Curlie

Martial Arts

Martial Arts is a term that is used for various forms of combat, self defense, and sport combat. This can include both unarmed and armed. Although many think of the Eastern disciplines when you hear the words Martial Arts, it really includes all forms of combat from many regions of the world. For example, Fencing and Boxing would be a martial arts from the West. Although Martial Arts is listed under the Sports category, it is much more and many disciplines are used for recreation, health/fitness, military training, spirituality, and of course self defense to name a few.

Submission to Sports/Martial_Arts should only be at the subcategory level.

Capoeira

Capoeira is a martial art developed by African slaves in Brazil over 400 years ago. It is a mixture self-defense, acrobatics, dance, music and Brazilian culture. Please read the category guidelines before submitting a site.

This category is for Capoeira websites that are not Organization or Group specific. Please submit group specific sites to the "clubs" subdirectory.

Christian

Christian Martial Arts schools, organizations and resources.

Please submit Christian orientated Martial Art schools, organizations, or resources of all styles. New sub-categories will be created as this category grows.

Disabled

Sites that primarily offers information, training, and support to the physically challenged in the Martial Arts.

Please submit sites that primary focus is the physically challenged in the Martial Arts.

Events

Major Martial Art events often feature multiple styles, and invite competitors from around the world. Sometimes these events are for specific regions, groups of people, or groups of styles.

This category is for sites about major Martial Art events involving multiple styles, often featuring international competition.

Sites relating to events from specific style should be submitted to that style.

Sites about events of local interest only should be submitted to the appropriate part of the Regional hierarchy.

Filipino

This category includes all Filipino martial arts, including Arnis, Escrima, Kali, Sikaran, and others.

Please submit only sites with information on Filipino Martial Art that has a world wide interest in the top level category of FMA. If your site is primarily about a specific style that has a category, please submit it there.

Otherwise please submite School sites to Schools and Instruction and organizational sites to Organizations. They should not be submitted here, even if they contain news, information or resources.

Fitness and Conditioning

Fitness and conditioning resources for the martial artist of all styles and disciplines.

Please suggest only sites that are of a general resource to the martial artist on fitness, health or conditioning.

Sites for schools, clubs and training programs will not be accepted here.

Grappling

Grappling is a generic term to describe combat in very close quarters or on the ground, with or without strikes. The goal of a grappler is to make an opponent submit, or give up. This is usually achieved by means of joint locks, compressions, and chokes. If the opponent doesn't give up once a submission move has "sunk in," they will quickly become incapacitated, either because they are unconscious or have a broken limb. All moves when done with correct form should rely mainly on leverage, and not brute strength-- although strength does help. One often-used technique in grappling is tiring the opponent by making them work as hard as possible, without one's self becoming too tired. This method makes it easier to bring an opponent into submission.

Hapkido

Hapkido is a Korean Martial Art that includes a collection of self defense techniques to deal with common attacks. The practice of Hapkido usually is focused on how to control attackers and therefore does not stress tournaments or competition. It is suitable for men and women of all ages. Hap Ki Do translates as 'The Way of Co-ordinated Power.'

This Category is only for Hapkido Organizations such as Association and Federation or equivalent only.

For Hapkido clubs, please go to http://www.dmoz.org/Sports/Martial_Arts/Hapkido/Schools_and_Instruction/ to add your website.

For General Hapkido websites, please go to http://www.dmoz.org/Sports/Martial_Arts/Hapkido/ to add your website.

Humor

Martial Artist don't always take themselves seriously. This category just proves the point.

Please submit martial arts humor related sites only. Please note, your submission will only be approved if it offers unique content to the directory.

Hwa Rang Do

Hwa Rang Do, "The way of the flowering manhood", is a Korean Martial and Healing Art that was founded by Dr. Joo Bang Lee. Tae Soo Do was founded in 1990 as a part of Hwa Rang Do.

Indian

Traditional Indian or South Asian arts and styles.

Japanese

This category houses links to other categories for styles that stem from or are considered Japanese Martial Arts. Also general resources and organizations (governing bodies) can be found here.

Please only suggest sites that are about a variety of Japanese Martial Arts.

Sites for schools, organizations, or shopping WILL NOT be accepted here.

Jeet Kune Do

Jeet Kune Do is the popular name of the martial arts training system and philosophy developed by the late Bruce Lee.

Bruce Lee studied traditional Chinese gung-fu and other arts during his lifetime. He also developed some distinctive techniques and articulated his own theory of training. This category contains information about the martial arts as practiced by those who attempt to follow Bruce Lee's approach and methods.

