Combat Arts Leaders We’re Inspired By

Bare-knuckle boxing (London Prize Ring rules) was established in 1719, by James Figg. He founded the first school of boxing and was credited as the founder of Boxing. His student, Jack Broughton, created the first set of rules for bouts in the Amphitheatre on Tottenham Court Road, London in 1743. The Broughton Rules, as they were known, evolved into the London Prize Ring Rules in 1838 and revised in 1853 due to too many deaths in the ring. These rules, and subsequent revisions, such as the Marquess of Queensberry Rules, gave way to the rules of modern boxing, including gloves, banning “butting” and “purring,” slang for kicking a man when he was down, scratching, biting, and gouging.

Founded Judo in 1882, the focus is to throw or takedown an opponent to the ground and lock them in place. This martial arts focus on locks and chokes. Although Jujitsu in practice, Judo focuses more on the soft part of the skills, believing that the soft practicality of the art will overcome hard striking techniques. One of the most popular forms of Japanese martial art outside of Japan, Akira Kurosawa films utilize Judo extensively. Kano combined the throwing techniques of the Kito-Ryu and the choking and pinning techniques of the Tenjin Shin'yo-Ryu.

known as Japan's greatest swordsman, invented the two sword style "‎Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū‎ ‎Kenjutsu‎" and authored the warrior philosophy work "The Book of Five Rings." He is the stuff of legend since his death in 1645. He used psychological tactics and his immense strength to defeat opponents in a straight-ahead style that married brute force and masterful technique. He remained undefeated in over 60 head-to-head duels.

Is the current father of Modern Tahtib. This martial art is one of the oldest recorded martial arts, originating in Ancient Egypt and Nubia. Popular throughout the Middle East, it’s also called Fan A'nazaha wa-Tahtib, translated as “the art of being straight and honest through the use of the stick.”

Shaolin emerged from The Shaolin Temple and the Hainan province of China. According to legend, thirty years after Shaolin was founded, Bodhidharma, was refused entry into the monastery. Meditating for nine years, he developed a specialized set of exercises. After returning, he found that the monks unfit and combined the exercises with the meditation, along with martial arts of many retired soldiers turned monks. This specialized martial arts began the foundations of Shaolin.

Gracie style jiu-jitsu formed from Brazilian jiu-jitsu and one of the most popular in the world. The Gracie style focused on a softer, more pragmatic adaptation. Helio combined the methods of ground fighting Judo with other forms and the unique style was born. Throughout his career, he was challenged by many traditional fighters and Judo experts, most of the contests he won.

Founded the Bujinkan Dojo, currently, the only nine schools of ninjutsu still practiced. His teacher was the famous Takamatsu Toshitsugu, the Mongolian Tiger, who gathered the nine schools and passed the soke titles to Hatsumi. The ninja's art. Most of the schools of ninjutsu originated from samurai arts. They were developed either from disgraced samurai wishing to perfect their self-defense skills or from the Yamabushi looking to protect themselves. This art doesn't qualify as koryuu. Aside from learning the traditional and accepted forms of self- 

Was a Chinese Taoist who invented T'ai chi ch'üan. T'ai chi Ch'uan is categorized under the Wudang grouping of Chinese martial arts. Although most people don't consider Tai chi the martial arts, it has particular combat origins. Today, Tai Chi is practiced mostly by aging populations, focusing on inner peace and dynamic movement. Tai chi focuses heavily on yin and yang, balancing the principles of actions, power, and discipline. There are five typical styles, with numerous schools branching off of the main ones. Most styles can be traced back to the Chen style. In the US, Tai Chi was first openly practiced in 1939.

Founded Tang Soo Do as primarily a Korean striking martial art during the 20th century. It's thought of as the origin of several lesser schools such as Soo Bakh Do and Hwa Soo Do. To distance themselves from the Japanese occupation, Koreans divided their martial arts into a form of Tang Soo do and taekwondo. However, practitioners of tang soo do found themselves rebelling against government interference and eventually took the art to the Americas. 

One of the oldest known and recorded Laamb Wrestlers in Senegambia was Boukar Djilak Faye (a Serer) who lived in the 14th century in the Kingdom of Sine. The Serer people of Senegal continue a traditional form of wrestling that is slowly spreading as one of the most powerful and beautiful ways of wrestling. Initially, this wrestling was among the initiation rites among the Serer people and is currently one of the national sports.

