A beginner’s guide to martial arts
What could be better than being healthy and fit while learning how to defend yourself? There are a wide variety of martial arts programs that allow people to get great exercise while learning self defense techniques.
Here is some information on the various martial arts, to help you decide which program you would enjoy the most:
Karate: focuses a lot on powerful kicks and punches. Karate involves learning to respect yourself and your abilities, and learning to respect others. Karate students learn discipline, which makes it a good martial arts program for kids and teens as well.
taekwondo: Involves a lot of energetic movements, including high kicks. Taekwondo will build strength and cardiovascular fitness at the same time, as well as improve your flexibility, but you may need a moderate to strong level of fitness to begin a Taekwondo training program.
Kung Fu: Who doesn’t think of the Kung Fu Panda or Bruce Lee movies when they hear “Kung Fu”? There are numerous styles of Kung Fu and you don’t need to start with a high level of fitness because as you continue to practice your fitness, flexibility and strength level will improve at the same time.
Judo: it involves fighting with throws and takedowns, and even choke and choke moves. You may want to consult with a doctor before starting judo, if you have brittle bones or bruise easily. Many kids get involved in the beginner levels of judo because they love the tumbling and tumbling action!
kick boxing: combines boxing with elements of karate. You don’t have to be in amazing shape to start, because as you train with kickboxing moves, you’ll get stronger and your overall fitness will improve as you go along. Kickboxing involves both close proximity fighting moves and long range kicks and punches.
Tai Chi: focuses on meditative breathing, similar to Yoga, combined with Kung Fu routines that are performed slowly. Tai Chi can be learned and practiced by anyone of any fitness level and age, and the movements will not stress your body.
As a beginner considering using a martial arts program as your main fitness program, you may want to try a few different types before making your decision. You want to choose a program that works for you and that keeps you interested to give you the best chance of staying in the program and getting the most benefit from it.