Kung fu is, with karate, the best known of all the martial arts. It employs kicks, throws, dodges, holds, leaps, handsprings, and somersaults. Jujutsu is directed toward deflecting or controlling an attack. Judo, a popular wrestling form developed from jujutsu, attempts to turn an attacker’s force to one’s own advantage, using throwing and grappling. Aikido is, with tai chi chuan, the gentlest martial art and is not practiced as a competitive sport. Tai chi chuan,
more popularly referred to as tai chi, is an ancient Chinese exercise and fighting system, still practiced mainly for its health benefits. It employs slow, graceful movements that are stylized renditions of arm and foot blows. Tae kwon do is
a type of fighting system that originated in Korea and that employs kicking, punching, and various evasive techniques. In sumo wrestling, huge men attempt to force each other out of the ring, or to bring each other to the mat. Kendo is a sport derived from ancient sword fighting; bamboo swords are now used.

Contemporary interest in the martial arts often focuses on their spiritual aspects, as means of increasing self-confidence, assertiveness, concentration, and personal defense. The martial arts have also become popular as forms
of self-expression, similar to dance.