" martial art, with its methods confined to references in
historical writings and artistic representations of the system. Rather, its techniques continued to be handed
down through the ages from one Greek generation to the next, kept alive in Greek communities both in Greece
-- particularly in Athens and Delphi -- and abroad. It never entirely died out, and a limited form of the classical
art continues to be practiced today, with trainees attired in light clothing and even some body armor, and groin
strikes joining the ranks of forbidden techniques such as gouging and biting. Thus it may be said that the
pankration practiced today is a diluted form of the classical entity, rather than an art handed down unchanged
from its inception.

The most famous pankratist of modern times is James Arvanitis, a Greek-American who was taught pankration
as a child. Since that time he has reformulated the system, incorporating aspects of other combative arts into a
highly- eclectic cognate form he has named mu tau, from the Greek acronym for "martial truth." Although
clearly based on pankration, the inclusion of techniques from other systems, as well as the use of protective
equipment such as gloves, makes mu tau a personalized combative system developed by Arvanitis from the
roots of pankration, rather than a modern form of the classical art.

That being said, pankration's historical importance as a combative art cannot be overemphasized. While most of
its techniques can be found in other unarmed martial forms, pankration was perhaps the first fighting system to
incorporate a wide-ranging array of techniques within its syllabus: wrestling throws and pins, strangulation
methods, strikes and kicks, as well as joint-locks. Bridging the gap between striking and grappling, and with
few limits to its repertoire, pankration was recognized in ancient Greece as the ultimate unarmed combative
system -- the ancient world's foremost fighting art.
Pa Kua: (China) An alternative spelling of Pa Qua.

Pa Qua: (China) A form of Daoist boxing meaning "eight diagram palm," referring to the eight trigrams
symbols used as the basis of the Chinese classic, I-Chang (Book of Changes), reflects the constant change and
intuition central to pa qua practice. Pa Qua's central exercise is walking in a circular pattern with careful foot
and body postures. But this should not be confused with the discipline's strategy. Many assume that a pa qua
practitioner circles an opponent looking for an opening, but the circularity instead refers to use of circular
movement - shifting, adjusting and turning as a method of gaining advantage to the side or behind. Opponents
attacks are avoided, redirected, dissolved, lead or unbalanced. This allows for short, powerful counters.
Defenders sometimes flow around an opponent's center, sometimes they enter into the center. They are always
spinning, unbalancing and controlling -- with constant counterattacks of sticking, open hand attacks, elbows,
striking palms --always avoiding any fixed position or direct resistance. The effect is to create circular energy
and power within circular movement of the opponent -- a method reminiscent in strategy to aikido.

Although pa qua's origin is unknown, history recounts that the discipline was taught to Tung Hai ch'uan (1798-
1879) around 1820 by an unnamed Taoist priest in Kaingsu province who found Tung nearly dead from
starvation and nursed him back to health. Later Tung moved to Peking and became quite well know for his
boxing skills. There he was challenged by another famous boxer, Kua Yun-Shen, from a rival style, Hsing-i
(divine hand) that was known for its direct and powerful linear style. The match lasted three days. During the
first two neither could gain advantage. Both were equally matched. But on the third day Tung took the
offensive and ended up defeating his challenger. The two ended up as friends and vowed thereafter to teach
the two styles together. Thus, even today when you find one system, the other is often taught along with it.
Both are classified as internal disciplines that develop and utilize internal energy of Ki (chi in China). Both
disciplines share the concept that the mind unites actions and thought into one. Thus training the mind allows
transformation of the internal to the external technique. Pa qua is classified as an internal system along with
Hsing-i and tai chi chuan.

Pi Qua Quan: Translated into "chop hanging style", Pi Qua Quan (also known as Pi Gua Quan) has often been
referred to as "armor wielding style" for good reason; practitioners would wield armor while practicing the
postures of this martial art. Developed over 500 years ago, the origins of this fighting style aren't very clear
though the creator of the modern fighting style has been attributed to Wu Zhong, a Chinese Muslim from the
Henbei Province in the early 1700s. Pi Qua Quan is stylized by its very circular motions of the hands and arms;
Pi Qua Quan stresses long range strikes composed of either palm strikes or powerful overhand chops. Masters
of Pi Qua Quan are constantly in movement striking opponents with palm and chop attacks in an almost wheel-
like motion of the hands and arms, while keeping their body perfectly balanced. The constant and circular
motions of this martial art make it one of the most exciting to watch.

