Tag: Combat

One of the most commonly asked questions about amateur wrestling is about the different weight classes. How many wrestling weight classes are there?

Here’s a full breakdown of just how many wrestling weight classes are there. Detailing each of the wrestling weight classes from every level of competition.

How many wrestling weight classes are there?

There are quite a few different wrestling weight classes between various styles of wrestling and competition level. Each of which has their own list of weight divisions.

This includes:

• Freestyle Wrestling
• Greco Roman Wrestling
• Collegiate Wrestling
• Olympic Wrestling
• Women’s Wrestling
• Scholastic Wrestling
• International Youth Wrestling

Men’s Freestyle(Olympic/Non-Olympic) Wrestling Weight Classes

As of now there are a total of eleven freestyle wrestling weight classes between Olympic and non-Olympic events.

Freestyle non-Olympic Wrestling Weight Classes

Weight in lbs:	Weight in kg:
115 lbs	53 kg
134 lbs	61 kg
154 lbs	70 kg
174 lbs	79 kg
203 lbs	93 kg

Freestyle Olympic Wrestling Weight Classes

Weight in lbs:	Weight in kg:
125 lbs	57 kg
143 lbs	65 kg
163 lbs	74 kg
190 lbs	86 kg
214 lbs	97 kg

Men’s Greco Roman Wrestling Weight Classes(Olympic/Non-Olympic)

As of now, there are currently 10 Greco Roman wrestling weight classes between the Olympics and non-Olympic events.

Greco Roman Non-Olympic Wrestling Weight Classes

Weight in lbs:	Weight in kg:
121 lbs	54 kg
139 lbs	63 kg
159 lbs	72 kg
181 lbs	81 kg

Greco Roman Olympic Wrestling Weight Classes

Weight in lbs:	Weight in kg:
132 lbs	60 kg
148 lbs	67 kg
170 lbs	77 kg
192 lbs	87 kg
214 lbs	97 kg
287 lbs	130 kg

Women’s Freestyle/Greco Roman Wrestling Weight Classes

Women’s freestyle and Greco Roman share the same weight divisions. As of now, there’s ten women’s wrestling weight classes Six Olympic wrestling divisions and four non-Olympic wrestling divisions.

Olympic Women’s Wrestling Weight Classes

Weight in lbs:	Weight in kg:
110 lbs	50 kg
117 lbs	53 kg
126 lbs	57 kg
137 lbs	62 kg
150 lbs	68 kg
68 lbs	76 kg

Non-Olympic Women’s Wrestling Weight Classes

Weight in lbs:	Weight in kg:
121 lbs	55 kg
126 lbs	57 kg
137 lbs	62 kg
150 lbs	68 kg
168 lbs	76 kg

Men’s US Collegiate Wrestling Weight Classes

In US universities, they do their own form of folk style wrestling called collegiate wrestling. There are currently ten collegiate wrestling weight classes included in the NCAA’s rulebook.

Weight in lbs:	Weight in kg:
125 lbs	57kg
133 lbs	60.5 kg
141 lbs	64 kg
149 lbs	68 kg
157 lbs	71.5 kg
165 lbs	75 kg
174 lbs	79 kg
184 lbs	83.5 kg
197 lbs	89.5 kg
Up to 285lbs	129.5 kg

Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Weight Classes

The NCAA currently recognized 8 collegiate women’s wrestling weight classes. Another organization Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association (WCWA) used the freestyle weight divisions listed in the previous women’s wrestling section.

Weight in lbs:	Weight in kg:
105 lbs	48 kg
112 lbs	51 kg
121 lbs	55 kg
130 lbs	59 kg
139 lbs	63 kg
148 lbs	67 kg
159 lbs	72 kg
200 lbs	91 kg

Teen Boy International Youth Wrestling Weight Classes 

There’s a wide array of different wrestling weight classes within international youth competitions. They are broken down between three divisions.

• U15(Under 15)
• Cadets(16-17)
• Juniors(18-20)

U15 Boys Wrestling Weight Classes 

Weight in lbs:	Weight in kg:
75-84 lbs	34-48 kg
41 kg	90 lbs
97 lbs	44 kg
106 lbs	48 kg
115 lbs	52 kg
126 lbs	57 kg
137 lbs	62 kg
150 lbs	65 kg
187 lbs	85 kg

Cadet Boy’s Wrestling Weight Classes 

Weight in lbs:	Weight in kg:
90-99 lbs	41-45 kg
106 lbs	48 kg
112 lbs	51 kg
121 lbs	55 kg
132 lbs	62 kg
143 lbs	65 kg
157 lbs	71 kg
176 lbs	80 kg
203 lbs	92 kg
243 lbs	110 kg

Junior Boy’s Wrestling Weight Classes

Weight in lbs:	Weight in kg:
126 lbs	57 kg
134 lbs	61 kg
143 lbs	65 kg
154 lbs	70 kg
163 lbs	74 kg
174 lbs	79 kg
190 lbs	86 kg
203 lbs	92 kg
214 lbs	97 kg
276 lbs	125 kg

