Overview:

AIKIDO - A mainly defensive martial art. Almost internal in many ways. Lots of throws, falls, and smooth movements. Devastating when done by a master, laughable when by a beginner. Fairly common anywhere in the free world it teaches it users to wait until attacked and then proceed to break the offending arm, leg or whatever.

AN CH'I - This is the style of the Lin Kuei, the chinese version of the shinobi, considered an assasin's art, suited for attack and withdraw fighting. Teaches the use of many weapons, especially those that can be eassily concealed.

BANDO - The martial art of the infamous Burmese soldiers, the Gurkha.Actually the art is ancient, consisting of 3 seperate forms until they were fused in the 1930's. Its attacks are centered around incapacitition. This means a practitioner will most likely go for an unprotected leg before attempting to strike a defended head or torso. It places emphasis on use of the Kukri blade, a heavy knike which acts as both a combat weapon and machete.

BOK PAI - Crane style kung fu, emulating the graceful, fluid movements of the great bird for which it is named. It is a soft style and the moves are sweeping arm attacks and roundhouse kicks.

BOXING - The noble art. Completely geared around upper body strength and powerful punches. It lacks "killing blows", grappling, kicks, throws.

CAPEORIA - Developed by Caribbean slaves. Ideal if arms, hands are controlled. Very athletic and requires great strenght to be competent. Slow to learn but then effective.

CH'IN NA - An ancient wrestling style. It teaches the bodies weak points and how to best attack them, a master will know every nerve point, the precise way to attack a limb to leave it broken or dislocated.

CHOI-LI FUT- A style of kung fu directly descended from the shaolin this style teaches when a fight is eminent to attack first with lightning speed and ferocious kicks and punches.

ESCRIMA - This is a basic description of the Filipino martial arts. While it does teach unamred techniques, its center of focus is around a short stave called an Escrima stick, and the Balisong knofe. The first goal of escrima is to disarm an opponent, and the art is categorized by it quick mulitple attcks to the arms and wrists, followed by a devastating attack to the head and body. Includes knife and stick, two sticks, "bo".

FU CHIAO PAI- (tiger claw kung fu) Students of this style imitate the powerful tiger when in combat. With fierce attacks and devastating blows always trying to do the most amount of damage he can to his opponent.

HAPKIDO- A form of karate taught almost everywhere in the world. It's only major difference is that it is a tad more diverse than the basic karate although somewhat less powerful. It is a good form for beginners.

HSING-YI CHUAN - A very violent and harsh chinese form, training its disciples to hit hard and fast, and to take a hit without pain.

ISHIN-RYU - Another common though relatively new form of karate it is taught around the principles of the bo staff and emphasizes quick blows snap kicks followed by a hasty withdrawal only to be repeated again and again till the opponent can no longer attack.

JEET KUN DO- The style of kung fu developed and made famous by the legendary Bruce Lee. The reason he developed it was because he was sick of the forms recognized in most other styles of kung fu, his thoughts being that the forms let your opponent know your moves in advance and that gave away too much of an advantage so he developed his own style. The name literally means "no form". The style is incredibly fast and ferocious, its moves are very difficult to predict making its user a very dangerous foe indeed. Bruce took facets of Tai Chi, Fencing, Kung Fu and anything else that he felt useful.

JUDO- Perhaps the most common eastern martial art in the world, it is taught everywhere to anyone. It is a required course in many military branches, police forces and even school as part of the phys-ed program. A Japanese form of wrestling, it teaches to use your opponent's weight and momentum against him.

JUI JITSU - Another fairly common Japanese art this takes the anything goes approach to fighting. Not considered to be very honorable but very effective. A good all around martial art.

KARATE - Japanese martial art. Cover name for many styles. Okinawan Karate is well respected as is Shotokan.

KENDO - The Japanese style of fencing way of keeping the art of bushido alive. A safer direct descendent of zanji shinkenjen-ryu.

KENPO- Another form of karate also very common. It has more of an emphasis on grappling skills.

KOBUJUTSU - This is an Okinawan style centered on armed combat techniques, and many of the tradition martial arts weapons are included in this training.

KOPPO- An ancient Japanese martial art, the forerunner of modern karate and judo. It is a rare and obscure form and more deadly than its predecessors. Taught exclusively in Japan to a very select student body who must prove themselves worthy of the honor. Thought by some to be developed to combat the ninja clans of feudal Japan.

KUK SOOL WON - A popular korean form, similiar to that of the Japanese Samuria sword art, Zanji Shinjinken-Ryu. This is the weapon art of the legendary Korean warriors, the Hwarrang knights.

KUNG FU- (American) This is your basic kung fu taught all over the United States and Europe. It is a bastardized mutt of many different forms wit each school seeming to specialize in its own style. While not as advantageous as other forms of kung fu it is a good martial art in its own right, it is very indistinct and easier to learn.