Submit sites with information about martial arts directly in the tradition of Bruce Lee''s practice and teaching. Sites including training information, techniques, or Jeet Kun Do or Jun Fan philosophy should be submitted here.

Sites that are primarily about a JKD school or training program should be submitted to the sub-category designed specifically for those looking for training resources:
http://dmoz.org/Sports/Martial_Arts/Jeet_Kune_Do/Instruction/.

Sites about other kinds of training should be submitted to:
http://dmoz.org/Sports/Martial_Arts/Organizations/.

Admiration sites about Bruce Lee as a person and a performer should be submitted to:
http://dmoz.org/Arts/Celebrities/L/Lee,_Bruce/

Thanks for your interest and assistance in keeping this category relevant!

Jujutsu

Jujutsu is the traditional martial art of the Samurai of Japan. It's focus is on using an opponent's energy against him/herself. Characterized by throws, joint locks, and sword techniques, Jujutsu is also the predecessor to Aikido and Judo.

Please submit your site to the most appropriate category. Only general resource sites will be listed in this category. Schools and Organizations will not be listed here.

Karate

Karate is one of the most well known Martial Art word in the world. As such, it is probably the must misunderstood and misused word. There are many schools that use the term "Karate" to describe their Martial Art. For the purposes of this category, "Karate" will be understood as the following. Karate, meaning empty hands, is a style of Martial Art with Okinawan and Japanese roots and traditions. One of the key figures of Karate is Gichin Funakoshi. Most of the traditional Karate systems today, can trace their lineage to him. Today, there are more systems of Karate than could possibly be categorized here. For your site to fit this category, it must represent a "Karate" system that has its origin in an Okinawan/Japanese traditional karate.

Please submit only sites with information on Karate that has a global interest here. To be listed here the site must have information on more than one style of Karate or if there is no style category that exists yet.

Also please note: School sites should be submitted to Schools and Instruction and organization sites to Organizations. They should not be submitted here, even if they contain news and information or resources.

Non English site should be listed in World/ NOT here.

Kenpo and Kempo

Kenpo or Kempo (pronounced kempo) means fist law/method. Kenpo is comprised of many systems and it's history can be complicated to follow. It has strong ties to China, Japan, and Okinawa. Kenpo has many branches. Ed Parker's American Kenpo, Tracy Kenpo, Okinawan/Japanese Kenpo, Kenpo-Jujutsu, KaraHo Kempo, Kajukenbo, Shaolin Kenpo, and many more than can be listed here. The one thing that most Kenpo/Kempo systems have in common is it's focus on self-defense. Kenpo is very fast and very fluid in motion.

Please submit only sites with information on Kenpo/Kempo that has a world wide interest here. To be listed here the site must have information on more than one style of Kenpo or if there is no style category that exists yet.

Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a combat sport that combines Western Boxing and Eastern Martial Art kicking.

Please only submit sites that has a global interest to the Sport of Kickboxing here. Otherwise, choose the most appropriate sub category.

Korean

This category houses links to other categories for styles that stem from or are considered Korean Martial Arts.

No school sites will be accepted.

Krav Maga

Krave Maga (Hebrew for Contact Combat) is an Israeli hand to hand military combat and defensive tactics system. Krav-Maga's founder was Imi Lichtenfeld (1910-1998) who started training Israeli defensive forces in the late 1940's. It was 1964 that the system was first introduced to civilians.

This category contains informational sites about Krave Maga.

Sites that focus on equipment sales should be submitted to Shopping: Sports: Martial Arts.
Sites that do not contain English content should be submitted to the appropriate category of World based on language. Sites that contain English content and content in another language may be submitted both here and to the appropriate category under World.

Kung Fu

This category includes all martial arts of Chinese origin, often known in the West as "Kung Fu." It is the generic name for literally hundreds of individual Chinese fighting arts, both "internal" and "external," ancient and of relatively recent invention.

Please submit only sites with information on Kung Fu that has a global interest here. To be listed here the site must have information on more than one style of Kung Fu or if there is no style category that exists yet.

Kurash

Upright, grappling martial art. The object is to throw the opponent to the ground.

Ninpo

Ninpo is a martial system from Japan with roots extending centuries into history. The concept of Ninpo includes combat techniques (also known as ninjutsu), non-combative skills for working one's will in the world, and philosophies and spiritual training. As a martial system, all of these arenas are focused on enduring conflict successfully, and the "nin" kanji in Japanese can be translated as "endurance" or "perseverance". Ninpo is characterized by some as "the art of winning". Ninjutsu techniques comprise grappling, striking, and joint locks, all either unarmed or with weapons. Timing and distance are emphasized over speed and strength. Adaptability and economy of movement are prized. Focus is on combat applicability (either modern or historical), with virtually no competitive element.

