Although there are a huge variety of different forms and techniques, many of them are similar in movements.

Kung-Fu is a form of exercise with a spiritual meaning that comes from concentration and self-discipline in an unarmed or armed mode of martial arts. It's past dates back to the Chou dynasty (1111-255 B.C.) and some say it goes back even farther. The Taoists of the 5th century were known for using kung-fu a lot. The movements mainly reflect the fighting styles of animals. They come from five foot positions: normal posture, dragon, frog, horse riding and snake.

Tai Chi Chuan is again a Chinese form of exercise, but also can be used for attack and defense. The style was designed for relaxation, while staying in shape. The actions are very rhythmic and flowing and they resemble kung-fu a lot. It started to be practiced as early as th third century and by the fifth century, the monks of the Buddhist monastery of Shao Lin created fighting ways also based on animals: bear, bird, deer, monkey, and tiger. As time passed, the snake was added on. All ways start from three stances: weight forward, weight on rear foot, and horse riding.

Hwa Rang Do is also known as the Way of the Flowering Knight. It dates back to 1,800 years ago! It was originally performed by Korean elite troops, making them fearedm by many around Asia. Thanks to the Buddhist monks who perserved and help spread Hwa Rang Do, it has been almost everywhere in the world for over 35 years.

Kendo, also known as the Way of the Sword, is basically a Japanese version of fencing used with a two handed wooden sword. In the eighteenth century, samarais used this as training and wore practice armor and shinai (sword) made of bamboo. Like many of the martial art styles, including the ones I have listed, Kendo has become a sport. When practicing Kendo,competitors or students use lots of armour: uwagi (jacket), hakama (long split skirt), do (chest protector), tare (waist guard), men (mask), and kote (padded glove). During a Kendo match, points are obtained by striking certain allowed areas.

There are many other martial arts such as Thai Boxing from Thailand, Armis, Kali, and Escrima from the Phillipines, Soo Bak Do and Tae Kwon Do from Korea, and Kempo (although a desendant of Chinese martial arts), Karate and Judo from Japan. Asian martial arts have had a huge impact on other cultures ways of attack and defense. Some of these include Brazil's adaptation of Jiu-Jitsu(Japanese) and boxing that originally came from the Aborginals, but has spread to many other areas of the world, especially North America.