China is home to more than 300 styles of martial arts, including tai chi and kung fu. Many East Asian countries such as Japan and Korea are the origin of other popular martial art forms such as karate and tae kwon do. The Middle East is also home to several forms of martial arts, such as krav maga.
Tai Chi History
Tai chi, or tai chi chuan, originated in China, and is thought to have been developed by a Taoist priest. When the priest witnessed a white crane eating a snake, he was inspired to develop the characteristic style of tai chi. Originally, tai chi was much more combative than the newly evolved form, and emphasized speed, strength, flexibility and balance. However, unlike karate and kung fu, which are classified as "hard" martial arts, tai chi is a soft martial art, or internal system, and is meant to emphasize core stability.
Tai Chi Techniques and Philosophy
Tai chi emphasizes both precise movement and meditation. The term "chi" means "energy" in Chinese, and the goal of tai chi is to maximize energy flow and reduce tension. Tai chi is often referred to as "meditation in motion," according to MayoClinic.com, because of its use of long, gentle flowing movements that flow into each other without pause. The movements are coordinated with specific breathing patterns in order to ensure both constant movement and breath. Because a variety of levels are usually available, from low-impact to high-energy, tai chi is a versatile martial arts form that is ideal for gentle stress relief.
Krav Maga History
Krav maga was developed by Imi Lichtenfeld, a soldier in the Israeli army during Israel's war for independence in 1948. Today, krav maga is practiced by all Israeli forces. Lichtenfeld brought krav maga to the United States in 1998, and it was quickly recognized by police forces across the country. Approximately 180 training centers were in the United States alone, according to a 2005 USA Today article.
Krav Maga Technique and Philosophy
"Krav maga" means "close combat," and that's exactly what it is. At first sight, tai chi and krav maga are opposite disciplines. Krav maga is primarily a form of self-defense that focuses on disarming an opponent. With two hours of weekly practice for about three months, students can usually be proficient in all of the basic techniques of krav maga. Unlike many other traditional martial arts forms, there are no uniforms or etiquette in krav maga. The goal is to neutralize the enemy, and no rules or limitations exist on how to do so.
References
- Stanford University Tai Chi and Wushu Club: A History of Tai Chi Chuan
- Middle Tennessee State University; Tai Chi Chuan
- MayoClinic.com: Tai Chi: Discover the many health benefits
- "USAToday"; Krav Maga Teaches Practical Self-defense ... ; The Associated Press; February 2005
- Martial-Arts-Info.com: Krav Maga
- Israeli Krav Internation: Krav Maga History
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