Jujitsu is an unarmed combat discipline which is probably over 2500 years old and is original from the ancient Japan. Of course it is nearly impossible to tell the exact age of this form of martial art, but techniques similar to Jujitsu are described in the training methods of the Samurai living in the 8th to 6th century BC. In the Japanese national archives as the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, papers have been found that the describe the use of unarmed combat techniques.

The modern Jujitsu (or Nihon Jujitsu) as we know it today, is a result of the combination of various Japanese combat techniques as Yawara, Hakuda, Kumiuchi etc. Those techniques are known as Sengoku Jujitsu. Nihon Jujitsu is part of Edo Jujitsu.

In the time of Emperor Tokugawa in the 17th century, jujitsu gained prominence, but became forbidden when Emperor Melse regained control over the country. Halfway the 20th century, there was the restoration of Meiji and the ban on jujitsu was lifted during that time. Soon after this the martial art form became very popular and widely practiced.

Jujitsu is making use of the three basic states of mind: Mushin, Fudoshin and Zanshin. To succeed in the art of Jujitsu these elements have to be combined in the correct way.

1. Mushin – “no mind” – The mind has to be absolutely clear of conscious thoughts, so that it will permit instantaneous action.
2. Fudoshin - “immovable mind” – During a confrontation or fight, the mind has to be able to focus on one thing only and not get distracted
3. Zanshin - “remaining spirit” - The mind has to be ready for anything at any time. Always be prepared.

Most people think that karate is an ancient Japanese martial art, but in fact it is a combination of Southern Chinese martial arts and the Okinawan combat techniques. Karate was introduced to Japan around 1920. At this time it was only known as “Te” as it was called by the Okinawans, which means “hand”. The Chinese influence can be found in the original karate symbol, which is the “Chinese Hand” or “Tang Hand”.

According to many karateka’s, there is one “Father of Karate”: Funakoshi. He was an Okinawan master who played a great role in the introduction, modernization and popularization of Karate in Japan. Some other important Karate master in that time where Miyagi Chojun, Motobu Choki,Choshin Chibana and Kenwa Mabuni.

Short after the introduction of karate, three cities formed their own karate style and they where named after the cities: Tomari-te, Naha-te and Shuri-te. Each of these styles had it’s own system, principles and style of karate.

Before the Second World War, karate was introduced in schools as a subject. It also became part of the army training. Several universities started karate club programs and competitions and clubs started emerging. With so many people practicing karate, it became clear that there needed to be a standardization and several karate styles where merged.

During the American military occupation of Japan and Okinawa, the American soldiers started practicing karate. The large Japanese immigration to the United States led to the immense popularity of karate in the Western world.

Although there was a standardization of the karate rules and system, there where, and still are, a lot of different styles and each representation differs from one another. The two main styles are the Traditional and the Full Body Karate. The traditional styles are the ones that where developed in the beginning of the twentieth century and includes for example Wado-ryu, Kushin-ryu and Shotokan. The Full Contact Karate includes styles as Kansui-ryu and Kyokushin-kaikan. Within each style there are still many variations.

The main sections of all karate styles can be divided into three section:
- Kihon, which is the study of movements, basic techniques and components.
- Kata, which is a fixed serie of techniques and movements according the principles of the Kata
- Kumite which can be descriped as sparring techniques where all moves are permitted.

Tae Kwon Do is the Korean national sport and is used a form of exercise and self defense. For those who really learn Tae Kwon Do it is so much more than just entertainment.

Before participating in tournaments or matches, a lot of training and practice is required. The technique of this martial art is very complicated and it takes a lot of time to learn and be aware of the types of hits and strikes that are allowed or not allowed during a match and how the point counting is done.

On most points, a Tae Kwon Do match is the same as a boxing match, and the use of the right protective gear is compulsory. So is abiding the rules of the referee who is leading the match. Each match takes three rounds of three minutes. Between the rounds is a one minute break. If a competitor is knocked down, the referee starts counting and he has to come back on his feet before the referee counts to eight. If he doesn’t manage to get up again, it counts as a knock out and the match is over.

One can score points, by hitting or striking the opponent with enough force to move either his body or head from where it was before the hit. There are several areas on the body which are not allowed to be hit: the back of the head, below the waistline and the back of the body. That leaves the front of the head, the chest and the torso to place legal hits and strikes. Those areas are protected by the mandatory equipment. A strike can be both a punch or a kick and the goal of a Tae Kwon Do match is to knock the opponent to the ground or out of his place.

Due to the fact that it requires force to move an opponent, and the specific areas to place a strike, both power and control are very important to a Tae Kwon Do competitor. The strike must be very powerful and delivered as acurate as possible. It is also of great importance that the competitor knows how to defend himself from the blows of his opponent.