Taekwondo and karate are both types of martial arts, though there are major distinctions in addition to country of origin and favored movements. One difference is the way ranking is shown to differentiate levels, from beginning...
Bak Mei is a martial art that focuses on hand moves to defeat an opponent. The techniques are similar to kung fu and require close contact to execute. However, Bak Mei is not as common as kung fu, and is viewed by some experts ...
Boxers are best known for using their hands in the ring. They punch, jab, throw uppercuts and block punches. Footwork is often overlooked in boxing, but it is an important skill. Boxers who can move in and out are more likely t...
For those with the patience and determination to persevere, however, nothing can match the thrill of testing speed, strength and skill against an opponent. Becoming a competitive boxer requires a lot of hard work, but starting ...
Jiu-jitsu employs leverage tactics that allow a physically outmatched person to compete on equal footing with a larger person or to defend against attackers. As with other martial arts, students of jiu-jitsu can graduate to hig...
The butterfly jump is generally associated with wushu and other martial arts, but ice skaters, parkour enthusiasts and dancers often include this explosive aerial kick in performance routines. Solid execution of a butterfly jum...
All combat sports, from boxing to jujitsu and mixed martial arts, rely on precise footwork to not only avoid strikes and takedowns but also to generate power for punching and kicking. Karate practitioners often employ a slight ...
Shinsai Goshin Kai is a form of self-defense that employs martial arts. This form of fighting art is known for its appearance in Mick Gould's 2009 movie, "Taken," starring Liam Neeson. Gould choreographed the Shinsai ...
Tae Kwon Do is the most popular martial art in the world, according to the American Tae Kwon Do Association. The name of this martial art translates loosely to mean “the way of the hand and the foot,” as Tae Kwon Do...
There are two basic types of stances when it comes to boxing: the high stance and wide stance. Wide-stance boxers adopt a low center of gravity by increasing the distance between their feet. While this often benefits in short-r...
Shorinji Kempo, a martial art established by Japan native Doshin So, shares much of the philosophy of Buddhism and derives basic moves from Chinese martial arts. According to the World Shorinji Kempo Organization, approximately...
Chinese martial arts have played an important role in influencing Chinese and Taiwanese culture and history. Martial arts include different hand-to-hand fighting techniques and the use of traditional weapons for the purpose of ...
An exciting form of martial arts known for on-ground grappling is Brazilian jiu-jitsu. According to Jiu-Jitsu.net, a website dedicated to the jiu-jitsu style of martial arts, this discipline is based on an ancient form of Japan...
MayoClinic.com recommends that we commit to an active lifestyle to minimize and to prevent knee pain, but sore or weak knees can slow down even the most committed exercise fanatic. Martial arts, which provide mental and physica...
Krav maga is an Israeli self-defense discipline. Its name translates from Hebrew as "constant combat." Tae kwon do is also a self-defense discipline, but it originated in Korea. Its name consists of words meaning &quo...
Different types of martial arts focus more on attacking or defending, or they may emphasize kicks or punches. But all types have pros and cons when compared to other forms of self-defense, exercise or self-exploration.
Muscle weakness in your arms or legs affects the way you execute your boxing moves. Sports conditioning coach Jamie Hale, in his article "Strength Training for Boxers," indicates that functional muscle strength increa...
The right training program can make the difference between your first amateur win and your first amateur concussion. Successful boxers pay significant attention to developing leg strength. Strong legs not only translate into pu...
Like most other sports that are fighting-based, the core of boxing is the focused application of force. The boxer's fist becomes a weapon -- a blunt instrument that's used to focus all the strength of the body onto a few square...
Golden Gloves is an annual competition for amateur boxers. Proper preparation for a Golden Gloves competition requires excellent nutrition to help you develop muscle and provide you with energy. All people require carbohydrates...
During each match, fencers accrue points through successful attacks that land on different exposed parts of the body. While the front leg is always bent during a lunge, keeping the front foot straight is essential to bal
Originally developed to protect surfers’ bodies from the waxy, sandy surface of their boards, rash guards have become increasingly noticeable among swimmers. These lightweight, quick-drying shirts offer numerous benefits ...
A rear naked choke hold is a move that is often executed in martial arts as well as self-defense classes and independent wrestling circles. The move requires you to wrap one arm around the neck of your opponent so the inside po...
Turbo kickboxing provides a high intensity cardiovascular workout, combining elements of kickboxing and hip-hop dance into the routine. Although kickboxing is an excellent way to get in shape and build strength, it can also lea...
Squatting to a box involves squatting on to a box and lightly touching the box with your rear and lifting right back up. Box squats, although they begin with the same type of box and squatting position, should have your butt re...