When submitting sites, please choose whether they deal with training or concepts specific to the Bujinkan, Genbukan, Jinenkan, or To-Shin Do. If they do, please submit these to the appropriate sub-category. If submitting a school site which has a group affiliation besides the four existing sub-categories above, please mention that affiliation so a sub-category can be created if needed. Independent schools and sites which deal with the general topic of ninjutsu, ninpo, or the historical ninja will be included in the main category.

Organizations

This category is for Martial Arts organizations, federations, and associations which are of a general aspect to martial arts or organizations for specific styles for which no category exists.

Please submit only sites that are for organizations not schools. An organization would be an administrative resource for coordination of resources for a group.

Regional

This category contains links to martial arts dojos and training centers in various countries.

Resources

Includes links to sites and subcategories that cover a range of martial arts-related topics. Includes, but not limited to:

News and Media coverage

Chats and Forums

Directories

Please submit sites that are a general resource to multiple martial arts styles or of martial arts in general. School and Organization sites will not be listed here. Also please choose the most appropriate subcategory for your site.

Russian

The arts of SAMBO, ROSS, Systema and others. These were all Russian military combat arts.

Sales and Services

Martial Arts business services and resources that help in the business end of running a school, organization or other martial art business. This can include marketing, consulting, or other programs for school or organization owners and related categories to businesses catering to the Martial Arts industry.

Please submit sites that offers a variety of business services to the Martial Arts industry. This can include marketing, consulting, administration, and other such related services. Also sites that are resources for the martial arts professional.

Please do not submit:

Schools that teach Martial Arts. Please send those to the appropriate category in the topical Martial Arts category.
Sites that sell Martial Arts products. Please send those to Shopping.
Whole sellers, manufacturers and distributors. Please send those to Martial Arts Goods
Web design or hosting. Please send those to Web Designers.
Sites that sell Martial Arts software. Please send those sites to the Martial Arts Software category.

Improper submission may delay your site from being listed.

Schools and Instruction

Includes schools as well as training and instructional programs for Martial Arts. Listings of non-traditional and eclectic martial arts.

Please follow the following submission instructions carefully:

If your school site is targeting a specific group (such a Law Enforcement, Disabled, Christian and etc), then please submit your site there.
If your school site is for a specific style, please submit it to the most appropriate style category (such as Karate, Kung Fu and etc.).
Otherwise, schools sites should be submitted to the most appropriate regional category. Top level sites are reserved only for schools that have;
- locations in more than one continent;
- Or, distance learning programs.

Please note: Failure to submit your site in the most appropriate category could drastically delay the review of your site.

more information (editors only)

Silat

Silat is a general term that comprehensively denotes all Martial Arts based on the originally Southeast Asian (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Southern Philippines) arts of Penca(k) and Silat. The root philosophy of Penca(k) and Silat in Southeast Asia includes aspects of self defense, social and spiritual ethics, arts, and sports. Further Martial Arts (i.e. Kun Tao, Pukulan) have contributed to the actual forms of practice worldwide. Besides its native cultures in South East Asia, Penca(k) Silat especially began to flourish in the USA, the Netherlands, and other mainly European countries after World War II. In South East Asia and other parts of the world a world union of Pencak Silat (PERSILAT, headquarters located in Jakarta, Indonesia) exists, though this organization is not recognized by all schools. The PERSILAT organizes national and worldwide tournaments of Pencak Silat Sports (Olahraga) and Pencak Silat Art Form (Seni Budaya). According to the description of PERSILAT, one should distinguish between traditional, transitional (semi-modern) and modern type schools. However, this description may not fit completely to describe the forms of Penca(k) Silat schools generally and worldwide. Though many aspects and terms related to Penca(k) Silat are shared worldwide, a definite use of terminology and its meanings is currently not yet established. [last update of this description: Feb., 11th, 2003]

Please submit only pages related to Penca(k)) Silat that have an English language part. Pages that use other languages should be submitted to the corresponding categories.

Corresponding categories you will find quickly i.e. via the "This category in other languages" links in this English category.

