Martial Arts – Which One For You?
You don’t need us at Blitz to tell you that there are a load of martial art styles to choose from and we all like choices, don’t we? So to someone thinking of taking up a martial art for the first time, how do you know if the style you are considering is the correct one for you? Will it match your existing level of fitness? Will it conform to your body type? Will the history, the traditions, and the philosophies adhere to your sensibilities? In this 2 part blog, we will attempt to give a brief overview of 10 popular martial arts (in no particular order), and we hope to be able to give you a few indications as to which martial art could be best suited to you. So let’s go.
Katie Hurry – International Competitor
Martial Arts – Karate:
Origin- Okinawa Japan. Karate originated in the Ryukyu island (now called Okinawa) Japan. The word Karate literally translates into empty (kara) & hand (te) – unarmed combat consisting of striking techniques, generally with hands and feet, although some styles permit elbows and knees as well as joint locks, grappling and throws. Karate is predominantly a self-defence and is one of the most dynamic of the traditional Far-Eastern martial arts. It will help focus the mind, develop quick reflexes and heightened coordination and increase your stamina. Karate has many styles, the most popular of which are Shotokan, Wado-Ryu, Goju-Ryu and Kyokushinkai, but there are many, many more, and all are well worth researching. Karate is truly universal in its appeal and suitability. Whether you are male or female, young or old, fit or flabby, large or small, karate has a place for those willing to commit to its teachings.
For more information visit:
http://www.englishkaratefederation.com/
Karina Bryant – Olympian
Martial Arts – Judo:
Origin- Japan Judo was created in Japan by Jigoro Kano. The word Judo translates into Gentle (Ju) and Way (Do). The name perfectly describes the non-striking techniques involved in an art form that consist of throws, holds grappling techniques and limb locks. Judo is widely regarded as the sport form of Jujutsu. Judo is a demanding martial art and the strength required to successfully overcome your opponent will require the development of speed, agility, power and endurance. Judo students tend to notice positive changes in the physical abilities, more than other martial arts, becoming bigger, stronger and faster in a shorter space of time. There is an element of athleticism required in order to grow to be a successful practitioner (a successful Judoka). So if improving your fitness is a major consideration, Judo could be the martial art for you. Although Judo is suitable for all- stockier individuals with a lower centre of gravity can tend to find Judo a more favourable option, better than some of the other martial arts out there, where those with less reach could find themselves at a disadvantage.
For more information visit:
http://www.britishjudo.org.uk/
Ju jitsu – A great form of self defence
Martial Arts – Jujutsu: (Ju-Jitsu)
Origin- Japan Founded by Takenouchi Hisamori in 1532. Ju (Gentle) jutsu’s (Art) non striking techniques were devised as a method of hand to hand combat on the battlefield where striking a fully armoured samurai warrior would prove to be ineffective. Much Like Judo, Jujutsu consists of grappling techniques with the emphasis on using your opponents force against them. Choke holds, joint locks, pins and disarming techniques are all part of it and some forms will also include small weapons training. Much like Judo, Jujutsu relies on the technical ability to overpower your foe, but unlike its sportier derivative, Jujutsu teaches you methods to use your opponent’s body weight and attacking force against them. Of all the Far Eastern martial arts, Jujutsu is widely regarded as one of the most relative in today’s volatile streets Jujutsu students are taught to defend against a whole host of real world situations, from disarming your assailant to dealing with an attacker from behind and because strength and power are of no issue, Jujutsu is an excellent choice for women, and men of a smaller frame.
For more information visit:-
http://www.bjjagb.com/
Neto – British BJJ Champion 2014
Martial Arts – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:
Origin- Brazil Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a descendant of Judo and incorporates many of its ground grappling (Newaza) techniques, thanks to its founder Carlos Gracie decision to learn Judo in 1917 under the teachings of Mitsuyo Maeda. Carlos then passed Maeda’s teaching on to his brothers Oswaldo, Gastão Jr., and George, and the pattern continued to expand. BJJ is of course a grappling art, but unlike Judo where both competitors begin standing and the emphasis is to take you opponent off his feet to enable you to progress to a win, BJJ competitors predominantly fight on the ground. You’ll learn an array of techniques to dominate your opponent in what would ordinarily be a fairly compromised position. Victory in a BJJ fight is usually determined by a submission. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a great martial art for all to learn and an excellent back up style to incorporate into your repertoire for those situations where your stand-up techniques fail and you have to resort to fighting on the ground.
For more information visit:-
http://ukbjja.org/
Abbie Newton and Bradley Marshall (GB Team members 2012-2013)
Martial Arts – Tae Kwon Do:
Origin- Korea To strike/break with foot (Tae). To strike/break with fist (Kwon) Way of life (Do) Tae Kwon Do may loosely be translated from Korean to mean “the way of the foot and the hand”. The creation of the term Tae Kwon accredited to Choi Hong Hi of the Oh Do Kwan in 1955, but elements of its practice through the fighting arts of Korean history have been rumoured to go back as far as 50BC. High kicks and rapid hand techniques are the name of the game in this style. Tae Kwon Do is a striking martial art and, taught alone, will consist of no grappling techniques or throws. Emphasis is given to mastering kicking techniques above all else as this of course provided the greatest chance of a successful powerful strike on your opponent. Tae-Kwon Do is an excellent martial art for both men and women and also provides a great option for people who appreciate their personal space. Let’s face it, not everyone enjoys rolling about on the floor entangled in the limbs of another. Many regard Tae-Kwon Do to be an excellent spectator sport, with two fighters displaying their prowess in performing high-flying acrobatic techniques.
For more information visit:-
http://www.britishtaekwondo.org.uk/
To be considered as a well-rounded martial artist from a self-defense point of view, many combine striking styles with a grappling art when the aim is to be a formidable force when the times call for it. 5 More Martial Arts coming next time.
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