Martial arts have a long tradition of fitness, discipline, and character building. They come from many cultures, and if you’re interested in taking classes, there are a number of forms to explore. Below, you’ll find the most popular and basic details about each, so you choose one that is right for you.

A Guide to Popular Martial Arts

1. Karate

Karate is the most identifiable and well-known martial art in the world. It was born in Japan, and it’s designed around self-defense. Students learn to deflect and counterattack with kicks and punches. It was popularized by experts such as Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris in the 1970s and has since been the most offered and accessible martial arts style.

2. Taekwondo

Taekwondo is often mistaken for karate. While it incorporates elements of karate, as well as Chinese martial arts, it focuses on striking and upright combat, with an emphasis on kicking. Taekwondo became a medal sport in the 2000 Olympics, and like karate, has a large spiritual component.

3. Judo

Judo is another Olympic martial art and focuses on countering attacks with throws and takedowns. Students learn to use their leverage rather than strength to disable opponents. Because of this, balance is an important part of judo. Unlike other Japanese martial arts like karate, there is little emphasis on striking, which is why students often study a second martial art.

4. Krav Maga

Krav maga is an Israeli self-defense martial art. It focuses on real-world scenarios rather than competition, such as being attacked with a knife, choked from behind, or confronted with a gun. This is why it’s popular in self-defense classes and also in military and police units. Krav maga uses elements of karate, judo, and other martial arts to disarm and disable opponents through evasive techniques and force.

If you want to explore karate and other martial arts, join a class at Iron Dragon Fitness & Self Defense. Based in Middletown, NY, this gym offers classes in taekwondo, as well as lesser-known Korean fighting styles, like hapkido and haidong gumdo. Master Mikhail Kuns teaches students how to defend themselves and focuses on both technique and discipline. Call (845) 342-3413 to speak with a representative and visit their website to explore their class schedule.