Sambo: The history of Sambo is a very interesting one; it originated from the Russian fighting system created
around 950 A.D. by the Cossacks called Systema. For several years, Russians were highly valued for the
fighting prowess based off Systema, which stringed various attack and defense techniques the Cossacks
learned while repelling various invaders from mother Russia. When the Communists came into power, they
prohibited the practice of this martial art to any except the most elite army members and the K.G.B. To better
prepare their army to become the deadliest warriors in the world, the Soviet Union charged three combat
veterans to go across the world and study the strengths and weaknesses to each fighting form. This included
Japan, China, Africa, Europe, and India. After several years of intensive research, they brought all their findings
and theories back to the Soviet Union and created Sambo, an acronym standing for "Samozashchitya Bez
Oruzhiya" or "self-defense without weapons." More interesting, the Soviet Union created three levels of Sambo:
level one as a spectator sport that would be later recognized as the national wrestling style of the USSR, level
two as training tool for both Russian police and its army that detailed specific ways to maim enemies regardless
of weapons, and level three for the elite forces of USSR, most notably the Soviet Union Spetsnaz special forces.

Sarit-Sarak: (India) Sarit-Sarak is an art of bare handed combat emphasizing evasive skills and offensive
attack. According to its lore, the Dragon God, Lainingthou Pakhangba, ordered King Mungyamba to kill the
demon Moydana of Khagi and taught him the ways of combat and presented him with a special spear and
sword for this purpose. A local Indian dance
known as the Manipuri also finds its origins with this martial practice.
Savate: Martial Sport of France (By Mark V. Wiley)

Boxe Francaise savate, which roughly means "fencing with the feet and hands," is the national sport of both
savate has become a highly effective means of self-defense and reality-based full-contact "kickboxing" sport. In

Brief History

Originally looked down upon, and thought of as an art of hoodlums and common thieves, savate, "French foot
fighting," was mixed with English boxing to become boxe Francaise savate, the chosen art of the gentlemen
and the art, too, almost met with extinction. Thanks to the effort and dedication of one of the remaining

Savate in the United States

named Daniel Duby. Duby's instruction sparked interest in the art, especially in southern California, and
1988, with the First U. S. Savate Championships. The event, sponsored by the Degerberg Academy of Martial
Arts and Fitness, was held at Chicago's Limelight club. There were well over 700 spectators in attendance at the
grandmaster, Leo T. Gaje.

contact bouts with well over 500 spectators. Well-known guests in attendance included former kickboxing
Richard Sylla, and Dan Inosanto.

work together, however, this French martial sport will remain an "underground" art.
What a Difference it Makes

How does boxe Francaise savate differ from other martial arts? The answer: It's philosophy, uniform, ranking
the ring. The uniform of the savateur is simple. All practitioners wear a one-piece, multi-colored tunic, ten-
kicking surface.

on the practitioner's tunic via a patch of a colored savate/boxing glove.

third degree). This is followed by the title "professeur" of savate. Rank is awarded on the basis of a savateur's
technical ability to perform the individual techniques and combinations correctly, and not on one's fighting skill
or competition abilities.

win-to-loss ratio in full-contact competition.

skill and merit.

opponent's balance, making him vulnerable for a follow-up strike of your own.

The Competition

of the head, and the chest of females.


judged by a competitor's delivery of techniques, precision of strikes, and their proper control. This level of
are kept to a minimum.

match is concluded.


She Quan: One of the specialized animal styles in Shaolin Kung Fu, She Quan or Snake Style, is one of the five
primary animal systems created by the Shaolin monks during the Ming Dynasty. Shaolin monks created the
Shaolin Five Animals Style to enable novice monks a better grasp of not only their fighting techniques, but also
the understanding of human and animal behavior. She Quan relies on precision and quickness rather than
power to deliver deadly strikes upon their enemies. Snake Style is characterized by strikes delivered by finger
tips or the toes and the goal is to strike vulnerable points of the body (eyes, throat, groin, etc) with the
greatest precision and efficiency. She Quan masters heavily rely on evasion rather than block or countering,
giving them better positioning to aim their lethal attacks. She Quan masters will patiently wait for an opening
or will perform feints to create openings allowing them to unleash a fury of pinpoint strikes. It is said that great
She Quan masters are so proficient in their strikes, they are able to burst arteries or even stop the heart with
one strike, known also as Dim Mak.

Shuai Chiao: (China) Sometimes referred to as Chinese Judo, shuai chiao is an combative system that evolved
out of ancient fighting traditions dating back thousands of years. Originally called Chiao-ti, it has since evolved
into the modern shuai chiao which integrates punches, kicks, holds, grappling and throws (and breakfalls) into
the system. Shuai chiao is related to Sanshou which also uses similar techniques but has a different competitive
emphasis, sanshou giving points to successful kicking and punching techniques with less emphasis on throwing
(due to restrictions imposed by protective gloves and a three second holding limit), while shuai chiao
emphasizes throws. Differences exist, however, between its practice in China, Taiwan and elsewhere. In China
alone four major styles exist - Mongolian, Peking, Paoting and Tientsin, each with its own methods. Each
stresses different approaches to enter the range and obtain strategic advantage over the opponent's defense.

