Asian Geographic - 08.2018

With four new martial arts introduced into this year’s Asiad lineup, viewers

can expect a slew of similarly intense grappling matches – but how to tell the

di4erence between the styles? With their origins sharing the same motivation –

defense without weapons – we break down key aspects of each discipline

Fighting Fever

READY, SET, WRESTLE

JuJitsu

This Japanese martial art emphasises the technique

of manipulating momentum, instead of brute force, to

overcome an opponent. It was developed as a form of

combat for samurai who had been thrown off their horses

or lost their weapons on the battlefield. Because the

warriors wore restrictive armour, jujitsu involves a large

number of moves that can be executed in spite of reduced

agility. To win, wrestlers attempt to attack their opponent by

redirecting his force back against him.

Points awarded for positions from

an official set, maintained for

three seconds

Signature moves include pinning,

throwing and joints locking

Competitors must establish a

“back clinch” to win points, even

if their opponent is “belly down”

All moves must be made while

standing. Leg sweeps are allowed

Competitors win by grabbing their

opponent via a towel around the

waist, landing them on their back

Moves like arm locking, choking,

kicking, and gripping below the

belt are banned

kurash

This sport originated from Uzbekistan over 3,500 years ago

and is considered one of the world’s oldest martial arts. It

was used in multiple ways: as exercise, a way to train armies

for self-defence, and as a method for brides to select grooms

by challenging suitors to a match. Kurash competitions were

often held during holidays and celebrations, and after the

country’s independence in 1991, the sport gained popularity

across the world. Points are awarded mainly for throwing an

opponent on the ground.

DATA SOURCES: JUJITSU BROTHERHOOD, KURASH CONFEDERATION OF ASIA-
OCEANIA,SANSHOU UK, THOUGHT CO, SCOTT SONNON/USA DOJO, BRITANNICA

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