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
Showing posts with label martial arts equipment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label martial arts equipment. Show all posts
Sunday, July 1, 2007
The Benefits Of Martial Arts Training
The Benefits Of Martial Arts Training
By Clint Leung
As any martial arts practitioner will tell you, there are
multiple benefits in martial arts training. Of course, the most
obvious benefit is a knowledge of self defense which is one of
the major reasons why the martial arts were developed in the
first place. Knowing how to defend oneself and loved ones in a
potentially dangerous situation is an asset in today’s world
just as it was hundreds of years ago. Unlike often portrayed in
the movies, martial arts are not just about fighting. Many
people take up martial arts for the fitness benefits as well.
Training in martial arts such as karate, tae kwon do, kung fu
and other martial art styles will improve one’s cardiovascular
fitness as well as tone the muscular system. Strength will
increase from the calisthenics usually employed within martial
arts training but perhaps not to the same extent as working out
with weights. But overall power of one’s body will definitely
increase since martial arts techniques teach how to use
strength effectively.
Most people will also improve their flexibility significantly
while training in martial arts since entire ranges of motion
from the body are exercised. This is especially true with
martial art styles such as tae kwon do, Thai kickboxing as well
as some schools of karate and kung fu where high kicks are used.
All martial art styles will result in an improvement of one’s
coordination as well.
Unlike many other forms of physical activity, martial arts also
have a mental and sometimes spiritual element which not only
improves the mind’s focus but also helps in self control.
Emotions such as anger and fear are better controlled through
martial arts. Many martial artists can find an inner peace
through their training. In today’s hectic world, these
particular benefits translate into one of the most effective
stress management tools available. When training in a martial
arts session or in a group class, all the day to day troubles
of the world seem to be forgotten. People come out refreshed,
energized and ready to tackle the big world out there.
Training in martial arts usually involves many little steps and
progressions. As one advances in a martial art, the feeling of
accomplishment comes with added confidence. This is especially
beneficial for children who were not very confident in the
first place. An increase in self confidence for kids (as well
as adults) will have a cross over effect in other areas of life
such as in other sports and general self esteem. Other
challenges in life, both physical and mental, will be met with
much less fear.
An important benefit of martial arts training for parents to
note is that children will generally become more disciplined
from the unique formalities of martial arts classes. This is
one benefit that is often lacking in other sports. Former
‘problem’ kids with bad attitudes could become well behaved and
respectful as a result of taking martial arts a few times per
week. Respect is something that all martial arts instructors
place great importance in during their classes. Martial arts
kids are often very well behaved children no matter what social
economic backgrounds they come from.
Martial arts training has so many great benefits covering
physical, mental and emotional aspects that it’s no wonder why
it has become one of the most popular activities for both
adults and children. However, it is important to point out that
not all martial arts programs will produce the range of benefits
discussed. Programs that teach just combat fighting techniques
may not result in the desired mental and spiritual benefits so
it is important to search around for the right martial arts
school that will offer the benefits one wishes to achieve.
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
As any martial arts practitioner will tell you, there are
multiple benefits in martial arts training. Of course, the most
obvious benefit is a knowledge of self defense which is one of
the major reasons why the martial arts were developed in the
first place. Knowing how to defend oneself and loved ones in a
potentially dangerous situation is an asset in today’s world
just as it was hundreds of years ago. Unlike often portrayed in
the movies, martial arts are not just about fighting. Many
people take up martial arts for the fitness benefits as well.
Training in martial arts such as karate, tae kwon do, kung fu
and other martial art styles will improve one’s cardiovascular
fitness as well as tone the muscular system. Strength will
increase from the calisthenics usually employed within martial
arts training but perhaps not to the same extent as working out
with weights. But overall power of one’s body will definitely
increase since martial arts techniques teach how to use
strength effectively.
Most people will also improve their flexibility significantly
while training in martial arts since entire ranges of motion
from the body are exercised. This is especially true with
martial art styles such as tae kwon do, Thai kickboxing as well
as some schools of karate and kung fu where high kicks are used.
All martial art styles will result in an improvement of one’s
coordination as well.
Unlike many other forms of physical activity, martial arts also
have a mental and sometimes spiritual element which not only
improves the mind’s focus but also helps in self control.
Emotions such as anger and fear are better controlled through
martial arts. Many martial artists can find an inner peace
through their training. In today’s hectic world, these
particular benefits translate into one of the most effective
stress management tools available. When training in a martial
arts session or in a group class, all the day to day troubles
of the world seem to be forgotten. People come out refreshed,
energized and ready to tackle the big world out there.
