What is the difference between Karate and other martial arts?
Just about every country in the world has it’s own endemic martial arts system. China is famous as the home of Kung Fu, Korea the birthplace of Tae Kwon Do, and Thai Boxing (or Muay Thai) comes from Thailand. Less well known are Savate from France, Kalari from India, Kali from the Phillipines and Capoeira from Brazil (originally an art practised by slaves transported from Angola). Britain has a variety of Boxing and Wrestling “sports”, including Morris Dancing! Ignore the fancy outfits and bells and look at what Morris dancers are really doing – attacking and defending using staves. Yes, Morris Dancing was originally a way of teaching peasants how to fight with staffs and other stick based weapons. Cornish Wrestling is still actively practised in Cornwall and other Celtic countries.
