Martial Arts For Modern Times

As modern life becomes more stressful and (let's face it) more dangerous, martial arts is quickly replacing regular exercise. Not only is it increasing in popularity among celebrities, but also among everyday people and their kids, for its equal integration of fitness training, spiritual development and self-defense education. This shouldn't be a shock, as it is a very versatile form of exercise, with a wide variety of styles to suit the needs of different individuals, providing a greater choice in the marketplace. Geographical limitation is no longer the greatest problem that martial arts faces, as a result of the amount of martial arts styles that are practiced worldwide. The greatest problem that martial arts faces is "stickability" - which I'll discuss with you later. But this means students have many opportunities to find a club and martial art that suits their needs. The best martial art is the one you prefer and that suits your specific needs, physically and mentally. Self-defense, Competition, Fitness, Philosophy or whatever makes you happy, its your choice. There are no bad martial arts, you can get bad instructors and people who are judgmental over the many different styles, but it is important to make up your own mind and make a choice without criticizing other martial arts and martial artists.

There are 100's of new styles born everyday, and because they are new they are often called "Freestyles". These are not set and are free to develop because they are undefined in a syllabus. Freestyles offer a different variety of market choices when you are looking to train and there are some good instructors too...

Remember Traditional Styles were new once, and when they were first developed they could have been considered a freestyle. Try different martial arts to find what you prefer and never judge a martial arts system old or new. Some styles of martial arts have long, complex and disputed rules and histories, therefore it would be good to do some research before diving in head first. Below I also briefly discuss some of the most popular martial arts styles, to aid you in making up your mind.

Escrima is a Filipino martial art using one or two sticks made from rattan cane or tiger cane. It was made famous by Bruce Lee and Dan Insanto in the 1970's through the martial arts films. Bruce Lee regarded Dan Insanto as a wizard with sticks.

Kung Fu - "Trained Skills" have subtle differences from other martial arts and the emphasis may be taken from different animals and how they defend or fight. There are many systems that specialize in different aspects of fighting like the Japanese arts. Most styles of Kung Fu are predominantly punching and kicking and trapping.

This is a Korean martial art with roots more that 1800 years back in history. The martial skills we today know as Hwa Rang Do® were originally practiced by Korean elite troops, whose armed and unarmed techniques made them feared and admired all over Asia.

The martial art of Tae Soo Do® was created as the undergraduate program to, and sports version of Hwa Rang Do®.

There are two types of Aikido. The original Aikido was created by Uysheba and aptly called Uysheba Aikido. This is a non-competitive art based on using an opponent's strength and momentum against themselves. Tomiki or Tomikikai Aikido has a competitive element and was created by Tomiki. Aikido is primarily a throwing art, experienced practitioners (Aikidoka) use the techniques very effectively. Steven Seagal is probably the most famous person known to practice in this style. He is (as far as I know), a 7th Dan, which means 7th black belt.

Daedong Ryu YuSool (Japan- Daito Ryu Yawara or call Aiki JuJitsu- meaning great eastern style soft skills). A Korean martial art form, Hapkido was devised by Choi Yong Sul and with the assistance of his student Ji Han Jae. Their intent was to establish an art form that would co-ordinate both offensive and defensive techniques in a harmonized manner. Sul and Jae achieved this by appropriating a range of hand-strikes, kicks, throws, joint locks and weapon tactics from existing styles.

Hapkido has much in common with Daito-Ryu Aiki-JuJitsu, the predecessor to Aikido, of which Hapkido absorbed many of its grappling techniques from. Hapkido adapted these formations into an effective self-defense system. Emphasizing the point of attack at close proximity, students are taught to gain eventual control over their opponent through circular motions of the body and quick footwork. The final aim is to get close to an opponent with the intent of delivering a critical hand-strike, kick, throw or joint lock.

In today's modern culture Jujitsu is self-defense based techniques covering punches and kicking as well as locks, joint dislocations, chokes and restraint techniques. Jujitsu in its element was the art of the Samurai and they tested it in battle.

Primarily a throwing art including locks, chokes, sweeps and hold down techniques. Good for developing discipline, fitness, strength, balance and speed through its sporting training regime.

Judo means "the gentle way" in Japanese. Of course, it is derived in part from jujitsu, the hand-to-hand combat technique of ancient samurai warriors, and everything is relative. While throwing opponents to the floor wins most matches, it is the only Olympic sport where submission holds allow choking an opponent or breaking an arm.

Meaning: EMPTY HAND, karate is primarily defensive and has many different styles such as Wado Ryu, Shotokan, Goju Ryu, Sessen Ryu and Wado Kai, these are just a few styles of the many all over the world. Karate is based on the defensive: BLOCK THE ATTACK THEN COUNTER ATTACK. Different styles have different emphasis: Shotokan is on power, where as Wado styles are usually speed. Some famous karateka are: Coutney Cox Arquette, Emma Bunton, and Chuck Norris.

