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 training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label martial arts training. Show all posts
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Is Martial Arts Effective For The Streets?
Is Martial Arts Effective For The Streets?
By Norm Bettencourt
The topic of how effective traditional martial arts is in
today’s world as a way of protecting oneself is still a very
sensitive issue to a lot of martial artists. What is even more
sensitive is the issue of how realistic and street effective is
the newer styles that have come out since UFC/PRIDE have come
into the picture. I am a Registered Black Belt & have nothing
against the martial arts and have also studied styles such as
Pankration. I know that the techniques I have learned in the
dojo should stay in the dojo because they will only work there,
that also goes with styles such as the “modern day or reality
based systems” they are for sport only.
I work as a bouncer/bodyguard & also teach tactical self
defense. Many of my students are black belts or have trained
under reality based systems & have learned the hard way that
what they learned in the ring or dojo is not street effective.
Their common question is why didn’t their system work? Part of
the reason is that if a rule or law is applied to a system it
will subconsciously hinder you when your adrenaline takes over
in combat. There are no rules in the streets your mind should
not have to sensor or think can I do this to beat this person?
We respond exactly the same way that we train.
There is no time to switch gears from sport to tactical. If you
are training and your coach or sensei says can’t hit their or no
contact to the eyes your mind will remember that and store it
for future reference. Your self defense system should take into
account your environment as well. Can you kick your attacker in
the small space your in? Can you balance yourself while
performing a technique on the icy sidewalk? If you grapple with
him what if he has friends coming around, what do you do then?
Street fighting or tactical self-defense should be in the
simplest form of fighting. You don’t have time to play a chess
game, like you would see in a UFC match. Time is not on your
side in a street confrontation nor are rules or morals. What we
can learn from the UFC or mixed martial arts events when it
comes to reality fighting is if it has rules of what not to do,
do those things in a street fight because its got to be
effective.
About the Author: Norm Bettencourt is the creator of TACT Self
Defense which specializes in combat management tactics for
mind, body & spirit. Visit http://www.tactselfdefense.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Norm Bettencourt
The topic of how effective traditional martial arts is in
today’s world as a way of protecting oneself is still a very
sensitive issue to a lot of martial artists. What is even more
sensitive is the issue of how realistic and street effective is
the newer styles that have come out since UFC/PRIDE have come
into the picture. I am a Registered Black Belt & have nothing
against the martial arts and have also studied styles such as
Pankration. I know that the techniques I have learned in the
dojo should stay in the dojo because they will only work there,
that also goes with styles such as the “modern day or reality
based systems” they are for sport only.
I work as a bouncer/bodyguard & also teach tactical self
defense. Many of my students are black belts or have trained
under reality based systems & have learned the hard way that
what they learned in the ring or dojo is not street effective.
Their common question is why didn’t their system work? Part of
the reason is that if a rule or law is applied to a system it
will subconsciously hinder you when your adrenaline takes over
in combat. There are no rules in the streets your mind should
not have to sensor or think can I do this to beat this person?
We respond exactly the same way that we train.
There is no time to switch gears from sport to tactical. If you
are training and your coach or sensei says can’t hit their or no
contact to the eyes your mind will remember that and store it
for future reference. Your self defense system should take into
account your environment as well. Can you kick your attacker in
the small space your in? Can you balance yourself while
performing a technique on the icy sidewalk? If you grapple with
him what if he has friends coming around, what do you do then?
Street fighting or tactical self-defense should be in the
simplest form of fighting. You don’t have time to play a chess
game, like you would see in a UFC match. Time is not on your
side in a street confrontation nor are rules or morals. What we
can learn from the UFC or mixed martial arts events when it
comes to reality fighting is if it has rules of what not to do,
do those things in a street fight because its got to be
effective.
About the Author: Norm Bettencourt is the creator of TACT Self
Defense which specializes in combat management tactics for
mind, body & spirit. Visit http://www.tactselfdefense.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Absolute Speed & Power Striking For Martial Arts
Absolute Speed & Power Striking For Martial Arts
By Mark Sias
It hardly takes much convincing to conclude that having
blinding speed of punches or bone-cracking power in kicks are
the most desireable assets for Martial Artists to posess.
Remember Miyamoto Musashi stated in his famous text "A Book of
Five Rings" that one ultimate goal of the warrior is to learn
to end the fight with a single blow! That's exactly where speed
& power come in! The idea is to make them as specific as
possible so as to achieve the most applicable results. In this
article we will attempt to explore some of the best methods
available to get those results.
