Variation and scope

Martial arts vary widely, and may focus on a specific area or combination of areas, but they can be broadly grouped into focusing on strikes, grappling, or weapons training. Below is a list of examples that make extensive use of one these areas; it is not an exhaustive list of all arts covering the area, nor are these necessarily the only areas covered by the art but are the focus or best known part as examples of the area:

Some arts have a very specific focus while others, such as Mixed martial arts, are more syncretic.

Striking

• Punching - Boxing (Western), Wing Chun
• Kicking - Capoeira, Savate, Taekwondo
• Other strikes (e.g. Elbows, knees, open-hand) - Muay Thai, Karate, Shaolin Kung Fu

Grappling

• Throwing - Glima, Judo, Jujutsu, Sambo, Shuai jiao
• Joint lock - Aikido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hapkido
• Pinning Techniques - Judo, Wrestling

Weaponry

• Traditional Weaponry - Fencing, Gatka, Kendo, Silambam
• Modern Weaponry - Eskrima, Jogo do Pau, Jukendo

Many martial arts, especially those from Asia, also teach side disciplines which pertain to medicinal practices. This is particularly prevalent in traditional Chinese martial arts which may teach bone-setting, qigong, acupuncture, acupressure (tui na), and other aspects of traditional Chinese medicine.