This list includes 8 Martial arts that start with R, from “Rapier” to “Ryute”. They range from weapon-based fencing and historical European systems to regional striking and hybrid arts. Main applications include sport, self-defense and cultural practice.

Martial arts that start with R are a diverse group of combat systems linked only by their initial letter, not by technique. For example, rapier fencing influenced European dueling and training in the Renaissance, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.

Below you’ll find the table with Style, Origin, Focus, Founding period, and Notes.

Style: The common name of the martial art, so you can quickly identify and compare entries.

Origin: The country or region where the art developed, which helps you understand cultural context today.

Focus: Whether the style emphasizes Striking, Grappling or Hybrid techniques, helping you pick styles that match your goals.

Founding period: The approximate year, decade or century when the style emerged, so you can see its historical depth.

Notes: Short comments on variants, influential figures, or disputed origins, giving you useful context at a glance.

Martial arts that start with R

NameCountry (Origin)Primary focusFounded
RingenGermanyGrappling14th c.
RapierWestern EuropeWeapons16th c.
Renaissance FencingEuropeWeapons16th c.
Roman Gladiatorial CombatRoman EmpireHybrid1st c. BCE
Ryukyu KobudoOkinawaWeapons17th c.
Ryukyu KempoOkinawaStriking20th c.
RyuteOkinawaStriking1970s
Rattanakosin Muay BoranThailandStriking18th c.

Descriptions

Ringen
Medieval German wrestling tradition emphasizing throws, joint locks and groundwork; preserved in fencing manuals and revived by HEMA practitioners.
Rapier
Civilian Renaissance swordsmanship centered on the rapier; emphasizes thrusts, footwork and dueling tactics across European schools.
Renaissance Fencing
Historical fencing of the Renaissance using rapier and sidesword; documented in Italian, Spanish and French treatises.
Roman Gladiatorial Combat
Roman-era fighting schools combining armed and unarmed techniques; gladiators trained in striking, grappling and weapon specialties.
Ryukyu Kobudo
Okinawan weapons art preserving boj, sai, nunchaku and kama techniques; developed as farm-tool self-defense alongside karate.
Ryukyu Kempo
Modern Okinawan striking system blending karate and kempo; focuses on practical self-defense, kata and close-range techniques.
Ryute
Okinawan system founded by Seiyu Oyata; emphasizes pressure-point control, joint manipulation and kata application.
Rattanakosin Muay Boran
Traditional Thai unarmed combat from the Rattanakosin era emphasizing clinch work, elbows, knees and techniques predating modern Muay Thai.
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