Insights On Martial Arts And The Best Style For You

By Danielle Russell


Since there are too many types of martial arts to name in one article, it can sometimes be hard to decide on your discipline of choice. And there are a lot of factors that may influence your decision - these would include your commitment to learning the sport, the types of martial arts schools in your area, and the style you wish to learn.

A martial art can teach you self discipline, self defence, and several other traits that will help you no matter how far you take your martial art training. You may or may not want to enter tournaments, but regardless of your inclination, the benefits of martial arts can stick with you for an entire lifetime.

The two main branches of martial arts are Chinese and Japanese martial arts, and the forms of fighting in both classifications are quite different from each other. Tai Chi, for instance, starts off quite slowly as you wait to make the right move, then gradually becomes more intense - the opposite may apply with other martial arts. Even the gentlest form of martial arts can help you release stress in a productive manner, while keeping your body fit and helping you defend yourself.

If you really want to learn a new martial art, you can start by going to your local dojo, which is a Japanese word that roughly means martial arts school. Different schools offer different specialties - some of them would prefer teaching a series of moves and combinations, or a kata, while other schools prefer a more sparring-centric system. Martial arts can either be no contact, light contact or full contact in nature.

If you're the type who wishes to stay fit through martial arts, some are more centered on fitness than others. Take the example of Tai Chi, which is a martial art that doesn't involve much fitness aspects. The only fitness aspects would be strengthening and toning your muscles. Physical fitness is much more present, however, in other martial arts like karate and kung fu.

Martial arts can be a very fun and exciting learning experience. It isn't hard to find martial arts schools that specialize in Karate, Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do, among other, more common forms of martial arts. Other styles, including Shootfighting, Kenpo, Kung Fu and Shaolin aren't as easy to find as the other styles mentioned above.

Before deciding on which martial arts you wish to take up, do a quick search on line to learn more on your own. Martial arts can also be good for children, as it teaches them self-discipline and focus, while keeping them physically healthy. Take up a martial art and benefit from the added physical and mental strength and self-discipline you can gain from it.




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