Martial Arts: Jiu-Jitsu and Aikido UPSC Current Affairs

MARTIAL ARTS

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Context

During his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Leader of Oposition practiced Jiu-Jitsu daily, emphasizing its non-violent aspects and introducing young participants to the values of martial arts as tools for building a compassionate and safer society.

Details

Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-Jitsu, also known as Jujutsu, is a Japanese martial art that dates back to the late 16th century.
It was developed by the samurai, Japan’s warrior class, to defend themselves in situations where they lost their weapons during battle.
It focuses on grappling, using an opponent's energy against them rather than relying on brute strength.
Techniques include pins, joint locks, and throws designed to neutralize an opponent without striking.
Modern Forms:
- - Judo
  - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
  - Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Aikido

Aikido was developed in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba.
It is one of the youngest martial arts from Japan and is an offshoot of Jiu-Jitsu.
Unlike most martial arts, Aikido focuses on deflecting an attacker’s force and controlling the situation without causing harm.
It involves joint locks, throws, and redirection of an opponent's energy to neutralize an attack.
Aikido is known for its emphasis on non-violence and self-discipline.

Martial Arts in India

Kalaripayattu (Kerala)

Considered by many as the oldest martial art across the globe, dates back to the 3rd century BC.
Kalaripayattu is also known as an integrated system that consists of strikes, kicks, grappling as well as the usage of weapons, including sticks and swords along with shields.
Not only that, but it also includes the elements of yoga and Ayurveda healing.

Silambam (Tamil Nadu):

Silambam essentially involves stick fighting where the performers use bamboo staves as their primary weapons.

Thang-Ta and Sarit Sarak (NE):

Thang-Ta (sword and spear) and Sarit Sarak (unarmed combat) are martial arts from Manipur that emphasize agility and fluid movements. These arts are performed both for combat and as part of cultural rituals and dances.

Gatka (Punjab):

It is a dynamic, energetic martial art form using sticks and swords by the Sikhs.

Musti Yuddha (Varanasi):

The focus is on fighting techniques—punches, and kicks. It also has spiritual connotations and is usually named after Hindu gods.

Pari-Khanda (Bihar):

Pari-Khanda is a weapon-based conventional technique of martial arts with swords and shields. Pari-Khanda techniques are often introduced in the folk dance form Chhau.

Kuttu Varisai:

Kuttu Varisai is a Dravidian-based martial art that places great emphasis on empty-hand techniques.
It includes numerous different strikes, grapples, and locks. It is based on the principles of yoga and gymnastics.

Prominent martial arts from around the world

Martial Art	Country of Origin
Karate	Japan
Judo	Japan
Kung Fu	China
Taekwondo	Korea
Muay Thai	Thailand
Krav Maga	Israel
Boxing	Global
Capoeira	Brazil
Sambo	Russia
Pencak Silat	Indonesia/Malaysia
Savate	France
Wrestling	Global
Eskrima/Arnis	Philippines
Kickboxing	Japan/Thailand/USA

Sources:

IndianExpress

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q: Consider the following statements about the traditional Indian marital arts:

1. Kalaripayattu was traditionally practiced in the present day state of Kerala.

2.Silambam, an ancient stick fight martial art, originated in the Tamil Sangam period.

3.Gatka comes under the category of armed martial arts and is associated with the Sikh community.

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial arts in the world and has its roots tracing thousands of years back in the Indian state of Kerala.

Statement 2 is correct: Silambam is a stick-wielding traditional martial art of Tamil Nadu. Its historical evidence can be traced back to Tamil literature such as Silappadikaram.

Statement 3 is correct: Gatka is a weapon-based martial art and mainly associated with the Sikh community. It originated during the self-defense of Sikhs against Mughal invasion.