77 Combat Sports List (sorted by Popularity)

A list of 77 combat sports ranked by popularity, from boxing, MMA and Brazilian jiu-jitsu to schwingen, pehlwani, vovinam and Senegalese wrestling.

Striking arts, grappling arts, weapon arts and the mixed formats are ranked together, so folk wrestling styles stand next to the Olympic disciplines. Each entry covers the origin, where the style is practiced and its governing body, with a comparison table for the top ten.

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Combat Sports List

1. Boxing
2. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
3. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
4. Muay Thai
5. Wrestling
6. Judo
7. Kickboxing
8. Taekwondo
9. Karate
10. Sambo

Combat Sports at a Glance

The useful way to sort combat sports is by what is allowed. Striking, grappling or both, and whether the fight is meant to end on the feet or on the ground.

Only three of the ten are on the current Olympic programme, and all three are the oldest entries in the table. Everything invented after 1950 has had to build its own circuit instead.

#1 Boxing

Boxing, one of the oldest and most popular combat sports, traces its roots to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece. Its modern form took shape in 18th century England.

Today, boxing enjoys worldwide popularity, with famous tournaments like the World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships, World Boxing Council (WBC) Championships, and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Championships.

Boxing became an Olympic sport in the 1904 St. Louis Games, showcasing the skills of amateur boxers globally.

#2 Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that combines techniques from various martial arts such as wrestling, boxing, judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Although ancient civilizations had similar combat contests, MMA gained modern recognition in the 1990s with the establishment of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

MMA has seen rapid global popularity, with promotions like Bellator and ONE Championship also gaining prominence. Though not an Olympic sport, MMA holds numerous world championships annually, attracting fighters and fans alike.

#3 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) was developed in the early 20th century by the Gracie family of Brazil, inspired by Japanese Jujutsu and Judo. Focused on ground fighting and submission techniques, BJJ gained popularity in the 1990s with the rise of MMA competitions, particularly the UFC.

Today, BJJ is practiced worldwide, with major tournaments such as the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championship and the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) Submission Wrestling World Championship. BJJ is not an Olympic sport but remains highly influential in modern combat sports.

#4 Muay Thai

Muay Thai, known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” originated in ancient Siam (modern-day Thailand) as a military martial art. Developed around the 14th century, Muay Thai uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes to inflict damage on opponents.

Widely popular in Thailand and attracting global attention, the World Muaythai Council (WMC) and International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) govern the sport.

Muay Thai hasn’t made it into the Olympics, but the sport is featured in events like the IFMA World Muaythai Championships and the King’s Cup.

#5 Wrestling

Wrestling, a grappling-based combat sport with origins in ancient Greece, Egypt, and Mesopotamia, involves pinning or throwing an opponent to the ground.

Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling are the most famous styles, with the former allowing the use of legs in offense and defense, while the latter forbids holds below the waist.

Wrestling has been a part of the modern Olympic Games since 1896, governed by the United World Wrestling (UWW). Top wrestling competitions include the UWW World Wrestling Championships and the NCAA Wrestling Championships in the United States.

#6 Judo

Judo, a Japanese martial art founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882, emphasizes throws, grappling, and submission techniques. Evolving from traditional Jujutsu, Judo focuses on leveraging an opponent’s strength and movement to gain an advantage.

The International Judo Federation (IJF) is the governing body for Judo. The sport gained Olympic status in the 1964 Tokyo Games, showcasing elite Judokas globally.

Major Judo tournaments include the IJF World Judo Championships and the European Judo Championships.

#7 Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a hybrid combat sport combining elements of boxing, karate, and other martial arts. Originating in Japan in the 1960s, kickboxing gained momentum in the 1970s in North America, popularized by organizations like the Professional Karate Association (PKA).

Kickboxing combines punches and kicks, and is practiced for self-defense, fitness, and competition.

The sport is not part of the Olympic program, but major tournaments like the International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) World Championships and the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) World Championships take place annually.

#8 Taekwondo

Taekwondo, a Korean martial art dating back to the early Goguryeo Dynasty (37 BCE, 668 CE), emphasizes high, fast kicks and jumping and spinning techniques.

Modern Taekwondo emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, with the World Taekwondo (WT) and the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) serving as governing bodies.

Taekwondo became an Olympic sport in the 2000 Sydney Games, promoting the Korean martial art globally. Key Taekwondo tournaments include the WT World Taekwondo Championships and ITF Taekwon-Do World Championships.