Teen Girl International Youth Wrestling Weight Classes

Just like the boys, the girls have their own weight divisions that are broken down between U15, cadet, and junior

U15 Girls Wrestling Weight Classes

Weight in lbs:	Weight in kg:
64-73 lbs	29 to 33 kg
79 lbs	36 kg
86 lbs	39 kg
93 lbs	42 kg
101 lbs	46 kg
110 lbs	51 kg
119 lbs	54 kg
128 lbs	58 kg
137 lbs	62 kg
146 lbs	66 kg

Cadet Girl’s Wrestling Weight Classes

Weight in lbs:	Weight in kg:
79 to 88 lbs	36 to 40 kg
95 lbs	43 kg
101 lbs	46 kg
108 lbs	49 kg
117 lbs	53 kg
126 lbs	57 kg
143 lbs	61 kg
152 lbs	69 kg
161 lbs	72 kg

Junior Girls Wrestling Weight Classes

Weight in lbs:	Weight in kg:
110 lbs	50 kg
117 lbs	53 kg
121 lbs	55 kg
126 lbs	57 kg
130 lbs	59 kg
137 lbs	62 kg
143 lbs	65 kg
150 lbs	68 kg
159 lbs	72 kg
168 lbs	76 kg

Scholastic Wrestling Weight Classes

Scholastic wrestling has numerous weight divisions going from elementary school, middle school, and high school.

Elementary School

Elementary school doesn’t have specific weight classes, but goes by three different methods to separate competitors.

1. Madison System: 8 to 16 person brackets, where both boys and girls that weigh the same will compete against each other.
2. Division Based Systems: Competitors are divided by age within this system. Tournament directors may also create their own weight divisions with the age brackets.
3. Pure-Weight Based System: The lesser used pure-weight bases system separates competitors by their weight regardless of age.

Middle School 

Weight in lbs:	Weight in kg:
80 lbs	36 kg
86 lbs	39 kg
92 lbs	42 kg
98 lbs	45 kg
104 lbs	47 kg
110 lbs	50 kg
116 lbs	53 kg
122 lbs	56 kg
128 lbs	58 kg
134 lbs	61 kg
142 lbs	65 kg
150 lbs	68 kg
160 lbs	73 kg
172 lbs	78 kg
205 lbs	93 kg
245 lbs	111 kg

High School

Weight in lbs:	Weight in kg:
106 lbs	48 kg
113 lbs	51 kg
120 lbs	54 kg
126 lbs	57 kg
132 lbs	60 kg
38 lbs	63 kg
145 lbs	66 kg
152 lbs	69 kg
160 lbs	73 kg
170 lbs	77 kg
182 lbs	82 kg
195 lbs	88 kg
220 lbs	100 kg
285 lbs	130 kg

The grappling art of Aikido is a martial art that was once popular during the early 20th century. In modern times, it has fallen out of favor as people are practicing more effective martial arts.

But even so, we still want to give you the story of how the art of Aikido. Going over how it was developed, became internationally practiced, and shows whether it’s an effective form of self-defense.

The History of Aikido

By the look of Aikido, it would look like it’s a martial art that dates back centuries. But the martial art is actually around the same age as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The martial art was created by a Japanese martial artist named Morihei Ueshiba. He trained in a variety of different martial arts from jujutsu, swordsmanship, and spear fighting.

The specific form of jujutsu that Ueshiba trained in was Daito-ryu Aiki-jutsu under his instructor Sokaku Takeda. By the early 1920s, Ueshiba began to develop his own martial art from his previous experiences.

He would also incorporate various religious beliefs into his teachings such as Shinto, Omotokyo and other philosophical systems. Initially, Morihei would initially call his system “Aiki-Budo.” Ueshiba would later decide to call his system as we know it today by the name “Aikido.”

The name Aikido means “the way of harmony with the spirit .” A martial art where the focus is to take your opponent’s energy and redirect it into counters against them.

Grappling is the main aspect of the martial art using joint locks, throws, and immobilizations. Weapons training is also taught in many forms of Aikido from staffs, wooden swords, and knives.

In Aikido, your main goal is to move with your opponent’s energy in a fluid motion and counter their attacks. Developing a mixture of balance and timing to counter and immobilize an opponent.

The martial art also promotes spiritual growth and improvement of a student’s character. Striving to cultivate a sense of harmony and peace both on and off the mat.

Aikido was able to reach an international audience, which enabled it to be taught globally.

The Techniques of Aikido

The art of Aikido can be broken down into four different categories, which includes joint locks, throws, immobilizations, and weapons training.

