Practitioners face one another on a mat and exchange strikes, throws, or submissions under a codified set of rules and traditions. Those disciplines are martial arts. They range from striking arts such as karate and taekwondo to grappling arts such as judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Many martial arts retain cultural and philosophical elements alongside the competitive and self-defense aspects. Training includes technical drilling, sparring, conditioning, and often formal etiquette. Ranking systems marked by belts or similar symbols structure progression. Competitive formats vary from point sparring to full-contact and mixed-rules contests.

Benefits extend beyond fighting skill to discipline, confidence, and fitness. Safety equipment and rule sets manage risk while preserving the character of each art. Modern mixed martial arts have brought different traditions into direct comparison under unified rules.

• Codified combat systems with traditional and competitive forms
• Include striking, grappling, and hybrid styles
• Emphasize technique, discipline, and controlled practice
• Range from traditional dojos to modern sport formats