What martial arts are used in Mortal Kombat & What does each character use?

Founded in 1992, Mortal Kombat quickly became one of the most popular video games of all time and revolutionized the beat ’em up style forever. Even today, Mortal Kombat is still going strong and has spawned countless sequels and movies since. So, what has made Mortal Kombat so successful? A big reason as to why it’s done well is down to the use of martial arts culture that is used in Mortal Kombat. As its name suggests, it is literally about combat after all.

With this in mind, fans naturally have an interest in what discipline is used by what character in Mortal Kombat. What should also be noted is that there are almost 100 Mortal Kombat characters within the MK universe. For the sake of ease, we won’t be going through each and everyone’s individual traits. Instead, we shall focus on the most popular characters, as well as those who most blatantly have an obvious martial arts style to analyze and see clearly.

It should also be added that you have to take some of these fighters and their styles with a pinch of salt. Remember, this is a video game and so there’s always a degree of mysticism and fantasy which sometimes overpowers more conventional fighting mechanics.

Scorpion – Ninjutsu: With the ability to produce metal hooks and chains to destroy his opponents, Scorpions fighting style loosely resembles Ninjutsu. He is also meant to originally be a ninja from Japan, so it makes sense.

Sonya Blade – Taekwondo: Sonya Blade is meant to come from Taekwondo and uses a typical TKD stance. This can also be seen through her reliance on head kicks.

Liu Kang – Jeet Kune Do: According to some, Liu Kang is based on Bruce Lee and this is probably correct. He even uses nunchucks. A ripped martial arts expert, Kang’s background looks to be in JKD.

Bo Rai Cho – Drunken boxing: This one is pretty obvious. Just looking at Bo Rai Cho’s belly and hip flask full of alcohol, you can see he likes to drink. He’s also great at boxing, hence why he uses Drunken boxing as his style.

Jax – Wrestling: Some of Jax’s moves come from a wrestling background. This makes sense as well as he’s from the USA, where wrestling is commonly practiced.

Sub Zero – Ninjutsu: Technically, Sub Zero is not classified as a ninja. However, he did undertake ninja training at some point to improve his skills.

Shang Tsung – Wing Chun: Shang Tsung is known to use a Wing Chun-type stance. When fighting, he actually doesn’t use much Wing Chun, but this is his clearest style.

Johnny Cage – Wing Chun: Johnny Cage is also a fan of Wing Chun and is quick with his hands. As someone from the earth realm, he needs to be too when facing interdimensional demons.

Kung Lao – Kung Fu: Kung Lao is a Shaolin monk who debuted in Mortal Kombat II. As you would expect, a Shaolin monk is likely to use Shaolin Kung Fu, which is the case for Kung Lao.

Raiden – Japanese Ju Jitsu: Although many fighters in the MK series rely on striking, Raiden often used Japanese Ju Jitsu and was a bit of a grappler. He would use his skills to throw people and take them down.

Ermac – Wushu: When fighting, Ermac would often assume a Wushu stance which would set him up to attack with punches and kicks.

Smoke – Ninjutsu: A trained assassin, Smoke is a Ninjutsu specialist who will even use smoke clouds to evade his enemies. This is the martial art that ninja assassins would use many years ago.

Kano – Eskrima: Kano often has at least one dagger with him whilst fighting and isn’t afraid to use it. Knife fighting with smaller blades is taught in the Filipino art of Eskrima and Kali. Interestingly, Kano is meant to be from Australia.

Scorpion – Hapkido: Usually, Scorpion uses a very rounded approach to fighting that also includes the use of weapons as well as strikes. This style resembles what is sometimes taught in Hapkido.

Kobra – Wushu: Although he’s described as a ‘street brawler’, Kobra looks to use Wushu stances. He even wears a typical Wushu jacket which suggests that is his style.