• Throws: An emphasis on throws where practitioners use their opponent’s energy against them to take them to the ground.
• Joint Locks: Multiple types of joint locks are used to initiate throws and also on the ground.
• Immobilizations: Keeping your opponent prone and immobilized on the ground is the main principle of Aikido.
• Weapons Training: Aikido practitioners also practice weapons training in order to develop balance and fluidity.

Notable Aikido Practitioners

There’s a wide variety of notable Aikido practitioners throughout the history of the martial art. Here are some of the more known Aikido practitioners in the martial art’s history.

Kissoharu Ueshiba

Kissoharu Ueshiba played a crucial role in the advancement of Aikido internationally. He took his father’s martial art and introduced it to numerous countries. Ueshiba founded the Aikikai Foundation, which firmly established the martial art’s international presence.

Gozo Shioda:

Shioda was one of Morihei’s top student’s who went on to found his own style called Yoshinkan Aikido. Notable for being a dynamic and powerful style of the martial art.

Moriteru Ueshiba

Moriteru Ueshiba is the current Doshu or head of the Aikido world. He is the grandson of the founder and is continuing to promote and practice his family’s martial art.

Steven Seagal

Then we couldn’t make this write-up without mentioning the most known practitioner of Aikido in Steven Seagal. Most people became aware of Aikido through action movies starring Steven Seagal.

He is arguably the most influential practitioner of the martial art right under the creator Ueshiba. No matter how you personally feel about Seagal, you have to give him credit for this.

Aikido Getting Exposed

Let us be brutally honest about the art of Aikido. It is an incredibly flawed self-defense system that has been exposed numerous times.

You can search Aikido vs. whatever martial art and you’ll likely see an Aikido practitioner getting pummeled. Here are some of the most viewed instances of Aikido practitioners getting exposed by other martial arts.

Delusional Aikido Practitioner Storms BJJ School

Most of you have probably seen clips of this video above. This delusional Aikido practitioner made numerous videos stating that Aikido was superior to BJJ. Stating that a BJJ practitioner could never beat a skilled Aikido practitioner.

One day, this person decided to test this theory and the result was the video above. He would repeatedly get beaten, call timeout before deciding to quit in the first five minutes.

Millions have watched these clips and have gotten a good laugh.

“Aikido Master” vs. MMA Fighter 

This is a video from the Russian organization World Street Fighting Championship. In this bout a self proclaimed “Aikido master” takes on a seasoned MMA fighter.

The fight lasts less than a minute in which the MMA fighter easily dominates the Aikido practitioner. This video is currently around 3 million views.

Steven Seagal 

Steven Seagal may be the best thing to happen to Aikido, as well as being the worst. At one time, he may have been a legitimate practitioner, but now he’s kind of a joke.

There’s hours of content online of Steven Seagal stories. From him assaulting stunt doubles to being put to sleep by Gene Labell.

If you’ve seen recent video demonstration videos like the one above, you’ll see Seagal doing fake martial arts. Barely if at all touching his partners and they go flying around the mat.

Seagal is a joke and he put a permanent black eye on the art of Aikido. One that it will probably never recover from.

Numerous Fake/Delusional Aikido Instructors

You can run into numerous compilation videos on the internet like this one above. Anytime a delusional or fake Aikido practitioner thinks they can beat a real martial artist, the same thing always happens. They get hurt badly and embarrassed for the world to see. 

Aikido Really Effective?

Let’s be honest about the art of Aikido. It can be effective against people with no formal training, but that is about it.

Any BJJ blue belt or someone practicing Muay Thai or boxing for less than a year can beat an Aikido practitioner. The techniques are just not effective or realistic against more proven effective combat systems.

It’s a martial art with an interesting story, but not one that will not optimally improve your self-defense skills.

Africa is a melting pot of culture and ideas among many nations. What many may not know is that there are numerous effective African martial arts taught within the continent.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most known African martial arts. Read below to learn the history and techniques of all of these African martial arts below.

Dambe (West Africa)

The first of the twenty African martial arts that we’re covering is the Dambe or Dambe boxing. A west African martial art and sport that is primarily practiced by the Hausa people of Nigeria.

Historically, Dambe was practiced by a group of Hausa known as the “Butcher’s Guild” Originally developed for self defense, then for a rite of passage, and later as a combat sport.

It’s a combat sport that is a mix of striking and grappling. The Dambe boxers get into a circular sand pit known as “Kara” and battle it out.

A fighter’s power hand is wrapped in a heavy cloth and is called the “strong arm.” Their lead hand with no cloth is called the “spear hand.”

A Dambe match lasts for three rounds and the winner is declared either by KO, submission, or judge’s decision. It is not only a sport, but a form of cultural identity for the Hausa people.

Nguni Stick-Fighting/Zulu Stick-Fighting (South Africa)

The last of the African martial arts that we’ll cover is one of the most known. Zulu stick-fighting is one of the most recognizable styles of stick-fighting practiced within the continent.

It is also known as Nguni stick-fighting and was created by the Zulu people of South Africa. This form of stick-fighting is one of the oldest known African martial arts that is still widely practiced.

