10 Greatest Martial Arts Movies Of All Time
By Javier Lozano, Jr.
After hundreds of movies, thousands of eye-popping fight scenes
and millions of punches thrown...which ones are the best? Which
ones have I been missing out on my whole life? Which ones must
I have in my collection in order to not bring shame upon my
family name?
We’ve scoured the internet. Reviews. Forums. Amazon. Postings.
Bulletins. And this list is what we’ve come up with as the
greatest Kung-Fu movies of all time and why you should watch
each one. Pay attention to movies involving Yuen Wo-Ping as
either director or action director, there's a reason why half
this list is movies where he was involved!
If you want to watch trailers of these movies, go to:
http://www.experiencemartialarts.com/articles/movies.html
(you can also get directly to these movies in http://Amazon.com
from this website)
#1 - Way of the Dragon (1979)
This is the only finished film to be written and directed by
Bruce Lee. (Game of Death is the other one but is unfinished)
We could write a lot about the plot, characters or fight
scenes...but all you really care about is watching Bruce Lee
fight Chuck Norris in the final battle.
Martial Artists: Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris
Director: Bruce Lee
#2 - Shaolin Temple (1982)
Depicts the amazing history of the Shaolin Temple, the focal
point for Chinese Martial Arts. Think of the Shaolin Monks as
Jedi Knights (an elite group of fighters) and the rest of China
as the messed-up universe that Star Wars takes place in (people
who are afraid of the elite fighters and want to take them out
of power). Much work to do, you have, young Jet Li. *picture
Yoda’s accent on that one* Define Irony: A movie shot at the
site of the Shaolin Temple, telling a story about the fall of
the Shaolin Temple, sparks so much public interest that the
temple was re-opened shortly after the movie released.
Martial Artist: Jet Li (His debut movie)
Director: Chang Hsin-Yen
#3 - Ong Bak (2003)
Raw action without wires, Tony Jaa brings a new martial arts
style to the big screen and does so in style. Muay Thai (Thai
Boxing) is stronger and more direct than the Chinese styles
you’re used to seeing with Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, giving a
new look to how a martial arts movie can be done. You’ll be
seeing more of him...guaranteed.
Martial Artist: Tony Jaa
Director: Prachya Pinkaew
#4 - Iron Monkey (1993)
Doctor by day, thief by night...Iron Monkey is your classic
Robin-hood meets Kung Fu. It’s an action packed flick that
can’t go 5 minutes without an excellent fight scene. It all
comes down to a battle between Iron Monkey (ie Robin Hood) and
an ex Shaolin Monk (remember, these guys are like the Jedi
Knights of Chinese martial arts...they’re elite). Remember that
guy Yuen Wo-Ping I mentioned? Well he's the director in this
one, so you know it's good!
Martial Artists: Yu Rong-Guang, Donnie Yen
Director: Yuen Wo-Ping
Action Directors: Yuen Cheung-yan, Yuen Shun-yi
#5 - 5 Deadly Venoms (1978)
No room form "martial arts beauties" in this one, there's so
much blood and action that they only cast male actors. Exit the
traditional elaborate costumes and enter the muscular,
skin-bearing, bloody martial arts style that would become a
trademark for director Chang Cheh. Each cast member is trained
in an art resembling one of 5 venemous creatures (Scorpion,
Snake, Centipede, Gecko, Toad) with the 6th cast member being
trained in all 5. Six main martial arts actors = LOTS O’ ACTION
Martial Artists: 6 Martial Artists (yes, 6 main characters)
Director: Chang Cheh
#6 - The Seven Samurai (1954)
One of the greatest classic kung-fu movies of all time and
arguable Kurosawa’s best work. Some Samurai of the time were
down on their luck (homeless) and willing to do anything for a
meal. A village under attack by bandits recruits a group of
seven such Samurai warriors and asks them to help defend their
village. The movie is about the Samurai teaching the village
how to fight and culminates in a massive battle between a
village and almost 50 attacking bandits. The acting is superb,
the emotions run high and Kurosawa keeps you hooked from
beginning to end.
Martial Artists: 7 Martial Artists (all names you won't know
since this movie is so old)
Director: Akira Kurosawa
#7 - Legend of Drunken Master (1994)
Some will say this is the greatest martial arts movie of all
time because of it’s balance between plot-line, comedy, drama
and amazing kung fu sequences. Probably Jackie Chan’s best
martial arts performance. You’re going to love the final scene
where you learn what “Drunken Master” really means. We’re
talking box-splitting, fire-spitting craziness!