#9 Karate

Karate, originating in Okinawa (now part of Japan), is a striking-based martial art developed in the early 20th century. It combines aspects of indigenous Okinawan fighting styles and Chinese martial arts, emphasizing punches, kicks, knee strikes, and open-hand techniques.

Since the World Karate Federation (WKF) is the sport’s governing body, Karate has grown popular globally. Karate made its Olympic debut in the 2020 Tokyo Games.

The WKF World Championships and the European Karate Championships are significant events in the Karate world.

#10 Sambo

Sambo, a Russian martial art developed in the early 20th century by Viktor Spiridonov and Vasili Oshchepkov, combines elements of judo and native Russian wrestling styles. Sambo focuses on throws, groundwork, and submissions, with two primary styles: Sport Sambo and Combat Sambo.

The sport is governed by the Federation International of Amateur Sambo (FIAS). Although Sambo is not an Olympic sport, it holds major competitions, including the FIAS World Sambo Championships and European Sambo Championships.

More Combat Sports

1. Krav Maga: Developed in the 1930s by Slovakian-Israeli martial artist Imi Lichtenfeld, Krav Maga is a hybrid self-defense system originating in Israel. Combining elements of boxing, wrestling, judo, and street fighting, Krav Maga has become popular worldwide for its practical self-defense techniques and its use by military and law enforcement agencies.
2. Kung Fu: Originating in ancient China, Kung Fu is a broad term encompassing various Chinese martial arts. Kung Fu became globally popular in the 20th century with the rise of martial arts cinema, particularly movies featuring legends like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. Kung Fu emphasizes forms and techniques for self-defense, meditation, and personal development. The World Wushu Championships is a leading Kung Fu competition.
3. Sumo: An ancient Japanese sport with origins dating back to the 8th century, Sumo wrestling showcases massive athletes attempting to push or throw one another out of a circular ring. Sumo is deeply rooted in Japan’s culture and Shinto practices. It isn’t an Olympic sport but holds major tournaments throughout the year, including the six Grand Sumo tournaments (honbasho).
4. Capoeira: A martial art originating in Brazil in the 16th century during the time of African slavery, Capoeira combines fighting techniques with music, dance, and acrobatics. Capoeira emphasizes fluid, evasive movements and incorporates a unique cultural experience. The sport is popular in Brazil and regions with a significant Afro-Brazilian population.
5. Savate: Developed in France in the 19th century, Savate, or French kickboxing, is a striking-based martial art that emphasizes kicks and punches. Savate competitions require fighters to wear specialized footwear, distinguishing it from other kickboxing disciplines. The International Savate Federation (FISav) governs the sport, and major tournaments include the World Savate Championships and European Savate Championships.
6. Hapkido: A Korean martial art that emerged in the 1940s, Hapkido focuses on joint locks, throws, and powerful strikes. It combines elements of Taekwondo, Judo, and Jujitsu. Although not as widely popular as Taekwondo, Hapkido is practiced in Korea and countries with a significant Korean cultural influence.
7. Kyokushin Karate: Founded in Japan in the 1960s by Masutatsu Oyama, Kyokushin Karate emphasizes full-contact sparring, powerful strikes, and intense training. Kyokushin is considered one of the toughest styles of Karate, with practitioners known for their rigorous conditioning and formidable fighting abilities. The Kyokushin World Tournament and All Japan Open Tournament are significant events in Kyokushin Karate.
8. Sanda: Sanda, also known as Sanshou or Chinese Kickboxing, is the full contact combat form of Chinese Wushu, shaped in the 20th century out of traditional Kung Fu and military hand to hand training. Bouts allow punches, kicks, throws and takedowns inside a raised platform called the lei tai. The International Wushu Federation (IWUF) governs the sport and runs the World Wushu Championships. Sanda is not an Olympic sport.
9. Pankration: An ancient Greek martial art that combines boxing and wrestling techniques, Pankration was first introduced in the Greek Olympic Games in 648 BCE. Though Pankration has historical roots, contemporary versions of the sport have competed in events such as the International Pankration Championship and the Modern Pankration European Championships.
10. Eskrima: Originating in the Philippines, Eskrima, or Arnis, is a weapons-based martial art focusing on sticks, knives, and improvised weapons. Eskrima is the national sport of the Philippines and has gained some popularity outside the country. The World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) governs the sport, and the World Arnis Championships is a significant event.