For the Zulu people, Nguni is a form of cultural heritage for them. Used as both a rite of passage, self-defense, and a form of entertainment.

The action of this style of stick-fighting is characterized by rhythm, agility, and technique. Fighting in rhythm to the beat of the spectator’s drumming and chanting.

Competitors wear the classic Zulu stick and shields and do pre-ritual dances before every match. Some other groups may use other forms of sticks and shield, depending on the group.

Today, this form of stick-fighting is used as a way to preserve cultural heritage, fitness, and sport.

Laamb Wrestling/Senegalese Wrestling (Senegal)

Laamb wrestling or Senegalese wrestling is another one of the African martial arts that is wrestling based. Senegalese wrestling is the national sport of the country that’s a type of folk wrestling.

It was created by the Serer people as a form of exercise for the warrior class of the group. Used to prepare for war and as a rite of passage before becoming the national sport.

In a Senegalese wrestling match, the “mbers” (wrestlers) enter the ring and perform a “baak.” A dance and song used to build confidence in the wrestlers and his supporters, while instilling fear into the opponent.

The objective of a Laamb wrestling match is to pick up your opponent and throw them to the ground. Short rabid punches from the clinch are also permitted to set up the wrestler’s takedowns.

In Senegal, Laamb wrestling is watched by everyone and 20,000 spectators pack the national arena for events.

One of the biggest stars of this sport is the national hero Oumar “Reug Reug” Kane. MMA fans know Reug Reug from competing in One Championship, where he has a current record of 5-1.

Engola (Angola)

Many know the Brazilian dancing of Capoeira, but not the martial art that inspired it. Engola is one of the African martial arts that disguises itself as a dance. But in reality it is a popular form of self defense in Angola, where powerful kicks are delivered.

Also called Ngolo, Engola is a performance of ritual combat that is heavily kick based. The martial art is practiced by different ethnic groups around the Cuene river in southern Angola.

Just like most African martial arts, Engola was used as a rite of passage for young men. Many of the techniques were created to mimic the way zebras fight. Using quick movements to deliver powerful kicks.

During the slave trade, many Engola practitioners were taking prisoner and shipped to Brazil. These Ngolos practitioners would innovate their style and this was how Capoeira would be created.

Nuba Wrestling (Sudan)

Another form of wrestling practiced in wrestling is the Sudanese style of Nuba wrestling. Also called Nuba fighting is very similar to Senegalese wrestling and a mix of freestyle wrestling.

It is a style of wrestling that was first practiced by the Nuba people of southern Sudan. This is not only a sport, but a form of cultural identity for the Nuba people.

Wrestling events generally take place during major festivals and holidays. The rules of this style of wrestling are also similar to Laamb wrestling.

Competitors are allowed to use takedowns, as well as hand strikes to take their opponent’s down. Whoever gets the takedown is declared the winner.

Istunka (Somalia) 

Istunka or Somali stick-fighting is a traditional weapon-based martial art practiced within Somalia. Another one of the African martial arts, where competitors attack each other with sticks. 

It goes by other names such as Guban or Geri. The martial art is a combat system, sport, and something that embodies the cultural heritage of the Somali people.

Participants in the matches have two large sticks that are used for offense and defense. They also hold a large towel/blanket in their lead hands that are used for distraction.

In the matches, points are awarded for clean strikes to the head, body, arms, and shoulders. More points are awarded for cleaner techniques that use superior speed and timing.

The martial art and sport have had a resurgence in recent years after efforts to preserve and promote the system. It’s the national past-time of the Somali people and something nearly all young men participate in.

Musangwe (South Africa)

Musangwe is a style of bare-knuckle boxing that is practiced within South Africa. It’s one of the most brutal hand to hand African martial arts within the continent.

This is one of the few styles of African boxing and one of the oldest on record. For centuries, this style of fighting has been used to settle disputes between tribes without full blown war. Much like the gypsy classes within Europe.

But what sets this style of bare knuckle boxing from the European style is the pre-fight rituals. Before matches, the boxers participate in dances and gestures to challenge the opposing side

The fights themselves are exactly the same as what we see in Europe. There are no time limits and the match continues until either a boxer is knocked out or quits.

 Tahtib/Egyptian Stick-Fighting (Egypt)  

In Egypt, a wide variety of different African martial arts are practiced. One of the oldest martial arts practiced in Egypt is Tahtib or Egyptian stick-fighting.

It’s a weapon-based martial art that has centuries of history. This martial art combines elements of combat, dance, and cultural expression.

This martial art holds a significant place in Egyptian folklore and remains an important part of Egyptian heritage. Tahtib involves wielding long sticks that are typically made of cane or bamboo.

Competitors engage in a rhythmic and choreographed exchange of strikes, blocks, and evasive maneuvers. It is practiced as both a sport and for cultural events.