Tae kwon do is a Korean martial art practiced widely around the globe. Every tae kwon do movement begins with a proper stance, and as you spar, you adjust your stance based on whether you are defending or attacking. The niuncha...
Taking up a sport provides a mental and physical challenge at any age. Adults have the option of joining recreational sports leagues, taking private lessons for a particular sport or going out on their own to learn the new phys...
If you are a tall and heavy individual, chances are your body type will fall into the heavyweight boxing class. Unlike welterweights and light weights who rely on extreme speed and quickness to achieve success in the ring, big ...
The practice of karate and related martial arts was traditionally said to rest on three pillars: kihon, instruction in the basic movements; kata, ritualized sets of forms or predetermined movements; and kumite, or sparring. Mod...
Fencing is a type of combat sport that uses bladed swords to win over an opponent. Fencing is played with two people and involves power, balance and coordination in order to obtain proper technique. Because fencing uses a great...
Dominican-born slugger David Ortiz has been one of baseball's dominant hitters since the turn of the 21st century. The large and genial Ortiz, known by his nickname "Big Papi," helped turn the Boston Red Sox from a dy...
A southpaw boxer uses the opposite stance of a right-handed boxer, with the right foot and right arm forward, in a mirror image of the orthodox stance used by most right-handed fighters. If you're left-handed or if you're prepa...
The ancient martial art of kung fu offers intense exercise, a means of self-defense, and excellent training in concentration, coordination and agility. However, the high-intensity combat training can also lead to injuries, part...
Boxed yellow cake mixes simplify dessert-making: They require very few ingredients and take little time to mix and cook. While these cakes have their advantages, they lack a distinctive flavor. Incorporating almond flavor into ...
"Cardio Inferno" is a workout program by Tae Bo creator Billy Banks; Tae Bo stands for Total Awareness Excellent Body Obedience. It mixes boxing, martial arts and dance movements to create a more well-rounded but risk...
Mixed martial arts -- or MMA -- is a fighting and sparring technique that combines movements from a variety of martial arts forms, including karate, boxing, judo and tae kwon do. Although the sport of mixed martial arts does no...
Clinching is an effective maneuver in boxing that involves temporarily neutralizing your opponent. If executed properly, you can completely prevent your opponent from throwing punches for a short time, which enables you to rest...
Instead of relying on physical strength, aikidokas -- or aikido practitioners -- use their opponents' strength against them. Because of this, children can begin to learn aikido from an early age without any preparatory physical...
All martial arts teach patience. Practicing a martial art requires developing your focus and honing yours skills through repetition, both of which draw upon patience. Observing mentors and teachers, attempting new moves and dev...
Athletes often learn basic skills surrounding the equipment and apparatus of their chosen sport. Boxers are no exception and must learn basic glove threading and tying techniques. Initially attempting to lace and tie boxing gl...
Powerlifting is a strength sport unto itself, featured in the Olympic games and tightly focused around just three weightlifting events: the squat, bench press and deadlift. Jiu-jitsu, a martial art closely related to judo and B...
Bakers at most skill levels can find cakes that they're comfortable baking. However, some problems crop up time and again, even for competent and experienced bakers. One of these perennial problems is the difficulty of keeping ...
Alternative forms of the sleeper hold are used in law enforcement, the military and some sports, such as martial arts and wrestling. If you're targeted by an assailant or opponent and placed in a sleeper hold, there are few way...
Exercise benefits your physical, mental and emotional well-being. To reap these benefits, Mayo Clinic.com points out that it depends less on picking the right sort of physical activity, and more on staying active consistently. ...
Taking up kung fu allows you to reap the martial art's many physical and mental benefits. One of the best things about kung fu is that the practice is accessible to people of all ages. Not only is it possible to take up kung fu...
For example, depending on your body weight and the intensity of your practice, an hour of Tae Kwon Do can burn 1,000 calories, according to MayoClinic.com. Excessive sweating when doing martial arts is rarely a reason for concern.
It's tempting to skimp on items such as specialized shoes until you're sure you're going to enjoy the sport. But wearing boxing shoes during training may help you improve your footwork, an important part of boxing. Boxing shoes...
Jeet kune do is a form of martial arts created by Bruce Lee. It consists of quick fighting movements, such as kicks, punches, wrestling moves, grappling and other types of martial arts maneuvers. Working out to jeet kune do tra...
Karate is a martial art developed in Japan, and Muay Thai is a combat sport from Thailand that is similar to kickboxing. Both sports employ your hands, feet, elbows and knees to strike an opponent. The karate front kick and the...
