Are you a fan of martial art movies? Do you think you’re an ultimate warrior after defeating your opponent in rounds of Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat?

Here’s your chance to explore the history and skilful techniques of these following seven powerful fighting styles that have been derived from world-class combats like Kung Fu and Jujitsu.  If you think you can withstand that pain of grabbling and striking, you too can become a triumphant warrior in your own right.

China: Wing Chun Kung Fu

Wing Chun is a concept of Kung Fu that was developed in China, and according to legends it was created by Ng Mui, a Buddhist nun who survived the Qing Dynasty’s destruction of the Shaolin Temple.  Already skillful in various forms of martial art techniques, the fighting styles of Wing Chun was designed after she witnessed the battle between a crane and a snake.  However, the name of this new practice wasn’t established until a woman named Yim Wing-Chun wanted Ng Mui to train her in order fight a warlord who requested her hand in marriage.  After she rejected his advances, she then promised to accept his proposal only if he could defeat her in a fight.  And by using the art movements she learned, Yim Wing-Chun kicked his butt.

Wing Chun, meaning “spring chant” or “eternal springtime” focuses on three major components: Balance, structure and stance. While remaining in close range with your component, striking and grappling are also used to successfully win during combat, while elbows remain in close contact with the body. This is to prevent fighters from swinging at each other, but feet can be used instead.

If Wing Chun teaches us anything it should be this: When a woman says no, she means it.

Japan: Judo

As popular as this artistic movement has become, we cannot fully understand the importance of Judo unless we take a trip to Japan and revisit 1882. The combative art form was created by Professor Jigoro Kano, who incorporated traditional styles of Jujitsu to form a technique that would be just as forceful without crippling the fighters.  Therefore, the name Judo, meaning “gentle way,” was developed to administer the principles that combatants can still triumph over their opponents without causing bodily harm.

Contributing many years to the practice and even forming a school dedicated to Judo, it has since transformed into a beloved sport that teaches self-discipline as well as the art of competitiveness.  Under the instruction of a judoka, students learn about its three basic forms: nage-waza (throwing), katame-waza (grappling) and atemi-wazi (striking).  Drastically focusing on the competitive aspect of Judo, the purpose of the fight is to take down your rival, whether by pinning him down or by forcing him to comply by choking or using the joint lock technique.

India: Gatka

For centuries, gurus of India followed a strict regimen of great physical and mental health as well as spiritual enlightenment.  So when Sikhism was established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, he stressed that followers of the belief should maintain this lifestyle in order to protect the faith and fight against oppression.  But when more than 50 Rajput princes were kidnaped by Muslims, an army was assembled combining the different martial art practices of Punjabis and the Rajputs.  By incorporating the sword, Gatka became a profound military martial art, which was utilized and proven to be triumphant in many battles of the Sikhs.

Today, the martial art is primarily used with sticks instead of a sword between two or more experts. Displaying great artistry as a form of self-defense, practitioners must perform various maneuvers including impressive footwork in order to block their opponents’ attacks.  Whether practiced as a sport or ritual, Gatka encourages a healthy, spiritual and disciplined lifestyle.

Israel: Krav Maga

In response to the Arab-Israeli War that resulted from the United Nation’s decision to establish the State of Israel in 1948, the Israeli military was ultimately disbanded, which led to the new design of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).  A fighting legend by the name of Imi Lichtenfeld joined IDF and began a long lasting career in the military.  By incorporating his experiences in self-defense, boxing, gymnastics, and fighting for the Jewish rights in the streets of Bratislava during the 1930s, as well as the defenses he learned in the military, he was able to develop Krav Maga. Soon after, he began training and certifying soldiers as well.

When translated, Krav Mag means “battle” or “combat”, emphasizing its extreme maneuvers taken to defeat a rival.  Students are taught to never start a fight, but if they have to defend themselves they should apply attacks that aim at the body’s most sensitive areas as quickly as possible. Also by using confidence and awareness, Krav Maga allows its students to become fully aware of their adversary’s weak spots.  In other words, practitioners are not expected to start a fight, but they are definitely trained to end it.

Thailand: Muay Thai

With wars running amok, the country of Thailand, then Siam, was forced to protect itself in case of a sudden attack on the government and its people. Therefore, the first army was introduced in 1238, and it required its soldiers to undergo extensive training with weapons and learn how to fight successfully with their bare hands.  Muay Thai became an important way of life for the Siamese people as the danger of war heightened and spread throughout the streets like wildfire, resulting in training camps for men and even locals getting participating.

Also known as “The Art of Eight Limbs," the body uniquely transforms into its own weapon with the hands simulating the sword, the forearms as the shield, the elbow as a hammer, and the knees and legs resembling the staff and an axe.  Since its creation, Maui Thai has been modernized as a sport which uses feet, knees and elbow coordination to perform clinching techniques.  Opponents are also required to be in great physical shape to prove their competence as a noble fighter.

Indonesia: Bakti Negara

When you combine Hinduism, Balinese dance and pencak silat (Indonesian martial arts) you get one of the most artistic self-dense performances in the world.  In a struggle to become independent from the Dutch, four freedom-fighters set out to defend their country by incorporating this system that teaches self-defense through grappling,  striking and weaponry, as well as personal development.

Since its creation in 1955, Bakti, meaning “devotion,” and Negara, “country," has advanced into a profound spiritual and cultural martial art technique that is revered to this very day by Balinese celebrating their admiration for the love of their country through its sacred yet rhythmic movements. 

Brazil: Capoeira

From the curious observer, capoeira resembles a skillful dance that requires years of practice in order to master it successfully. There is a reason for that: This rhythmic system is a fighting technique disguised as a dance because it was forbidden by masters who feared its practitioners would learn how to defend themselves.  But as the Bantu definition of capoeira mixed with a few tupi words suggest “to fight,” proves that the high kicks, cartwheels, flips and spins were more than a new dance they invented.

Also known as “the game,” capoeira’s complex movements continue to thrive today and, with colorful music added to the fight, create a traditional artistic show.

Enjoy your vacations with a shot of adrenaline? Why not check out 10 Death-Defying Caribbean Adventures. Or why not come down off of your martial arts high with a meditative stroll through the World's 10 Most Amazing Gardens.