Training in martial arts usually involves many little steps and
progressions. As one advances in a martial art, the feeling of
accomplishment comes with added confidence. This is especially
beneficial for children who were not very confident in the
first place. An increase in self confidence for kids (as well
as adults) will have a cross over effect in other areas of life
such as in other sports and general self esteem. Other
challenges in life, both physical and mental, will be met with
much less fear.
An important benefit of martial arts training for parents to
note is that children will generally become more disciplined
from the unique formalities of martial arts classes. This is
one benefit that is often lacking in other sports. Former
‘problem’ kids with bad attitudes could become well behaved and
respectful as a result of taking martial arts a few times per
week. Respect is something that all martial arts instructors
place great importance in during their classes. Martial arts
kids are often very well behaved children no matter what social
economic backgrounds they come from.
Martial arts training has so many great benefits covering
physical, mental and emotional aspects that it’s no wonder why
it has become one of the most popular activities for both
adults and children. However, it is important to point out that
not all martial arts programs will produce the range of benefits
discussed. Programs that teach just combat fighting techniques
may not result in the desired mental and spiritual benefits so
it is important to search around for the right martial arts
school that will offer the benefits one wishes to achieve.
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
Friday, June 29, 2007
Training With Martial Arts Weapons - Karate Kung Fu Weaponry
The Information on this site is intended to assist the reader in finding martial arts equipment, karate equipment and supplies.
Training With Martial Arts Weapons - Karate Kung Fu Weaponry
By Clint Leung
There are opportunities in martial arts training to learn to
use various martial arts weapons. Many martial arts schools,
especially those that teach Japanese karate and Chinese kung fu
styles have weaponry as part of their overall curriculum.
Popular weapons from karate systems include the bo staff, kama,
sai, sword, nunchaku and tonfa. Chinese kung fu styles have
broadsword, 3 section staff, kwan do, whip chain, butterfly
knives as well as their own versions of staff. Of course, there
are many other types of weapons in martial arts but the above
are the more common ones taught. Some of the more exotic
weapons include the fan, rope dart and the hook swords. Martial
arts weapons can be divided into short and long range. An
example of a short range weapon would be a pair of sai. The bo
staff would be a long range weapon because of the longer reach.
Weapons can also be divided into bladed and non-bladed. Kamas
and swords of course would be bladed weapons where staffs and
nunchakus would be non-bladed. In most training situations with
bladed weapons, the blades are not live. That is, the blades of
swords and kamas are blunt rather than sharp. This adds to the
safety aspect of martial arts weapons training. Weapons can
also come in different weights from heavy traditional models
down to ultra light weight versions for forms competition.
Martial arts weapons are considered as extensions of a martial
artist’s own body. For example, strikes with a weapon are
really extended hand strikes. Blocks with weapons are modeled
after traditional martial art blocking techniques. Therefore,
it is important for martial arts students to be relatively
proficient with martial arts techniques using their own bodies
first before learning to use any martial arts weapon. This will
help the students understand the applications behind each
weapons technique much better. In most Japanese karate schools,
weapons training won’t be offered until students reach an
intermediate level such as green or blue belt. There are
martial arts that are strictly weapons oriented. An example is
Japanese kendo which is modeled after samarai sword fighting.
Philipino arnis is stick fighting which was developed in the
South Pacific islands.
There are many benefits in training with martial arts weapons.
Because most weapons have some weight to them, their use will
help develop muscle tone and strength. Performing forms or
katas with weapons will also develop coordination. In today’s
world, martial arts weapons may not be as practical as the days
of the past when it was acceptable to carry weapons wherever one
traveled. However, with some understanding of weapons
techniques, a martial artist today can turn almost any
household item such as an umbrella, cane or even a set of keys
into weapons of self defense if required. Another important
point that shouldn’t be ignored is that most practitioners will
claim that training with martial arts weapons is a lot of fun.
However, not all martial arts clubs and studios will teach
weapons. Many tae kwon do schools for example do not include
weapons in their overall training. This is not to say that
Korean martial arts do not have weapons. The Korean martial art
kuk sool won features the staff, sword and cane. So if a martial
arts student wishes to learn the use of weapons, a school that
includes them in their training should be sought after. Another
alternative for students who are otherwise happy with their
martial arts club that doesn’t have weapons training is to get
supplementary private instruction from instructors who can
provide it.