Martial Artist: Jackie Chan
Director: Lau Kar-leung
#8 - Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000)
Based on a Pentalogy (yes, that’s 5 books) written by Wang
Dulu, this movie covers mostly the 4th book. Critically
acclaimed to cross international borders with it’s amazing
character development, intricate plot, martial arts ideals,
stunning special effects and quicker-than-the-eye fighting
scenes, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon set a new standard for
martial arts movies. Telling Zhang Ziyi (the lead female
character and an amazing martial artist) to get back in the
kitchen would likely cost you 50 punches to the “bags”. Be
ready for subtitles, ‘cuz turning on the English track is like
watching...uh...like watching a kung fu movie in English.
Main Martial Artist: Chow Yun-fat
Other Martial Artists: Zhang Ziyi, Michelle Yeoh, Chang Chen,
Cheng Pei-pei
Director: Ang Lee
Action Director: Yuen Wo-Ping
#9 - Kill Bill vol. 1 (2003)
You’re going to want your home theatre room for this one. It’s
tough to beat beautiful women beating the crap out of each
other in fast-paced, action-packed, make you cringe, bloody,
gory, cut-’em-up (more buzz words go here) movie jam packed
with as much martial arts death as possible. Tarantino expertly
uses every camera angle and a plethora of special effects to
deliver a better-than-real visual experience that gives this
blood-and-guts thriller an artistic feel you’ll appreciate at
the end. Did I mention is has Uma Thurman in it?
(“Kill bill vol. 2” brings closure to the set, but hey...we had
to choose one movie. Say “Five-Point-Palm Exploding Heart
Technique” 5 times fast.)
Actors: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Lucy Liu, Daryl Hannah,
Vivica A. Fox
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Action Director: Yuen Wo-ping
#10 - Fist of Legend (1994)
A classic story of Chinese vs. Japanese martial arts, Fist of
Legend is actually a remake of the original Bruce Lee movie,
Fist of Fury. If Bruce Lee is like the original James Bond, Jet
Li is the Pierce Brosnan. He’ll never be the original, but the
modern film-making and larger budget bring the entertainment
value just a hair above the original Fist of Fury. (The ghost
of Bruce Lee is probably going to strike me down for writing
that) The Yuen Brothers are known for amazing action
choreography, and they totally deliver on this one. (Casting
Jet Li may have helped them a little too.)
Martial Artist: Jet Li
Director: Gordon Chan
Action Directors: “The Yuen Brothers”
The fun doesn't stop there.
We tried to stop at only 10...really, we did. But we just
couldn't control ourselves.
"Once it hits your lips, it's so good!" - Will Ferrell in "Old
School"
To see the movies that deserve "Honorable Mention", go to
http://www.experiencemartialarts.com/articles/movies.html
Whether you enjoyed this list or think we snuffed your favorite
movie, we'd love to hear what you think. Post your comments at:
http://www.experiencemartialarts.com/blog/archives/16
About the Author: Javier Lozano, Jr. was a world champion
Karate point fighter as ranked by NASKA and is a 3rd Dan in
Wado-Ryu Karate. He is a writer for
http://www.ExperienceMartialArts.com, a website dedicated to
helping people learn about martial arts, select a style and
find a suitable school nearby.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Showing posts with label Martial arts school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Martial arts school. Show all posts
Sunday, July 1, 2007
7 Tips For Selecting A Martial Arts Style
7 Tips For Selecting A Martial Arts Style
By Javier Lozano, Jr.
With hundreds of different styles available, it's difficult to
make a decision on what to learn. The simple answer is to stay
close to home and find an instructor you love. A close location
and a good instructor will keep you interested and inspired more
than the style will. With that said, here are some tips to help
you out.
1. There’s no style that is the “best”.
2. Find a school nearby with classes to fit your purpose - you
may be limited to what’s nearby and to what you can fit into
your schedule.
3. Experiencemartialarts.com lists the most common styles,
however there are hundreds (if not thousands) of styles that
use combinations of these common styles. Just because a school
advertises a style that isn’t listed here doesn’t mean it isn’t
a good style. Keep an open mind and form your own opinion about
each style.
4. Sport, Self-Defense or Fitness - All styles have all 3 of
these components, just be sure to look for a class that either
focuses on your purpose or gives a general overview of all 3
depending on your goals.
