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Many women study Martial Arts for it's self defense component only to find it enriches her life in many other ways as well.
Martial arts is the study and practice of skills involving fighting techniques, physical exercise and mental discipline. Originating in ancient Asia,it is used worldwide for exercise, health, competition and self defense.
I personally studied Taekwondo. I became a first degree black belt and also taught my own class. Although studying TaeKwonDo helped me improve my physical strength, flexibility, concentration and boosted my self esteem, I don’t believe one should study it for the sole purpose of self defense.
If it weren’t for the occasional self defense seminar, which I found to be extremely valuable, the art itself would not be helpful in real life situations. Outside of class we used to joke that if confronted on the street we would have to ask the attacker to wait a minute while we removed our shoes and stretched out first.
Martial Arts offer two main objectives,to defeat one’s opponent and to defend oneself. They are commonly associated with, but not unique to Eastern Asia. Some are linked to spiritual/religious beliefs/philosophies.
Throughout the world we find various forms of local systematic fighting techniques. Training methods may involve forms-sets of routine techniques performed in a sequence and sparring with partners. Some may also include wrestling and limb and joint manipulation. One of the oldest, original disciplines is
Jujitsu.
Judo
and Aikido
were derived from Jujitsu in the early 1880's.
It is claimed that the word Martial is derived from the name of the Roman god of war, Mars. It literally means arts of Mars. The 15th century Europeans coined this term referencing their own fighting style. One who practices is referred to as a martial artist.
The Asian Arts were developed around 600 BC. It is a blend of early Chinese and Indian arts, due to widespread trade between these nations. During the Warring States period of Chinese history martial philosophy and strategy were developed. Early legend of the Indian monk Bodhidharma (or Daruma) credits him with founding Zen Buddhism and influencing the martial virtues of discipline, integrity, humility, restraint and respect.
Kung Fu
originated in China.It spread from China to other Asian countries.
In Japan, influenced by Zen Buddhism and the samurai warrior customs,
Karate
was developed. It wasn’t until after 1945 that the Western world was introduced when World War II veterans brought it back from Japan.
Vietnam and Korea also influenced the west during subsequent military conflicts. Korea brought us TaeKwonDo and
Hapkido.
The popularity of movies starring Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li has also been credited with the growing recognition.
Krav Maga,
on the other hand, was developed in Europe. It is a pure self defense method. It is not a sport or competition.
To read more about these disciplines, click on your choice!
Judo
Aikido
Jujitsu
Karate
Hapido
Kempo
Wushu
Kung Fu
Krav Maga
Goshinkwai
Taekwondo
Hwa Rang Do
Bando Thaing
Russian Sambo
Gatka: from India
Indian Martial Arts
Target Focus Training
Kuk Sool Won: From Korea
Capoeira: A Brazilian System
Jeet Kun Do: Bruce Lee's System
Cane Fu: For those of Limited Mobility
Haidong Gumbo: A Korean Sword System
Chanbara: The Way of the Japanese Samurai
Do You Know About a Martial Art I Didn't Cover?
I tried to write a page on as many Martial Arts as I could find, but if you know of one I missed, please help us all out and tell us about it!
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For more martial arts information for your family visit
Taekwondo Network.
For information on Capoeira as a Brazilian Martial Art please visit
Start Playing Capoeira.com
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