Directory
Martial Arts A to Z: Styles Compared
From aikido to wrestling, here is a quick comparison of the world's best-known martial arts and combat sports. Click any card for the full guide.
A kumite final in Japan: Douglas P. Perkins, CC BY-SA 3.0
Styles at a glance
| Style | Origin | Focus | Olympic sport? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aikido | Japan | Throws, joint locks | No |
| Boxing | Britain (modern rules) | Striking (punches) | Yes |
| Brazilian jiu-jitsu | Brazil | Grappling, submissions | No |
| Capoeira | Brazil | Kicks, acrobatics, music | No |
| Fencing | Europe | Sword sport | Yes |
| Judo | Japan | Throws, pins, submissions | Yes |
| Karate | Okinawa, Japan | Striking, forms (kata) | 2020 only |
| Kendo | Japan | Bamboo sword fencing | No |
| Kickboxing | Japan and US | Punches and kicks | No |
| Kung fu / wushu | China | Forms and sparring | No (Youth Olympics 2026) |
| Mixed martial arts | International | Striking and grappling | No |
| Muay Thai | Thailand | Fists, elbows, knees, shins | No (IOC recognised) |
| Pencak silat | Indonesia, Malaysia | Strikes, sweeps, forms | No |
| Sambo | Soviet Union (1930s) | Throws, submissions | No |
| Sumo | Japan | Pushing, throwing | No |
| Tai chi | China | Slow forms, push hands | No |
| Taekwondo | Korea | Kicks | Yes, since 2000 |
| Wrestling | Ancient, worldwide | Takedowns, pins | Yes |
Read the full guides
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Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources (updated Oct 12, 2026). Spot an error? Email hello@fireempireshop.com.