5. Visit schools to see if you enjoy the atmosphere and
instructor along with the style. Even though two schools both
teach Karate, the way in which they teach it and the sub-styles
of Karate may be completely different. Also, pay close attention
to the instructors and use your "gut feel" when evaluating them.
Are they someone you can get along with? Are they someone who
you will respect and listen to?
6. Know your physical abilities and limits. As you are visiting
schools, be sure to check with the instructor about any
limitations you may have before signing up. You’ll also get a
really good feel for what you’re in for by observing a class or
two. Most schools offer one class for free.
7. If you have friends already practicing a style, think
strongly about learning the same style. Having others to
practice with and to encourage you helps a great deal in the
long run and makes it even more fun.
As we said before, your instructor will make all the difference
in the world. A good instructor is like a good teacher in that
they can take the most daunting and boring tasks and make them
exciting! Once you're excited about martial arts, you'll find
that training 3 days a week isn't work...it's something you
truly enjoy doing.
About the Author: Javier Lozano, Jr. was a world champion
Karate point fighter as ranked by NASKA and is training for his
3rd Dan in Wado-Ryu Karate. He is a writer for
http://ExperienceMartialArts.com, a website dedicated to
helping people learn about martial arts, select a style and
find a suitable school nearby.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Javier Lozano, Jr.
With hundreds of different styles available, it's difficult to
make a decision on what to learn. The simple answer is to stay
close to home and find an instructor you love. A close location
and a good instructor will keep you interested and inspired more
than the style will. With that said, here are some tips to help
you out.
1. There’s no style that is the “best”.
2. Find a school nearby with classes to fit your purpose - you
may be limited to what’s nearby and to what you can fit into
your schedule.
3. Experiencemartialarts.com lists the most common styles,
however there are hundreds (if not thousands) of styles that
use combinations of these common styles. Just because a school
advertises a style that isn’t listed here doesn’t mean it isn’t
a good style. Keep an open mind and form your own opinion about
each style.
4. Sport, Self-Defense or Fitness - All styles have all 3 of
these components, just be sure to look for a class that either
focuses on your purpose or gives a general overview of all 3
depending on your goals.
5. Visit schools to see if you enjoy the atmosphere and
instructor along with the style. Even though two schools both
teach Karate, the way in which they teach it and the sub-styles
of Karate may be completely different. Also, pay close attention
to the instructors and use your "gut feel" when evaluating them.
Are they someone you can get along with? Are they someone who
you will respect and listen to?
6. Know your physical abilities and limits. As you are visiting
schools, be sure to check with the instructor about any
limitations you may have before signing up. You’ll also get a
really good feel for what you’re in for by observing a class or
two. Most schools offer one class for free.
7. If you have friends already practicing a style, think
strongly about learning the same style. Having others to
practice with and to encourage you helps a great deal in the
long run and makes it even more fun.
As we said before, your instructor will make all the difference
in the world. A good instructor is like a good teacher in that
they can take the most daunting and boring tasks and make them
exciting! Once you're excited about martial arts, you'll find
that training 3 days a week isn't work...it's something you
truly enjoy doing.
About the Author: Javier Lozano, Jr. was a world champion
Karate point fighter as ranked by NASKA and is training for his
3rd Dan in Wado-Ryu Karate. He is a writer for
http://ExperienceMartialArts.com, a website dedicated to
helping people learn about martial arts, select a style and
find a suitable school nearby.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
The Bo And Other Long Wooden Staff Martial Arts Weapons
The Bo And Other Long Wooden Staff Martial Arts Weapons
By Clint Leung
Besides rocks, one of the most basic of all weapons throughout
mankind's history across most cultures has been the long wooden
stick. This makes sense since sticks were always readily
available in the forests or could be easily made. The Asian
martial arts took the long wooden staff into an art form as
many martial art styles include the long staff in their
systems. Some styles even have traditional weapons forms or
katas featuring the long staff. Some systems of martial arts
train with weapons such as the staff through practical
techniques only without the use of set forms.
Unlike many martial art weapons such as swords, knives, kamas
and sais which are short range, staffs are long range weapons
with superior reach. This enables the user to attack and defend
from a distance which can be frustrating from the point of view
of an opponent who has a short range weapon. Long range weapons
are also useful in keeping multiple opponents out of reach too.
Of course, long weapons such as the staff cannot be easily
concealed like short range weapons so they can be cumbersome to
carry around.