11. Shootboxing: Founded in Japan in the 1980s, Shootboxing combines elements of kickboxing, Muay Thai, and grappling, allowing fighters to use standing submissions and throws in addition to strikes. While not as widely known as other combat sports, Shootboxing has a dedicated following in Japan, where the annual Shootboxing World Tournament takes place.
12. Lethwei: Also known as Burmese bare-knuckle boxing, Lethwei originated in Myanmar and dates back over a thousand years. Lethwei allows a wide range of striking techniques, including headbutts, and is considered one of the most intense and ferocious combat sports. The Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Championship and The Golden Belt Championship are key tournaments held within this sport.
13. Taido: Created in Japan in 1965 by Seiken Shukumine, Taido is a martial art focusing on dynamic movements, evasion, and versatile striking techniques. Although not as popular as other martial arts, Taido holds competitions such as the Taido World Championships and the European Taido Championships.
14. Wushu: Wushu, also known as Chinese Kung Fu, is a contemporary martial art that incorporates elements of traditional Chinese martial arts styles, including striking, grappling, and weapons training. The International Wushu Federation (IWUF) governs the sport, with the World Wushu Championships and the Asian Wushu Championships being major events in the Wushu world.
15. Wing Chun: A Chinese martial art with origins in the 18th century, Wing Chun emphasizes close-range combat, efficient movements, and a balance of offense and defense. Made famous by practitioners such as Ip Man and Bruce Lee, Wing Chun emphasizes quick, powerful strikes and efficient energy use. The sport is practiced worldwide, particularly in China and Hong Kong.
16. Jeet Kune Do: Developed by Bruce Lee in the 1960s, Jeet Kune Do is a hybrid martial art combining techniques from multiple disciplines, including Kung Fu, boxing, and fencing. Known as the “Way of the Intercepting Fist,” Jeet Kune Do is more a philosophy than a rigid set of techniques. The Jeet Kune Do Federation (JKDF) supports and promotes the art worldwide.
17. Yaw-Yan: Developed in the Philippines in the 1970s, Yaw-Yan, or Dance of Death, is a Filipino martial art that combines elements of kickboxing, grappling, and weapons training. Yaw-Yan focuses on fast, powerful strikes using kicks and punches. Though not as widely known as some martial arts, Yaw-Yan has a dedicated following in the Philippines and a growing presence internationally.
18. Shorinji Kempo: Founded in 1947 by martial artist Doshin So, Shorinji Kempo is a Japanese martial art that combines self-defense, meditation, and spiritual development. Shorinji Kempo incorporates striking, grappling, and pressure point techniques. The World Shorinji Kempo Organization (WSKO) oversees the sport and holds events such as the World Shorinji Kempo Championships.
19. Dambe: A traditional African martial art originating among the Hausa people of Nigeria, Dambe is a brutal boxing-style sport that utilizes punches, kicks, and grappling. Historically practiced by traveling warrior clans, Dambe has grown in popularity across Nigeria and West Africa. Although not a mainstream combat sport, Dambe maintains a strong cultural presence in its region.
20. Canne de Combat: A French martial art developed in the early 19th century, Canne de Combat involves the use of a cane as a weapon for striking, thrusting, and defense. This martial art emphasizes speed, fluidity, and technical skills. Governed by the International Canne de Combat Federation (FIC), Canne de Combat competitions take place across Europe.
21. Catch Wrestling: Catch Wrestling, originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in England, is a grappling-focused martial art combining elements of submission wrestling, freestyle wrestling, and judo. Popularized by circus and carnival wrestlers in the United States and the United Kingdom, Catch Wrestling has influenced modern grappling arts and mixed martial arts.
22. Combat Hapkido: Combat Hapkido, founded by John Pellegrini in 1990, is a modern adaptation of the traditional Korean martial art Hapkido, focusing on practical self-defense techniques and ground fighting. The International Combat Hapkido Federation (ICHF) governs the sport and provides certification and training programs.
23. Combat Sambo: Combat Sambo is a Russian martial art and combat sport, originated in the early 1920s by the Soviet Red Army to improve their hand-to-hand combat abilities. It is a hybrid of Judo and various traditional wrestling styles. The sport is governed by the International Sambo Federation (FIAS). Major events include the FIAS World Sambo Championships. Combat Sambo is not an Olympic sport.
24. Glima: Glima is a traditional form of wrestling originating from the Viking age in Scandinavia, and it remains popular in Nordic countries today. The sport is governed by the Nordic Glima Federation. Major competitions include the Nordic Championships in Glima. It is not an Olympic sport.
