The basic martial arts are traditionally associated with three cultures as discussed below:
Japanese - The three modern forms of self defense are Aikido, Judo and Karate. They were invented in the 20th century and transformed into sports or less violent practices than the historic culture of Japan dictated. Both Aikido and Judo came from Ju Jitsu, the empty handed martial art invented for the Samurai when they were "indisposed," so to speak. Karate originally came from China via the Okinawan islands.
Chinese - The martial arts of China are segmented into internal and external forms. The best known of these are Tai Chi Chuan, an internal martial art, and Kung fu, an external art.
Korean - The best known Korean arts are Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido. These are very recent inventions. Tae Kwon do is similar to Karate and Hapkido combines Tae Kwon Do with the predecessor art of Aikido.
Mixed Martial Arts is a new venue whereby practitioners of many different arts compete with each other.
Weapons are frequently incorporated into empty handed styles as a natural extension of their art. However, numerous martial arts include only weapons training. Some Japanese styles such as Jodo (staff), Kendo and Iaido for the sword and archery are presented.
In addition, this site does not cover every martial art within the cultures mentioned above, but only the most widely known in this country. There are martial arts outside of these cultures as well, but they are not mentioned here for similar reasons.