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While many arts evolved in different circumstances and at different times, they all share some major similarities. Most have a hierarchical structure, which is usually denoted by the color of a belt or a sash. The colors vary, but almost invariably white is the lowest, while black is the highest. Absolute obedience is owed to anyone with a higher rank. When two students are the same rank, seniority is usually based on age. A common legend is that in the “old days” a student would be given a white belt when he first joined the school, and he would have to train until the belt because black from years of accumulated sweat. Another common feature is the use of a central training school which would have one or two resident masters and to which students would join by paying a monthly fee. The school certifies that the student is worthy to hold the rank that he does. Later on, schools started unifying into federations that would jointly certify students. Different styles are also similar in that they usually believe that by learning a certain set of moves and ways of attacking, a smaller, smarter person can defeat a bigger, stronger one. There is also the assumption that one who knows a style more thoroughly can defeat a more junior student.
The major forms of expression and competition of martial arts are sparring, forms, and board breaking. In board breaking, a student will break a board, brick, ceramic tile, or some other object with a forcible blow. These can be pretty spectacular, something like breaking a cinderblock with the fingertips. Judges will award the contestant a certain number of points based on the difficulty of the technique, its execution, and the number of attempts. Forms, called poomse in Korean and kata in Japanese, are ritualized movements in a predetermined pattern. These evolved so that students could practice their techniques at home and without their masters supervision. Each belt rank will usually have its own form, and learning the form is a major criterion that a student will be judged on when he attempts to advance. In a forms competition, the judges will award each competitor a score based on how well he performs the movement appropriate to his rank. Sparring, called kumite in Japanese and gyroogi in Korean, is the most important and dominant form of martial arts competition. In this event, the combatants will actually strike each other in a controlled environment, attempting to score points or knock out the opponent.
Most martial arts have some sort of yell. Koreans call this a kihap, kiai is the Japanese word. The purpose of this yell is to gain more fighting spirit, and to attempt to demoralize the enemy. However, since you yell when you attack, it also helps to tighten up your stomach muscles to automatically prepare for a possible counterattack. Both of the terms are similar to ki, the mythical energy which is also associated with martial arts. Yelling is said to focus and channel your ki energy.
Perhaps the most striking similarity is the insistence on respect for superiors and discipline. The concept of self-discipline, humility, and inner strength is summed up in the principle of do. Interestingly enough, to look at the names of few martial arts we have, Tae Kwon Do, Tang So Do, Karate-Do, Judo, Sun Do Sul, Jeet Kun Do, Budo, Bushido, Kendo, etc. This shows the centrality of the concept to the thought of these arts. When