It’s a beloved martial art within Egypt that is both practiced and celebrated by many Egyptians.

Surma Stick-Fighting (Ethiopia)

Ethiopia has their own style of stick fighting, which is called Surma stick-fighting. Also called Donga or Suri stick-fighting, Surma is a traditional martial art practiced by many Ethiopian tribes.

Specifically the Surma people, who the martial art is named after. Just like most other African martial arts, Surma is more than just a stick-fighting sport.

It is used as a rite of passage and to settle disputes between neighboring tribes. Competitors wield a long stick from a  Sesham tree that they call a “donga.” 

This stick has a length of 6 ft(2 meters) and competitors wear no more protection and really no clothing. The object of the match is rather straightforward.

Competitors aim to hit their opponent without sustaining damage of any kind. These stick-fighting bouts are accompanied by music sung by the spectators, which creates an energetic atmosphere.

Surma stick-fighting is engrained in the culture of the Surma people and something they all participate in.

Moraingy (Madagascar)

The last of the African martial arts that we’ll cover is the art of Moraingy from Madagascar. It’s a style of fighting that’s primarily practiced by the Malagasy people and the Saklava and Antandroy ethnic groups.

Moraingy is their version of kickboxing that takes place in a dirt ring with no padding. This style of kickboxing is known for its acrobatic kicks and dynamic strikes.

Fighters knowns as “mpifamos” engage in team bases one-on-one fights. It’s a striking dominant fighting style, but the object of the match is to knock their opponent out of the area.

Moraingy fights are often held during special events, where the spectators sing and create and exciting atmosphere.

One martial art that you may have heard of, but know next to nothing about is Hapkido. The Korean martial art that has a wide variety of practical techniques.

Here is what you need to know about the Korean martial art known as Hapkido. Going over how it was developed, its techniques, and real world application.

The History of Hapkido 

Hapkido is a Korean martial art that was developed during the mid twentieth-century. It was led by a group of martial artists that was led by Choi Yong-Sool. 

Sool along with his team began creating their martial art after WW2, when Japan lost control of the country. Grandmaster Choi was influenced by various styles of martial arts, which included various traditional Korean martial arts.

How Choi Yong-Sool Became a Martial Artist

During the occupation of Korea by Japan, Choi was captured and taken to Japan. While stuck in the country, Choi would become a student of Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu teacher Sokaku Takeda.

He trained under Takeda for thirty years and mastered this art of jujutsu. Once WW2 ended, Choi would return to Korea.

Choi Begins Developing Hapkido

Once Choi returned to his homeland, he would begin teaching his form of jujutsu. But he would then get together with another group of Korean martial artists. 

This group would begin practicing and sharing ideas with one another to create a new Korean martial art. That is how the art of Hapkido was formed.

The term “Hapkido” can be translated as “the way of coordinated power” or “way of harmony with the spirit.” This new martial art would have a base in grappling along with joint locks and striking.

Much like in the grappling art of Aikido, Hapkido’s movements would be focused on using an opponent’s energy against them. Redirecting their energy to mobilize them on the ground.

Hapkido Spreads Globally

The art of Hapkido would grow rather quickly in a short time period. Not spreading as fast as Taekwondo, but at quite a respectable pace.

Today, Hapkido is practiced globally and used within the training of Korean special forces.

The Techniques of Hapkido 

Hapkido is a diverse martial art that includes a wide range of different techniques. Everything from strikes, throws, joint locks, grappling, and pressure point holds.

• Hand Strikes: The hand strikes in Hapkido include punches, palm strikes, and ridge hands. Forearms and elbow strikes are also included in the curriculum. 
• Kicks: A wide variety of roundhouses, front kicks, sidekicks, spinning kicks, and knee strikes are taught within Hapkido.
• Throws: Similar to Judo, Hapkido uses an attacking opponent’s momentum against them to set up various throws.
• Grappling: While not as in depth as BJJ or Judo, the martial art does include self-defense techniques on the ground. The main techniques consist of controls and escapes.
• Pressure Points: Along with grappling, there’s an emphasis on pressure point holds to control and immobilize an opponent.

Notable Hapkido Practitioners 

There have been a wide variety of notable and respectable Hapkido practitioners in the martial art’s history. Here are some of the more notable practitioners.

Ji Han-jae

Master Ji Han-jae is one of the highest ranked Hapkido masters in the world. He has been teaching the Korean martial art for the last sixty years. Han-jae is also one of the key figures responsible for Hapkido spreading internationally.

Myung Jae-nam

Master Myung Jae-Nam was one of Grandmaster Choi’s most prominent students. After learning Hapkido, Jae-Nam went on to develop his own martial arts in Hankido and Hankmudo. Both of which were heavily influenced by Hapkido.

Han Bong-Soo

Master Han Bong-Soo was a Hapkido master that was heavily influential in bringing the martial art to the United States. He was also the founder of the International Hapkido Federation.

