When people think of martial arts, fancy kicks and instant-kill techniques come to mind. Others perceive this sport as a useful tool to protect oneself while some are intimidated by the sulky looking grandmasters with their colorful belts.
But fear not! Truth is nobody is intimidating anyone except for those who try to unhand you of your confidence. Martial arts teach the basics of believing in one’s potential by stocking up things that you necessarily lack. In fact, no other martial art is better than the other, as there are many kinds to choose from. From the more spiritual disciplines like tai chi to the more combative stuff such as karate, you can select the style that suits you best.All of them for one main purpose and that they are all for self-defense training.
Here is a comprehensive list of well-known martial arts in alphabetical order:
Aikido: Originated from ju-jitsu and resembles tai chi in its application, it uses quick and calculated movements in defensive strategies. Overcoming and throwing the opponent are the two main goals of aikido.
Judo: This extremely famous sport is a modern development in the field of martial arts. Its roots lie in Jujitsu and concentrates on subduing opponents with throws and holds.
Jujitsu: This style, known as the father of Japanese martial arts, evolved over centuries and came to influence aikido and judo. The composition of moves is varied, including kicking, striking, kneeing, choking, joint locking and immobilizing.
Karate: Achieving efficiency of movement especially in attacks that come in straight lines and actions that are kept short and sharp are the main objectives of this discipline.
Kung-fu is the culmination of centuries of many hundreds of styles of Chinese boxing. It is one of the best-known styles which depends largely on speed and momentum – using the hands and feet at close quarters – rather than on brute force.
Muay Thai Kick Boxing: Much influenced by Western-style boxing, it includes powerful and aggressive kicking techniques.
Tae kwon do: kung fu, karate, Jujitsu, and judo have all lent elements to this exciting style.
The modern sport tends to emphasize the legs and kicking techniques, with demanding self-defense training and stretching.
Tae kwon do is possibly the most popular martial art practiced today in the USA.
Tai chi: This style of martial art has become more familiar as people seek a relaxing, spiritual and healthy exercise to cope with modern stresses. Tai chi is classed as a ‘soft’ or ‘internal’ style of kung fu.
The world is never safe. Protect yourself. Learn martial arts today!