Aikido
A Japanese physical and spiritual discipline designed solely for self-defence, without weapons. It is essentially non-violent and non-competitive, with no bouts of sparring or contests.
Boxing
Participants of similar weight fight each other with their fists. Victory goes to the boxer left standing, or with the highest judges' score. OUABC has had the longest winning run in the Varsity record of any Oxford sports club with 16 consecutive wins, ending in 2001.
Fencing
The modern Olympic sport, essentially swordsmanship, has evolved from the art of armed combat involving weapons manipulated by hand. Three different swords are used today: foil, epie and sabre.
Jitsu
A Japanese martial art based on a system of striking, locking and throwing techniques, with emphasis on the use of an opponent's body weight and momentum. Students do not spar but take turns to attack each other with the emphasis being on developing defences to realistic attacks.
Judo
Punching, kicking and gouging are not allowed, the object of this Japanese martial art being to throw the opponent largely onto their back with considerable force and speed, which scores “Ippon” and ends the contest. Emphasis is placed on mastering the several methods of breakfalling.
Karate
A martial art and system of self-defence which uses only the hands, feet and body. The aim is balance, harmony and spirit through disciplined training.
Karate-do-shotokai
Teaches skills like how to move in a fast, yet physically relaxed manner; how to punch, kick or deflect attacks. Training is systematic, leading from fitness and flexibility exercises to pre-arranged and limited sparring, before free fighting.
Kendo
'The way of the sword' in Japanese, it involves a handful of basic moves which have been preserved from the ancient art of sword-fighting in Japan.
Kickboxing
A practical martial art of many varieties which is practised for fitness, to build up the major muscle groups, and for learning useful self defence skills. Essentially, sport-fighting using kicks and punches and sometimes throws and bows representing a certain martial art In full contact versions of the sport, such as Muay Thai, the male boxers are bare chested, barefoot and wear boxing trunks.
Shorinjikempo
A self-defence martial art that originated in Japan, with roots in Buddhism and the practices of the Chinese Shaolin monks. Techniques (including punches, kicks, throws and even massages for healing) are directed at one or more of the many pressure points that line the human body, exploiting an opponent's weaknesses regardless of his strength or size.
Sulkido
A Korean martial art that combines strikes, throws and locks in a single system for self-defence which does not involve competition training.
TaeKwon-do
Translated literally, 'Tae' means to jump, kick or smash with the foot. 'Kwon' means to punch, strike or smash with the fist. 'Do' means art, method or way. Developed from Korean martial arts, it is 'the scientific use of the body in the method of self-defence' which also emphasizes self-discipline, humility and a sense of justice. OUTKD coach Master Gary Miller (VII Dan) is former World and European champion and England coach.
Tai Chi
An ancient Chinese martial art and exercise system, thought to have originated in Taoist monasteries on Wudang Mountain, based around the concept of the yin and yang symbol. It can be practised martially for self-defence or with the focus on the tai chi hand form to promote health and relaxation.
