Kersi Khambatta on the history of some of the deadliest martial arts of Asia
GOJU-RYU KARATE, JAPAN
It was started by Kanryo Higaonna in the late 19th century, and borrowing heavily from Chinese martial arts, it transformed into something totally different once it returned to Okinawan shores. Goju-Ryu (go = hard, ju = soft) is not sport karate because one of the most important aspects is to be able to ‘kill (or disable) an opponent in the shortest time possible’. Literally, ‘one punch, one life’ is the phrase bandied about by practitioners. Visit: Okinawa Prefecture Karate Museum. (www.tetsuhirohokama.net)
KUNG FU, CHINA
Although often portrayed in Hollywood films as downright silly, it started as a military combat art up in the mist enveloped temples of Shaolin. Bodhidharma, it’s said, schlepped over from India and added elements of Kalaripayattu to Kung Fu. Despite being hugely meditative, and practised by peace-loving monks, Kung Fu was undoubtedly made for war. Today, Shaolin monks walk the talk with their two-finger handstands, one-inch punches that shatter concrete and ability to break sticks with their necks. Watch: the International Shaolin Kung Fu Festival, held every October in Henan
HAPKIDO, SOUTH KOREA
Although it is now attributed to South Korea, its genesis is clearly in the fighting arts of Japan and China, having reached Korean shores only after WW II. Hapkido combines short- and long-range techniques, kicks, punches, elbow and knee strikes, locks, chokes and throws, and weapons (sticks, knives, swords and the ubiquitous nun-chaku). The techniques rely on circular movement, deflection and redirection of force. Watch: the Annual Chungju World Martial Arts Festival. (www.martial arts.or.kr)
ESKRIMA, PHILIPPINES
This story is from the October/November 2017 edition of Condé Nast Traveller India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October/November 2017 edition of Condé Nast Traveller India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TOP RESTAURANT AWARDS 2023
The ranking of India's 50 most exciting restaurants was revealed at a glittering ceremony at the Taj Lands End, Mumbai. Returning after a three-year hiatus, the event was a true celebration of the industry and the brightest stars of the fraternity showed up to support and cheer each other on!
ON THE GO
Our pick of the most stylish finds and travel related news
TANGIER RISING
THE CREATIVE VISIONARIES OF MOROCCO'S OFT-ROMANTICISED PORT CITY ARE TELLING A NEW STORY.
BRUSHES WITH NATURE
On the snowy Japanese island of Hokkaido, a rich seam of creativity and craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the physical world-and in a sacred Ainu tradition that has survived here for centuries
KOLKATA: A WINDOW TO THE FUTURE
In a city filled with colonial nostalgia, a a new restoration story and fresh approaches are changing the narrative, one building at a time.
VICTORIA BECKHAM
From Paris to Portofino via Los Angeles, the fashion designer shares the places and personal stories that have inspired her first fragrance collection
SHOPPING IN SEOUL
South Korea's capital may have grown into a pop-culture powerhouse, but its artisans are keeping ancient craft traditions alive.
POSTCARD FROM COLOGNE
Rimowa's Emelie De Vitis on her favourite places for espressos, botanical cocktails, relaxed dinners, art, architecture, and history in the German city that she and the cult luggage brand call home
DEEP DIVE DUBAI
Residents know there's more to this diverse emirate than meets the eye. The ones who shaped it share their favourite spots.
Winter Wanderlust
Embrace the best of the season with these standout winter experiences.