There are many martial arts styles from around the world that may be considered “bizarre” by some people, due to their unique techniques or origins. Some examples include:
- Bokator: A Cambodian martial art that uses a combination of strikes, kicks, joint locks, and weapon techniques. Bokator is known for its use of animal movements, such as the crane and the elephant, in its forms and techniques.
- Kalaripayattu: An Indian martial art that is believed to be one of the oldest in the world. It uses a combination of strikes, kicks, grappling, and weapons, and is known for its acrobatic and flexible movements.
- Ninjutsu: A Japanese martial art that was developed by the ninja warriors of feudal Japan. It includes techniques for stealth, espionage, and assassination, as well as traditional martial arts techniques such as strikes, kicks, and weapons.
- Capoeira: A Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. It is characterized by its fluid and acrobatic movements, and its use of sweeping kicks and hand strikes.
These are just a few examples, and many other martial arts styles may also be considered unusual but have you heard of any of the following styles?
Bataireacht
Bataireacht (also spelled Bataireacht or baton twirling) is a sport that combines dance, gymnastics, and the manipulation of batons. It is typically performed by individuals or teams of performers in a variety of settings, including parades, competitions, and halftime shows at sporting events. The sport requires skill and precision in the handling of the baton, as well as physical fitness and coordination. Bataireacht is most commonly associated with marching bands and drum corps, but it is also performed independently.
Canne de Combat
Canne de Combat is a French martial art that specializes in the use of a walking cane as a weapon. The art is also known as “Canne de Combat Francaise” or “French Cane Fighting”. The cane is used in a similar way as a sword, and the techniques include strikes, parries, and disarms. The art is believed to have originated in the late 19th century and it was originally developed as a self-defense method for people who used canes for support. It is not widely practiced, but it is still being taught and passed on in some clubs and schools, mainly in France. The sport also includes sportive elements and it is sometimes practiced as a competitive sport.
Dambe
Dambe is a traditional form of boxing that is practiced by the Hausa people of Nigeria and parts of West Africa. The sport is characterized by its use of a leather-wrapped striking pad, called a “danda,” which is held in one hand, while the other hand is used to strike the opponent. The goal of the sport is to knock out the opponent or to disable him by striking him on his arms, which are wrapped in a thick rope. Dambe is traditionally a male-only sport, and it is often associated with rituals and festivals. It’s also considered as a form of cultural practice, and it’s usually performed during weddings and other social events.
Kino Mutai
Kino Mutai is a Filipino martial art that specializes in biting and eye-gouging techniques. The name “Kino Mutai” literally means “biting and eating the face” in Tagalog, the main language spoken in the Philippines. The art is known for its extreme and brutal techniques, which are said to be used only in life-and-death situations, and it is not taught to just anyone. The practice of Kino Mutai is not widely known and is not to be confused with other forms of martial arts. It is believed that it originated from the Philippines and it is considered as one of the most aggressive and dangerous forms of martial arts.
Okichitaw
Okichitaw is a martial art and warrior tradition of the Métis people, developed by George L. Anderson. Okichitaw is a combination of several traditional Plains Cree warrior skills and techniques, as well as some elements of modern military training. It includes hand-to-hand combat, weapons training, and horseback riding. The focus of Okichitaw is not just physical combat but also mental, spiritual and emotional well-being. Okichitaw is also believed to be a way of preserving, promoting and passing on Métis cultural heritage, history, and values to future generations.
Suikendo
Suikendo is a Japanese martial art that combines elements of Kendo (Japanese fencing) and Suiei (water sports). Suikendo is a relatively new sport that is not widely practiced. It is performed in a pool or body of water, and participants wear special protective gear that allows them to move freely in the water. The sport requires the use of a bamboo sword, called a “shinai,” and the objective is to strike the opponent’s head, body, or wrists with the sword. Suikendo also includes techniques of swimming and diving. It is considered as a unique sport as it combines Kendo with water sports, which require a high level of physical fitness and mental discipline.
Lerdrit
Lerdrit is a martial art that is practiced by the Thai military and special forces, it is also known as “Lethwei” in Thailand. Lerdrit is an ancient form of Thai martial arts that utilizes striking, clinching, and grappling techniques. It is considered one of the most brutal and physical forms of martial arts, as it allows the use of almost all parts of the body as weapons including headbutts, elbow strikes, knee strikes, and punches.
In Lerdrit, fighters wear minimal protection, and it’s more of a full-contact, bare-knuckle fighting than other forms of martial arts. It is also known as the “Art of Nine Limbs” because it uses the fists, feet, shins, knees, and elbows as striking points. Lerdrit is not as popular as other forms of martial arts such as Muay Thai, but it has a dedicated following in Thailand and is gaining popularity around the world.