Kajukenbo is a type of mixed martial arts that combines aspects of kempo, karate, judo, jujitsu and boxing. It materialized in Hawaii during the late 1940s to the early 1950s as a way to win street fights. The techniques used i...
Cardio boxing classes provide a fun, calorie-burning alternative to monotonous activities like running. Cardio boxing uses boxing moves to provide an aerobic workout. Gyms and private studios offer different types of cardio box...
Cardio X and Tae Bo are two types of cardio exercise that you can do in the comfort of your own home. Both exercise routines are beneficial for your heart and get your blood flowing. While Cardio X and Tae Bo are similar, they ...
When these muscles are weak, your shoulder can slip out of place, causing it to become weak and unstable. This instability is often treated with exercises to help strengthen your rotator cuff muscles to hold your shoulder in pl...
Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies, or HNPP, is a genetic disorder associated with hypersensitivity of nerves to stretching and pressure. Ordinary activities, such as sitting with legs crossed, can be pain...
Because the world of boxing has so many variations, it makes sense that you'll find a variety of equipment types when you enter a boxing gym. While boxing equipment is usually a matter of personal preference, certain schools of...
Along with the many benefits of judo come some downers such as injuries and joint or muscle pain. Many of the moves in judo involve your arms, so it is possible to develop muscle spasms, cramps or stiffening in the arms while p...
Olympic squats, also called bodybuilding squats, differ from powerlifting squats in key areas. Both forms of squats require you to use your body as a spring, compressing at the knees and hips to deliver lifting force to a weigh...
Competitive boxers are familiar with extreme dieting. Weight requirements combined with the need to maintain nimble, lightning-fast footwork while fighting causes elite boxers to alternate fasting and gorging. Some professional...
De Ashi Hirai is the Japanese name for this important attack move, designed to sweep your opponent's advancing leg out from under him. A feint step pulls the opponent off-balance, allowing you to capitalize on his forward movem...
The belief behind this specialized yoga is that your body has layers of sheaths, or shadows. By incorporating martial arts, dance and other rhythmic movements into your routine, these shadows break apart. You may feel uplifted ...
Boxing gloves come in a variety of sizes, colors, material and thickness. Your sport determines the specific fit and style of glove. Women's gloves generally are smaller than men's. Before buying a new pair of boxing gloves, tr...
Back pain -- especially lower back pain -- is an excruciating problem for many adults. If you struggle with recurring back pain, you should follow your doctor's advice for proper treatment. In many cases, however, your doctor m...
Long ago, weighted boxing gloves were killing instruments. Roman and Etruscan fighters wore lead-weighted gloves, sometimes covered in spikes, adding to the deadly spectacle of amphitheater battles. Today’s boxing regulat...
If you've ever played a match in which everything flowed and your victory felt assured, then you know that choking is the opposite of that. When the pressure is at its greatest, choking -- succumbing to anxiety and making uncha...
If you are looking to keep your children fit and active, creating outdoor exercise stations will help them burn calories and have fun. Do-it-yourself outdoor exercise stations range from outdoor sports stations, such as basebal...
Training for boxing has undergone some major changes throughout the years. Prior to the 1980s, many trainers refused to let their fighters lift weights in an attempt to get stronger because the trainers feared it would make the...
Tae kwon do is a mixed martial art that originated in ancient Korea and evolved to incorporate Chinese and Japanese self-defense techniques. Tae kwon do translates to "the way of the hand and foot." To protect your kn...
Boxing requires a full commitment from its participants. A boxer must get himself in the best shape possible, must work on his skills so he can throw punches with speed and block them with aplomb, and must develop a strategy th...
Choosing the most effective exercise for you can be challenging. You must consider your health limitations, resources and desired results. Running and hip-hop dancing are two of the easiest exercises to do, since neither requir...
Kickboxing can be a great way to learn self-defense and get a cardiovascular workout at the same time. While the risk of martial arts injury is low compared to other contact sports, repeated ankle trauma or sprains can damage t...
Papua, New Guinea, is in the eastern part of the island of New Guinea, near Oceania. It has a culturally diverse population with several different customs and traditions. Because the country gained its independence from Austral...
Kisado exercises are part of a Kisado fitness training program. This style of exercise originated in Japan and is taught at many martial arts facilities across the U.S. Kisado exercises have an element of martial arts, but Kisa...
Shaolin kung fu, a martial art derived from Buddhist and Taoist principles, promotes a level of physical and mental fortitude not found in other combat disciplines. Kung fu literally means "hard work," and Shaolin mon...
Boxers and bodybuilders embody many of the traits of elite athleticism including endurance, strength and coordination. However, the two sports also differ in many ways. Boxers and bodybuilders train for different performance go...
