Martial Arts Monday: ABCs of Asian Martial Arts

So, one of the hit films of summer 2010 has been the remake of the 1984 flick "The Karate Kid." Knowledgeable movie-goers (namely martial arts film fans) have been quick to note that in the remake - set in China and featuring Jackie Chan in the Mr. Miyagi role made famous by Pat Morita - they are clearly NOT PRACTICING KARATE. Interesting to note, the U.S. is the only territory in which the film is called "The Karate Kid." It China and elsewhere it is known by the much, much more appropriate title of "The Kung-Fu Kid" (Though in Japan, it is called "Best Kid," which was the title given the original).

As a martial arts student myself, I've often been asked "What's the difference?" between one art from the other. Now, I could get philosophical and say something like, "Water is water, only the glass changes shape," but there are distinct differences tied to each art's history and cultural background. So, here's a very brief breakdown you can use for future reference.

A List of Popular Asian Martial Arts by Country

CHINA
Kung-Fu
Wushu
- It should be noted there is no actual martial art called "Kung-Fu." Kung-Fu is a generic term that has been applied over time to all Chinese fighting arts. Wushu is the official sport of the Peoples' Republic of China, which incorporates various armed and unarmed traditional styles into routines similar to Olympic gymnastics.
When it comes to China, given that it beats all the other Asian nations in size, it shouldn't be surprise that it has the largest variety of traditional martial arts. So, when we're talking about kung-fu, we're actually referring to a wide variety of styles and techniques. These include:

Baqua (Demonstrated to good effect by the "Good" Jet Li in "The One")
Choy Li Fut
Hung Gar
Praying Mantis
Tai Chi (Yes, this was a martial art before becoming largely a mind-body exercise)
Tsing-Yi (Demonstrated by the "Bad" Jet Li in "The One")
White Crane
Wing Chun (Studied by Bruce Lee)

JAPAN
Aikido (Modern grappling and throwing art based on jujitsu. Some weapons involved.)
Judo ("The Gentle Art." A grappling and throwing art based on jujitsu. Now an Olympic sport)
Jujitsu/Jujutsu (Traditional grappling, throwing and locking)
Karate (Striking and kicking art. Some weapons involved. Actually Okinawan in origin)
Kenjutsu (Sword fighting)
Kendo (Fencing. Sport form based on traditional swordfighting)
Ninjitsu (Art of the ninja. Martial arts employed by traditional assassins/spies)
Sumo (Traditional wrestling)

KOREA
Hapkido (Grappling and throwing art similar to Japanese aikido. Some kicking and striking)
Tae Kwon Do (Striking and kicking art. Some weapons. Similar to Karate)
Tang Soo Do (Striking and kicking art.)

THE PHILIPPINES
Escrima (Traditional stick fighting)

THAILAND
Muy Thai (Traditional kick-boxing)