Martial Arts with Stickman Illustrations

A collection of martial art inspired illustrations with a brief comment on each sport.

While martial arts essentially involve competing against another human opponent there is often far more to the sport than just learning to hurt someone. An inner strength, discipline and often more spiritual teachings make martial arts a reasonable branch of sports and hobbies to engage in.

For building confidence and dealing with situations - an ability to stand up for yourself is important.

Boxing

Legalised fighting is still a sport even though most other blood sports have disappeared. Two men and occasionally women enter a boxing ring to punch each other.

There is more to it than that but this is the most basic competition. You against me. Although not me because I have a low pain tolerance level.

One famous boxing quote says plans for a fight disappear as soon as you get punched in the face.

Here are a pair of hand drawn boxing gloves to illustrate the sport.

Boxing Gloves design is a pair of hand drawn boxing gloves in fighting stance position, a cool graphic for boxers and boxing fans.

Boxing Gloves Gifts >>

And here is a boxer wearing those gloves ready to measure himself against an opponent. Seconds away! Ding, ding!

A boxer faces the viewer in a classic boxing pose.

Boxing Gifts >>

Fencing

Fencing is one of those sports that comes along once every four years when a couple of Russians poke each other with what they call swords.

Except they are not swords but pointy wand things. Instead of an arm falling off or perhaps a load of blood - a little buzzer sounds and one of the Russians wins a gold medal.

It is a supreme test of balance and skill.

Fencing is part of the Modern Pentathlon.

Fencing Gifts >>

Judo

Like many martial arts there is far more to judo than just throwing people around. Sadly the only bit I know anything about is the throwing around bit.

Wear loose clothes which allow your opponent to grab on and grapple with you. Push, pull and try to get him off balance.

Once he is off balance get him down to the ground and squash, trap or hurt him a bit until he gives up or the referee signals a point.

Judo Gifts >>

Kendo

Japanese fencing with bamboo sticks instead of swords. Developed as a safe way for Samurai to practice.

Kung Fu

Brilliantly popularised by Bruce Lee in the seventies with films such as Enter The Dragon.

Karate with a great deal of leaping about.

Kung Fu Gifts >>

Mixed Martial Arts

To the outside observer this is fighting. It uses a variety of techniques from other disciplines - boxing, wrestling, grappling, striking - and is a full-contact sport.

A fast growing sport it is not to be confused with marital arts - which is a similarly no-holds barred contest lasting up to twenty years or more.

Sumo

To many people, including ironically fat Westerners, Sumo involves large Japanese men in nappies pushing each other.

There is of course rather more to it.

A serious discipline that involves weight obviously but also religion, discipline, physical fitness and skills.

The spectacle from the throwing of salt, the posing, the referee crowd and ring through to the often short bout itself is equal to any of the other martial forms of entertainment.

Sumo Gifts >>

Tai Chi

A martial art that is also used to promote longevity.

Instead of leaping around and kicking things,Tai Chi can be used to learn control and discipline.

Gentle stretches, poses and stress-relieving meditation for well-being.

Tai Chi Gifts >>

Bowing Out

That's the end of my battle with martial arts.

I use my drawing pen rather than spend hours training to put myself to the test in an arena. Sometimes art feels like fighting when a design takes too long to achieve.

But it doesn't leave bruises.

Created by Mark Ewbie. Last Updated: September 20, 2025.

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