One of the most popular martial arts weapons from the Japanese
karate styles is the bo. Even today, the bo is usually the
first weapon taught at karate schools and is the most common
weapon seen at tournaments. The bo staff comes in different
variations. There are heavy bo staffs which resemble thick
poles which are considered more traditional and there are
lighter versions which are tapered at both ends. There are also
multi-sided bo staffs such as octagonal but these are much less
common than the usual round, circular versions.
Although there are one handed swings, most bo techniques
involve both hands holding the weapon. Various strikes and
blocks can be performed with either end of the bo as well as
the sides and middle. Bo users take advantage of the entire
weapon as techniques can be executed with any part of the bo.
For the majority of techniques involving the bo, the user holds
the staff near the middle with both ends protruding out equally.
Traditionally, the lead hand (furthest away from the body) has
been the right hand.
Contemporary weapons forms competitions have caused the bo to
evolve where competitors now use extremely lightweight bo's and
some even have reflective finishes giving a more flashy visual
appearance when the user is performing a bo form. Unlike
traditional bo forms, contemporary creative open forms with the
bo involve more complex spins and even tosses. Some martial
artists do not consider some of the modern bo forms observed in
the competition circuits to be true weapons forms as some
competitors emphasize too much baton-like twirling action
rather than actual combative techniques. It could very well be
a matter of personal taste. This is why in most of the large
open martial arts tournaments, weapons divisions are split into
traditional and creative.
Chinese kung fu styles also utilize the long staff although
there are some differences in techniques when compared to
Japanese karate styles. Instead of holding the weapon in the
middle most of the time like a bo is held, Chinese staffs are
usually held near one end which has the effect of elongating
the weapon even more. Taditionally, the lead hand is the left
hand with the right holding the bottom end of the staff.
However, there are techniques which involve switching sides as
well as using the bottom end to strike too. In addition to
strikes executed while holding the weapon with both hands,
there are more single handed techniques with Chinese staffs
than with Japanese bo staffs. Like their empty hand kung fu
forms, Chinese staff forms have more circular, swinging
techniques than in Japanese karate styles.
Contemporary wushu forms use a much lighter weapon than in
traditional kung fu staff forms. Wushu stylists also use staffs
or cudgels that are made of a unique white wax wood from trees
that are grown only in China. Staffs made of this type of wood
are not made with precision like Japanese bo's. The wushu
staffs are naturally tapered with a thicker bottom and thinner
top. The white wax wood is extremely resilient as users of this
type of Chinese staff perform techniques which involve smashing
the entire weapon on the floor at full force.
Korean kuk sul won also has the long staff in their system and
the techniques used are like a blend of Chinese and Japanese
moves. Although all martial arts styles that utilize weaponry
have more complex and possibly more impressive looking weapons,
the long staff has remained to be a favorite for many martial
artists.
About the Author: Clint Leung is a lifelong martial artist with
over 32 years of training experience in kung fu, tae kwon do,
karate, kickboxing and martial arts weaponry. He has won
Canadian and world championship titles (NASKA, NBL and WSKF).
He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear
(http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer and
designer of premium martial arts activewear. Free Spirit
Activewear has martial arts info articles.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Clint Leung
Besides rocks, one of the most basic of all weapons throughout
mankind's history across most cultures has been the long wooden
stick. This makes sense since sticks were always readily
available in the forests or could be easily made. The Asian
martial arts took the long wooden staff into an art form as
many martial art styles include the long staff in their
systems. Some styles even have traditional weapons forms or
katas featuring the long staff. Some systems of martial arts
train with weapons such as the staff through practical
techniques only without the use of set forms.
Unlike many martial art weapons such as swords, knives, kamas
and sais which are short range, staffs are long range weapons
with superior reach. This enables the user to attack and defend
from a distance which can be frustrating from the point of view
of an opponent who has a short range weapon. Long range weapons
are also useful in keeping multiple opponents out of reach too.
Of course, long weapons such as the staff cannot be easily
concealed like short range weapons so they can be cumbersome to
carry around.
One of the most popular martial arts weapons from the Japanese
karate styles is the bo. Even today, the bo is usually the
first weapon taught at karate schools and is the most common
weapon seen at tournaments. The bo staff comes in different
variations. There are heavy bo staffs which resemble thick
poles which are considered more traditional and there are
lighter versions which are tapered at both ends. There are also
multi-sided bo staffs such as octagonal but these are much less
common than the usual round, circular versions.