25. Kalaripayattu: Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art that originated in the South Indian state of Kerala, believed to be one of the oldest fighting systems in existence. The sport is governed locally by various Kalaripayattu federations in India. It is not recognized in the Olympic Games.
26. Kempo: Kempo, also known as Kenpo, is a form of martial arts with roots in Japan, China, and Hawaii. The International Kempo Federation (IKF) oversees the sport. Major events include the IKF World Championships. Kempo is not an Olympic sport.
27. Khridoli: Khridoli is a traditional Georgian martial art that incorporates wrestling, judo, and boxing. The sport is recognized by the Georgian National Federation of Traditional Martial Arts. Khridoli is not an Olympic sport.
28. Kurash: Kurash is a traditional Central Asian martial art and combat sport similar to judo and Sambo, focusing on throws and grappling. The International Kurash Association (IKA) governs the sport and organizes events such as the World Kurash Championships.
29. Leelo: Leelo is an ancient Estonian team sport that combines elements of tag and ball games. The sport is governed by the Leelo League of Estonia. Major tournaments are mostly local Estonian championships. Leelo is not an Olympic sport.
30. Malla-yuddha: Malla-yuddha is an ancient form of combat wrestling from South Asia, primarily India, practiced as far back as the 5th millennium BC. The sport is governed by various local bodies. Malla-yuddha is not recognized in the Olympic Games.
31. Greco-Roman Wrestling: A style of wrestling that originated in ancient Greece and Rome, Greco-Roman Wrestling forbids holds below the waist and the use of legs for offense or defense. It emphasizes upper body strength, throws, and grappling. Greco-Roman Wrestling has been part of the modern Olympic Games since 1896, and the United World Wrestling (UWW) oversees the sport. The UWW World Wrestling Championships include Greco-Roman events.
32. Freestyle Wrestling: A popular modern wrestling style that allows the use of legs in offense and defense, Freestyle Wrestling involves a combination of throws, takedowns, and ground wrestling. Freestyle Wrestling became part of the Olympic Games in 1904 and is governed by the United World Wrestling (UWW). The UWW World Wrestling Championships and the NCAA Wrestling Championships showcase this exciting style of wrestling.
33. Shuai Jiao: An ancient Chinese martial art focused on throws, Shuai Jiao emphasizes speed and technical skills in its grappling techniques. Though not as globally popular as other martial arts, Shuai Jiao has a presence in China and countries with significant Chinese cultural influence. Shuai Jiao showcases its techniques in competitions like the Beijing Shuai Jiao Tournament.
34. Kendo: Kendo, a modern Japanese martial art, originates from traditional swordsmanship, focusing on sword fighting with protective gear and bamboo swords. Kendo practice emphasizes physical and mental discipline, honour, and respect. It is governed by the International Kendo Federation (IKF) and holds events such as the World Kendo Championships and European Kendo Championships.
35. Silat: Originating in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, Silat is a diverse martial art that includes striking, grappling, and the use of weapons. Silat emphasizes fluid, dance-like movements, making it unique among combat sports. The International Pencak Silat Federation (PERSILAT) governs this martial art, organizing events including the Pencak Silat World Championships.
36. Systema: A Russian martial art with roots in the Soviet Union, Systema combines hand-to-hand combat, grappling, and the use of weapons. Developed by the Russian military, Systema emphasizes fluid movement, relaxation, and improvised techniques. While not as widespread as some martial arts, Systema is practiced in Russia and several other countries.
37. Pradal Serey: Also known as Kun Khmer, Pradal Serey is a Cambodian martial art similar to Muay Thai, emphasizing strikes using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. Pradal Serey emerged over a thousand years ago and focuses on fluid, continuous attacks. The sport is popular in Cambodia, and fighters compete in events such as the Southeast Asian Games.
38. Bokator: Another Cambodian martial art, Bokator is characterized by its wide range of techniques, including strikes, grappling, and weapons training. With a rich history dating back thousands of years, this martial art emphasizes discipline, flexibility, and power. Today, Bokator is practiced primarily in Cambodia, where it is considered a cultural heritage.
39. Naban: Naban is a traditional style of wrestling from Myanmar. The Myanmar Traditional Naban Federation oversees the sport. Major competitions include the Myanmar National Naban Championships. Naban is not an Olympic sport.
40. Pehlwani: Pehlwani, or Kushti, is a form of wrestling from the Indian subcontinent. It is governed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Major events include the Hind Kesari and Rustam-e-Hind tournaments. Pehlwani is not an Olympic sport.
