Here is a quick overview of many of the martial arts styles out there. USSD Karate is primarily a Kenpo training program.
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Martial Arts From China
Kenpo
- Kenpo Karate is the oldest style of Kenpo being taught in the United States
- Technique-based system emphasizing both form and technique
- Uses attack movements as well as defensive techniques
- Extensive belt learning/goal system with many forms
- Involves chops, punches, kicks, strikes, blocking and sparring
- Training in offensive and defensive use weapons
- Incorporates forms from Kung-fu
- Sparring competitions & public exhibitions are available
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Kung-Fu
- The generic term referring to Chinese martial arts with a variety of styles
- Involves attack movements as well as defensive techniques
- Teaches kicks, punches, chops, throws, falls, grappling, katas, leg sweeps and blows among others
- Engages in sparring competitions
- Centers on building strength and endurance
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Martial Arts From Japan
Karate
- Uses defensive and aggressive moves
- Centers on building strength and endurance
- Involves chops, punches, kicks, strikes, blocking and sparring
- May use weapons
Jujitsu
- Uses defensive and aggressive moves
- Involves lots of sparring
- Teaches a fair amount of weapons training
Aikido
- Uses a more “spiritual” and harmonious style in redirecting the aggression of the attacker as the form of defense, using throws, pins, rolls etc.
- Taught on the premise of disabling an aggressor without attacking, through your individual inner energy
- Does not involve sparring or competitions
Judo
- Uses gentle, “wrestling-like” movements
- Emphasizes physical control as well as mental development
- Engages in competitions
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Martial Arts From Korea
Taekwondo
- Characterised by its fast, high and spinning kicks.
- Although taekwondo is a “self defense” sport in itself, it focusses on high and spinning kicks which are not very suitable for real life (street) application
- Involves lots of sparring and 2 person practice
- Breaking objects is one of the disciplines
- Very fast belt ranking requiring less experience than other arts
