Derrick Beecham, age 13, of Beaumont, Texas, for his question:
HOW OLD ARE THE MARTIAL ARTS?
Martial arts are various methods of unarmed combat that were originally used in warfare in the Far East. They were shaped by Oriental philosophical concepts, notably Zen Buddhism in the early 6th century A.D.
An Indian priest and knight named Bohidharma brought Zen Buddhism to China along with a system of 18 self defense exercises. The exercises evolved into a form of boxing, which spread along with Zen throughout China and in the 12th century, to Japan.
Among the better known forms of martial arts are karate, kung fu, jujitsu, judo, aikido, tai chi chuan, sumo wrestling and kendo.
The martial arts are popular in many parts of the world today as a means of self defense, law enforcement tactics, competitive sports and exercises for physical fitness.
Practitioners in some forms of the martial arts wear colored belts to denote rank. A novice wears a white belt and a black belt signifies proficiency at various levels. The levels are designated by "dan," a word that in Japanese means "degree." First dan, for example, is the first degree of black belt and it signifies the beginning. Fifth dan, or fifth degree black belt, usually signifies a master.
Basic tactics include arm, hand and foot blows as well as knee kicks. In addition there are throws and tripe, gripping or immobilizing and blocks or parries using wrist, forearm or elbow.
Most popularly known of ail the martial arts are kung fu and karate. Kung fu is Chinese boxing while karate is the Japanese form. Kung fu employs kicks, strikes, throws, body turns, dodges, holds, crouches and starts, leaps and falls, handsprings and sumersaults. These movements include more techniques involving the open hand, such as claws and rips, than those used in karate.
Jujitsu uses holds, chokes, throws, trips, joint locks, kicks and strikes to vital body areas. Judo is a popular wrestling form developed from jujitsu by a Japanese educator named Jigoro Kano. It attempts to turn an attacker's force to one's own advantage.
Aikido was, like judo, derived from jujitsu within the last century. In aikido, an attack is avoided with flowing, circular movements.
Tai chi chuan, more popularly referred to as tai chi, is an ancient Chinese exercise and fighting system that is still practiced in China and elsewhere in the world It is used primarily for its health benefits. Tai chi employs slow, graceful movements that are stylized renditions of original arm and foot blows.
Sumo wrestling is a popular Japanese sport that prohibits kicking, gouging and hair pulling but allows such actions se pushing, pulling, slapping, throwing and grappling.
Kendo is Japanese fencing, a sport that originated from ancient sword fighting. Bamboo swords are used now.