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So, why do you want to learn a martial art? For many, the main reason the do so is to learn self defense. This is most definitely a helpful benefit to learning the art since it can greatly boost one’s self esteem and self confidence. But, are martial arts only about fighting? No, it is most definitely not solely about fighting. When one looks at the history of martial arts, one will discover there are a great many health benefits to be derived from the study of martial arts.
At the core of traditional martial arts is the study of forms (aka katas) and their origins date back to the early days of the Shaolin Temple. When asked about why forms were so important, the most common response people will give is that the forms were intended as a means cataloguing (and even hiding) the techniques that comprise the specific art. This is most definitely a true statement but it is only a partially true statement. Forms were also designed as a means of promoting health and wellness.
One way this was achieved was through the employment of static contractions. That is, the kata is performed in a manner where one uses a great amount of isometric strength and tension while doing the movements. Such a process can be a little difficult and this is understandable. After all, you are adding tension and reverse polarity to the movements. This, in turn, delivers an excellent benefit to the performance of the form. Namely, helps develop lean muscle mass. Such muscle mass has the added benefit of delivering enhanced strength and a faster metabolism. Greater strength reduces the potential for injury when performing common everyday tasks. A faster metabolism reduces the amount of stored fat you possess which can reduce your potential for developing a number of serious adverse health conditions. Yes, there is much more to performing a kata than merely learning the root motions of a martial art.
Those interested in losing a great deal of weight simply need to perform their katas with a great deal of speed and fluidity. Of course, the faster you move the more calories you burn and the learner you get. But, do not lose your precision when performing a kata in this manner since you do not want to lose the connection to the important martial art component of the form. In short, don’t develop bad habits due to a sloppy performance.
It is also possible to perform a kata in a slow manner. This has the great benefit of using the kata as a means of stress relief. Also, you will pick up a number of fine points in the kata which will certainly aid in performance development.
Finally, any and all katas can be used as a means of mediation. Which method of performing the kata is best for meditation? Honestly, the answer to that will be based on your own personal preference. Meditation is best performed when you find the right speed for your needs.
]]>The line between martial arts and professional cardio workout routines is kind of blurry; the difference between learning how to do a high kick and learning how to do a knee pull to an aerobic exercise tape isn’t that wide. That said, there are a lot of reasons to take up martial arts, ranging from self confidence building to general exercise and working on balance. One kind of exercise program that’s sweeping the gym set is the cardio kickboxing workout.
The original cardio kickboxing program was called Tae Bo, and popularized by martial artist Billy Blanks. Tae Bo combines aerobic dance routines with short, sharp punches and kicks pulled from tae kwon do and boxing to create a high energy, high performance workout. Tae Bo itself has been trademarked, so the generic term ‘cardio kickboxing’ has been used instead for similar workouts and similar styles of exercise.
What’s important to understand about cardio kickboxing as an exercise program is that it’s got elements of a martial art, but it is not adequate self defense training on its own. It doesn’t teach good blocking form, it doesn’t teach throws or ground movements, or anything you might actually need for self defense, other than how to throw a punch or kick. People who learn cardio kickboxing routines have a head start in learning how to take up muay thai or tae kwon do, because a lot of the motions are very similar, and they’ll have the fitness benefits to build on as a foundation.
Cardio kickboxing has some significant fitness benefits. It’s a very high intensity aerobic workout; your heart will be beating fast, you will be sweating and you will be burning calories while doing it. It’s also a lot more fun – and enjoyable – than most aerobic routines, and if you’ve spent too much time on a stair climber or a treadmill, you know exactly how much fun matters in keeping you at your workout routine.
Cardio kickboxing emphasizes balance and mobility; you may start out feeling like a klutz doing cardio kickboxing, because the motions feel strange, but you will rapidly improve your balance and coordination while doing it. It’s also a great way to build on flexibility, because it requires that your body move in ways that are challenging to it. A typical workout of one hour is good for about 500 calories burned off in a session, about twice what a step aerobics class will do.
