Martial Arts Sports Zone

Did you know that karate was invented in Okinawa, Japan? The native Okinawan's developed karate as a way to fight without weapons. In modern times, karate is one of the world's most taught and practiced martial arts. Training, equipment, rules, and scoring systems make the sport safe for competitors and a great way to learn valuable self-defense skills. Enter the Martial Arts Sports Zone to learn about the history, gear, moves, competitions, and top athletes connected to karate. You'll discover: • What the different styles of karate are and how they've changed. • What some of the top karate punches and strikes are, including the forward punch and the knifehand. • What kata is and how practicing it helps karatekas show off their abilities. • What the main local, national, and international competitions are. Are you into sports? Then get in the zone!

Did you know that mixed martial arts (MMA) has been around a long time? Ancient Greeks used pankration, an early MMA form, in battle and in training. In modern times, MMA has exploded into TV, movies, and video games as a combat sport. Competitors mix and match styles of fighting to give them the edge in widely watched MMA contests. Enter the Martial Arts Sports Zone to learn about the history, gear, moves, competitions, and most successful MMA stars. You'll discover: • What different martial arts make up MMA. • What some of the top MMA moves are, including the roundhouse kick and the armlock. • What the different weight divisions are. • Why Rorion Gracie started the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the largest MMA organization. Are you into sports? Then get in the zone!

Did you know that wrestling started out as a deadly sport? Ancient Greeks and Romans used it for self-defense. In modern times, amateur wrestling is still powerful and challenging. But training, equipment, rules, and scoring systems make the sport safer for competitors. Enter the Martial Arts Sports Zone to learn about the history, gear, moves, competitions, and top athletes connected to amateur wrestling. You'll discover: • What the different styles of wrestling are and how they've changed. • What some of the top wrestling moves are, including the suplex and fireman's carry. • Why Rulon Gardner left his wrestling shoes on the mat at the 2004 Olympic Games. • How amateur wrestling compares to similar sports in other countries, such as lucha libre and shuai jiao. Are you into sports? Then get in the zone!

Did you know that tae kwon do combines martial arts from Korea and Japan? In the 1930's, a Korean martial artist combined Korean taekkyon with karate. The new self-defense style gained followers in the 1950's. In modern times, tae kwon do has fans worldwide and is a challenging amateur sport. Enter the Martial Arts Sports Zone to learn about the history, gear, moves, competitions, and top athletes connected to tae kwon do. You'll discover: • What the parts of a competition are and how they're scored. • What some of the top kicking moves are, including the jumping spinning hook kick and the butterfly kick. • How many medals the López family won at the 2008 Olympic Games. • How tae kwon do moves are used in mixed martial arts competitions. Are you into sports? Then get in the zone!

Did you know that Muay Thai started out as military training for Thailand's warriors? Hundreds of years ago, they used it for hand-to-hand combat. In modern times, Muay Thai is still powerful, challenging, and a great way to exercise. Enter the Martial Arts Sports Zone to learn about the history, gear, moves, competitions, and top athletes connected to Muay Thai. You'll discover: • What some of the top Muay Thai kicks and strikes are, including the roundhouse kick and the flying knee. • What ram muay is and how it honors the sport's traditions. • What the main local, national, and international competitions are. • What role Muay Thai has in mixed martial arts competitions worldwide. Are you into sports? Then get in the zone!

Did you know that Brazilian jiujitsu (BJJ) has its origins in Japanese judo? Samurai warriors used judo for self-defense. In the early 1900's, judo masters brought the martial art to Brazil. Over time, the sport evolved into Brazilian jiujitsu, where the weight and height of the players are not as important as technique and strategy. With the proper training, practice, and equipment, BJJ is a safe way to stay in shape. Enter the Martial Arts Sports Zone to learn about the history, gear, moves, competitions, and top athletes connected to Brazilian jiujitsu. You'll discover: • Who the Gracie family is and how its members created BJJ. • What some of the top BJJ moves are, including the armbar and the rear naked choke. • How the U.S. Army uses BJJ in training for hand-to-hand combat. • What role BJJ has in mixed martial arts competitions worldwide. Are you into sports? Then get in the zone!