Although there are one handed swings, most bo techniques
involve both hands holding the weapon. Various strikes and
blocks can be performed with either end of the bo as well as
the sides and middle. Bo users take advantage of the entire
weapon as techniques can be executed with any part of the bo.
For the majority of techniques involving the bo, the user holds
the staff near the middle with both ends protruding out equally.
Traditionally, the lead hand (furthest away from the body) has
been the right hand.
Contemporary weapons forms competitions have caused the bo to
evolve where competitors now use extremely lightweight bo's and
some even have reflective finishes giving a more flashy visual
appearance when the user is performing a bo form. Unlike
traditional bo forms, contemporary creative open forms with the
bo involve more complex spins and even tosses. Some martial
artists do not consider some of the modern bo forms observed in
the competition circuits to be true weapons forms as some
competitors emphasize too much baton-like twirling action
rather than actual combative techniques. It could very well be
a matter of personal taste. This is why in most of the large
open martial arts tournaments, weapons divisions are split into
traditional and creative.
Chinese kung fu styles also utilize the long staff although
there are some differences in techniques when compared to
Japanese karate styles. Instead of holding the weapon in the
middle most of the time like a bo is held, Chinese staffs are
usually held near one end which has the effect of elongating
the weapon even more. Taditionally, the lead hand is the left
hand with the right holding the bottom end of the staff.
However, there are techniques which involve switching sides as
well as using the bottom end to strike too. In addition to
strikes executed while holding the weapon with both hands,
there are more single handed techniques with Chinese staffs
than with Japanese bo staffs. Like their empty hand kung fu
forms, Chinese staff forms have more circular, swinging
techniques than in Japanese karate styles.
Contemporary wushu forms use a much lighter weapon than in
traditional kung fu staff forms. Wushu stylists also use staffs
or cudgels that are made of a unique white wax wood from trees
that are grown only in China. Staffs made of this type of wood
are not made with precision like Japanese bo's. The wushu
staffs are naturally tapered with a thicker bottom and thinner
top. The white wax wood is extremely resilient as users of this
type of Chinese staff perform techniques which involve smashing
the entire weapon on the floor at full force.
Korean kuk sul won also has the long staff in their system and
the techniques used are like a blend of Chinese and Japanese
moves. Although all martial arts styles that utilize weaponry
have more complex and possibly more impressive looking weapons,
the long staff has remained to be a favorite for many martial
artists.
About the Author: Clint Leung is a lifelong martial artist with
over 32 years of training experience in kung fu, tae kwon do,
karate, kickboxing and martial arts weaponry. He has won
Canadian and world championship titles (NASKA, NBL and WSKF).
He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear
(http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer and
designer of premium martial arts activewear. Free Spirit
Activewear has martial arts info articles.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
How To Choose A Martial Arts School
How To Choose A Martial Arts School
By Clint Leung
To reap the best benefits from martial arts, they should be
taken as long term activities rather than short term. Given
this suggestion, one should not just simply walk into the
closest martial arts studio and sign up right away without
doing some research. Not all martial arts are alike and not all
schools or studios are alike either. Therefore, it is important
to really think about what your own needs are with respect to
martial arts training.
The discussion of which martial art style to take is too
extensive for this article. So what I will say here is that
there are differences in the various styles of martial arts
which may result in some being more suitable for certain
individuals compared to others. Do some research on the
different styles and do visit the classes of different studios
that teach different martial arts if possible. But more
important is each individual school’s approach to teaching
their martial arts. Many martial arts schools teach only
techniques and forms (set routines) that are specific to a
traditional style. These schools follow the ways that the
original founders of each martial art style developed and they
have continued with minimal variance over the years. Other
studios like to borrow techniques from a variety of martial art
disciplines and integrate a mix into their programs. Some
schools are non-traditional and adopt a more open free style
system which incorporates traditional martial art techniques
with gymnastics and open choreography of forms. There are many
clubs that do both traditional and open styles. Each school
will claim that their martial art style and method of teaching
is superior to others. Prospective students must not take these
claims too seriously and choose an approach that would be best
suited for them on an individual basis.
Many advertisements for martial arts schools push the
backgrounds of their higher ranking instructors as a way to
attract students. It is important to realize that the more
degrees (or dans) a particular black belt has don’t always mean
that the individual is a better instructor. This is the same
with instructors who have very successful competition records.