The diet of Ryan Bader -- a professional mixed martial artist with six-pack abs and an impressive winning career -- is a topic of interest to aspiring athletes. Bader won the 8th season of The Ultimate Fighter, a reality show t...
The shin box exercise, sometimes referred to as the shin box switch, it is a mobility exercise. It is designed to loosen your lower back and hips, and over time, it may improve the range of motion in your hips. As with any new ...
Boxing is an intense, strenuous sport that requires strength, power and speed. Keeping your energy up during a boxing match is crucial as you try to outlast your opponent. Becoming tired during a bout makes you slower in your d...
The box motion in cheerleading is a beginner's move. It is one of the basic moves that, when combined with other basic moves, forms the basis of more elaborate cheer routines. Cheerleaders must master this move, as well as othe...
If you suffer from chronic muscle pain, myofascial release may be an effective way to obtain pain relief. Myofascial release is a form of treatment that uses gentle pressure on specific locations of your body for alleviating pa...
Moving your hips is one of the most critical aspects of proper boxing technique. Although it might seem like you should throw punches with your arms, a good punch begins in the legs and hips, allowing you to punch far harder an...
Although your first instinct might be to start fighting wild and forget your technique and training, it is still possible to defeat your opponent with discipline. To do so, however, you must first determine what advantages your...
Tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, has been found to have a variety of health benefits. Although more research needs to be done regarding its efficacy for people with multiple sclerosis, one small study has shown that it ...
Boxing and judo are combat sports that differ greatly in philosophies, fundamentals and techniques. Judoka, as participants in judo are referred to, are trained to disable an opponent by throwing techniques, chokes and grapplin...
Shotokan karate is one of the oldest and most influential styles of karate. Developed by Gichin and Gigo Funakoshi in 1916, the style arose from different martial arts styles. Like other forms of karate and martial arts, Shotok...
Many boxing fans think of women's boxing as a recent development, but women have been involved in boxing since at least the 1720s. In 1722, Elizabeth Wilkinson defeated Martha Jones in a bout in London, and women have boxed eve...
Making a decision to go into boxing takes a commitment to get into the best shape possible. When you get in the ring, your opponent will be throwing punches at your head and body with the intention of damaging you. You owe it t...
If you watch what happens to a boxer's head and neck when he takes a solid punch, it's not surprising that a sore neck is a common boxing injury. It's more surprising that the sore neck isn't consistent and severe. If you want ...
The Modern Army Combatives Program, or MACP, was created within the Army Rangers by martial artist and soldier Matt Larsen. It is now the U.S. Army's standard training method for close quarters combat. The combatives, or moves,...
In the days of bare-knuckle boxing, boxers didn't tape their hands or wear boxing gloves. They fought with their bare fists, using no padding or protection. Some of the punches they used had to be done with less force. Others h...
Moving your head in boxing is a defensive tactic and technique used to set up a punch. Legendary boxing trainer Cus D’Amato once said, “When you can hit your opponent but he can't hit you, that’s when you are ...
Given the impact involved, especially in contrast to the relatively small bones and muscles in your forearms, the surprise is that the soreness isn't far more frequent and severe. It's just part of the sport of boxing, though y...
uot;Jun Fan" is Chinese for "Bruce Lee." "Jun Fan Gung Fu" was the first name Lee gave to the developing martial art that eventually became known as "Jeet Kun Do." An enthusiastic student of ...
Amateur boxers are required by the Amateur International Boxing Association to use regulation gloves in competition. The AIBA regulates the weight, color and design of the glove for safety and uniformity. It is possible to purc...
Due to a variety of factors such as flexibility and strength, different people may find one kata to be harder than another. Out of 26 Shotokan katas, 21 katas are considered advanced katas and can be performed by practitioners ...
Boxing, like most sports, has its own terminology and jargon. This simultaneously helps those in the know feel like part of an in-group, while often confusing newcomers to the sport. A TD -- or technical decision -- can be espe...
Every new practitioner receives a white belt for committing to training, but a yellow belt in karate is the first rank the student actually earns. No central authority governs the specific requirements to receive this rank. Ins...
Although martial arts training is usually seen as primarily for self-defense, a class session can be a vigorous workout. That kind of training is intended to develop attributes that make a better fighter -- characteristics like...
If you look at a kickboxer in the ring before a fight, his lean physique and cut muscles may lead you to believe kickboxing is an effective weight-loss program. Although several aspects of kickboxing training can help in losing...
Whether you're actually training for competition, or simply kickboxing for fitness and weight loss, training for 10 rounds of action can help you reach your goals. You can do this with any kind of kickboxing drill, such as spar...
