Discovery Channel’s latest offering ‘Fight Quest’
by Tellywatch News Team
May 16, 2008, Mumbai

Sanda is a full-contact martial art that was originally developed by the Chinese military. Striking, kicking, sweeps, takedowns and throws are all employed in Sanda.

Japan – Kyokushin KarateA relatively new discipline, Kyokushin karate was created in 1964. Its roots come from traditional karate, but it also uses elements like boxing and kickboxing. Kyokushin involves fights against multiple opponents to build endurance.

South Korea - HapkidoMerging techniques from karate, judo and aikido, Hapkido is best known for impressive body throws and painful wrist locks. A form of self-defense, Hapkido uses pressure points, throws and kicks, in addition to traditional weapons such as ropes, swords and canes. Practiced by ancient Korean warriors, the ancient art form is nearly 1,500 years old.

France - SavateFrance might be known for its fashion but it's also home to one of the world’s most dangerous fighting arts known as Savate. Also known as French kickboxing, this art uses hand strikes and a host of kicks to subdue an opponent. In the seaside town of Marseille, sailors developed their own form of Savate, with high kicks that allowed them to attack while keeping their balance on a ship's deck.

Indonesia - Pencak Silat One of the most mystical and lethal martial arts on the planet, Pencak Silat is a way of life for the people of Indonesia and Malaysia. Existed for centuries, the deadly weapon techniques of Pencak Silat were originally used for an all out warfare. Shaped like a tiger’s claw, the Kukumacan is a traditional Indonesian knife that is used to practice the martial art. Today, in addition to weapons, fighters use a variety of kicks and punches.

Mexico - BoxingOpponents face each other in an enclosed ring for a determined number of rounds. Punching with heavy, padded gloves is the only method of attack. The final decision is determined by a knock-out or can be made by judges that score the fight. •Brazil - JiujitsuJiujitsu was brought to Brazil from Japan in the early 1900s and evolved into its own sport, with different fighting styles and philosophies. Perhaps the most versatile martial art, Jiujitsu uses many different strikes, kicks, throws, choke holds and locks. Almost every martial art has had an influence on this fighting style.

Israel - Krav Maga A relatively modern style, Krav Maga means ‘close combat’ in Hebrew, and it is a brutal, militaristic form of hand-to-hand combat with no rules. The Israeli army invented this fighting style as a practical technique for use in a variety of street style situations. Jiujitsu, traditional boxing and judo all lend some techniques to Krav Maga. Weapons such as knives and sticks are also used.

USA - KajukenboKajukenbo was born in Hawaii from various elements of Chinese martial arts. It involves strikes to vital points all over the body and many joint and limb breaking techniques.