Economy of Motion. Basically the more you practice your
peticular techniques, the more your nervous system becomes
familiar & you naturally get faster. Its a really good idea to
use mirrors because you can self-coach so to say & strip away
wasted movements as well as learn to utilize power centers
(like the hips & legs). For example you can immediately make
your punch will be twice as powerful by springing off the
slightly bent legs when you execute it. Think of your body akin
to a coiled up snake about to strike!
Think SPEED! Sounds simple but when you start thinking you are
fast you will actually start moving faster. Get over any
preconceived mental limitations you may have. The other aspect
of this notion is to keep the thought of speed on the forefront
of your mind. As you train to do those skills you wish to be
faster & stronger at make a conscious effort to do them with
your best speed & power efforts! Time yourself. Count down how
many strikes or roundhouses you can land on a target or heavy
bag in a 10 second period. Seek to improve your numbers every
session.
Overspeed methods A.K.A. Forcing faster muscle memory! The
abridged version goes like this:You have an innate speed at
which muscles can fire off & move any given limb. Factors like
motor unit recruitment, neural efficiency/capacity, & strength
ratios effect this. What we are going to do is teach the
nervous system to coordinate movement & build muscle memory at
faster speeds! To speed up punches wrap a tubular resistance
band or even bungee cord around your wrists and anchor the
other end or have a partner stretch it out. Now release & throw
the arm into motion with the added speed. Relax the opposing
muscles to avoid any "braking" effects. The same proceedure can
be performed on kicks by binding the band to the foot.10-20 reps
2 times aweek will be enough to develop noticeable results.
Specific drills to build power. Much can be done with a simple
medicineball & even bodyweight outside of what you are already
familiar with. Here are some to get started on:
Power absorbtion exercises:How the theory works is that you
can't create more power than you can absorb. So it only makes
sense to start here before we start "jumping" into plyometrics!
For upperbody power, drop push-ups are king! Assume a position
upright but on your knees with both arms at chest level
slightly more than shoulder width apart bend aprox 90°, now
drop to your hands without hesitation and forcefully contract
when the hands touch the floor as to limit the amount of arm
bend. The higher the "drop" the more force is absorbed, thus
the more power potential to develop. The same concept is easily
adapted to the lowerbody by doing drops from a 4'-5' surface
landing in a 1/4 squat. For pulling power, hold yourself at the
top of a pull up position & fall to "catch" yourself about 1/2
through the pull ups range of motion.You'll find after
performing as little as 10 reps each you'll be plenty sore! Its
a good idea to work these 4-8 weeks, 2 times a week before
progressing to the next phase...
Plyometric Kung Fu:Okay to begin lets start with
punching/pushing power. Clapping push-ups work great but I feel
the need to mention that the idea is to "bounce" off of each
rep. Not just get the clap in! In fact forget the clap, just
repetitively hop off the floor from this position. Its the fast
reaction off the landing that matters so focus on that. One idea
that will work good on the legs is to depth jump right into a
kick. Peticularly a jump-kick! Now these are good
starters...ready to leave elementary onto High School? Get a
partner & medicineball (start with light ball, please!). Have
him Throw it (throw, not toss) at you. The first step its to
rebound it as soon as it touches your hands. Next level of
progress is to actually strike the oncoming ball out of the air
with a chop, punch, palm, & even any various kicks you desire to
build power onto. This drill works some serious plyo-power into
your martial arts! Start with a light 3 lb. ball & slow throws
gradually working up to faster throws & heavier balls.Obviosly
the further you are able to displace the ball/target the more
power you have gained(Like a baseball batter). Kind of works as
a measuring devise as well. For you solo practitioners get a
bouncy type med-ball & react off the rebound of a wall throw.
Please exercise caution as this last one is alot more difficult
than it sounds & takes some serious getting used to.The great
thing is you can build accuracy at the same time you get faster
& more powerful techniques. Lastly plyometrics like these are
intense, so only work out with them 2 times a week.
About the Author: Mr. Sias conducts cheerleading clinics at
local & distant schools throughout the fall seasons giving
crash courses in tumbling. He shows the students how to adapt
plyometrics for improving cheerleading stunts, balance, power
tumbling and much more rapid learning! Mark contracts with
several gymnasiums as a tumbling & plyometrics instructor.
http://www.bionicplyometrics.com If you'd like to learn more
about speed,the science of power training, & plyometrics stop
by our site Bionicplyometrics.com & read up. If you have any
specific question you'll be able to contact me here as well.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Mark Sias
It hardly takes much convincing to conclude that having
blinding speed of punches or bone-cracking power in kicks are
the most desireable assets for Martial Artists to posess.