Because of the risk of brain injuries from professional boxing, some doctors and medical associations have lobbied for the sport to be outlawed at both the amateur and professional level. However, a number of studies have faile...
Conceptual cousins, the martial arts of boxing and kickboxing have at least as many similarities as they do differences. They diverge in their techniques and individual culture of competition. Which is right for you depends on ...
Boxing pits one man against another in an athletic test of courage and skill. All boxing matches take place in an approved ring, often referred to as the squared circle. Boxing's different sanctioning bodies require promoters t...
Getting into the boxing ring against an opponent is a serious risk to your health. The opponent who gets in the ring with you is going to try to hit you with hard punches, and his purpose is to hurt you. Although you are trying...
Boxing gloves serve multiple purposes. They protect your hands from the cuts, scrapes and bruises that could occur when you hit another person’s face or body. They also protect the other person from the impact of your knu...
Martial art systems based on ground-fighting all have the concept of "dominant positions." These are positions in which one fighter clearly has the advantage and the initiative, while the other must fight on defense. ...
Push hands, as it is usually practiced in the United States, is a gentle, slow-paced exercise between two practitioners of tai chi, in which each attempts to "read" the other person's energy. It bears almost no simila...
For many martial artists, earning a black belt is one of the primary goals of training. The black belt is seen as a symbol of dedication, fighting skill and self-discipline. However, there are no unified standards for the award...
Partner drills with punching pads -- padded mitts you wear over your palms -- are an integral part of boxing training. They allow a fighter to work on range, timing, accuracy and rhythm in a literally limitless variety of forma...
This is an opportunity for you to learn more about your art, since explaining how the basics work gives you insight into the theory and mechanics of your martial art. Although the specific techniques you teach will vary by clas...
Every martial art is based on a particular strategy or approach to violent conflict. The Korean martial art of tae kwon do is based on the idea that the leg is longer than the arm, and that the use of kicks allows a fighter to ...
Boxers often wrap or tape their hands for protection before donning their gloves. Taping up to support a sore wrist requires a different procedure, however. Instead of a light, supportive wrap or a thin layer of flexible tape, ...
Like most other combat sports, jiu jitsu competition is divided into weight classes to ensure fair and safe competition. This is supposed to mean that two fighters in a match are approximately the same size and strength. Howev...
Jibbing is a prominent sub genre of slope-style snowboarding that involves sliding across fiberglass boxes and metallic rails. While recreational snowboarders spend their time on the slopes, jibbers practice their maneuvers in ...
As most people already know, kung fu schools often award their students colored belts to demonstrate their degree of training, time in rank and dedication to the art. Fewer people know that this is a relatively new part of kung...
The rules that govern the winner or loser of any given bout start before the match even begins.
Legendary boxing trainer Cus D'Amato devised the peek-a-boo boxing style as a way to protect the head and body from unnecessary punishment. D'Amato instructed his fighters to hold their gloves high in front of their faces, offe...
Most traditional martial arts contain no ground-fighting aspect. Brazilian jiu-jitsu and catch wrestling are among the very few that focus on the ground, and many of their techniques and submission holds are the same or very si...
Krav Maga, pronounced KRAHV muh-GAH, is Hebrew for "contact combat." This martial arts form was originally developed for military forces. But because you can quickly become proficient in its basic principles and techniques, it ...
A south paw in boxing is nothing more than a colorful way to identify a left-handed boxer. The phrase “south paw” is often used to describe left-handed pitchers in baseball, too. Because a minority of boxers are lef...
Boxers get in the ring with the goal of winning the fight, and the best way to do this is to deliver hard punches and avoid the ones your opponent throws. When you land an overwhelming number of punches, you have an excellent c...
A lot of people who aren't involved in the martial arts perceive the black belt as the highest achievement in fighting skill. However, most martial arts grant "degrees" of black belt to indicate levels of training and...
Boxing was once seen primarily as a way to train for either self-defense or competition, but it has become a popular way to lose weight and improve health and fitness. Professional boxers regularly lose weight very quickly just...
Tae Bo and running are both cardiovascular exercises, useful for elevating your heart rate temporarily for better circulatory health and to burn the calories for weight loss. Neither is objectively better than the other, but th...
A gi is a martial arts uniform, the pajama-like outfit you see students wearing in karate movies and classes. Karate and jiu jitsu gis look similar to the untrained eye, and in fact both come from the same traditional peasant g...
Martial arts practice unavoidably includes putting your body in some unusual positions and physiological states. It's part of the training process. Some of these can lead to severe fatigue, and even cramping, in your legs and f...