Is the father of Muay Thai and was one of the Siamese prisoners after the Burmese invasion. He was selected by the occupying king to have a match to show off the fighting style of the local people, believing his troops would win. After defeating ten opponents in a row, even amongst the rumor of magic aiding the Siamese fighters, the king decreed the Siamese people blessed and released them. The legend grew around the story, and the Thai people are very proud of their heroes.

Dambe, Musangwe, and Moraingy are three types of bare-knuckle boxing are common in Africa and possibly originated from a common ancestor. The rules are the same for each of the boxing, where an opponent may be knocked out, yield, or have some other parts of their body touch the ground other than their feet. Matches today are considered significant events in many villages, and these boxing groups hold yearly tournaments.

Made famous from his movies and training of military personal, practiced various styles of Wing Chun. His students, including Bruce Lee, became some of the most prominent leaders within the martial arts community.

When Ip Man was 15, he began training with Sifu Leung Bik in Hong Kong. By the age of 24, Ip Man returned to Foshan; contrary to popular belief, he became a policeman instead of formally running a Wing Chun school. He did, however, teach several of his subordinates, his friends and relatives.

Founded Cuong Nhu in 1965, and it is a martial art that blends various styles, including Shotokan Karate, Aikido, Judo, Wing Chun, Vivinam, Tai chi, and boxing. It's derived from the translation for "hard and soft" in Vietnamese. Various styles of art were put together to compensate for some of the lack of others. O-sensei Dong created the mixed martial arts style he needed to include striking, kicking, and grappling, as well as locks and throws to meet the needs of today's society. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, some of the students have gone on to establish their own dojos throughout the country.

Engolo is a ritual combat resembles Capoeira. The fighting styles include various leg sweeps, kicks, and a significant emphasis on placing the hands on the ground and kicking upwards. Often used as a rite of passage for the Omuhelo people, it has origins in the way zebras fight amongst themselves.

Was the creator of Lameco Eskrima. This Philippine martial art emphasizes weapon-based fighting primarily with sticks, often called eskrima. It also uses open-handed techniques, bladed weapons, and other improvised weapons. There's a significant emphasis on bladed arms, as Filipino culture relied heavily on blades. In modern times, Japanese arts such as karate and Judo influenced the teachings of Arnis. However, there is more of a movement in Europe to bring back the pure martial arts, as is now primarily focusing on self-defense, and knife attacks are much more prevalent in Europe.

Formed Baguazhang in the 19th century by combining martial art knowledge with a form of Taoist meditation of circle walking. It is one of the three central Chinese martial arts of the Wu-Tang School, Bagua Zhang means "eight trigram palm." It often practices circle walking, and this is considered an integral part of the training.

Founded Hapkido after training in Japan, learning styles that would evolve into Aikido. Based on Japanese martial arts, Hapkido developed in the twentieth century after the Japanese occupation. It incorporates many schools with multiple focuses that include different foreign practices, mainly Chinese. Hapkido is credited with establishing the system integration and incorporation over the martial arts within the Korean martial art. Hapkido focuses on joint locks and throws rather than striking. Considered a moderate martial art, it focuses neither too much on the hard or soft techniques.

In the Bolivian Quechua tradition, Tinku means “meeting and counter.” Formerly, the men proceeded to fight each other while the women formed around them to chant native songs. Historically, this may have begun during the Spanish conquest of Central America. The Conquistadors forced the indigenous people to fight for their amusement.

Begun in 1909, Geo Omori started the first school amalgamating several techniques from Japanese martial arts. There are many similarities to Kodokan Judo because Mitsuyo Maeda brought Jodo to Brazil in 1914 and became one of the experts to help form the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighting style. The lineage took much from Sumo wrestling and other ground fighting styles. Getting the opponent pinned and deriving submission is a primary goal in the competition.

Also known as Mas Oyama, founded Kyokushin Karate, which is considered the first full-contact karate. He developed a reputation for being rough with his students, focusing on real strikes and blows to toughen them up. Kyokushin places a high degree of emphasis on breaking boards and other objects to prepare for striking real targets. Kyokushin means "the ultimate truth" and is a philosophy of self-improvement, discipline, and hard training. It has influenced different martial arts and fighting styles, such as MMA and BJJ.