Wushu is composed of two disciplines: Taolu (forms) and Sanda (sparring). Taolu forms are quite similar to gymnastics and involve martial art patterns and maneuvers for which competitors are judged and given points according to specific rules. These forms consist of basic movements (stances, kicks, punches, balances, jumps, sweeps and throws) based on wide-ranging categories of traditional Chinese martial art style, and can be changed for competitions to highlight one's strengths. Competitive forms have time limits that can range from 1 minute, 20 seconds for the some external styles to over five minutes for internal styles.

This is traditional two handed sword fighting using a bamboo sword (Shinai) and special protective body armour. It develops good fitness and skills. Kendo literally means "The way of the sword".

Originally called Tai Chi Chuan, this has both soft and hard yin & yang) elements. The soft elements are used as gentle exercise and have proven benefits for life and can help arthritis sufferers. Don't forget the hard side of Tai Chi Chuan this is explosive and effective Chinese Boxing.

This is a sport developed years ago using the fists as its only weapon and the original objective was to render your opponent unconscious or knocked out K.O'd. Today rules are refined and protective equipment makes training very safe. Boxing develops discipline, control and fitness.

A martial art dominated by kicks that originated in France. Develops fitness, flexibility and power across a dynamic range of techniques, predominantly kicking.

Thai Boxing was an art taught to the Thai Army. It uses a combination of powerful kicks and punches. The trademark of Thai kicks is using the shin to kick an opponent instead of your foot. Shin kick to the lower thigh can disable opponent effectively and hinder walking for a week or more. This style is very popular, just like Kung Fu, Judo, and Tae kwon do, so we won't waste any time naming the 101+ celebrities that practice it.

Kick Boxing is a derivative SPORT using elements of Karate, Boxing & Thai Boxing. Many karateka ended the Karate Lesson with a loose sparring sometimes called freestyle boxing or kick boxing. Kick Boxing has a large fitness element and body conditioning approach with a lot of cardio vascular exercises that develop fitness threshold levels.

The system contains more hand techniques than foot techniques but a lot of emphasis is placed around the kicking techniques. Tae Kwon Do is often perceived at a dynamic kicking art because people remember the spectacular kicks. Tae Kwon Do has a good balance of punches in its arsenal of techniques.

Tae Bo is an aerobic exercise routine developed by tae kwon do practitioner Billy Blanks, and was one of the first "cardio-boxing" programs to enjoy commercial and international success. Such programs use the motions of martial arts at a rapid pace designed to promote fitness.

The name Tae Bo is a made up of tae kwon do and boxing. Blanks later developed an acronym for the name as well; Total Awareness Excellence Body Obedience. Although TAE BO does not technically qualify as a martial art, I think that someone who practices this with enthusiasm, could really damage their attacker.

Most of these styles have pretty consistent reputations and have clubs all over the world. it is advisable to take a closer look at the variety of styles before just adopting one as your own. On the Internet, you can view the names of a few of the celebrities that follow some of these styles, which should give some idea of which style you like (having seen some in action). Keep in mind that there will almost always be an imbalance when it comes to celebrities and their trends. You may find that countless celebrities are doing one specific style, while none of them are doing another, this is no reflection on that style. Also remember that regardless of what celebrity is doing what style, you are ultimately the one who's going to grow into and succeed in your chosen style. So choose wisely. There are 1000's of styles of martial arts out there, some of them traditional, some freestyle, but life is just too short to try to discuss them all. I believe it would be best for any person who wishes to do martial arts, to do as much research as possible before just jumping into any old style, especially if hate to quit.

Regardless of what style you choose, it will take a lot of commitment in terms of practicing the techniques and attending tough classes. It will also take some "sticking power" aka "stickability", because you are not going to love it every day. In fact most people who start doing martial arts, don't do it for very long, because they lack that second element, especially when the level of difficulty and discomfort starts to increase.

Some of the most successful martial artists around the world, specialize in at least two or three, some even four styles, so they could get the best techniques out of each. If you are just starting in Martial arts, I recommend that you start with one and grade at least a couple of times, before adding a new one to your training schedule. The reason for this is that even one can be a little confusing in the beginning, and two will add the problem of trying to mentally separate the styles and their techniques, while being new to both.

Another recommendation is that children start at about the age of six or seven (even a little sooner, if the child is up to it). This is the best time for a child to learn loads new information and retain it. Movement in martial arts is often very different from regular movement, making it feel somewhat abnormal, and difficult to adjust to. Young children have supple joints and adapt faster to the complex movements of any style, making it feel more natural to them when they are older. Time and time again we see that martial artists who are renowned for their brilliant technique, have started at such a young age. Some of these individuals are likely to compete in international events as teenagers or as adults, and some even become professional instructors of their chosen style.