KUNTAO - An indonesian martial art, the chief competitor to pentjak silat, a competition which spawns often bloody rivalry. Teaching numerous weapon styles, as well an hand to hand, this is a well rounded, effective art. Unfortunately, like Pentjak Silat, it is not commonly taught outside of indonesia.

KUO-CHU'AN- (dog style kung fu) Perhaps the most comedic of all martial arts don't be fooled, for it is also one of the most effective. Practitioners, upon being attacked, will feign injury to the point of obvious melodrama - falling to the ground, rolling around, wailing like a child, and generally giving the appearance of a fool who is overly sensitive and has no business fighting. But it's all an elaborate ruse to get the opponent to underestimate them, thus causing the opponent to be of guard. It is all a ruse, and when their opponent is sufficiently lulled into sense of superiority the silliness ceases and the attacks become very fierce often destroying the attacker before he knew what happened. To further this deception, in any fight that is not a serious student of dog boxing will always purposely lose. KYOKUSHINKAI - This form of karate is based on striking power and the ability to take a blow. Powerful blows are honed to perfection by demonstrations where the students punch and kick through wood boards, cinder blocks, bricks, rocks, trees, whatever...... Body hardening also plays an important part and studentssubject themselves to having things broken over them or hurled at them or whatever else their masters can think of.

LEE KWAN CHOO- This is perhaps the greatest martial art of all, because it truly is only for defense. It is impossible to damage an opponent using this form. Meditation and spiritual enlightenment are a big part of this completely non-violent martial art. Geared completely towards avoidance attacks are made but cause no damage whatsoever, stopping just before contact and effectively stunning an opponent without actually striking him. When someone attacks a master of this style the master will usually dodge and parry their attacks until either they have beaten themselves up by running into other things, pass out from exhaustion, or simply give up. This form is only taught in remote Chinese monasteries.

LI-CHIA - (short hand kung fu) Always remaining within arms reach of his opponent, the practitioner of this martial art attacks straight on with as many punches and snap kicks as possible until his opponent has been beaten into submission. A fairly common form of kung fu schools and can be found through out the US and Europe.

MIEN CH'UAN - (cotton fist kung fu) The master chooses the student for this art, which is centered on counter attacking with equal or greater force. This is done by dodging and parrying attacks untill an opening presents itself, and then attacking the opponent's weak spots with full force.

MOO GI GONG - A martial art that specializes in using anything as a melee weapon. From a pair of chopsticks, to a stepladder. (JACKIE CHAN is the foremost example of this type of fighting where in every movie he makes he does something of this nature- in RUMBLE IN THE BRONX he used a ski, FIRST STRIKE the aforementioned stepladder, watch his Chinese flicks for better examples, I only used these films because they can be found in video stores everywhere or are still in the theater.) As long as a practitioner of this martial art is not trapped in an empty room he is never helpless. Taught in monasteries and schools throughout China and Japan.

MUAY THAI- (Thai kick boxing) One of the deadliest martial arts in the world. There is nothing spiritual about it, from the age where they can walk young children in Thailand are taught this ultraviolet form of kick boxing. The death toll from this sport in Thailand is staggering, especially today where bloodports are the most sought after forms of entertainment. As if that wasn't enough, organized crime controls the sport completely and lives are traded daily for the entertainment of the crowds and the money they lose gambling. Fixing a fight is common and if the fighter refuses to throw it they are killed along with their families and friends.

NINJITSU - This is not the fake ninjutsu you find in survivalist camps that cater to the paranoid. This is the real thing. The ancient Japanese art of assassination. On the whole the world thinks there are no ninja left in the world, this is a cultivated lie. The ninja clans are still there doing the dirty work for the highest bidder, and while they usually only work for Japanese customers they have been know to make exceptions. The ninja are the most feared assassins in the world, and this is a fear they have exploited to its full potential. Deadly and silent, beware the ninja, for he will never attack when expected, never give you a fair fight and never show any mercy. Ninjutsu is only taught at secret schools in Japan.

PAO PAT MEI - (leopard style kung fu) Emulating the cunning and ferocity of the leopard a practitioner of this art will gauge his enemy carefully then attack this incredible speed and deadly force. Taught only in remote monasteries in China, Laos, and Vietnam.

PENTJAK SILAT- The eastern art of assassination, this martial art is shrouded in secrecy and deceit. It has been said that to learn its secret is to lose your soul, no one knows where this is taught.

SANKUKAI- Restricted only to Buddhist monks this martial art is designed to subdue an opponent until his anger has passed, or until the hold placed on his pressure points has caused him to pass out. This form of karate is only taught in Buddhist temples in Japan to monks who have served for no less than a year.

SAMBO- The Russian art of wrestling. It really just amounts to do whatever it takes to win. While it used to only be taught in the Soviet Union, it is becoming more common around the world since its collapse.

