worlds deadliest martial arts

Formally known as Pugilism, Boxing is one of the most well known martial arts practiced today (and one of the oldest it dates back to Ethiopia in 6,000 B.C.). The ancient Greeks first elevated boxing to an organized sport by including it in the Olympic Games of B.C. 688 and it remains an Olympic sport to this day. Boxing s focus on striking the face makes it a particularly lethal martial art despite the toned down events which are broadcast on television today.

Though Kung Fu is an umbrella term for various martial arts, the variety of Kung Fu originating from and practiced at the Shaolin Monastery in China s Hunan province is one of the best known (and one of the most lethal). Lawlessness in the surrounding provinces and the monastery s need to be protected led to the rise of Shaolin Kung Fu, often practiced by the Buddhist monks for up to five hours per day.

Varma Kalai is an ancient Indian martial arts style traced back to the god Shiva and his instruction. More than just a fighting technique, Varma Kalai includes aspects of traditional massage where pressure points are used to heal as well as aspects of Ayurveda to treat paralysis and nervous disorders, among other things. Due to practitioners superior knowledge of the body, the combat version Marma Adi focuses on striking pressure points in the nerves and organs in order to incapacitate an opponent.

Jeet Kune Do is the fighting system developed by renowned martial arts expert Bruce Lee,Chinese name Lee Jun fan. Though more a philosophy than pure martial arts, it is still often considered for discussion in the martial arts world. Using the least possible movement with the greatest possible impact and intercepting one s opponent as they begin an attack, Jeet Kune Do focuses on speed and a smooth flow between attack styles. Lee often referred to this dangerous style as the art of expressing the human body.

The collection of survivalist techniques in war town feudal Japan, Ninjutsu is practiced by the shinobi (known as ninjas outside Japan). Part martial art, part trickery, Ninjitsu and its practitioners frequently were employed as assassins or spies. Master of stealth, the shinobi were also skilled archers and runners. Though they could fight hand to hand, these dangerous warriors often employed weapons such as shurikens and the katana.

A martial arts form which heavily influenced Bruce Lee s Jeet Kune Do, Wing Chun is a Chinese martial art utilizing a high amount of close combat. Central to the art is the concept of rootedness where a practitioner must focus on balance and proper stance to brace them against the ground (leading to a more powerful attack). A balanced yet dangerous martial arts form, Wing Chun insists on proper structure lest one s opponent exploit their defenses.

With a focus on disrupting an opponent s balance to catch them off guard, Bakom (also known as Vac

Originating from the south western Indian state of Kerala, Kalaripayattu is regarded as one of the oldest martial arts styles in the world. Though the original styles employed weapons, today s sparring practices forgo them. Only the most disciplined and wise Kalaripayattu practitioners are taught techniques where the mere touching of a vital point can disable or kill their attacker. Despite the masters use of massage they massage their students to increase flexibility to treat muscle injuries this is a seriously deadly form of martial arts which played an important role over centuries of South Indian fighting, especially between the Chera and Chola dynasties.

Traditionally derived in the Parisian slums, French Savate has gruesome roots. Partially drawing from Greek Pankration, Savate focuses on low kicks (rarely above the groin) aimed at breaking an opponent s bones. As one could go to prison for up to six months for hitting someone with a closed fist, this dangerous fighting style utilized open handed blows, especially on the face to stun one s adversary.

Though Hapkido shares similar roots to, it is a uniquely different style. A martial art focusing on self defense, Hapkido uses joint locks, throwing, and grappling in addition to traditional weapons such as the sword, nunchuk, and rope. Good for short and far range fighting, this dangerous Korean style is known for its use of jump kicks and pressure point strikes.