Remember Miyamoto Musashi stated in his famous text "A Book of
Five Rings" that one ultimate goal of the warrior is to learn
to end the fight with a single blow! That's exactly where speed
& power come in! The idea is to make them as specific as
possible so as to achieve the most applicable results. In this
article we will attempt to explore some of the best methods
available to get those results.
Economy of Motion. Basically the more you practice your
peticular techniques, the more your nervous system becomes
familiar & you naturally get faster. Its a really good idea to
use mirrors because you can self-coach so to say & strip away
wasted movements as well as learn to utilize power centers
(like the hips & legs). For example you can immediately make
your punch will be twice as powerful by springing off the
slightly bent legs when you execute it. Think of your body akin
to a coiled up snake about to strike!
Think SPEED! Sounds simple but when you start thinking you are
fast you will actually start moving faster. Get over any
preconceived mental limitations you may have. The other aspect
of this notion is to keep the thought of speed on the forefront
of your mind. As you train to do those skills you wish to be
faster & stronger at make a conscious effort to do them with
your best speed & power efforts! Time yourself. Count down how
many strikes or roundhouses you can land on a target or heavy
bag in a 10 second period. Seek to improve your numbers every
session.
Overspeed methods A.K.A. Forcing faster muscle memory! The
abridged version goes like this:You have an innate speed at
which muscles can fire off & move any given limb. Factors like
motor unit recruitment, neural efficiency/capacity, & strength
ratios effect this. What we are going to do is teach the
nervous system to coordinate movement & build muscle memory at
faster speeds! To speed up punches wrap a tubular resistance
band or even bungee cord around your wrists and anchor the
other end or have a partner stretch it out. Now release & throw
the arm into motion with the added speed. Relax the opposing
muscles to avoid any "braking" effects. The same proceedure can
be performed on kicks by binding the band to the foot.10-20 reps
2 times aweek will be enough to develop noticeable results.
Specific drills to build power. Much can be done with a simple
medicineball & even bodyweight outside of what you are already
familiar with. Here are some to get started on:
Power absorbtion exercises:How the theory works is that you
can't create more power than you can absorb. So it only makes
sense to start here before we start "jumping" into plyometrics!
For upperbody power, drop push-ups are king! Assume a position
upright but on your knees with both arms at chest level
slightly more than shoulder width apart bend aprox 90°, now
drop to your hands without hesitation and forcefully contract
when the hands touch the floor as to limit the amount of arm
bend. The higher the "drop" the more force is absorbed, thus
the more power potential to develop. The same concept is easily
adapted to the lowerbody by doing drops from a 4'-5' surface
landing in a 1/4 squat. For pulling power, hold yourself at the
top of a pull up position & fall to "catch" yourself about 1/2
through the pull ups range of motion.You'll find after
performing as little as 10 reps each you'll be plenty sore! Its
a good idea to work these 4-8 weeks, 2 times a week before
progressing to the next phase...
Plyometric Kung Fu:Okay to begin lets start with
punching/pushing power. Clapping push-ups work great but I feel
the need to mention that the idea is to "bounce" off of each
rep. Not just get the clap in! In fact forget the clap, just
repetitively hop off the floor from this position. Its the fast
reaction off the landing that matters so focus on that. One idea
that will work good on the legs is to depth jump right into a
kick. Peticularly a jump-kick! Now these are good
starters...ready to leave elementary onto High School? Get a
partner & medicineball (start with light ball, please!). Have
him Throw it (throw, not toss) at you. The first step its to
rebound it as soon as it touches your hands. Next level of
progress is to actually strike the oncoming ball out of the air
with a chop, punch, palm, & even any various kicks you desire to
build power onto. This drill works some serious plyo-power into
your martial arts! Start with a light 3 lb. ball & slow throws
gradually working up to faster throws & heavier balls.Obviosly
the further you are able to displace the ball/target the more
power you have gained(Like a baseball batter). Kind of works as
a measuring devise as well. For you solo practitioners get a
bouncy type med-ball & react off the rebound of a wall throw.
Please exercise caution as this last one is alot more difficult
than it sounds & takes some serious getting used to.The great
thing is you can build accuracy at the same time you get faster
& more powerful techniques. Lastly plyometrics like these are
intense, so only work out with them 2 times a week.
About the Author: Mr. Sias conducts cheerleading clinics at
local & distant schools throughout the fall seasons giving
crash courses in tumbling. He shows the students how to adapt
plyometrics for improving cheerleading stunts, balance, power
tumbling and much more rapid learning! Mark contracts with
several gymnasiums as a tumbling & plyometrics instructor.
http://www.bionicplyometrics.com If you'd like to learn more
about speed,the science of power training, & plyometrics stop
by our site Bionicplyometrics.com & read up. If you have any
specific question you'll be able to contact me here as well.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
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
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