Weapons training can open up a whole new dimension to overall
martial arts training. Even advanced tai chi practitioners use
swords in some of their forms. It doesn’t matter if sometimes
the swords are made entirely of wood either since the actual
weapons techniques will still be used in the forms. For many
martial arts competitors, weapons forms are their favorite
divisions to compete in. From a spectator point of view,
weapons forms can be very exciting to watch especially when
weapons such as whip chains or kamas with strings are used
since their presentations are so dynamic and even somewhat
dangerous to the user. Such weapons have caused injuries to
users when certain techniques were sloppy or mistimed. But like
other aspects of martial arts, proficiency with a martial art
weapon after much hard training can bring a high sense of
satisfaction to a martial artist.
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
Training With Martial Arts Weapons - Karate Kung Fu Weaponry
By Clint Leung
There are opportunities in martial arts training to learn to
use various martial arts weapons. Many martial arts schools,
especially those that teach Japanese karate and Chinese kung fu
styles have weaponry as part of their overall curriculum.
Popular weapons from karate systems include the bo staff, kama,
sai, sword, nunchaku and tonfa. Chinese kung fu styles have
broadsword, 3 section staff, kwan do, whip chain, butterfly
knives as well as their own versions of staff. Of course, there
are many other types of weapons in martial arts but the above
are the more common ones taught. Some of the more exotic
weapons include the fan, rope dart and the hook swords. Martial
arts weapons can be divided into short and long range. An
example of a short range weapon would be a pair of sai. The bo
staff would be a long range weapon because of the longer reach.
Weapons can also be divided into bladed and non-bladed. Kamas
and swords of course would be bladed weapons where staffs and
nunchakus would be non-bladed. In most training situations with
bladed weapons, the blades are not live. That is, the blades of
swords and kamas are blunt rather than sharp. This adds to the
safety aspect of martial arts weapons training. Weapons can
also come in different weights from heavy traditional models
down to ultra light weight versions for forms competition.
Martial arts weapons are considered as extensions of a martial
artist’s own body. For example, strikes with a weapon are
really extended hand strikes. Blocks with weapons are modeled
after traditional martial art blocking techniques. Therefore,
it is important for martial arts students to be relatively
proficient with martial arts techniques using their own bodies
first before learning to use any martial arts weapon. This will
help the students understand the applications behind each
weapons technique much better. In most Japanese karate schools,
weapons training won’t be offered until students reach an
intermediate level such as green or blue belt. There are
martial arts that are strictly weapons oriented. An example is
Japanese kendo which is modeled after samarai sword fighting.
Philipino arnis is stick fighting which was developed in the
South Pacific islands.
There are many benefits in training with martial arts weapons.
Because most weapons have some weight to them, their use will
help develop muscle tone and strength. Performing forms or
katas with weapons will also develop coordination. In today’s
world, martial arts weapons may not be as practical as the days
of the past when it was acceptable to carry weapons wherever one
traveled. However, with some understanding of weapons
techniques, a martial artist today can turn almost any
household item such as an umbrella, cane or even a set of keys
into weapons of self defense if required. Another important
point that shouldn’t be ignored is that most practitioners will
claim that training with martial arts weapons is a lot of fun.
However, not all martial arts clubs and studios will teach
weapons. Many tae kwon do schools for example do not include
weapons in their overall training. This is not to say that
Korean martial arts do not have weapons. The Korean martial art
kuk sool won features the staff, sword and cane. So if a martial
arts student wishes to learn the use of weapons, a school that
includes them in their training should be sought after. Another
alternative for students who are otherwise happy with their
martial arts club that doesn’t have weapons training is to get
supplementary private instruction from instructors who can
provide it.
Weapons training can open up a whole new dimension to overall
martial arts training. Even advanced tai chi practitioners use
swords in some of their forms. It doesn’t matter if sometimes
the swords are made entirely of wood either since the actual
weapons techniques will still be used in the forms. For many
martial arts competitors, weapons forms are their favorite
divisions to compete in. From a spectator point of view,
weapons forms can be very exciting to watch especially when
weapons such as whip chains or kamas with strings are used
since their presentations are so dynamic and even somewhat
dangerous to the user. Such weapons have caused injuries to
users when certain techniques were sloppy or mistimed. But like
other aspects of martial arts, proficiency with a martial art
weapon after much hard training can bring a high sense of
satisfaction to a martial artist.
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
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