41. Schwingen: Schwingen is a style of folk wrestling native to Switzerland. The sport is governed by the Federal Swiss Wrestling Festival. Major tournaments include the Eidgenössisches Schwingfest. Schwingen is not an Olympic sport.
42. Senegalese Wrestling: Senegalese Wrestling, known at home as Laamb, grew out of village harvest festivals in Senegal and the Gambia and is today the most watched sport in Senegal, ahead of football. Fighters may strike with bare hands in the laamb version, and a bout ends the moment an opponent touches the ground with back, head or both hands. The Comite National de Gestion de la Lutte oversees the professional circuit. Laamb is not an Olympic sport.
43. Tinku: Tinku is a traditional form of ritualistic combat from the Bolivian Andes. While more of a cultural practice than a sport, it is supervised locally by indigenous leaders. Tinku is not an Olympic sport.
44. Varzesh-e Pahlavani: Varzesh-e Pahlavani, also known as Pahlavani Wrestling, is an ancient Iranian martial art that combines elements of wrestling and gymnastics. The sport is overseen by the International Zurkhaneh Sports Federation. Varzesh-e Pahlavani is not an Olympic sport.
45. Vovinam: Vovinam is a Vietnamese martial art that was created in the mid-20th century, incorporating elements from traditional Vietnamese martial arts along with influences from Chinese, Khmer, and French techniques. The sport is governed by the World Vovinam Federation (WVVF). Major events include the World Vovinam Championships. Vovinam is not an Olympic sport.
46. Fencing: Fencing descends from the duelling schools of Renaissance Italy and Spain and became a sport in its own right in 19th century France. Bouts are fought with foil, epee or sabre, each weapon with its own target area and right of way rules. The Federation Internationale d’Escrime (FIE) governs the sport. Fencing has been on the Olympic programme since the first modern Games in 1896.
47. Jujutsu: Jujutsu is the classical Japanese art of close combat that the samurai used when a weapon was lost, built on joint locks, throws and chokes rather than strength. It is the parent art of both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is still taught in traditional schools worldwide. The Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) runs the World Championships and the sport appears at the World Games, though not at the Olympics.
48. Aikido: Aikido was founded in Japan in the 1920s by Morihei Ueshiba, who reworked older jujutsu into a system that redirects an attack instead of meeting it. Practice centres on circular movement, joint locks and throws, and most styles hold no competition at all. The Aikikai Foundation is the largest of the international bodies. Aikido is not an Olympic sport.
49. Kenjutsu: Kenjutsu is the Japanese swordsmanship of the samurai from which modern Kendo was drawn, practised with wooden and blunted blades in fixed partner forms. Old schools such as Katori Shinto-ryu still teach it in an unbroken line. It has no single world federation and no competitive circuit, which keeps it a study art rather than a tournament sport, and it is not Olympic.
50. Naginata: Naginata is fought with a long Japanese pole weapon and was the battlefield art of temple warriors before becoming, in the 20th century, a discipline practised mainly by women in Japanese schools. Modern Atarashii Naginata scores strikes to head, torso, wrist and shin in armour. The International Naginata Federation holds a World Championship every four years. It is not an Olympic sport.
51. Ssireum: Ssireum is Korean belt wrestling, recorded in tomb murals from the fourth century, in which two competitors grip a satba sash around waist and thigh and try to force any part of the opponent above the knee to the sand. It draws large television audiences during Korean holidays. The Korea Ssireum Association governs the professional league, and UNESCO listed it as intangible heritage in 2018. It is not an Olympic sport.
52. Mongolian Wrestling: Mongolian Wrestling, or Bokh, is the oldest of the three manly games of the Naadam festival and has been practised on the steppe for centuries. There are no weight classes and no time limit, and a wrestler loses the moment his elbow, knee or back touches the ground. The Mongolian National Wrestling Federation ranks its champions by title rather than by points. It is not an Olympic sport.
53. Gouren: Gouren is the jacketed wrestling of Brittany, documented since the Middle Ages and revived as an organised sport in the early 20th century. A clean win, the lamm, requires putting an opponent flat on both shoulder blades at once. The Federation Internationale des Luttes Celtiques links it with the other Celtic wrestling styles. Gouren is not an Olympic sport.
54. Lucha Canaria: Lucha Canaria is the traditional wrestling of the Canary Islands, in use before the Spanish conquest and still played in island leagues. Twelve man teams meet inside a sand circle, and a bout is won by making any part of the opponent other than the feet touch the sand. The Federacion de Lucha Canaria runs the competition. It is not an Olympic sport.
55. Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling: Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling comes from the north of England and has been a fixture of Lakeland shows since the 18th century. Wrestlers take a fixed backhold behind the opponent before the start, and whoever touches the ground first, or breaks the hold, loses the fall. The Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Association organises the Grasmere championships. It is not an Olympic sport.
56. Beach Wrestling: Beach Wrestling is the sand version of amateur wrestling, standardised by the world governing body in 2004 to give the sport a low cost summer format. Bouts run three minutes in a seven metre circle, and points come from taking an opponent down or pushing him out. United World Wrestling (UWW) runs the World Beach Wrestling Series. It is not on the Olympic programme but has featured at the World Beach Games.
57. Bare-Knuckle Boxing: Bare-Knuckle Boxing is the older form of the sport, fought under the London Prize Ring rules until gloves took over in the 1890s, and it returned as a licensed professional sport in Wyoming in 2018. Rounds are two minutes and fights are held in a circular ring. The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is the leading promotion. It is not an Olympic sport.
58. Kudo: Kudo was founded in Japan in 1981 by Azuma Takashi as Daido Juku, a full contact system that puts Karate striking, throws and ground work into one ruleset and protects the head with a clear visor. Fighters are matched by a combined height and weight index rather than weight alone. The Kudo International Federation holds a World Championship every four years. It is not an Olympic sport.
59. Tang Soo Do: Tang Soo Do is a Korean striking art formalised by Hwang Kee in 1945 from Okinawan Karate, Chinese forms and native Korean kicking, and it is the style Chuck Norris carried to the United States. Practice is built on hyung forms, sparring and breaking. Several world bodies exist, among them the World Tang Soo Do Association. It is not an Olympic sport.
60. Hwa Rang Do: Hwa Rang Do was presented in Korea in 1960 by Joo Bang Lee, who traced it to the training of the Hwarang warriors of the Silla kingdom. It teaches striking, joint locks, throws and more than twenty weapons in one curriculum. The World Hwa Rang Do Association certifies its schools. It is not an Olympic sport.
61. Kajukenbo: Kajukenbo was put together in Hawaii between 1947 and 1949 by five instructors who blended Karate, Judo, Jujutsu, Kenpo and Chinese boxing, and the name is built from those parts. It was made for real street encounters and spread through the United States military. The Kajukenbo Self Defense Institute keeps the lineage. It is not an Olympic sport.
62. Silambam: Silambam is the staff fighting art of Tamil Nadu in southern India, mentioned in Sangam literature and once carried by traders across Southeast Asia. Bouts and displays use a bamboo staff whirled at speed, and the art also covers the sword and the deer horn. The Indian Silambam Federation and the World Silambam Association run championships. It is not an Olympic sport.
63. Gatka: Gatka is the Sikh martial art of the Punjab, taught with wooden sticks standing in for the sword and shield and shown at Nihang gatherings since the 18th century. Competition is scored on strikes to defined targets while keeping the rhythm of the footwork. The National Gatka Association of India has run it as a recognised sport since 2008. It is not an Olympic sport.
64. Nguni Stick Fighting: Nguni Stick Fighting comes from the herding boys of Zulu country in southern Africa, where two sticks are used, one to strike and one to parry, and Shaka is said to have trained with it. It still opens weddings and festivals in KwaZulu-Natal. It is organised locally rather than by a world federation and is not an Olympic sport.
65. Muay Boran: Muay Boran is the battlefield ancestor of Muay Thai, fought with rope bound fists before gloves and rounds arrived in the 1920s, and it allows headbutts and throws that the modern ring bans. It survives in demonstration and in film, and Thai gyms teach it as the historical layer under their striking. It has no competitive world body and is not an Olympic sport.
66. Bartitsu: Bartitsu was assembled in London in 1898 by Edward William Barton-Wright, who put Japanese jujutsu together with boxing, savate and cane fighting into the first recorded East meets West self defence system, and Arthur Conan Doyle gave it to Sherlock Holmes. It died out before the First World War and was revived by the Bartitsu Society in 2002. It is not an Olympic sport.
67. Historical European Martial Arts: Historical European Martial Arts, usually shortened to HEMA, reconstructs the longsword, rapier and wrestling systems of medieval and Renaissance Europe from surviving fight books such as those of Fiore dei Liberi and Joachim Meyer. Modern clubs spar in protective kit at open tournaments. The HEMA International Ratings track results across events. It is not an Olympic sport.

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