There is no correlation to the number of world championship
titles won with how good an instructor is. The term ’master’
should also be taken with caution. A master doesn’t always make
an excellent instructor. The teaching style of different
instructors can vary. Some use the old Asian masters’ approach
where discipline is strictly enforced much like in the
military. While general discipline is actually a good attribute
to learn from martial arts training, some of the old ways of
teaching, particularly reprimanding students vocally or
physically for incorrect techniques may be considered a bit
harsh for today’s society. This is why it is important to watch
classes of prospective martial arts schools you are interested
in. You want to see the teaching style of an instructor to
determine if it’s a style that would be compatible with you or
not. Ask questions after instructors have finished teaching. If
you have the gut feeling that certain instructors will not be
right for you, move on to find another club. Most legitimate
schools will allow prospective students to witness or even try
out a class for free before joining.
Related to teaching styles, some instructors emphasize safety
more than others. The use of protective equipment and certain
rules while sparring are factors. In addition to asking
instructors, also ask other students about injury rates and
their general feedback about the classes (ideally when they are
outside of their schools). Another point on the students is that
some schools attract a certain type of student profile. Observe
the other students and decide whether these are people you
would like to train with.
Some schools are very much into competition with active
encouragement of students to participate in tournaments. In
fact, some schools even make this a requirement in order to
advance through the different levels. Other schools have been
known to restrict competition only within a particular circuit.
For example, many tae know do clubs only participate in
tournaments that are strictly Olympic style tae kwon do and
never go to events that are open to all martial arts styles.
There are schools in the complete opposite end where they do
not believe in competition at all and pretty well keep to
themselves without any interaction with other martial arts
clubs. Many Chinese kung fu clubs do not compete and some
styles of martial arts such as aikido do not offer any
competitive outlet. Many martial arts schools choose to have a
relaxed position towards competition where they leave it up to
individual students to choose whether they want to participate
in tournaments or not. Some schools have special competition
teams where additional training is available for those students
who wish to compete. So as a prospective student, you should
consider what involvement you would like in competition if any.
If you know that you never want to compete, you should not get
locked into a school that requires tournament competition. If
you have a desire for competition, don’t join a studio that
shuns competition.
Some martial arts schools teach in community centers, school
gyms and even church basements. Some have bare bones studios
with outdated equipment. Some schools have the latest martial
arts and fitness equipment with sparkling clean change rooms
and facilities. All of these will factor into the membership
fee of each school. You have to determine what you are willing
to pay for and what type of environment you will feel
comfortable training in.
Many schools require annual contracts while some are on a month
to month basis. There could be initiation fees. There could also
be testing or grading fees for advancement. All of these extra
costs will add up. Ask what happens if you have to freeze your
membership due to extended illness or injury.
If one doesn’t really know whether martial arts is an activity
for them in the long run, the option of taking short term
courses such as those offered by community centers may be a
viable alternative to making a full commitment to a dedicated
martial arts club with its own studio space. But do be aware
that although martial arts can be very enjoyable from the first
day you put on a karate uniform, it is a long term activity and
one must have patience in order to benefit the most from
martial arts. Fortunately, there are many options in the form
of different martial art styles and schools to choose from in
the market today. Just make sure that you do some preliminary
research before committing to any particular club.
About the Author: Clint Leung is a lifelong martial artist with
over 32 years of training experience in kung fu, tae kwon do,
karate, kickboxing and martial arts weaponry. He has won
Canadian and world championship titles (NBL and WSKF). He is
also owner of Free Spirit Activewear
(http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer and
designer of premium martial arts activewear. Free Spirit
Activewear has martial arts info articles.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Clint Leung
To reap the best benefits from martial arts, they should be
taken as long term activities rather than short term. Given
this suggestion, one should not just simply walk into the
closest martial arts studio and sign up right away without
doing some research. Not all martial arts are alike and not all
schools or studios are alike either. Therefore, it is important
to really think about what your own needs are with respect to
martial arts training.