Geoff J. Booth

Geoff J. Booth is a Hapkido master and has been practicing the art for decades. He traveled to Korea to train extensively under Grandmaster Choi and his top students. Booth is one of the most respected Hapkido instructors from the west.

Scott Shaw

Another Hapkido master from the west that has spent decades learning and teaching it along with other martial arts. He is also a writer that has written extensively on this martial art, as well as self-defense theories.

Hapkido vs. Aikido

Hapkido is constantly compared to the art of Aikido. Let’s compare some of the similarities and glaring differences.

Similarities

Both martial arts were heavily influenced by forms of Japanese jujutsu with a base in grappling. The other similarity is that both styles use the principle of using their opponent’s energy against them. These are the two main similarities between the two styles.

Differences

While the two styles may seem similar, they also have some glaring differences. The biggest of which is that Hapkido includes various forms of striking within its teachings.

Aikido on the other hand is strictly a form of grappling that relies on throws and small join manipulations.

Also if we’re being honest, the art of Hapkido is proven far more effective than Aikido. The Korean martial art has more real world application and will do you better in self-defense situations.

Hapkido vs. Other Martial Arts  

Hapkido has similar techniques to other widely practiced martial arts like Taekwondo, Karate, Muay Thai, and Taekwondo. Although, these other martial arts do these similar techniques far better than Hapkido.

A Muay Thai roundhouse is more powerful and the throws in Hapkido are more technically sound in Judo.

Although this is not to say Hapkido is a bad martial art. It has some good aspects within the system, but the other martial arts mentioned have been proven more effective.

Is Hapkido Effective?

While many martial arts critics have issues with Hapkido such as real world application, it’s not a bad martial art. There are many good techniques within the martial art that are good and will help you in a self-defense situation.

You shouldn’t rely on Hapkido alone for self-defense, but it does have aspects that are respectable. It wouldn’t be a total waste of your time to learn some techniques from this martial art. 

The Filipino martial art known as escrima is one of the most effective weapon-based systems in the world. Teaching various weapons techniques, as well as throws and joint locks.

Here is what you need to know about the weapon-based martial art known as escrima. Going over its history, benefits, and list some of the best escrima practitioners in the world.

What is Escrima?

Escrima, which is also known as eskrima or kali is a weapon based martial art that was developed within the Philippines. The martial art encompasses various aspects of combat, which includes striking, grappling, and of course weaponry.

What the martial art is most known for is the use of sticks which are called eskrima or arnis sticks. Along with arnis sticks, practitioners also use a variety of knives and bladed weapons within the martial art.

Empty-handed techniques like joint locks, strikes, and defenses are also taught within escrima. All of these aspects that the martial art encompasses is why kali is regarded for its efficiency and adaptability.

The word eskrima is also a blanket term that is used for variations of this weapons-based martial art. There are different variations of this martial art which includes arnis and kali that both share similar principles.

Today, escrima is practiced worldwide for self defense, sport, and of course fitness. This martial art has also reached a global audience thanks to its use in various action movies. Getting more eyes of eskrima and more people interested in learning this effective martial art.

The History of Escrima 

There is no one person that can be credited with the creation of eskrima as it was developed over centuries.

The martial art was created from various tribes and communities within the region.  Dating back over a thousand years or practice.

One of the earliest instances of the use of early escrima was in the Battle of Mactan in 1521. Legendary Filipino warrior Lapu-Lapu was said to have used an early form of kali against Ferdinand Magellan’s forces.

Filipino hero Jose Rizal was also a escrima practitioner, whose writings helped influence Filipinos take back their country from the Spanish.

There are also various famous families that were influential in the development of modern escrima and its variations. Some of those famous families include.

• Canete Family (Doce Pares): Developed the Doce Pares eskrima system and were led by Grandmaster Ciriaco “Cacoy” Canete.
• Ilustrisimo Family: Led by Grandmaster Antonio “Tantang” Ilustrisimo, this family developed the famous Ilustrisimo style of escrima.
• Villabrille-Largusa Family: Led by the late Grandmaster Ben Largusa, this family developed the famous Villabrille-Largusa system of eskrima.
• Abon Family: A respected family of escrima practitioners that was led by Grandmaster Diony Canete Abon.
• Espada y Daga Family(Sword & Dagger): The sword and dagger family helped contribute to the further development of the martial art with their own system.

The Techniques of Escrima

The techniques of escrima are vast. Covering everything from closed quartered combat with weapons, open handed techniques, footwork, grappling, and joint locks.

