The martial arts comprise a huge range of styles and systems, and the list grows longer each year as new styles are developed. Below are six categories generally considered best for children.

TAE KWON DO

(Korea)
"The way of the foot and fist"
This style relies heavily on striking and fancy footwork to keep opponents at a distance and is most famous for its acrobatic kicks. Banned for decades by the occupying Japanese, tae kwon do became Korea's national sport in 1955 and is now the world's most popular martial art.

JUJITSU

(Japan)
"Compliant art"
This is a well-rounded style that features lots of sparring and weapons training. One of the oldest styles, it was nearly lost when the samurai were banned in post-shogun Japan. Only by practicing in secret did the masters keep it alive.

AIKIDO

(Japan)
"Way of harmony"
This is a "softer" martial art that uses an attacker's movements against him. This deeply spiritual style teaches how to disable an attacker without causing serious injury.

JUDO

(Japan)
"Compliant way" or "Gentle way"
A softer form of jujitsu developed late last century, judo emphasizes wrestling-type moves and is considered one of the safest styles for kids. Because its founder was also a prominent educator, judo places great emphasis on moral and mental development.

KARATE

(Japan--Okinawa)
"Empty hand"
This is a very dynamic style, with lots of punching and kicking. Karate stresses offensive as well as defensive moves. The art was refined after Okinawans were banned from carrying weapons. In its earliest, simplest form, it was similar to Western-style boxing.

KUNG FU

(China)
"Well done"
Kung fu is a generic term for hundreds of Chinese fighting arts. As such it encompasses a huge range of styles. A more accurate Chinese term for martial arts is wu shu. Thanks to the TV show starring David Carradine, though, kung fu is king.