Shuhaku: (Japan) A term used to refer to Chinese Ch'uan Fa systems (Kempo in Japanese), meaning to "beat
by hand." Another term with he same meaning is Hakuda.
Silambam: (India) The art of staff fighting has a long history in India. In the Vedic age, young men were
routinely trained to defend themselves with staffs and experts in their use were known to give them names,
perhaps in much the same fashion that Samurai named katana (swords). The long staff was already highly
organized as both a method of self-defense and competitive sport in the State of Tamil as early as the first
century A.D., and accounts in the second century (Silapathiharam Tamil literature) abound with tales of the
sale of Silambam staffs, swords and armor to foreigners. Greeks, Romans and Egyptians as well as the
Dravidian kings (kingdoms in southern India and Northern Ceylon that shared a common family of languages)
frequented the Madurai trading center where the Silambam staff was considered a commodity. It is believed
that the Silambum staff of Tamil was transported to Malaysia where its practice as a self-defense form
flourished. The Silambam staff two hand technique makes use of swift and agile footwork allowing precision and
momentum to be channeled into thrusting, cutting and sweeping strokes. The Silambam student develops
defensive skills by learning to deflect stones thrown by groups of fellow practitioners with techniques called
such things as the Monkey Strike, and the Hawk Strike, the Snake Strike.

Silambam Matches: Using staffs the ends of which have been dipped in powder, the opponents seek to touch
each other, with one point being awarded for touching below the waist and two for above. Three unanswered
touches or a single touch to the forehead means victory, and the competitor who fails to maintain control of his
staff also loses. Matches take place on firm ground in a circular twenty to twenty-five foot area. Matches have a
predetermined time period.

Suibajutsu: (Japan) A sub-specialty of horsemanship (Bajutsu) that specialized in horse techniques used in
crossing streams, ponds and bodies of water.

Sumai: (Japan) The original combat discipline from which Sumo developed.

T'ai Chi Quan: Though spelled several ways (T'ai-Chi Ch'uan, Taiji Chuen, etc.,) T'ai Chi Quan is often
recognized as the Americanized exercise that mixes metaphysical thought and slow movements. Many don't
realize that T'ai Chi Quan is one of the three most powerful "internal" Chinese martial arts. Literally translated
as "Supreme Ultimate Fist", the facts behind the creation of T'ai Chi Quan are not absolute, as various Taoist
teachings that date back in the 5th and 6th century document certain teachings of I-Ching with physical activity
that may have been the birth of the martial art. For the most part, a Wu Tang Monastery monk named Cheng
San Feng has been accredited as the founder of T'ai Chi Quan and while it's not exactly sure when he existed
(dates range from the 1100-1400s), he created the basic foundation of T'ai Chi Quan, "The Thirteen Postures".
His teachings formed the basis of the martial art, where flexibility, form, as well as natural physics were
focused more than brute force. T'ai Chi Quan masters are able to bend a forceful attack and render it ineffective
with such softness, T'ai Chi Quan was often called "cotton fist" in the past. Several styles of T'ai Chi Quan have
spawned the most popular being probably being the Yang Style, which gained notoriety when it was brought to
Beijing, China and taught to the imperial court.

Taijutsu: (Japan) "Body Art." A system similar to jujitsu that included vital point striking arts (atemi) and a
variety of hand held weapons, such as the Bankokuchoko which was a metal ring similar to brass knuckles used
in the west. It was a specialty of a number of jujitsu systems, namely Nagao Ryu and Kito Ryu.

Thang-ta: (India) Thang-ta refers to the art of using the sword or spear against one or more opponents. This
particular martial school of weaponry is related directly to Tantric practices and is practiced in three distinct
ways. The first is completely ritual in nature; the second is comprised of a series of sword and spear dances
and the third is actual combat. This art is reputed to share a common origin with Sarit-Sarak.

Thoda: (India) This remnant of martial culture is popular in the districts of Shimla, Sirmaur and Solan.
Probably best described as a group demonstration sport, "thoda" is the art of archery. It takes its name from
the circular wooden ball used to replace the deadly arrowhead. Bows ranging in size from three and a half to six
feet are used in its practice. The archers divide themselves into groups called the "Saathis" and the "Pashi,"
who are reputed to represent the descendants of the Pandavas and the Kauravas who in the days of the
Mahabharata frequently battled in the Valleys of Kulu and Manali. Competition takes place yearly on Baisakhi
Day (April 13th and 14th which honors the Goddesses Durga and Mashoo). The event takes place on a marked
fairground as both groups face each other at a distance of approximately ten yards. Each group in turn fires its
arrows, targeting the opponents' leg area beneath the knee. Points are detracted for hits to other areas. The
defenders may dance about, side step and kick their legs in an effort to foil accurate aim. All the while,
observers cheer from the sidelines while participating teams sing and play martial music.
Varjamushti: (India) "Diamond Fist Boxing." This form of Pugilism was reputedly developed by the Brahmin
Caste of Western India around the ninth or tenth century. Blows where permitted to the face and chest only
and were delivered through the use of a single set of metal knuckles worn on one hand. The knuckles generally
bore the pronged pyramid design , hence the name "diamond fist boxing." It is needless to say that serious
injuries and deaths contributed to the decline in popularity of its practice. The art reputedly still has a small but
loyal following who hold yearly bouts in the Gujurat region of India.