Kickboxing is a mixed martial art that requires speed, timing, balance and the ability to attack with punches, kicks and elbows. You also have to defend those blows when you are in the octagon against an opponent. The key to co...
Both are styles of grappling. Beyond that, the differences between the two are more numerous than the similarities. Neither is necessarily better or worse than the other, but the particulars of one or the other might be a bette...
The Gracie family invented Brazilian jiujitsu by modifying the judo they had previously learned. After several decades of developing in different directions, the two arts still have basic techniques in common. The differences p...
Boxing is a tough and demanding sport that has been under increased scrutiny as medical science learns more about the dangers of brain trauma and concussions. Fighters must get themselves in top physical condition before they g...
Practitioners of both Japanese karate and Chinese kung fu styles frequently claim that their arts originated at the Shaolin Temple, and both styles are traditional forms of martial arts practice with a philosophical basis. Both...
Pushing hard in boxing is essential to succeeding in a sport where your opponent is trying to do significant physical damage. A boxer must realize from Day 1 that this is a dangerous sport and getting hit and hurt by hard punch...
A number of different martial arts schools teach versions of traditional Shaolin kung fu, and the basics vary from school to school. However, there also are many similarities, such as an emphasis on stance training and basic s...
It may come as a surprise to casual boxing fans, but the arm muscles are not the most important area of strength when delivering a punch. It's your latissimus dorsi -- those large muscles in your upper back on top of your scapu...
"He who punches fastest, punches last," was a favorite saying of world champion boxing and kickboxing coach Bill Packer. He was referring to a boxer's ability to throw a fight-ending punch if he moved faster than his ...
The Japanese martial art of judo has a set of standardized ranks, including six "kyu," or beginner ranks and 10 "dan," or black belt ranks. Even though the ranks are common to judo clubs everywhere, the requ...
Many of these challenges have simply been declined or ignored by professional boxers, but the debate still goes on. Mixed martial arts events are one of the only venues where it is possible to directly compare these very differ...
Traditionally, boxers are quite physically fit due to the nature of their training. The muscles of the upper and lower body, reflexes and cardiovascular system must be in top condition to absorb punishment and continue througho...
If you look at a boxer on television, you'll probably look at an athlete with a "cut" physique and defined muscles in places you didn't even know you had muscles. This can lead you to believe that boxing training alon...
Capoeira and boxing are both martial arts, but the similarities stop at that point. One is a "fighting dance" from Brazil, while boxing as practiced today evolved from boxing traditions in Europe and the British isles...
When you want to get into shape, your choice of program can make a difference in the kind of results you experience and how often you get to the gym. Tae Bo and elliptical trainers are two different kinds of workout, one high-i...
Many Westerners think of kung fu as a form of self-defense. They're right, but not completely. Kung fu developed, according to the most commonly accepted legends of its origin, out of a series of exercises similar to yoga. To t...
Krav Maga and karate are similar in that both are martial arts taught in commercial schools, but the similarities stop right about there. Karate is a traditional martial art originally taught in Japan and Okinawa. Krav Maga is ...
Shotokan is a style of Japanese karate created by Gichin Funakoshi when he brought karate from Okinawa to Japan in the 1920s. (Okinawa is a prefecture of Japan but has a distinct cultural identity.) Funakoshi kept a number of t...
Kosen Judo is a style of Japanese Judo that emphasizes ground-fighting tactics. The techniques and strategy of Kosen Judo are very similar to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The reason for this is simple: both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kose...
Pain is normal after kickboxing competition or practice, which should come as no surprise for a sport that's vigorous and includes being kicked in the legs. "Normal," however, doesn't mean "painless." The so...
The box squat can be used to develop power out of the bottom of the lift, build acceleration, teach proper depth or modify your technique. Box squats are a supplemental exercise to regular squatting and can assist -- but never ...
When an opponent spikes a volleyball, it arrives at a high speed and is very likely to score points for that team if not defended properly. When you notice that the opposing team could spike the ball, you must prepare yourself ...
Becoming a finisher in boxing means you know how to throw punches in combinations when your opponent is in a weakened state so you can knock him out. The ability to finish an opponent is often the difference between a good figh...
The soft, pillowy gloves used in boxing competition are an iconic symbol of the sport, but they're not the only kind of gloves used in boxing. Although some boxers use their sparring gloves while doing bag work, they also use a...
As with any style of sparring, you'll only get so far by walking into a kung fu competition and applying your basic strikes essentially at random. Instead, you should use specific techniques that can upset your opponent, maximi...
When you get in the ring, you are trying to hit your opponent with effective punches. The prospect of registering a one-punch knockout might be exciting, but it is not realistic. In most cases, you are going to use a series of ...