Founded Aikido as a result of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido focuses on redirecting attacks away from the receiver. It incorporates several different techniques that include locks, throws, and grappling. Aikido translates into "the way of unifying life energy," and there is a significant focus on mastering the self. A rather young martial art, it was developed in the early 1900s, therefore making it not koryuu.

Resembling more of a dance, Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that is very demanding of its practitioners. It’s widely known for its extravagant maneuvers that often involve high kicks, inverted positions, and flourished movements.

Originated this martial art in Rio de Janeiro and is a combination of wrestling and Judo, mixed in with various strikes. Established in 1927, Luta Livre took many of the challenges of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and filled in the gaps. This style of martial arts gained prominence when Euclydes Hatem forced George Gracie to submit during a match in 1940.

Founded Shotokan Karate, which is considered -the founder of the various arts now known as karate. This art focuses on purging oneself of selfish evil thoughts and embodies the essence of the heart sutra. Karate is an Okinawan martial art developed in the Ryukyu kingdom.

Very closely associated with the Fujian White Crane Kung Fu, it primarily uses open-handed and striking techniques including punching, kicking, and strikes with the elbow and knees.

And some schools, grappling and throws have been included. What sets karate apart from any other martial arts is the lack of weapon training. The various phases of karate have been around for nearly 1,000 years, making it older than koryuu. It is generally believed that it was one of the first martial arts in Japan.

Jeet Kune Do is a Cantonese version of martial arts similar to a formless Chinese kung fu. Lee believed many of the schools hindered the students by focusing on kata and tournaments. His belief was a person must express themselves and have no limitations, and his form included attacks to the groin, jabs to the eyes, and other previously banned combat techniques.

Teaches the traditional martial art Okichitaw, which is based on the fighting techniques of the Plains Cree First Nation. It is considered a no-holds-bar martial art, it focuses on aggressive motions and following up an attack to ultimately end a fight. It was established in 1997 and Lepine learn many of the hunting and fighting practices from his elders. Historically, many of the techniques used in this martial arts were developed hunting and raiding parties and frequently used in battle. Lepine combined the traditional roofs with other martial arts such as Judo, TaeKwonDo, and Hapkido to help keep the native traditions alive.

An Indian-born, Poland-based Kalaripayattu master and Ayurvedic specialist teaches how myth, legend, and history integrate to form Kalaripayattu. Considered one of the oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world, Kalaripayattu is still practiced in parts of India. Training begins with an oil massage of the full-body, using the intentions to keep it agile and flexible. Many of the katas and skills include jumping, running, and somersaults—

Was a South Korean Army general and martial artist regarded as the Founder of Taekwon-Do. He is a controversial figure because of some past action. However, the principles of Tae Kwon Do are honorable and upstanding.

The most well-known Korean martial art, founded in 1955, is the national sport of Korea. With over seventy million practitioners, taekwondo is primarily used for self-defense as well as sports.

The primary focus is striking techniques that include the hand and leg strikes, blocks, throws, and dojangs.

 Bill Underwood created both Combato and Defendo martial arts that is currently being taught throughout Canada. Combato and Defendo were created in 1910, and 1945, respectively, specifically for use in law enforcement.

Combato was developed for use with military forces during World War II. Underwood's premise was to use these martial arts the help people defend themselves. 

Founded the Gōjū-ryū Karate school, it was one of the most prominent martial artists in Asia in the early 1900s. Some of Miyagi's more notable students were: Miyazato Ei'ichi, founder of the Jundokan dojo, Meitoku Yagi, founder of the Meibukan dojo, Seikichi Toguchi, founder of Shorei-kan Goju-Ryu, and Gōgen Yamaguchi who was the founder of the International Karate-do Goju Kai Association in Japan. It is rumored the famous Mr. Miyagi of the Karate Kid franchise was based on Chōjun Miyagi.

Wen-Do is a self-defense art designed specifically for women; Wen-Do was created in 1964 using a combination of Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, and Judo. Although most other practitioners do not classify themselves as martial artists, they focus on self-defense and many of the principles that define a martial art.

Is an American kickboxer, martial arts choreographer, and actor. He was a non-contact karate competitor who later pioneered full-contact fighting in the United States. Urquidez held six world titles in five different weight divisions and was undefeated in his 27-year career. His only loss came in a Muay Thai match, which was controversial.

