Martial arts are a wide variety of styles and approaches to training, and the one thing they all share is that they are all about improving yourself. Whether you’re an adult training Brazilian jiu-jitsu for seven days a week or a kid taking karate classes, any discipline you choose to improve is a great way to enhance yourself.
Fighting and self-defense techniques vary depending on the discipline you’re training in. You’ll likely be using different parts of the body in addition to being subjected to various forms of physical contact. This is why exploring how varied your training can get is essential.
Karate
One of Japan’s most popular martial art forms is karate, which originated in the Okinawan Islands. Its roots go back to the “Ryu Kingdom,” where people practiced techniques involving various kicks, elbows, knees, and punches. Although it has many styles and forms, the main focus is on strike.
The techniques that students learn in karate are based on their style and approach. In most styles, the emphasis is on using all limbs as weapons. They also learn how to maintain their range and attack with high accuracy.
Taekwondo
South Korea’s modern martial art, taekwondo, was first introduced in the 1950s. During this time, various martial arts schools in the country were known as “kwans.” These schools taught their fighting systems, primarily based on Chinese arts. However, in the 1950s, all these schools came together to form a unified Korean martial art known as “Taekwondo.”
Although it’s widely known for its emphasis on hard and fast kicks, taekwondo was not always this way. In the past, students were taught how to use various kicks, punches, and basic throws. Although this traditional form is still around, it’s not as popular now. The main focus of the discipline shifted to competition.
Muay Thai
Among the most brutal and popular striking arts is Thai boxing. This practice is excellent for people looking to improve their skills and get in shape. It’s also very safe to practice as it’s taught in modern gyms. This means that you’ll no longer have to worry about getting injured.
Although it’s hard to keep up with, training with Thai boxing can be very effective for people who want to lose weight and improve their fitness. One hour of this exercise can burn up to a thousand calories, which is very significant for weight loss.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Brazilian jiu-jitsu might be an ideal alternative if you’re not a fighting fan. This type of martial art focuses on grappling and not striking. It’s created on a mat and uses various chokes and joint locks to finish the opponent. Although it doesn’t teach you how to punch or kick, it’s still one of the most effective forms of martial arts.
The origins of Brazilian jiu-jitsu can be traced back to the early 1920s. Royce Gracie is one of the most prominent individuals who has helped to bring this form of martial art to the mainstream. During the early days of the UFC, he showed the world how effective Brazilian jiu-jitsu is by defeating other fighters. This was a huge accomplishment since, at that time, there were no time limits, weight classes, or rules.