Martial Arts Techniques Traditionally, martial arts were
identified as fighting arts that originated in Asia. However, as
the understanding of martial arts has expanded, combative arts
created outside of Asia began to be labeled as martial arts.
Martial arts techniques come in many shapes and sizes. There are
empty-hand techniques during which the practitioner does not
have a weapon. Theses generally involve strikes, kicks and
grappling techniques. There are techniques for various
weapons—knife, stick, blunt and other edged weapons. There are
also disarming and self-defense techniques during which the
practitioner is specifically trying to overcome an aggressor.
Martial arts techniques also can include “softer” techniques,
like breathing exercises, chi-disruption techniques and
meditation. Chokes—which also are called chokeholds or
strangleholds—are grappling holds applied to an opponent or
attacker’s neck that can cause unconsciousness or death. They
are commonly used in combative sports, close-quarters and