The discussion of which martial art style to take is too
extensive for this article. So what I will say here is that
there are differences in the various styles of martial arts
which may result in some being more suitable for certain
individuals compared to others. Do some research on the
different styles and do visit the classes of different studios
that teach different martial arts if possible. But more
important is each individual school’s approach to teaching
their martial arts. Many martial arts schools teach only
techniques and forms (set routines) that are specific to a
traditional style. These schools follow the ways that the
original founders of each martial art style developed and they
have continued with minimal variance over the years. Other
studios like to borrow techniques from a variety of martial art
disciplines and integrate a mix into their programs. Some
schools are non-traditional and adopt a more open free style
system which incorporates traditional martial art techniques
with gymnastics and open choreography of forms. There are many
clubs that do both traditional and open styles. Each school
will claim that their martial art style and method of teaching
is superior to others. Prospective students must not take these
claims too seriously and choose an approach that would be best
suited for them on an individual basis.
Many advertisements for martial arts schools push the
backgrounds of their higher ranking instructors as a way to
attract students. It is important to realize that the more
degrees (or dans) a particular black belt has don’t always mean
that the individual is a better instructor. This is the same
with instructors who have very successful competition records.
There is no correlation to the number of world championship
titles won with how good an instructor is. The term ’master’
should also be taken with caution. A master doesn’t always make
an excellent instructor. The teaching style of different
instructors can vary. Some use the old Asian masters’ approach
where discipline is strictly enforced much like in the
military. While general discipline is actually a good attribute
to learn from martial arts training, some of the old ways of
teaching, particularly reprimanding students vocally or
physically for incorrect techniques may be considered a bit
harsh for today’s society. This is why it is important to watch
classes of prospective martial arts schools you are interested
in. You want to see the teaching style of an instructor to
determine if it’s a style that would be compatible with you or
not. Ask questions after instructors have finished teaching. If
you have the gut feeling that certain instructors will not be
right for you, move on to find another club. Most legitimate
schools will allow prospective students to witness or even try
out a class for free before joining.
Related to teaching styles, some instructors emphasize safety
more than others. The use of protective equipment and certain
rules while sparring are factors. In addition to asking
instructors, also ask other students about injury rates and
their general feedback about the classes (ideally when they are
outside of their schools). Another point on the students is that
some schools attract a certain type of student profile. Observe
the other students and decide whether these are people you
would like to train with.
Some schools are very much into competition with active
encouragement of students to participate in tournaments. In
fact, some schools even make this a requirement in order to
advance through the different levels. Other schools have been
known to restrict competition only within a particular circuit.
For example, many tae know do clubs only participate in
tournaments that are strictly Olympic style tae kwon do and
never go to events that are open to all martial arts styles.
There are schools in the complete opposite end where they do
not believe in competition at all and pretty well keep to
themselves without any interaction with other martial arts
clubs. Many Chinese kung fu clubs do not compete and some
styles of martial arts such as aikido do not offer any
competitive outlet. Many martial arts schools choose to have a
relaxed position towards competition where they leave it up to
individual students to choose whether they want to participate
in tournaments or not. Some schools have special competition
teams where additional training is available for those students
who wish to compete. So as a prospective student, you should
consider what involvement you would like in competition if any.
If you know that you never want to compete, you should not get
locked into a school that requires tournament competition. If
you have a desire for competition, don’t join a studio that
shuns competition.
Some martial arts schools teach in community centers, school
gyms and even church basements. Some have bare bones studios
with outdated equipment. Some schools have the latest martial
arts and fitness equipment with sparkling clean change rooms
and facilities. All of these will factor into the membership
fee of each school. You have to determine what you are willing
to pay for and what type of environment you will feel
comfortable training in.
Many schools require annual contracts while some are on a month
to month basis. There could be initiation fees. There could also
be testing or grading fees for advancement. All of these extra
costs will add up. Ask what happens if you have to freeze your
membership due to extended illness or injury.
If one doesn’t really know whether martial arts is an activity
for them in the long run, the option of taking short term
courses such as those offered by community centers may be a
viable alternative to making a full commitment to a dedicated
martial arts club with its own studio space. But do be aware
that although martial arts can be very enjoyable from the first
day you put on a karate uniform, it is a long term activity and
one must have patience in order to benefit the most from
martial arts. Fortunately, there are many options in the form
of different martial art styles and schools to choose from in
the market today. Just make sure that you do some preliminary
research before committing to any particular club.
About the Author: Clint Leung is a lifelong martial artist with
over 32 years of training experience in kung fu, tae kwon do,
karate, kickboxing and martial arts weaponry. He has won
Canadian and world championship titles (NBL and WSKF). He is
also owner of Free Spirit Activewear
(http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer and
designer of premium martial arts activewear. Free Spirit
Activewear has martial arts info articles.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
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