Grima, or Colombian fencing uses stacks, sticks, knives, and particularly the machete in this combat art. Although unclear in origin, Grima is popular in Columbia, mainly when it was used during the war of independence when Colombia freed itself from European colonization.

Is considered to be one of the most influential figures in MMA history. He is a member of the esteemed Gracie BJJ Family and a UFC Hall of Famer. He is the tournament winner of UFC 1, 2, 4, and fought Ken Shamrock to a draw in UFC 5.

He popularized Gracie BJJ and revolutionized mixed martial arts as a result of  his contributing to the movement towards grappling and ground fighting in the sport.

Juego de Maní is a game of war developed in Cuba by African slaves from the Congo/Angola regions. Related to Capoeira, it is a similar dance practice disguising the martial art. As the different slaves practiced on the plantations, several different versions of this art developed in Puerto Rico, Curacao, and Cuba.

An 8th Degree Black Belt, he teaches Tae Kwon Do and Ho Kuk Mu Sul in the United States since 1986 in the city of Capitola. He is one of the highest-ranking and most well-known martial art figures in the US. Master Jin emphasizes humility, self-discipline, self-control, loyalty, and respect for others as a means for attaining a long and healthy life.

Tire Machèt was developed during the Haitian revolution around 1800, many rebel slaves only had machetes that they used to cut the sugar cane with to win their freedom from French colonization. This martial art focuses on the African combat system combined with French fencing with the use of machetes. Alfred Avril codified the first modern practice of a Haitian machete fencing.

Is considered the founder of the modern Arnis system by merging traditional Philippian eskrima fighting with Shotokan Karate.

He started putting together the system in 1966, and it was formalized in 1969. One of the notable practitioners was Leo Giron, who founded the Bahala Na intelligence company, which served General Douglas MacArthur during World War II. The DC comic hero Nightwing is noted for using eskrima.

Calinda is a martial art also has African origins due to the heavy slave traffic in this region of the world. Often seen during many of the carnivals, slaves were forced to put on fights and entertainment. Most of the matches involve sticks or staffs used during combat. Unlike most martial arts, Calinda incorporates abundance singing and chanting by both the fighters and onlookers.

The Canadian kickboxer known as "The One-Armed Bandit," specializes in Muay Thai, and is best known for his various kickboxing titles and budding movie career. He played the stunt double for Tobey Maguire in the film Spider-Man 3.

Muay Thai is the most famous from Thailand, although several other forms of Muay come from neighboring countries such as Vietnam and Laos. Muay Thai is referred to as "the art of 8 limbs," using points of contact on the body to mimic weapons. Historically, it was known as Siam boxing, only taking the current name after World War II.

American karate was brought back by US servicemen stationed in Japan after World War II. Robert Rios was the first American to open a karate dojo in the US. As Asian teachers beginning immigrating to the United States, American karate started taking on a new direction and working together to create the sport.

Founded American Kenpo which has a basis in Japanese martial arts with a focus on modern-day street fighting. Many of the techniques used rapid foot movements called shifting that are similar to a boxing style.

American Kenpo disregards many of the esoteric concepts found in Asian martial arts and replaces them with more Western scientific principles. Today, Kenpo has several variations as other teachers continue developing the training under various paths. Students can find American Kenpo and Japanese Kenpo side by side in some schools.

Danzan-ryū was founded by Seishiro Okazaki in Hawaii. Based upon traditional Japanese martial arts, Okazaki founded his martial art on his own experience recovering from what might have been tuberculosis. Many parts of his system include Hawaiian martial arts, escrima, boxing, and wrestling.

Famous in Hawaii and throughout the American West, Danzan-Ryu is a popular martial art. It expanded with many variations under the umbrella system that focus on different aspects of the training, including specialties for children, women, and those who wish to incorporate more religious practice.

Emerson Combat Systems is a modern combat system developed by Ernest Emerson. He put together a defensive martial arts and combat techniques system that he taught to military and law enforcement.

Many of the methods used guns, knives, and other modern weapons unknown to many traditional martial arts. Many of the techniques based on physiological responses to stress and how gross motor skills become reduced during stressful situations. Many of the methods rely on regular street clothing rather than martial arts gi, and a significant emphasis placed on physical fitness.

Both L.I.N.E. and S.C.A.R.S. are combat system used by the US military for use in modern warfare. Many of the techniques are designed to work in close range combat and reduced visibility conditions where the combatant wear restrictive clothing and possibly hindered in others way. While L.I.N.E. is only available to active-duty Marines, S.C.A.R.S. is accessible to the general public.