SAVATE- The French art of kickboxing, this is another martial art that has enjoyed success throughout Europe but has never hit iit big anywhere else. As a martial art it is not as fluid as most of the eastern martial arts due to its European background and when being used truly does resemble boxing with your legs.

SHAO-LIN KUNG FU- The original kung fu, all other forms have their base here. One of the oldest martial arts still in existence. It is only taught in china in shao-lin monasteries. The art is free to learn but one must go through the rigorous training and harsh discipline of the Shao-Lin monks.

SINANJU- The Korean art of assassination. This martial art is rumored to date back to the time of Christ. Although Koreans are known to exaggerate when it comes to this subject. It is said that masters of sinanju have staged the perfect assassinations and left there victims as nothing more than a fairy tale. Robin Hood was said to have been killed by a master of sinanju. There is only one master of sinanju per generation and his students spend their whole lives learning to take his place until he chooses one of them. All the other students are banished from the masters village forever.

SNAKE STYLE KUNG FU - Practitioners of this art keep their hands open when attacking and strike with their fingers. The attacking hand looks like a snake striking and is very hard to get a lock on. The strikes will always be aimed at vital spots on the enemies body, eyes, throat, nerve clusters, etc...This ancient style of kung fu is taught only in China.

SUMO- The ancient style of two fat guys in their undies trying to push each other out of a circle Taught mainly in Japan. This is their national sport and great care and ceremony goes into each bout. The wrestlers aren't just fat either, there is quit a bit of muscle in their enormous bodies. Fighting a sumo wrestler is not a good idea, a slap from a sumo could break your neck and you could hit him 30 times before he feels it. The worst thing would be if he fell on you, so be careful around the big guys.

TAE KWAN DO- A Korean form of karate that is centered on offensive attacks. Schools for this form can be found anywhere.

TAI-CHI CH'UAN- The single most common martial art in the world and the national physical fitness program in China. In fact it is the only martial art you can get instructional tapes for at any video store. While widely perceived as simply an exercise routine or meditation technique it is a legitimate martial art.

TAI SING PEK KWAR- (monkey style kung fu) He who learns this form will act like a monkey during a fight, roll on the ground, flail his arms and make monkey sounds. Another martial art that takes advantage of a ruse designed to confuse or enrage the opponent, and then attack him when he is off guard.

T'ANG - SU- This is oldest form of Korean martial arts known, and the precursor to all forms of karate. Exclusively an offensive martial art this style has no defensive moves at all. It is the most difficult form of karate and it is taught only in remote areas of Korea.

TE - Yhe oldest Okinawan karate is a weapon based form, the weapons are what the martial arts weapons of today are based upon but then they were simply agricultural tools that the people learned to use as weapons. A form primarily focused on avoidance of aggression a practitioner of this art will never attack until he himself is attacked. It can be learned anywhere there is a large okinawan community.

TSUI PA HSIEN (drunken style kung fu) This martial art is designed to resemble a drunken stupor. The practitioner wobbles about mumbling, looking like he is barely able to stand, making carefully orchestrated attacks and defensive maneuvers. Onlookers will be completely fooled, putting a master's victory down to sheer luck and his opponent will be battered, humiliated and dumbfounded. Taught only in China.

UECHI RYU - Another form of karate, originating in Okinawa.

U- RA - DO - This is a nomad martial art developed by the under ground population using an amalgam of all the martial arts brought in from around the world by the roving clans. It is said no two people know the same style and differences in bonuses may vary. (what's given is an average set of bonuses) this gives practitioners an advantage in that there moves are incredibly diverse and unpredictable. Moves are traded as favors or as courtesy and when ever two clans meet there will always be the exchange of forms and kata's. This martial art is also becoming popular in the street where youth's trade move's like skating tricks. Its users are known for their love of the game footbag, which they play whenever they get the chance.

WAI WING CHUN- A popular form of Kung Fu, and one of the oldest in the world. Very effective, and very fast. This was Bruce Lee's style before he developed Jeet Kun Do.

WRESTLING- Greco roman wrestling taught in every high school in America.

WUDONG - A chinese style, combining the art of deceptive fighting, with that of quick fierce strikes designed to end a fight quickly.

XING CHIAO - (eagles claw kung fu) Once again an animal style whereupon practitioners imitate the actions of an eagle, making leaping attacks with kicks and using there hands to make gouging and clawing attack, and then making a quick retreat to re-evaluate the situation before once again joining the fight. Taught in china by masters who live the hermits life, the student must struggle through the lack of his teaches presence and mostly teach himself.

YU-SOOL - A mixture of karate and Aikido this form teaches to counter with opposite resistance, a punch with a sweep, a parry with a kick etc...Taught only in Korea.

ZANJI SHINJINKEN-RYU- The samurai art of the katana. The Japanese swordsmen are undeniably the best in the world and this is their art. Completely geared towards the use of the katana and the bushido way of life, the student must first prove to the master that he is worthy. (for more info read the book AUTUMN LIGHTNING)