Different types of self-defense sports (Martial Arts)

 

 

First, we should know that the word 'martial' derives from the name Mars, which was the Roman god of war. This is why-any practitioner of martial arts is referred to as a martial artist. How to define what exactly martial arts are? It could be complicated but the best and most simplest would definitely be that martial arts represent a systems of different practices and traditions of training for combat. Although, when they were originally designed- the purpose was probably to use them in real combat, today- they may be studied for various reasons including, fitness, self-defense, sport, meditation, mental discipline, character development and building self-confidence.

The experts from this field are saying that there is one universal goal of any martial arts participant and that is - to defeat a person physically or to defend oneself from physical threat. There are many different forms and styles of martial arts and almost each style has some unique characteristics that makes it different from other martial arts.
Beside all the physical advantages you will get practicing some Martial Art-it will also help to get you more confident and keep you safer from attack. You just have to choose the best form of Martial Arts for you.

 

We must first point out that the list of all existing martial techniques would be extremely long and therefore- we will name just the most commonly practiced today. These include:

Almost everyone has heard about the Karate because it represents definitely one of the most popular Martial Arts worldwide.  Like all martial arts it was originally designed to the user to attack and potentially kill an attacker. Today-things have changed a bit and it is being practiced by people of all ages, even kids! It isn't hard to learn it and as you move one and progress, you get different colors of your belt- all until you get the black belt!

Judo also represents one very popular martial art and it is a bit different from karate. It has been first developed in Japan. Unlike karate, the main and only purpose of Judo is self defense! Judo practitioner is never an attacker! Today, it is commonly used as a fun by all the generations, especially kids!  

Unlike the previous two techniques –Kendo is special because it is mainly focused on self defense using a sword. Not only that- the previous two were genuinely practiced by civilian, but kendo was originally used by soldiers who were constantly attackers! Today, things have changed a bit and Kendo represents one very famous Martial Art  practiced mostly by people who simply want to take part in a fun Martial Art.  

What is so different about this Martial Art called the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Well, it represents one of the best forms of Martial Arts for self defense. The fact is also that it doesn’t allow any weapons to be used but mainly focuses on ground fighting. Although it is ancient technique- it became popular only until the 1990's.  

 

We should also know that sometimes, there is a thin line between some Martial Arts and simple dancing! This is why- some martial arts in various cultures are much more similar to dancing then to fighting!  What was the genuine purpose of such dancing? Well, experts are saying that primary purpose of this dancing was to evoke ferocity in preparation for battle or showing off skill. In most cases- even music with some strong rhythm is included! 

Some of the most popular “dancing” Martial Arts are:

•        Sabre Dance - depicted in Khachaturian's ballet Gayane

•        Dannsa Biodag - Scotland and Scottish sword dances

•        Hula & Lua - from the traditions of indigenous Hawaiian

•        Maasai moran (warrior age-set) dances

•        Aduk-Aduk - Brunei

•        Ayyalah - Qatar

•        Panther Dance - Burmese Bando with swords 

•        Gymnopaidiai - ancient Sparta

•        Haka - New Zealand

•        Khattak Dance - Afghanistan

•        Brazil's Capoeira

•        Vallja Rugoves - Albanian dance with swords

 

It could be very difficult to explain the history of martial arts around the world because it’s rather complex. Like we have already told- in the beginning- all martial arts were created with one purpose- fighting and physical defense! Development of many martial arts was related to military development. Important thing to know is also that the preservation of a martial art requires many years of teaching because only why it is being developed and transmitted is via a good instructor on single generation of students. Oldest roots of Martial Arts are dating from ancient China! It is being practiced these for thousands of years! The fact is also that many if not most Asian styles have had at least some influence from martial arts from China, India or both. When we talk about Europe, we should know that Martial arts also existed in classical European civilization, most notably in Greece.

It is important to know that there are many different types of Martial Arts and experts are saying that the most common seems to be Japanese but there are others too! Some of the most popular are:

This, far most popular style, is focused  on self defense! It represents one universal way of helping the body to create spiritual harmony. Combat isn't the primary goal!

Korean Martial Arts were used previously by Korean soldiers, which are known as some of the best soldiers in the world. That’s why- it is logical to assume that it is created mostly to be used in the battle- unlike the previous one! 

Unlike the previous two- this Martial Arts style is based on the usage weapons such as a short stick.  

This is most universal style because it is used for both exercise and self defense purposes! 

People that are planning to start practicing some of the Martial Arts available are often interested what kind of equipment they need to get first in order to be ready for the first session! Well, it could be difficult to answer this question because almost each Martial Arts practice is different. Therefore- equipment basically depends upon which type of Martial Art you will choose.

What kind of clothing you will need in order to start practicing some Martial Art? Well, almost all forms of Martial Arts require different things but some of the common things for almost all martial arts include:

Although it depends upon which Martial Art you will choose- almost all of them require some kind of special clothing or uniform! First, if we talk about Karate, we should know that it is being practices in special white uniforms also called –the kimono!  The fact is also that it comes in two different sizes for both males and females. Like we have already mentioned –only thing that it is being changed is the belt, which comes in different colors! When we talk about Taekwondo, the uniforms are quite similar to those in Karate, with some exceptions: the upper parts of the suits have a V-neck which comes in two different colors! Other Martial Arts, such as Kung Fu and Tai Chi require completely black. Some of these Martial Arts require also

boxing shorts as well as inner elastic gloves and usual boxing gloves.

Sometimes, a special uniform simply isn't enough to keep you safe during the practice of some Martial Art! In these cases participants are also obligated to wear some protective wear such as a head guards, special kinds of gloves, shin pads etc...  

Although traditional Martial Arts involved usage of several possibly –lethal weapons such as knives, swords and different daggers, today- things have changed a bit! In modern and well organized Martial Arts schools, there is no chance that someone could be hurt! Only imitations of real weapons are being used as well as some wooden weapons such as sticks, short daggers and similar!

 

We all know what obesity means and how dangerous this condition can be! It is definitely the disease of modern age and it is characterized by high levels of fat in the body. Obese people have a high risk getting various diseases like heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Several researches done in the past have proven that practicing some of the Martial Arts for about 20 minutes a day helps to burn out the excess fat in the body. Beside Martial Arts the same effect you will get if you practice also some of the exercises such as light jogging, running or aerobics. How come? Well, it is logical because Martial arts involve a variety of techniques and almost everyone of them involves a lot of physical exercise to the body. That’s why- the best would be that an potential candidate for Martial Arts is physically fit! However, even if the candidate isn't fit that much- believe me- physical fitness will be acquired during training! Beside this physical advantages you will gain on Martial arts trainings- it will also improve your self-confidence and power of the will!