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European Martial Arts

When we think of martial arts, we are general lead to think about Eastern styles from Asia such as Karate, Tai Chi, Kung Fu or Tai Kwon Do. However if you take the term ‘martial art’ to refer to any regimented form of self defence then there are many European martial arts too that bear mentioning. At the same time for someone moving to Europe or going there on holiday there are many European martial arts classes that will teach all of the well known styles just as anywhere else. European martial arts classes have been very popular since Bruce Lee introduced martial arts on screen to the majority of the Western world. Particularly popular European martial arts classes include Karate (and in particular the style ‘Shotokan’), Judo, Tae Kwon Do and to an extent Kung Fu. As such these styles constitute the majority of European martial arts practiced regularly.

Interestingly Karate and Judo are practiced now more regularly than the traditional European martial arts that were developed in European countries. And many of the European martial arts styles are actually unheard of among many Europeans. Following are a few styles of European martial arts with brief descriptions:

Fencing: Fencing is perhaps the most well known of European martial arts. Fencing is a form of fighting that uses a sword called a ‘foil’ or ‘sabre’. These thrusting weapons are used for direct jabs and parries and reposts are used to block and counter attacks. Many well known expressions come from fencing such as ‘touché’ and ‘en guard’. As well as one of the best known European martial arts, it is also one of the most European martial arts – having been developed in France and being synonymous with the duels found in Victorian England.

Savate: Savate, as the name sounds, is a martial art developed in France. A slightly more modern of the European martial arts it has its routes in boxing and kick boxing.

Boxing: Boxing is perhaps eligible to be counted among European martial arts. While it first came into use (as we recognise it) in England, its history seems to date back as far as Greece. While it is hard to pinpoint its exact beginnings, it is most likely the most practiced of European martial arts.

Parkour: This is another dubious entry to a list of European martial arts in that it is only loosely a martial art at all. Instead Parkour (again developed in France) is a series of jumps and moves inspired by European martial arts and used to move quickly across urban landscapes.

Runa Glima: Runa Glima and Lausatök Glima are European martial arts from Iceland that incorporate throws, wrestling and weapons.

Spartan: From Sparta in ancient Greece the Spartan warriors were considered some of the most perfectly trained warriors in history. Similar forms of European martial arts are recently being learned by some enthusiasts in an attempt to recreate their training.