Nearly all martial arts include physical conditioning as part of their training regimen. But tae kwon do is recognized even among the most demanding martial arts for having grueling workouts. If you're serious about tae kwon do...
Karate splits are physiologically identical to gymnastics splits: an impressive display of hip flexibility that ends with your hips on or near the ground with your legs straight and apart. The difference is in application. Gymn...
By contrast, kung fu sparring works at close ranges as well as long, and values subtle strikes that could be deadly without the dramatic impact of a head-rocking punch accompanied by a kiai. Although some concepts remain the sa...
Sparring is a mock fighting drill used in karate and other martial arts to build patience, technique, rhythm and timing. Although similar in its basic concept to other traditions, karate sparring includes some concepts and rule...
Shoulder injuries like bursitis and dislocations are a common concern for grapplers like jiu jitsu practitioners. This is because a shoulder injury can sideline a practitioner for months as it heals, and a serious shoulder prob...
In its modern form, the practice has spawned varied schools and styles, including Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Budhoshin Jujitsu and Judo, the martial arts system developed by Kano in the 19th century. The methods used in jujitsu can b...
Japanese jujitsu is a martial art that began as a Samurai combat style in feudal Japan. Although Samurai were most famous for their swordsmanship, this art of unarmed battle allowed them to continue fighting even when disarmed....
Shaolin kung fu is an animal kung fu system, one that derives many of its motions from imitating animals as they move and fight in the wild. These challenging positions require an impressive level of physical conditioning. To a...
Different exercise programs have different effects on your body and energy level. If your primary workout goal is to lose weight, you need to choose an exercise option that facilitates reaching that goal. The marketing material...
The Shaolin Temple in Henan province, China, is more than 1,500 years old. Shaolin is a Buddhist monastery, but in its long and turbulent history, the monks of Shaolin have engaged in warfare on many occasions. According to leg...
The core duties of a tae kwon do instructor are to teach children and adults the skills of this Korean martial art. Tae kwon do teachers also advise their students about personal development, health and fitness, and personal ch...
Drawing inspiration from Japanese karate, Korean martial artists officially created taekwondo -- sometimes written as "tae kwon do" -- in 1957, incorporating quick hand strikes and spinning kicks into a fearsome self...
The goal in boxing is to hit your opponent with hard punches and to avoid those same punches that your opponent throws at you. Training for boxing involves a heavy dose of conditioning that is designed to give you the quickness...
Thai kickboxers usually wrap their hands in bandages and tape to protect them from injury during a match. Some fighters like to do the same with their ankles, but according to the rules of Thai kickboxing, or muay Thai, this is...
In the Korean martial art of tae kwon do, rank is indicated by the color of the belt. The beginning student starts at the rank of 10th gup, or white belt rank. Each new gup rank is represented by a different colored belt, until...
The odds of hurting your wrists in a kickboxing workout depend on two factors: the type of workout and your precautions. In a cardio kickboxing workout with no contact of any kind, the odds of a wrist injury should be low, but ...
Your ability to deliver hard punches with piston-like precision can be attributed in large part to how well your elbows function under the stressful conditions of a boxing match. Exercises can help you throw punches with greate...
Knee injuries are especially common in tae kwon do, a popular form of the martial arts. One reason is because this fighting method emphasizes spinning kicks, which can put a lot of strain on your knees. A typical injury suffere...
While belt colors vary from system to system, the orange belt generally is the third or fourth belt color achieved and often denotes a progression from a beginning student to an intermediate student. This style of martial arts ...
Dumbbells are effective tools for building muscle and sculpting your physique in gym workouts, but they are also useful for other applications. Using dumbbells in your boxing workout will enable you to increase your punching sp...
Every martial art in the world was designed for a specific context. Before you can try to compare two different martial arts, you need to understand the context in which the arts were developed -- whether they were intended for...
Wrist wraps protect boxers by providing extra support and padding for the wrist and knuckles. The small bones in these joints aren't up to handling the repeated heavy impact of boxing. You can buy specially made hand wraps at a...
A leg snap in kickboxing is a type of front kick, but it differs from a thrust or push kick in the way it is delivered. Unlike a straight thrust or push kick where you contact the opponent with the sole of your foot, a leg snap...
When choosing what kind of exercise you do to lose weight, how many calories you can burn is an important factor. Burning calories is the core mechanic in weight loss, meaning that the more calories an exercise -- such as the T...
Boxing is a combat sport, consisting of two trained fighters attempting to pummel the each other into unconsciousness. Even in amateur competition, where a knockout is not an intentional goal, fighters score points by hitting t...
