With Another Shout Trivia Quiz

Answer: Karate

Karate is a martial art that originated in Japan, and is one of the most popular and widely practiced martial arts worldwide. It is a striking-based martial art, emphasizing powerful and precise techniques using punches, kicks, knee strikes, elbow strikes, and open-hand techniques.

The word "karate" itself means "empty hand," indicating that practitioners use their unarmed body to defend and attack. It developed in Okinawa, an island under the rule of the Empire, whose people were forbidden from using weapons. After World War II, the art was brought back to the mainland where it was popularized and further developed.

Karate was introduced as an Olympic sport in 2020.

Answer: Jujitsu

The 'gentle art' or 'flexible technique' of jiu-jitsu was first practiced in Shogun Japan when samurai warriors needed a way to keep fighting when they were disarmed. It was developed around the same time as judo but had an emphasis on practicality and efficiency. In the 18th century, many schools of jiu-jitsu were present and different techniques from these differing ryu were brought together to make one unified style.

When jiu-jitsu was showcased in Brazil in the early 20th century, two brothers, Carlos and Helio Gracie, fell in love with the martial art and developed a close connection to the master, Mitsuyo Maedo. Jiu-jitsu was developed and adapted in Brazil until Brazilian jiu-jitsu became its own popular style.

Answer: Vovinam

Vovinam Viet Vo Dao, is a Vietnamese martial art that was founded in 1938 by Grandmaster Nguyen Loc. The name is actually an abbreviation of "Vo Thuat Vovinam", which translates to "Martial Art of Vietnam". While the martial art originated from local Vietnamese martial arts, it grew to incorporate elements from other martial systems to improve upon the style and effectivity.

Vovinam is a comprehensive martial art that incorporates both armed and unarmed techniques, including strikes, kicks, grappling, throws, joint locks, and self-defense techniques. These techniques are designed to be effective in both standing and floor combat. Some weapons are also trained with, like the staff and the sword, to name two.

Answer: Gatka

Gatka is a traditional martial art and combat sport that originated in the Punjab region of India. It is closely associated with the Sikh community and is considered an integral part of Sikh culture and heritage. Gatka is not just a form of self-defense but also a way of life that encompasses spiritual and philosophical aspects of Sikhism.

It was originally developed in order to allow the Sikh communities to defend themselves from the constant invasions that they were facing under the Mughal rule. As a response to the religious persecution and the need to protect their faith and way of life, the Sikhs organized themselves into a community of warriors known as the Khalsa who developed gatka as their hand-to-hand combat technique. There are also traditional weapons associated with gatka, including the lathi (stick), katar (dagger), kirpan (sword), and chakram (a throwing weapon).

Answer: Laamb

Not just a sport, this Senegalese wrestling has become a key part of the culture of the country and a way of life for those who practice it. It has roots in the tribes of Western Africa and was a cultural staple at events where two tribes met and showed off their strength and discipline.

In matches, the objective is to throw the opponent to the ground, making any part of their body other than their feet touch the sand, also known as "foss". The common techniques involve a combination of strikes, throws, and grappling maneuvers. Wrestlers may perform rituals, wear talismans, and seek the blessings of spiritual leaders before matches, all tying into the spiritual significance that this art maintains.

Answer: Capoeira

Capoeira is a unique and dynamic Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music, while having strong cultural roots. It originated in Brazil during the colonial period, particularly among enslaved Africans and their descendants. Capoeira is not only a form of physical self-defense but also a cultural expression, a social activity, and a way of preserving history and heritage.

African, Indigenous Brazilian, and European influences all helped shape Capoeira into the form we know today. Strikes, kicks, sweeps, and evasive maneuvers are performed by two participants in a "roda", or circle, which is not aggressive. Instead, both use fluid and rhythmic movements accompanied by music to show respect and camaraderie to one another. The music sets the rhythm and energy for the roda and the movements of the participants.

Answer: Tai Chi

Tai Chi, a martial art known for its slow and flowing movements, is practiced by people of all ages for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. It originated in China as a martial art, but, over time, it has been adapted into various styles and forms that emphasize health and wellness benefits rather than combat techniques.

It has been shown to help improve flexibility, balance, coordination, strength, and cardiovascular fitness and can be practiced by people who prefer low-impact activities.

Integration of mind and body is one of the main tenets of Tai Chi making the practitioner's awareness of their own body and their movements a key part of practicing the art well.

Answer: Savate

Savate is a traditional martial art that originated in France. Thus, it is also known as French boxing or French kickboxing. It is a combat sport that originated in the 18th century, around the time of the many revolutions, and incorporates both striking techniques using the hands and feet. Unlike some other combat sports, Savate places a strong emphasis on both elegance and effectiveness in its movements and can be referred to as "the art of the elegant fist".

The practitioners also wear special shoes to emphasize the kick strength and accuracy.

Answer: Kajukenbo

First developed in Hawaii after World War II, the name Kajukenbo comes from the four martial arts that it draws inspiration from: KArate, JUdo (and Jiujitsu), KENpo, and BOxing. It is a constantly evolving martial art that is adaptable and flexible while keeping it efficient to use in real-world scenarios.

Kajukenbo is characterized by its adaptability and focus on self-defense. Practitioners learn a range of techniques for both striking and grappling, making it suitable for various scenarios. Training in Kajukenbo includes forms (like katas - pre-arranged sequences of movements), sparring, self-defense techniques, and all the while practicing various drills to develop skills and techniques.

Answer: Kung Fu

Kung fu, which actually refers to two martial arts called wushu and quanfa, originated a China. The term "kung fu" refers to anything that takes time, energy, and effort to learn and perfect and can actually be put to any skill, however, in the sense of martial arts, it has become synonymous with the two aforementioned arts. The term was likely lost in translation and may have movie subtitles to blame for the misunderstanding.

Wushu and quanfa themselves encompass many schools and traditions that may vary from region to region in China. However, while the traditions and techniques of the ancient forms of these martial arts are preserved, there are now more standardized and choreographed elements that have been inserted to make kung fu more mainstream and centralized in its teachings.

One of the main forms of kung fu is attributed to the Shaolin Temple in the 5th or 6th century.