Most martial arts are high-action, high-energy activities that build strength, speed, and agility, not to mention that practicing the martial arts is a great way to keep your body strong and your mind sharp as you age. Judo for example is said to be one of the best for developing fitness and stamina, but none of the martial arts will get you into cardiovascular shape without complementary aerobic workouts. The fitter you are, the easier it is to concentrate on what you are learning and practicing in classes. Nobody can give their undivided attention to learning a new technique, when they are breathing heavier than a running dog, and unable to stand up straight. So it would be a good idea to commit to a proper conditioning program in addition to your martial arts training. It's a killer combination. Very often, sports training, adds tension to our lives, instead of helping relieve it. Not true for the martial arts. Martial arts training allows you to experience a profound, life-changing truth; strength comes from relaxation. The martial arts teach you what it means to move from your center, and they put you in touch with the true source of your energy, which is much more about your mind than your muscles. Of course, it doesn't hurt that you get killer abs in the process.

Martial arts training benefits children in many ways, like self-control, self respect, self-defense, and self-discipline. It also improves a child's confidence and fitness, while it teaches him/ her patience; to respect others and gives the child a good basis to build healthy relationships. It also gives a child a chance to strengthen his or her body and mind. There are times when you have to build up the inner person as well as the outer. Martial arts are a good place for children to learn how to handle the conflicts inside themselves, as well as the conflicts that they may face out on the street. Of course, I'm not saying that martial arts is the best thing since sliced bread and that it will automatically solve any and all problems that a child may have. What I am saying is that many, many parents and their kids are testimony that martial arts are good for adults and great for children. Many kids who are being bullied or are bullies themselves benefit from the teaching within martial arts. These children get to learn other ways to express themselves than through violence. They also learn when violence is acceptable and how to avoid conflict. Self-control is a hard commodity to come by but will stand them in good stead as they progress in life.

You Have To Be Careful To Prevent Injuries. Martial arts training is filled with hidden dangers and accidents waiting to happen. All the kicking, punching, falling down and flipping over puts high stress and strain on muscles and joints. Many of these injuries are preventable, if you stay alert, warm-up properly and stretch. And you must master the art of falling. Parents who have kids that do martial arts, but don't do it themselves, have to pay attention to the following warning: Do
not let your kids try or demonstrate a "move" on you! Kids just don't know how strong they are, and you could quickly find that you have something fractured or bruised badly, or seriously hurting (for some unknown reason). Remember they've got classes to try their moves in. If you feel guilty for not being their practice dummy, buy them something to hit or kick or whatever. Punching bags and beatable dummies are available just about everywhere.

Like with adults, it's not the same for every child, and there is no telling how they will react to their club, their instructor, their style, and the added ability of being able to "fight". Parents have to be particularly observant and sensitive to younger children, to ensure that they are receiving and interpreting their training mentally and emotionally as it was intended. It is also important to prevent the child from feeling bullied or becoming a bully (in class or outside of it), in which case the matter is to be addressed immediately, and as a last resort, a club change or style change may be required. In some and I'll even say many situations the martial arts can help with the above-mentioned problems. Notice the word some, not all. The Martial Arts teaches other ways to express themselves than through violence. Martial arts will teach them when violence is acceptable and how to avoid conflict. If the parents communicate openly with the instructors, about their concerns and expectations, etc. everything should be fine.

Every style of martial arts, has its own unique set of weapons, wardrobe and safety supplies/ equipment. If you want to practice martial arts, DO NOT SKIP ON THIS! There is a good reason for every piece, and it's usually to ensure that you go home with all your teeth intact, or stay out of the hospital, depending on the style. Supplies for martial arts are easily accessible over the internet, all you have to do is find your local supplier online and order. In most competitions there isn't really any wiggle-room when it comes to having the right equipment. This is not partly because the officials will do everything in their power to ensure that everyone leaves the competition arena feeling as alive (as in not dead) as humanly possible. The other reason is that, your opponent will want to come at you with everything they've got (which depending on your competition level and style, may even include a weapon), and without the right gear, you may not live to regret it. It's possible that I'm exaggerating a little, but do you really want to risk it?

Martial arts has officially been around as long man has been able to document its existence (which means like almost forever). It is always growing and evolving as new styles are born from the more traditional ones. Who knows how soon we will be calling some of these freestyles traditional martial arts? Everybody is joining the movement and pretty soon we might all be on our best behavior, due to the spiritual development involved in this elaborate sport. I feel obliged to admit that I'm biased in this situation. I think that martial arts is one of the best ways to get fit, get tough and keep your spirit harmonized. Of course if it sounds like too much effort for you, perhaps you should take your child to go try a class (many clubs allow that now). Or if that's a little much, you could ask them, to let you watch a class or two, to help you make up your mind (many clubs allow that too). I bet pretty soon you'll be joining the martial arts movement soon. Martial arts is no fad, it looks like it's here to stay, and why not? It has been doing that since forever. For more health & fitness products and info Click Here