Shootfighting is a combination of martial art and combat sport that is truly a mixed martial art. It was an offshoot of mixed martial art competitions in Japan, with the incorporation of more professional wrestling and boxing as used in the United States.

Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. is perhaps one of the most significant sports figures of all time. He won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics, and the world heavyweight championship from Sonny Liston in a major upset at age 22 in 1964.

In 1966, Ali refused to be drafted into the military, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War. His actions as a conscientious objector to the war made him an icon for the larger counter-culture generation, and he was a high-profile figure of racial pride for African Americans during the civil rights movement.

A Filipino-American martial arts instructor best known as a training partner of Bruce Lee. He was a student of Ed Parker, from whom he received a shodan rank in American Kenpo. Inosanto is one of three people who have been appointed to teach at one of the three Jun Fan Gung Fu Institutes under Bruce Lee.  He's a keen practitioner of escrima and silat. 

Created Shuri-ryū, an eclectic  martial art, it was one of the first schools to have a Caucasian man teach martial arts. In 1946, this martial arts began in Arizona. Trias learned martial art techniques during World War II, specifically in the Solomon Islands.

Upon returning home to the United States, he opened his school and began teaching mixed martial art. This martial art uses various punches, kicks, and blocks combined with joint locks and throws supplemented by traditional weaponry. 

SPEARS System founded by Tony Blauer, this scientific self-defense system focuses on escaping violent situations before resorting to physical techniques. That uses a startle-flinch response to against ambush attacks. Based upon training the reticular cortex of the brain, fear responses are replaced by practiced movements that help give a person time to analyze a situation and escape. Currently, these techniques are used by many police forces and military organizations, including the US Department of Defense.

Was a Japanese swordsman, the son of Yagyū Munetoshi, and founder of the Edo branch of Yagyū Shinkage-ryū school. Author of the Heihō kadensho (1632), his acclaimed treatise on practical swordsmanship demonstrated how the various techniques could be applied to life and politics. His sons, Yagyū Jūbei Mitsuyoshi and Yagyū Munefuyu, were also famous swordsmen.

To-Shin Do The strict self-defense and security martial art was founded by Steven Hayes in 1997. The principal focuses on using Japanese martial art techniques in a purely modern setting. This is going to survive riots, gunfire, and the protection for a dignitary in security situations.

Practitioners of this art learn the threats of modern society, including handgun training, emergency medical treatment, security details, and how to deal with law enforcement.

Koshti Pahlevani (Persian wrestling) is A form of submission grappling, this ancient wrestling form is practiced in the Zurkaneh, “home of strength.” The origins of the sport were to promote “inner strength through outer strength,” very similar to other Asian martial arts. The warriors embodied kindness and humility and used the techniques to protect society.

The first non-Japanese-born wrestler to achieve the rank of yokozuna. His joining the Sumo community was controversial, but it led to many non-Japanese joining Sumo stables. Many non-Japanese became introduced to Sumo because of him. Although considered a national sport today, Sumo was initially a combat art, first recorded in 23 BCE.

Its earliest origins were as single man combat, filled with ritual. Today, it has lost much of its original meaning, but a sense of that origin comes in the form of several of the rituals passed down through the sumo schools.

Furusiyya (Arab knightly martial exercises) is one of the few codified martial arts in the world that incorporated horsemanship, Arabic mounted cavalry were considered some of the fiercest and most worrisome in the ancient world.

Riders excelled in horsemanship, horse archery, lance, and swordsmanship. All riders also had extensive knowledge of veterinary medicine. Currently, furusiyya is practiced only in select schools of horsemanship and is considered more of a curiosity than a military exercise.

Sayokan is a modern Turkish martial art created by Nigat Yigit in 1999, this martial arts focuses on concepts of self-defense rather than kata and stances. Much of its system bases on Asian principles, and utilizes the Ottoman style wrestling and striking techniques. One of the central tenets of Sayokan is twisting the core, understanding the attack, and forcing the opponent to overextend.

World War II combative is a close quarters combat technique includes hand-to-hand combat, firearm use, and improvised weapons. It was explicitly taught to the Special Forces during World War II during the fighting of the guerrilla warfare in Europe.

