Aikido: The Way of Gathering Ki
Similar styles: Aikijutsu, Hapkido
Origin: Japan
Founder: Morei Ueshiba
Characterizations: Mostly standup joint-manipulation techniques
Hapkido: The Way of Gathering Ki
Origin: Korea
Founder: Credited to Yong Sul Choi (same name as Aikido but in Korean)
Characterizations: Originally mostly standup joint-manipulation techniques. As a result of Dr. Joo Bang Lees (Founder of Hwa Rang Do) contribution to Hapkido in the 60s, kicking and weaponry was integrated in the Hapkido system.
Judo: The Soft Way
Origin: Japan
Founder: Dr. Jigoro Kano
Characterizations: An Olympic sport which mainly focuses on throws and takedowns with some grappling
Jujitsu: The Soft Technique
Other forms: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Machado Jiu JItsu
Origin: Japan
Founder: Minamoto Silla Sabro
Characterizations: joint-locks, choking, grappling
Note: One of the oldest Japanese martial arts, founded by a Hwarang warrior from the Kingdom of Silla
Karate-do: The Way of Empty Hand
Similar styles: Shotokan, Isshinryu, Kempo, Kyohushin
Origin: Japan
Founder: Gichin Funakoshi
Characterizations: Mostly hand strikes and kicking (favoring more hands) techniques with some weaponry
Kung Fu: The Study
Origin: China
Founder: unknown
Characterizations: soft flowing movements
Muai Thai: Thai Boxing
Origin: Thailand
Founder: unknown
Characterizations: Often referred to as "The Science of Eight Limbs", as the hands, feet, elbows, and knees are all used extensively
Taekwondo: The Way of Foot and Hand
Origin: South Korea
Founder: General Choi
Characterizations: Korean national sport, hand strikes and kicking, but primary focus on kicking
Wing Chun: Forever Springtime
Origin: China
Founder: Ng Mui
Characterizations: mostly hand movements
Wu Shu: National Art
Origin: China
Founder: unknown
Characterizations: Soft circular movements, extensive in weaponry and forms, Chinese national sport.
Note: The competitive sparring aspect of Wushu is San-Shou, which is a full-contact fighting application with kicking, punching, and throws.