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What Are Martial Arts?

D Frank
D Frank

In its broadest sense, the martial arts refer to any type of combat technique, often stressing hand and foot combat. In many cases, the term is used to refer to self-defense techniques born in Asian countries, although practices from all over the world can be counted in the definition. Mental discipline and the search for enlightenment are also part and parcel of many martial arts. While some focus on using one's feet to attack or disarm an opponent, other martial arts concentrate on the use of one's hands or making throws to render an opponent useless.

Some of the more popular martial arts are Tae Kwan Do, Kenpo, Judo, Hapkido, Kung Fu, Akido, and Karate. Each of these stresses the art form of the discipline itself. Through repeated practice of moves, steps, punches, and kicks, students of these martial arts develop, grace, strength, and mental discipline.

Popular martial arts include karate.
Popular martial arts include karate.

The words Tae Kwan Do, translate to: "the way of foot and fist." Though primarily an art where strikes with the foot are the focus, Tae Kwon Do also teaches the use of one's hands to strike an opponent or to block an opponent's kicks or punches. This Korean-born art stresses flexibility and mental discipline.

Jujitsu is a Japanese martial art originally developed to complement the weaponry fighting of the Samurais. Over time its focus has been shifted to hand to hand combat, though weapon usage in various Jujitsu teachings is still an important part of the discipline.

Samurais utilized the martial art of jujitsu.
Samurais utilized the martial art of jujitsu.

Developed by instructor Morihei Ueshiba, Akido, as a martial art, stresses throws and joint locks. Akido's focus is not on using punches or kicks to defeat an opponent; rather, Akido teaches the concept of using an opponent's own energy to gain control of the opponent or to toss the opponent aside.

The roots of Kenpo and Karate can both be traced to the 5th century BC, and as such it carries a great deal of mystery with it. Kenpo's teachings began in the Shaolin temple and was considered a necessary art form to lead one along the "path of enlightenment." Karate developed primarily as a form of fist combat, and the teaching of Karate instructors still focus on using the hand as a weapon. Today, Karate and Kenpo are still taught at martial arts academies through the world.

Aikido involves defending one's self against a range of weapons.
Aikido involves defending one's self against a range of weapons.

Judo and Kung Fu are two other time-honored and popular martial arts. The teachings of Kung Fu are based on the movements of five animals: the dragon, the tiger, the snake, the leopard, and the crane. Grace, strength, and mental discipline are the goal of any student of Kung Fu.

Combining finesse and flexibility, Judo's origins can be found in the hand to hand combat teachings of Jujitsu. In the 1950s, the International Federation of Judo was founded and many teachers immigrated to other counties to teach this art. With the spread of Judo's popularity, it became an Olympic sport in 1964. It has continued to increase in popularity as a competitive sport, though some claim it has done so at the expense of the intellectual and spiritual elements of the art itself.

In its broadest sense, the term martial arts can refer to any type of system of combat techniques.
In its broadest sense, the term martial arts can refer to any type of system of combat techniques.

Martial arts offer a unique blend of physical conditioning, mental fortitude, and spiritual growth. They are not just fighting techniques but also a way to enhance one's overall well-being. As practitioners dedicate time to mastering various forms, they often seek out supplementary nutrition to support their rigorous training regimes. Incorporating the best greens powders into their diet can provide essential nutrients that may be lacking, ensuring that the body receives a balanced spectrum of vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal performance. Embracing the discipline of martial arts, therefore, can be a holistic journey towards achieving personal excellence, both in the dojo and in daily life.

Discussion Comments

anon330884

As a karate student, I'm lucky training them. It not only helps us to defend, but also improves our self-control and self-confidence. Women, especially, should strictly practice any of the martial arts. Learn martial arts and be healthy.

anon285095

Martial arts is a good method to use if you happen to get in a fight with someone. I take martial arts and it's a lot of fun. You learn good techniques and exercise and also it teaches people discipline.

anon131576

this article helped me a lot in my language arts project. thank you.

anon70213

If you read the article more carefully you will see that the International Federation of Judo was founded in the 1950's and that is when many teachers immigrated to other counties to teach this art. It became an Olympic sport in 1964. But Judo has been around for a very, very, very long time making it time-honoured.

lokithebeak

I thought Judo was much older than that, it's a "modern" practice then. I thought they all were "ancient art forms". 1950's doesn't seem far enough back to be time-honored to me lol!

When did Kung Fu start? The article doesn't mention it's inception or what particular practice it derives from.

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    • Popular martial arts include karate.
      By: Vladislav Gajic
      Popular martial arts include karate.
    • Samurais utilized the martial art of jujitsu.
      By: strixcode
      Samurais utilized the martial art of jujitsu.
    • Aikido involves defending one's self against a range of weapons.
      By: Nikola Spasenoski
      Aikido involves defending one's self against a range of weapons.
    • In its broadest sense, the term martial arts can refer to any type of system of combat techniques.
      By: michaklootwijk
      In its broadest sense, the term martial arts can refer to any type of system of combat techniques.
    • The words Tae Kwan Do translate to "the way of foot and fist."
      By: Nicholas Piccillo
      The words Tae Kwan Do translate to "the way of foot and fist."
    • Many types of martial arts have their origins in Asia.
      By: Ekler
      Many types of martial arts have their origins in Asia.
    • Karate is a Japanese martial art.
      By: blas
      Karate is a Japanese martial art.