Is a Brazilian 9th-degree red belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. He is the third oldest son of Helio Gracie and brother to Rorion and Relson Gracie, and half-brother to Rolker, Royce, Robin and Royler Gracie. He is widely considered to be the best fighter of the Gracie clan, and one of the best BJJ artists in the world.  In November 2014 he became an inductee of the Legends of MMA Hall of Fame, alongside Big John McCarthy, Pat Miletich, and Fedor Emelianenko.  In July 2017, he was promoted to red belt, the highest ranking in BJJ.

Was a professional boxer after WWII in the welterweight and middleweight divisions. Regarded as the greatest boxer of all time, Robinson holds the third-longest winning streak of all time (91). He defined a boxer-puncher, using a more formless style to defeat his opponents. He had a 25-year career, one of the longest, and returned to the ring after a few year break. During this time, he took up dancing to keep in shape and declared preparing for a dance performance was far harder than training to box.

Turkish Archery became highly developed, and one of the most powerful and practical uses of archery in the combat world. The Turkish bow consists of a recurve composite bow, the most advanced bow and arrow used by the military in the world. It is also one of the smallest bow and arrows used in the military

Kapap is the Hebrew acronym for Krav Panin el Panin is this defense form developed in the late 1930s in preparation for military duty, incorporating many martial arts styles including judo, jujitsu, karate, boxing and street fighting. Maishel Horovitz developed the short stick fighting method in response to British policeman clubs. This form of military training and close combat fighting served Israel well during their fight for Independence.

Pygmachia (Ancient Greek boxing) & Pankration (Ancient Greek hybrid combat sport). In these Greek martial arts, the use of boxing and wrestling techniques was meant to subdue an opponent. Popular at the various Olympics today, this art form is reviving. Greek-American Jim Arvanitis is credited with reviving this sport.

Was the 15th and last sōke of Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryū, a koryū of kenjutsu. He was a student of the 14th sōke, Sakakibara Kenkichi. 

In 1927, he published a book of all five classical kata that originated from the sixteenth century.

Kampfringen (Medieval wrestling) primarily German and Norwegian, this martial art focused on grappling, including grappling with a sword and grappling on top of a horse. Currently, no school teaches this exclusive martial art.

Krav Maga is a military self-defense system developed for the Israeli Defense Forces. IImi Lichtenfeld combined his experience with street fighting with other martial arts to defend various Jewish settlements against numerous attacks the mid to late 1930s.

Krav maga has been distilled down and modified to emphasize aggression and highlight self-defense. Many of the techniques focus on wearing full military uniforms against guerrilla fighters. Principles of Krav maga include simultaneous attack and defense, preemptively attacking, and simple techniques. 

Is a retired Greco-Roman wrestler from Russia. Nicknamed the "Russian Bear," "Russian King Kong," "Alexander the Great," or "The Experiment," he may be the greatest Greco-Roman wrestler of our age. Karelin won gold medals at the 1988, 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games and a silver medal at the 2000 Olympic Games. His wrestling record is 887 wins competing in the heavyweight category. Despite his size, he performs maneuvers that were once deemed impossible because of the weight class.

Glima from Norway is also known as Lausatok, glina is an aggressive style of wrestling developed during the Viking era. It uses many grappling techniques and can incorporate a sword, spear, stick, and knife. Different forms of Glima have been part of competitions for nearly two hundred years. In the 1912 Summer Olympics, Glima debuted as part of the demonstration arts.

Is a former professional wrestler, actress, and former mixed martial artist. She signed to the WWE as a wrestler since 2018. She is the first American woman Olympic medal (bronze) in Judo at the 2008 Summer Olympics, along with 39 other medals throughout the world. She then went on to MMA, winning numerous titles and the most championships for women. In 2018, she became the first female fighter inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

Bataireacht is Irish stick fighting was known to be particularly brutal. It is one of the few traditions in Ireland that was codified and written down. Most Irish history and techniques ascribed to an oral tradition. Today, many families pass down the tradition of stick fighting, and most families have their own specific style. Currently, there are no formal schools the teach Irish stick fighting.

Is the daughter of Muhammad Ali and an undefeated professional boxer. She began her career controversially, partly because her father did not want her to become a boxer and partly that some attributed her success to riding on her father's name. After retiring undefeated, she became a noted actress, helping to normalize a healthy, strong woman's body on television.

