Fitness
Martial Arts Strategies to Get in Shape
Martial arts is an ancient combat strategy that can be used to defend yourself and get in shape. There are a ton of different styles you can practice. Anyone can do martial arts. The moves can be modified to suit your ability level.
Here are a few common martial arts styles you can try.
Karate
You don’t use weapons in karate. In fact, the word literally means “empty-handed” in Japanese. The practice has existed for over 1,000 years. In modern Western culture, karate is extremely popular among youths. It teaches discipline and physical stamina.
If you become a karate master, it means that you know how to defend yourself. You aren’t trying to learn how to be an aggressor. Karate masters recognize that violence should only be used as a last resort.
Judo
Judo is designed for the underdog. If you’re ever matched against someone who has a size advantage, Judo is what you want to turn to. The style depends on using your opponent’s size against them. Mighty throws and devastating groundwork are more common than striking blows. Judo was founded by Kano Jigoro, an early 20th-century Japanese teacher.
With Judo, you’ll learn how to utilize every ounce of power within your body. Exercise is valuable because it helps you live longer. The stronger your body is, the more likely you’ll be able to fight off illnesses.
Aikido
Aikido is about 100 years old. It’s a martial art style for pacifists who want to defend themselves but want to cause the least amount of injury to their attackers. Practitioners use tools like swords and knives to defend themselves when necessary. Anyone can become a master if they develop a willingness to face danger when they have to.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai hails from Thailand. It’s very similar to kickboxing. You’re allowed to use your body to strike your opponent. Instead of a knife or sword, in Muay Thai, your weapon is your own body. The exact history of the practice is unclear. By the time Muay Thai became popular with Thai kings, it was already a firmly established sport.
Muay Thai workouts are perfect the goal is to turn your body into a machine.
Kung fu
Kung fu is extremely popular in the West. It’s often depicted in movies. There are many, many different forms of kung fu because it’s been around for so long. It’s one of the oldest martial styles in existence.
Kung fu has traditionally been taught by Shaolin monks. They imbued their lessons with courses on ethics and philosophy. A true kung fu master values patience and humility. If you need to calm your body and mind, you might be able to do it through kung fu.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is based on tough street fighting styles popularized by master Mitsuyo Meda. He taught his craft to fighter Carlos Gracie. The Gracie family is still legendary in Brazil because of their connection to the sport.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu history is diverse. Eric Williams, after growing up on an American farm, opened a training gym in Texas. Eric got the privilege of training with Royce Gracie, Rorion Gracie, Rickson Gracie, and the Machado Brothers. In 1995, Rigan Machado invited Eric to join the Machado Competition team and participate in the Pan American BJJ championships.
If you’re interested in Brazilian jiu jitsu, you don’t have to worry about competing if you don’t want to. It’s okay if your primary goal is to get in shape.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo exploded in popularity during the 1950s. Like other martial art styles, it uses the combined strength of your body and mind. If you’ve watched someone break a board with their hand, you’ve likely seen someone practice taekwondo.
It’s by far the most popular martial arts style in the world. It’s very attractive to children and beginners because it’s so approachable.
When you decide you want to get into shape, you have to figure out how to do it. The best exercise routine is one that you’ll actually stick to. Martial arts is a good choice because you won’t get bored. It’s easy to switch up your routine. If you get sick of practicing on your own, every major city has at least one martial arts gym that you can attend.
You won’t feel like you’re working out if you focus on the self-defense angle. You can get a lot of use out of your exercise. It’s easy to get started.
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