• Panantukan (Striking): Variations of the martial art implement various types of strikes with weapons and your extremities. Along with weapon strikes, students also learn how to execute hand strikes, elbows, forearm, and knee strikes.
• Blocks And Parries: Learning how to block, parry, and deflect both an enemy attacking with a weapon or with their fists.
• Footwork: There is a heavy emphasis on proper positioning and footwork within the martial art. Learning how to move in all angles to defend and attack, while keeping your balance.
• Disarms: There’s a big emphasis on learning how to disarm an opponent of their weapon. Learning how to trap, control, and disarm an attacker to prevent them from possibly killing you.
• Dumog (Grappling): Students learn how to grapple their opponents to implement various takedowns and joint locks. All used to immobilize an opponent and keep them from attacking you.
• Espada Y Daga (Sword & Dagger): The use of knives and swords in both long and short distance confrontations.
• Sinawali: Cris-crossing techniques taught with the sticks to learn fluidity and timing of techniques.

The Benefits of Escrima

There are numerous benefits to learning one of the variations of Eskrima. Here are the top seven benefits of learning variations of this martial art.

1. Practicality: It focuses on real world self defense scenarios and has an emphasis on efficient and effective techniques. Teaching students how to defend against attackers both with and without weapons.
2. Weapon Proficiency: Where kali has an advantage over other self defense systems is that it teaches its students weapon proficiency. Learning how to use various weapons to defend themselves against an attacker.
3. Adaptability: Learning how to adapt and defend yourself in any possible situation.
4. Coordination: Helps students learn the importance of coordination and timing when using techniques to defend themselves.
5.  Cultural Value: The martial art teaches the importance of cultural value and respecting the creators of the martial art. Knowing the sacrifices they made in order to share the martial art.
6. Mental Discipline: Like most effective martial arts, this weapons-based art helps students develop mental discipline. Developing mental fortitude and focus to execute the techniques of the martial art.
7. Fitness: Along with learning self defense, it teaches students the importance of fitness. In order to optimally defend yourself, you must stay in constant shape.

Who are the Top Escrima Instructors? 

There have been numerous and influential grandmasters within this Filipino martial art. Here are five of the most notable and influential Eskrima practitioners.

Grandmaster Ciriaco “Cacoy” Canete

Grandmaster Ciriaco “Cacoy” Canete was a highly respected practitioner that founded the Doce Pares Organization. His style was also known as Cacoy Doces Pares and eskrido.

Canete was a lifelong practitioner and was the sole member of the Doce Pares Eskrima Club. Along with teaching his style, Cacoy practiced various other martial arts, which he was highly skilled in.

Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrusimo

Grandmaster Tatang was a renowned Filipino martial artist that practiced Kalis Ilustrisimo. An effective form of eskrima that his family spent generations developing.

He was known as being one of the best teachers in knife and bladed weapon techniques. Tatang’s work made him a highly revered figure in the martial art and he taught thousands of students his methods.

Remy Presis

Remy Presis is the founder of modern arnis that is based in the art of eskrima. His system is highly respected and Presis is revered for helping spread the art of escrima internationally.

Leo Gaje Jr

Leo Gage Jr is one of the leading authorities of Filipino martial arts and is a practitioner of the Pekiti-Tirsia Kali system. A version of kali known for its use of bladed weapons in close quarter combat.

Dan Insonato

Dan Insonato was a student of Bruce Lee and a highly touted kali practitioner. He is responsible for spreading escrima internationally and its depictions in numerous action movies. Insonato is still teaching and giving seminars around the world.

Escrima Stick Fighting 

Along with being a form of self-defense, escrima has also developed into its own sport. It’s generally called eskrima stick fighting, stick combat, or stick sparring. 

There are a variety of different rule sets for this sport depending on the organization overseeing the event. One of the more known organizers of escrima stick fighting are the Dog brothers.

The general format of these stick fighting events will look something like this described below.

• Protective Gear: Participants wear headgear, mouthguards, padded gloves, and sometimes extra padding around the arms, legs, and torso.
• Range And Targets: Targets include the head, body, arms, and legs. But within different stick fighting scoring systems some may only allow strikes to the body and extremities.
• Contact Level: Contact level will depend on the skill of the participants. Light contact will be permitted for lower skilled participants and more skill participants will be permitted to use harder contact.
• Scoring System: Just like contact level, scoring depends on the eskrima organization overseeing the competition and  the skill level of the competitors. Some systems may also factor in the technique and strategy of the competitors.
• Countering And Blocking: Competitors are encouraged to use a variation of blocks, evasions, and parries to counter their opponent’s attacks. 
• Weapon Disarms: Competitors are also encouraged to try and disarm their opponent. In some organizations, a disarm is awarded with points or automatically wins the match.
• Ground Fighting: Some organizations permit ground fighting in competitions, while others are strictly from standing.

Is Escrima Worth Learning?

To be a better martial artist and to further improve your self-defense skills, learning escrima would be a good idea. By learning this Filipino weapon-based martial art, you will be adept at using weapons, as well as defending against them.

When people talk about Korean martial arts, the obvious one that gets said is Taekwondo. But the Korean wrestling style of ssireum is also rather popular and predates Taekwondo by centuries.