Blue belt indicates that a karate practitioner has passed the beginning levels of yellow, orange and green. In shotokan karate, this implies he has already learned basic katas, including heian shodan, heian nidan, heian sandan...
Eagle Claw kung fu, or ying jow pai, is an ancient Chinese martial art derived from an earlier style known as elephant boxing. Elephant-style boxers tried to fight from an unmoving position, relying on extremely powerful hand s...
Muay Thai kickboxers have always been known for the extreme hardness of their shins, which they use either to kick the opponent or to injure the opponent while blocking his kicking attacks. Traditionally, kickboxers in Thailand...
However, if you continue training in the art, you will be expected to wear a gi or training jacket and a white belt to indicate your status as a beginner in the art.
You can't actually keep moisture out of your boxing gloves. Your hands are going to sweat in practice and competition, and those gloves are wrapped around your sweating hands. However, you can do a lot to help air out your glov...
Shohei Ryu is a style of karate that branched off from Uechi Ryu, incorporating many of its kata or technical forms. Like its parent style of Uechi Ryu, Shohei Ryu is essentially an Okinawan or Japanese interpretation of the Ch...
Southside Muay Thai and Ultimate Martial Arts are both Muay Thai kickboxing gyms in and around Toronto, Ontario. Both schools have locations in the town of Scarborough, and Ultimate Martial Arts has additional locations in the ...
Tai chi is an exercise method derived from martial arts. It involves slow, deliberate movements, along with mediation and deep breathing that are thought to enhance health and emotional well-being, according to the University o...
Punching a bag or an opponent puts a lot of stress and strain on a boxer's hands. When you punch an opponent with your boxing glove, your hand bones contact the bones of your opponent's body, which can lead to pain and injury. ...
Boxing uses every muscle in your body but some are more active than others. The most active muscles are the ones that will become stronger as a result of regular boxing workouts. Training with a sparring partner or hitting a pu...
Jujutsu is a term for many martial arts of Japanese origin derived from the hand-to-hand combat techniques of the feudal samurai warriors. At one point, there were as many as 179 distinct styles of classical jujutsu. Kokushi-Ry...
The International Taekwon-Do Federation says the white belt is like "the roots of a tree, where it all begins." The second belt in most tae kwon do organizations is the yellow belt. Advancement requirements vary between schools...
Tai chi, also known as tai chi chuan, is a martial art focusing on slow, flowing movements of the body. Because of the gentle and meditative nature of tai chi, it is believed to help with stress, pain, hypertension and a variet...
Its function is to flex and extend the knee joint with other leg muscles. It lies beneath the rectus femoris, which is the tear-shaped muscle on top of the thigh, and is partially covered by the vastus medius and lateralis. Bec...
Kyokushin is a style of karate created by Masatatsu Oyama. Kyokushin karate is known for its emphasis on mental and physical toughness and for its grueling, full-contact training methods. This style does use the traditional kat...
Many people are confused about the terms "karate" and "kung fu," treating them as synonyms or simply not understanding the difference between these systems. Neither term actually refers to a single martial art; both words are b...
Before the advent of professional Mixed Martial Arts competition, there was a lot of debate about whether a karate expert could defeat a wrestler in a fight. The Ultimate Fighting Championship proved the importance of wrestling...
Traditionally, the martial arts are supposed to give the weak the ability to defeat the strong. It is possible to defeat a much stronger opponent if you are trained and he is not, or if your training methods are more effective ...
Cardio kickboxing is a popular way to lose weight and improve overall health and fitness by imitating traditional martial arts moves as an aerobic workout. The main goal of cardio kickboxing workouts is to improve heart health,...
Developed by professor Henry S. Okazaki in Honolulu, Hawaii, Danzan-Ryu jujitsu combines elements of ancient jujitsu, karate, kung-fu, knife fighting and traditional Japanese healing. Danzan-Ryu instructors first teach students...
The Tae Bo brand offers several beginner's titles, including "Basic Workout," "Instructional Workout," and "Foundation." All of them offer the same introductory pace to this martial arts-influenced cardio workout.
When someone questions you about approved sparring gear, you have to ask, "Approved by whom?" Different martial arts require different kinds of safety equipment to keep sparring safe. In most cases, the gear protects the same p...
"Boredom is the biggest enemy of every martial arts teacher," according to author and tae kwon do expert Sang H. Kim. Children in particular often lose interest in repetitive practice of the same techniques. To make classes mor...
In modern life, your adrenal response can actually make it more difficult to deal with threats or perceived problems. Although your endocrine system is a complex part of your physiology, tactical breathing exercises can help yo...