Coraíocht is collar and elbow wrestling of Ireland is a type of folk wrestling. Opponents hold on to each other by the collar and engage in a series of trips, throws, kicking, and other grappling techniques to pin their opponent to the ground. Some of the more iconic matches were known to last for hours.

Is a Japanese-American mixed martial artist. He initially practiced Hapkido and Taekwondo to defend himself against bullies and eventually learned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He competed between 1995 and 2010; his achievements include a victory over UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture, and the fight with Frank Shamrock was one considered of the most violent of Shamrock's career.  

Enson and his brother were awarded black belts in BJJ by John Lewis. He subsequently demoted himself to purple belt in July 2016 citing that BJJ has moved on since attaining his black belt. He also holds a yondan (fourth degree black belt) in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu and was a former College Wrestler.

He currently helps run several training facilities in the US and Pacific Islands.

Ristynės is a traditional folk wrestling more often today shown at fairs and celebrations, Ristynės is recognized by the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles. Ristynės means roll and wrestle. So very much a local sport, little is published in English about Ristynės. In Lithuania, it is growing in popularity and should become known throughout the world in a few years.

Known as the Brown Bomber, Joe Louis reigned as the world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949. He is considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. His championship reign is the single longest lasting over 140 consecutive months, during which he participated in 26 championship fights. More importantly, Louis has a significant cultural impact well outside the ring. He is widely regarded as the first person of African-American descent to achieve the status of a nationwide hero within the US.

Jogo do Pau is a Portuguese stick fighting system developed along the Minho river. Historically, it was used to settle disputes between different families and uses some very unique styles. The introduction of the gun and migration to the cities nearly caused the martial art to become extinct.

Is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in mixed martial arts history. He studied wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Karate in his youth and earned various black belts. He debuted in the MMA in 2004 and swiftly rose as one of the better contenders. He is a three-time former UFC Welterweight Champion, having won the title twice and the interim title once between November 2006 and April 2008. He was ranked as the #1 welterweight in the world for several years by leading combat arts  publications.

Scottish Backhold is Folk wrestling from Scotland in which wrestlers start incredibly close, with wrestlers grappling each other around their waist and resting their chin on the opposites right shoulder. The fight commences in this position and ends when one person touches the ground with any part of his body but his feet or weakens his grip. The Scottish Wrestling Bond overseas this wrestling forum and highlights it during the Highland Games.

Is a BJJ UFC practitioner and is considered the greatest Mixed Martial Artist of all time (as of June 2020). She became the first woman with a two-division UFC champion and third to hold in two weight classes simultaneously. 

She is the only fighter in UFC history (male and female) to hold and defend two titles simultaneously.

Lucha Canaria is a wrestling tradition from the Canary Islands. Similar to sumo, the aim is to make the opponent touch the sand with any part of their body except their feet. They use different techniques called Manas to throw their phone is off balance. In 1872, the rules were codified, making it one of the earliest defined wrestling forms in the world.

Systema also known as “The System”; this Russian martial art incorporated various traditional fighting styles of the Cossack and Eastern Slavic peoples and was used primarily by Soviet Special Forces. Many of the fighting styles can be traced back to the 10th century. Many of the schools incorporate Christian Russian Orthodoxy philosophy and principles into their system.

Juego del Palo is a traditional martial art from the Canary Islands, Juego del Palo involves the use of a 4-6 foot staff wielded by both hands. Being revived today as an effort to keep the local history and culture alive in the Canary Islands, several specific styles have been kept within the various families and using particular methods to teach select individuals.

Swiss wrestling better known as Schwingen or Hosenlumf is a style of Swiss folk wrestling in the Alpine parts of Switzerland. More popular in the German areas, it focuses on throws and trips before pinning a person shoulder to the ground. Schwingen is considered a national sport in Switzerland, although the origins of the competition cannot be determined precisely. There is evidence of a codified system as early as the 13th century.

Atemi Ju-Jitsu (Pariset) or Pariset jujitsu became established in France in the 1940s by Bernard Pariset. He became inspired by the original Kano jujitsu and disillusioned by how much real combat was removed from judo to make it acceptable in modern Japanese culture. Atemi with added to the classification to show its focus on striking techniques and emphasis on breaking the opponent's balance. As other arts became more popular throughout Europe,

Founded Kinomichi which is a martial art based on Japanese Aikido. It was established in Paris, France in 1979. Noro's teachings use energy and heart from the European concept of energy rather than the Eastern concept of chi.

