Martial arts are a fantastic way to get in shape and stay in shape, and they also help people improve their self-confidence. Many people begin studying martial arts as a method of getting in shape or defending themselves in the event of an attack.
Karate
Karate is a martial art known for its empty hand techniques. It employs a variety of techniques including blocks, strikes, throws and joint locks, the Shotokon Karate of America website notes. Training in karate is divided into basic stances and strikes, prescribed sets of motions known as forms and sparring or fighting. Even a small, yet well-trained, karate student is able to coordinate his body and mind to focus on a target. Practitioners believe that through the study of karate the student is able to develop more self-confidence, coordination and composure.
Judo
The martial art of judo is known as the "gentle way." This martial art uses the strength and weight of an opponent against them by combining it with the practitioners own strength and using it against the opponent. Judo focuses on throws and joint manipulation rather than direct kicks and punches. It is taught based on two maxims: maximum efficiency and mutual benefit. This means that while one student is practicing throwing, the second student is practicing learning how to fall. Judo students learn to grapple and throw an opponent using leverage and their body weight rather than their muscles. Judo became an Olympic sport in 1964.
Kung Fu
Kung fu is a term used to describe many martial arts that developed centuries ago in China. Southern Chinese kung fu styles focus on incorporating low stances and low kicks while using strong hand techniques, according to researchers at Martial Arts Info. Northern Chinese kung fu systems can be identified by the flashier and more acrobatic techniques that focus on using the legs for defense. Kung fu has been around longer than most martial arts and therefore was influential in the development of other arts, such as Japanese karate. The best-known kung fu style practiced in modern times is the acrobatic wu-shu style popularized by martial arts actor Jet Li.
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