Here is what you need to know about the Korean wrestling style known as ssireum. Going over its long history and the format of this style of wrestling.

What is Ssireum?

Ssireum or Korean wrestling is a folk style of wrestling that has been practiced within the country for centuries. The grappling art is also known as “hangul” and is one of the oldest forms of Korean martial arts.

This style of wrestling dates back to the Goguryeo period. It originated in military hand to hand training and gradually became a popular past-time. 

Even as the Goguryeo period ended, ssireum wrestling would continue through the Goryeo and Joseon periods. It would become a tradition for this sport to be held during the Korean holiday known as Dano. The fifth day of the fifth lunar month.

Ssireum events would also be held on various other Korean holidays. Such as the Third Day of the Third Moon and the Buddhist holiday of All Souls Day.

Originally, the winners of the competition would receive a prized bull from the king. 

Modern Ssireum

During the early 20th century, this form of Korean wrestling would grow into a more widely practiced grappling art. The first modern hangul wrestling competition was held in 1912 at the Dansonga Theater in Seoul. 

During the 1920s, organizers began referring to the wrestling style as ssireum. Along with the name change, the Pan Chosun Ssireum Federation was founded in 1927.

After Japan lost WW2 and the occupation of Korea, Korean wrestling was really able to expand. The National Ssireum Championship Contest was first held in 1947 and is still the biggest wrestling competition in South Korea.

During the twelve national championship events, weight divisions were added. Giving chances to wrestling of various sizes and making for more competitive matches.

Today, ssireum is more popular than ever and is nationally televised within South Korea. Also instead of a bull, the winners of the national tournament are awarded a giant gold plated bull statue.

The Format of Ssireum

The rules and format of ssireum wrestling can vary slightly depending on the specific event or competition. Here are the general rules and format of a traditional ssireum competition.

Rings and Boundaries

Ssireum matches take place in a circular sand ring called a “jjjangjangi.” A ring consisting of sand and dirt that has a diameter of seven meters. The ring is marked with boundary lines and the goal is to force your opponent over the lines or take them down.

Wrestling Attire

Wrestlers are only permitted to wear two pieces of clothing which are wrestling shorts and the satba sash. The satba sash is worn around the waist and was added during the mid 20th century. 

It was added as the original form of this style of wrestling also included a similar piece of attire. Federation heads wanted to add it to pay homage to the roots and culture of this form of wrestling.

Starting Position

When the two wrestlers meet in the center of the ring, they start by getting on their knees. Then each competitor grabs the other’s satba and waits for the main judge’s signal to go.

Ssireum Techniques

The techniques used in ssireum consists of throws, trips, and pushes. Using a mixture of these techniques to either take their opponent down or push them past the boundary lines.

Illegal Moves

Wrestlers are only permitted to try techniques above their opponent’s waist or using their satba. No strikes of any kinds or submissions are allowed in a match.

Out of Bounds

If any part of a wrestler’s body touches past the out of bounds markers, their opponent is awarded a point. The match is then restarted in the middle in the neutral position.

Ways to Win

All forms of ssireum wrestling go by a two out of three falls format. The first wrestler to earn points is declared the winner of the match.

Tournament Format

Most of the main tournaments go by a round robin style format. Whoever goes unbeaten in their weight division is declared the winner of the tournament.

The Weight Classes of Ssireum

When weight classes were first introduced in 1967, the governing body made four different weight classes. All four of which were named after mountains within South Korea.

Weight Class	Lb	Kg
Taebak (Flyweight)	176 lb	80kg
Geumgang (Lightweight)	198 lb	90 kg
Halla (Middleweight)	231 lb	105 kg
Baekdu (Heavyweight)	Under 352 lb	Under 160kg

The Training in Ssireum 

The training in Ssireum is much similar to the formats of other more practiced styles of wrestling. Practice sessions are hours of grueling technical training followed by free wrestling matches.

Then much like freestyle wrestling or Greco Roman, ssireum wrestlers have hard strength and conditioning programs. Doing various types of weight training, running, and mixing in circuit training to get in top shape for competitons.

Wrestling Styles That Share Similarities with Ssireum

When you watch a Ssireum wrestling match, this Korean wrestling style shares similarities to other more known grappling styles. Particularly the wrestling styles of Greco Roman style wrestling and the art of sumo.

Just like in Greco Roman wrestling, you are only allowed to use technique from the hips up in Korean wrestling. Then like in Sumo, ssireum wrestlers are allowed to grab the satba sash to control and take an opponent down.

There is also a hint of beach wrestling in this grappling style since matches take place within a sand circle.

The Global Expansion of Ssireum

In the past twenty years, this style of Korean wrestling has gradually expanded globally. There are now numerous ssireum wrestlers across Europe and Asia. The world championship has been held in various places from Germany, Lithuania, Myanmar, and of course South Korea.

Ssireum has also had the honor of being inscribed into the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. Becoming listed as the 131st Intangible Cultural Property.