The techniques incorporate stick, sword, and unarmed movements. Although there is no ranking in Kinomichi, there are different levels of study.

La Canne also known as cane fighting, this martial art was used the military and police forces until World War II. In the late 1970s, canne d'arme was revitalized by Maurice Sarry. It is currently part of the Federation de Savate Boxe Francais.

Savate evolved form of street fighting. Primarily involving high kicks and open hand slaps, currently, it closely resembles a free-for-all kickboxing session. Although several bourgeois Frenchman tried to formalize it in the late 1800s, it took until 1924 to gain respectability. Currently, it evolved into a mix of boxing and kickboxing.

Khridoli is a classic martial art from Georgia that incorporates wrestling, boxing, fencing, throws and grabs, and archery. It originated as a sort-of one hand boxing and evolved into a full martial art. After Georgia separated from the Soviet Union, the martial art was revitalized and led to the foundation of the Khridoli Federation in 1993.

Nova Scrimia was established in 1990, the Nova Scrimia Group was established to research and experiment with the combat arts of Italy. Nova Scrimia is a classification of various martial arts that include swordsmanship, stick fighting, knife or dagger work, and unarmed fighting. Many of the principles date from the 15th through the 20th century.

Sambo/Sombo is a Soviet martial art, Sambo is recognized throughout the world as a legitimate martial art and was approved by the Soviet government for servicemen and the public. Before the Soviet Revolution, Viktor Spiridonov and Vasili Oshchepkov traveled to Japan and studied Judo and other Japanese martial arts. Both of these founders independently study different styles, then combined them into Sambo.

ARB (martial art) Although not a traditional martial arts, ARB is the Russian army's hand to hand combat training. ARB focuses on protection and attack receptions and is quickly becoming known as a full-contact martial art while having a minimum risk of injury to your opponent. Currently, it is only starting to be recognized as an individual martial art, and there are no formal schools outside of military training.

The combat art of hopak (boyovyy hopak) is Ukrainian martial art derived from the military traditions of the ancient Cossack people. Under Czarist Russian and Soviet rule, this martial art was forced underground, often hidden in traditional Ukrainian dancing. 

Bartitisu created in 1898 by Edward William Barton-Wright, this eclectic martial art combining elements of Boxing, Jujitsu, Canne de combat, and French Kickboxing (Savate) in the late 1890s.

However, it quickly died. But, in 1903, it was immortalized as “Baritsu" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in one of his of the Sherlock Holmes mystery stories as the preferred method of fighting by Holmes. Although nearly gone until 2002, Bartitsu is experiencing a revival. You can learn more at the Bartitsu Society, Bartitsu.org.

Shin-kicking also known as hacking or purring, this combat sport involves two people attempting to kick each other to force their opponent to the ground. Although described as an English martial art, many consider it just fighting. It originated in England in the early 17th century in the Cotswold Olimpick 

Sanjuro is a popular hybrid marital combines a variety of martial arts styles, sparring, and dance. While the self-defense aspect is evident, it helps children and adults with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. Many of the classes focus on form, fitness, and flexibility. Sanuro classes are taught in 

Mau rākau (New Zealand) is the weapons-based Maori martial arts of the short spear/staff weapon Taiaha, a bladed weapon with a teardrop shape called Mere, and the ax-like weapon Tewhatewha, among others. Until modern Maori youth sought to uncover their traditions, this art nearly went extinct.

Kapu Kuʻialua; Kuʻialua is the ancient Koa Hawaiian martial art based on bone breaking, locks, strikes, weapons, battlefield strategy, and open ocean warfare. It was amalgamated by the native Hawaiians from various travelers since before the 1300s. The name "Kuʻialua" means "two hits" and was the name given to the god of this martial art. Saved by King Kamehameha II in the 1800s, today, the art survives, although it is often only passed to native Hawaiians in an oral tradition.

Limalama (Samoa) is the Polynesian art of self-defense was created by Tu’umamao "Tino" Tuiolosega (1931 - 2011). Tuiolosega combined the Samoan language words lima (five) and malamalama (understanding), bringing them together to mean "knowledge and understanding," and translated it as "hand of wisdom." The art focuses on self-defense with quick movements between the flow. Tu’umamao "Tino" Tuiolosega was the son of a Royal Samoan family and learned numerous Polynesian self-defense martial arts.