One thing you should be aware of is that kickboxing is not low impact in any way, shape or form. If you’ve got back stiffness or bad knees, this is not the right workout for you. It’s also not the right workout for a couch potato; get into step aerobics first, while maintaining a targeted heart rate, then get into cardio kickboxing. Muscle strains and sprains are fairly common at first.
Cardio kickboxing is also a great ‘alternate day’ program to do when doing weight training; it’s a great overall body workout that helps reinforce the muscle building you’re doing, while maintaining flexibility and building up an aerobic wind.
]]>Many people make the decision that they wish to start learning a martial art. This decision is not tough to arrive at since there are so many great benefits to learning martial arts. The problem arises when it comes time to select a style. A quick glance of the local listings for schools in the Yellow Pages will reveal scores of different martial arts each of which has their own unique and intrinsic value. So, which one should you choose?
Most people are familiar with traditional martial arts such a kung fu, karate, and Japanese judo and jujitsu. However, they may not be completely aware of the differences between the four. Kung fu is often considered a “soft” striking system while karate is considered a hard one. Judo is sportive grappling and throwing while jujitsu opts for self-defense related joint locks and throws.
Then, there are scores of non-traditional styles such as mixed martial arts or eclectic self-defense. These modern methods have great value as well and many people prefer the straight forward modern approach they offer. This is why such arts have become so popular.
The key to actually selecting from these arts is to define the approach you find most beneficial and then selecting an art that aids in delivering this goal. If you prefer modern approaches, you should follow that strategy. Those that prefer traditional should seek the older methods. Those interested in sport are best served in competitive arts while self-defense seekers should look for those arts that offer such approaches. What you do not want to do is seek sport through self-defense arts because you will simply end up being disappointed. Always try to match your interests and approaches to the proper art. This will make sure you are pleased with your martial art selection.
If you are unsure as to which arts teach what, performing a little research can help ensure you make the right decision. The internet is filled with much excellent information regarding the value of the many arts. Reviewing such information will certainly aid in making the proper decision.
Then again, you need not assume you are limited to selecting only one art. Many schools offer more than one style as part of their cross training system. Such schools are perfect for those that wish to mix and match in order to arrive at the proper solution. Again, there is no reason to assume you must be limited to one art if cross training options are available. Ultimately, you will want to be happy with the selection you make since you want to enjoy the program involved with learning what you seek.
]]>With all the reasons people go into martial arts, getting the right martial arts school (or martial arts instructor) is one of the barriers to entry for the sport. Choosing the right martial arts school starts with some research that you should go through before signing the contract for classes. Here are some questions you should ask.
What Styles Do They Teach?
Not all martial arts styles are a good match for all practitioners, and the line between martial arts and high energy yoga exercises is something of a blurry one. Softer styles (such a Wing Chung) tend to be a bit harder to find schools for, largely because martial arts is marketed to a specific demographic. Think about what kind of martial art you want to learn, and what your goals are. Hard striking style, or a style that focuses on redirection and blocks? Do you have balance problems that will make high kicks dangerous, or any other physical constraints to run?
What Age Levels Do They Teach?
The bread and butter martial arts class, from the perspective of martial arts schools, is aimed at children between the ages of 10 and 14. Many many parents use martial arts schools as structured after school activity for their kids, where they’ll learn something that gives them focus and self discipline, and maybe keeps them from being bullied. Talk to your martial arts instructor about this; there are differences between schools aimed for kids and martial arts schools aimed at adults.
Are You Comfortable With The Instructors?
Not all people who teach martial arts at a martial arts schools should be teaching them. Not because they aren’t good martial artists, but because they’re not exactly versed as teachers. Always ask to watch a few classes before you sign up, and look for things like who they focus on when they teach. You’re looking for teachers that focus on the students who are having difficulty mastering the subject matter; it’s always easier to teach to the interested. It’s more challenging to teach to the students who are having some time learning the process.
How Well Maintained Are The Facilities?
Most martial arts schools are put into spaces in strip malls, or in other multi-use places. There should be a place where students can change into and out of their exercise gear, with lockers. It’s unlikely that you’ll find one that has showers that can be done. That said, you want to look for signs of ill repair – this is one of the handful of ongoing expenses of running a martial arts school, and there’s no excuse for a dojo in poor repair.
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