Wing Chung: (China) "Beautiful Springtime." A southern Chinese fighting discipline that avoids "hard style"
techniques and alternate blocking and striking in favor of techniques that flow with the opponent's actions
instead of trying to stop or overpower them. The discipline was popularized in the late 1960's and early 1970's
through its association with Bruce Lee. The discipline is characterized by aggressive close in fighting where
hands and arms are able to sense and control the opponents limbs through deflection, trapping and pulling
called "sticky hands" (Chi Sao)

Wrestling: Wrestling isn't an actual martial art, but the principles behind Pro Wrestling date back to Greco-
Roman wrestling. Greco-Roman wrestling has been traced back several years during the Roman Empire, being
one of the Olympic events. Although there isn't a creator of the fighting form, one of the most influential
professional wrestlers was Lou Thes. Though he started wrestling in the 1930's, he gained great popularity in
the 1950's during the television boom. Lou Thes is best known for his Lou Thes Press that is still being
performed by today's wrestlers including Stone Cold Steve Austin. Of course, Hulk Hogan (or Rick Flair,
depending upon what school of wrestling you favor) has been credited with popularizing the sport with his
dramatic style.

Wu Shu: (China) A general term adopted by the Peoples Republic of China (mainland China) denoting "skill" or
"ability" that refers to a wide variety of Chinese martial arts. In the 1950's, with renewed interest in martial
arts, the government of mainland China established a wu shu committee to examine all fighting styles and
modernize or synthesize them. In 1955 China's Physical Culture and Sports Commission continued this work
while also conducting research to discover additional disciplines -- all to be molded to conform to policies on
cultural heritage. Wu Shu is now taught in many primary and middle schools in China as well as within physical
culture institutes. Throughout China it is common to see wu shu as well as qi gong and other exercises
practiced by citizens within parks early in the morning or in the evening. In 1974, and later in 1980 and
thereafter, performance groups representing wu shu toured the U.S. Wu shu is also frequently performed within
a growing number of marital arts events and competitions. Wu shu in the west is better know under the term
kung fu, a term popularized by Bruce Lee films in the 1960's and early 1970's as well as by the TV series "Kung
Fu" staring David Carridine. Other similar terms include Kuo Chi (popularized in the late 1920's), Ch'uan Fa

Xinyi Liuhe Quan: Literally translated, Xinyi Liuhe Quan means "Fist of Mind, Intention, and Six Harmoines".
One of the most powerful fighting-oriented martial arts, Xinyi Liuhe Quan originates from the Henan Province of
China. Surprisingly, it was developed by followers of Islam and the creator of the martial art has been
accredited to Yue Fei (1103-1142), who served as a general to the imperial army. To train his spearman, he
developed a martial art that was supposedly inspired by the movements of ten animals: dragon, tiger, chicken,
eagle, horse, monkey, snake, bear, hawk, and swallow. Known for its powerful movements, it was later
converted into a bare-handed fighting system by Ji Longfeng, a fellow imperial spearman. The practice of Xinyi
Liuhe Quan supposedly involves a ridiculous amount of repetition; supposedly, while guarding a caravan, Ji
Longfeng practiced his "Chicken Step" leg stances by repeating the motion over and over again while guarding
a caravan for 10 miles.

Zui Ba Xian Quan: Loosely translated to "Eight Drunken Immortal Boxing", it's not known exactly when this
fighting form was created or who developed the style, though have the art being practiced well before 500 A.D.
The story goes that Eight Immortals of Chinese lore where invited to a banquet from the King of the Sea and
there, they proceeded to get slammed from the wine. They caused such a racket that the King of the Sea
commanded his guards to kick them out. While in their drunken state, all eight Immortals created their drunken
style that completed confounded the soldiers and thus, the martial art was born. When a novice starts to learn
the Drunken Style, he must first learn and master each Immortal's style individually before proceeding to the
next style. Thus a novice would learn the Drunken style of Lu Doung Bing, the first of the eight Immortals, who
stresses balance and inner power. Each Immortal would stress a different aspect in punching and kicking
techniques. Drunken Boxing uses deception with sudden powerful strikes to keep their opponent off balance.