[last update of this submission notice: Jan., 18th, 2002]

Submission Fighting and MMA

Mixed Martial Arts is a relatively new and politically correct term for a sport that has been called Submission Fighting, No Holds Barred, Total Fighting, Anything Goes etc. Mixed Martial Arts incorporates the best of well established Martial Arts. Techniques from Jiu-Jitsu, Submission grappling, Muay Thai, Boxing, etc., are combined to create an all-around fighting style. The common denominator is reality. Testing what works within the limits of safety. Full contact. Mixed Martial Arts delivers what martial arts has promised for so long. Something exciting, and something that works. Other names for MMA sports include Vale Tudo, Shootfighting, Pankration and Submission Fighting

Please submit sites that are Mixed Martial Art or Submission Fighting related only (see category description).

For example a site for a club that has classes in TKD, Tai Chi and Ninjitsu is not suitable for this category. That is a mix of martial art styles, rather than Mixed Martial Arts - the sport. Clubs with numerous ''styles'' should be submitted to Sports/Martial_Arts/Schools_and_Instruction category in the appropriate geographical region.

If the club/site features no Gi fighting, both standup and grappling then it''s suitable. It should pertain to training specifically for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

If in doubt, look at the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC.tv), for the prime example of what MMA is.

Tae Kwon Do

The physical techniques of Taekwon-Do are based on the principles of modern science, in particular, Newtonian physics which teaches us how to generate maximum power. Military tactics of attack and defense have also been incorporated.

Please submit only sites of worldwide interest to this category. For individual clubs or schools, please submit to the appropriate country or state category.

Taido

Taido is a Japanese martial art founded in 1964 by Seiken Shukumine.

Tang Soo Do and Soo Bahk Do

The first evidence of Tang Soo Do, an ancient form of Korean martial arts, appeared during the Three Kingdom era (57 BC-935 AD) as Hwa Rang Do. The indigenous martial arts quietly developed through generations of the Korean people. During some eras it flourished and other times it diminished, according to the political, economic or cultural environment. The art was known by various names throughout the eras as Hwa Rang Do, Moo Sul, Kyuck Too Ki, Soo Bahk Ki, Soo Byuck Ki, and Taek Kyun respectively. Following Korea's independence in 1945 the Korean martial arts were again merged and flourished throughout the entire Korean Peninsula. Many organizations were founded with various names such as Soo Bahk Do, Tang Soo Do, and Tae Soo Do. At the beginning of the modern era of Korean martial arts, Tang Soo Do was the most popular term for these arts. However, at that time, the Korean political leader was concerned about establishing Korean values based on Korean nationalism. The political leaders recognized the popularity of Korean martial arts around the world, but were opposed to the use of the name Tang Soo Do for the art as it sounded like a Chinese martial art. The first word "Tang" could be interpreted as representing the Chinese Tang Dynasty (617-907 AD). In 1964, a small government-sponsored group created a new name for the Korean martial arts, Tae Kwon Do.

Weaponry

Weapons are as much of Martial Arts as empty handed arts. Here you will find various links to categories on that subject.

No Submissions
Please choose an appropriate sub-category.

Western

Western martial arts are often overlooked in favor of Asian martial arts. There is however a rich history of weapons and unarmed combat training and methods that trace back to ancient Western civilizations. Modern boxing, fencing, and even wrestling have roots in older martial forms. Western or "Occidental" describes cultures stemming from the Greco-Roman, Celtic and Germanic traditions, and the lands those cultures historically dominated. Typically, this would include Europe and the Americas. A marked difference between Oriental and Occidental martial arts is the general Occidental mind set in terms of the time to train and learn new martial skills. The Occidental instructor's mind set appears very different from those of the Oriental instructor's mindset, in that the Occidental instructor is not concerned with deep ritual or ceremony that are often, an integral part of the Oriental martial arts. Occidental students expect their Masters to provide systematic and effective knowledge, that has immediate application. Given the rapidity of the growing numbers of western-oriented martial arts groups and schools, the indication is evident that technique and the ability to learn a new skills quickly are the biggest draw for western martial arts schools today. Portions of this description are (C)2001 by David M. Cvet from the Journal of Western Martial Art. Used with permission of the author.

This category deals with classical Western Martial Arts including but not limited to sword and western forms of unarmed combat. This is not the place for "new" martial arts or eclectic combinations of Asian martial arts.

Only sites dealing with information directly related to the topic should be submitted. Sites dealing with merchandise or sales of items and information related to Western Martial Arts should be submitted to an appropriate site under the Shopping categories. Affiliate link sites that link to one sales site or aggregate several will not be accepted.

Women

Women in Martial Arts. Includes clubs, organization, news, and informational.

Sites that deal with women in the Martial Arts only. Schools that are owned by women, does not qualify. Only schools or organizations that are for women only will qualify.