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Aikido Aikido is a non-violent martial art that uses throws and joint locks to neutralize opponents instead of using kicks and punches to injure. Aikido was developed in Japan by Morihei Ueshiba and was partially adapted from Daito-Ryu Jujitsu. Unlike other martial arts, aikido is not for fighting or competition. There are no tournaments and no sparring. Rather, aikido is a system of training and self-improvement. For this reason, aikido is learned cooperatively, at a pace suitable for the individual. The goal of aikido is not to defeat other people, but to defeat the negative traits within yourself. Web:
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Capoeira Capoeira (pronounced "cop-way-ruh") is a group activity that resembles a martial art, but is actually an amalgam of ritual, dance, music, fighting and acrobatics. Capoeira tradition holds that the movements and rituals were first developed by African slaves in Brazil, who had to disguise their fight training as a harmless activity that would not incur the disapproval of the Portuguese slaveowners. Today, an evolved form of capoeira is practiced around the world and is especially popular in Brazil. A capoeira game takes place within a circle called a roda. Spectators stand around the circle, singing, clapping and listening to music. Inside the circle are two opponents, who interact with one another using swift movements such as cartwheels, spins, handstands and kicks, although there is almost no contact. Traditional capoeira music uses several instruments: a berimbau (one-stringed bow attached to a hollow gourd), a caxixi (small rattle), an atabaque (drum), and a pandeiro (tambourine). Web:
Japanese Sword Arts The Japanese sword arts encompass a variety of martial arts related to using sword-like weapons, either for training or competition. The most popular such arts are: kendo, a competitive activity involving free-style practice with bamboo swords and protective armor; iaido, which centers around drawing the sword, cutting, and returning it to its scabbard with a minimum of exertion; kenjutsu, the art of using the sword once it has been drawn, practiced with a partner using wooden weapons; and jodo, which uses a short staff about one inch in diameter and four feet long. Web:
Judo Judo is a Japanese martial art characterized by the use of balance, leverage and throwing. In Japanese, the word "judo" means "gentle way", which refers to the idea of yielding deliberately in order to achieve a victory. The inventor of judo was Jigoro Kano (1860-1938). As a child, Kano studied the ancient art of jujitsu. In 1882, he founded the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, in order to teach his version of the martial arts, which he called judo. Judo was introduced into the United States about 1902 by President Theodore Roosevelt and, in 1964, was added to the Olympic Games. I saw an Olympic judo competition in Los Angeles in 1984. I was surprised how quick the bouts were, and I still remember one in which a small, short fellow was able to easily beat his opponent who was much larger and broader. Web:
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Ju-Jitsu The name ju-jitsu (spelled in various ways) means "soft" (ju) "practice" (jitsu). Ju-jitsu is an ancient Japanese martial art first practiced over two thousand years ago, whose roots lie in a variety of teachings. As such, ju-jitsu covers different techniques such as kicking, punching, throwing, immobilization, and the use of weapons, such as the sword, cane and knife. In Japan, the time period between the 8th and 16th centuries was filled with a great deal of turmoil, almost constant civil war. The techniques of ju-jitsu were developed into a variety of practices that were used for close fighting. Historically, the techniques of ju-jitsu have formed the basis for other popular martial arts, such as judo, aikido and karate. Not all ju-jitsu is the same. There are a number of different ryu (systems), each with their own characteristics. Ju-jitsu is not as much of a sport as other martial arts, although some ryu do have competitions. Web:
Karate Karate is a family of Japanese martial arts devoted to fighting and competition. Karate uses sharp blows and kicks aimed at sensitive points on the opponent's body -- simple motions that depend on timing and delivery. The idea is to punch, kick, block and strike in such a way as to achieve maximum damage. In Japanese, the word "karate" means "open hand". Traditional karate was developed on the island of Okinawa. However, modern karate has evolved greatly and is much different from the original system. Web:
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Kickboxing It is in the nature of many young men to be aggressive, and society does its best to channel such aggression into sports and competitions. However, there are times when the available outlets are not intense enough, which leaves a large number of trained athletes looking for a way to fight. The purpose of modern kickboxing is to satisfy this need. Kickboxing is a martial art that combines techniques from karate and boxing and, like other martial arts, it traces its roots back to ancient traditions. However, kickboxing, as it is practiced today, has a very specific goal: to satisfy the needs of trained competitors who want to fight in a more extreme manner than is traditional with other martial arts. There are three common variations of "kickboxing": Full Contact Karate, in which competitors may kick only above the waist; Kickboxing, in which kicking to the legs is also allowed; and Muay Thai, which allows full kicking as well as striking with elbows and knees. Web:
Kung Fu Kung fu is a general term referring to any of the Chinese martial arts, of which there are many. The words "kung fu" mean "skill from effort". Kung fu traces its roots back to ancient China, over 6,000 years ago. Today, there are literally hundreds of different kung fu styles and sub-styles with many variations. Some styles emphasize kicking and striking; others use grappling, ground-fighting, pressure-point attacks and weapons. What all these styles have in common are a devotion to disciplined learning, self-defense, meditation, mastery of breathing and cultivation of internal awareness. Web:
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Martial Arts for Women It seems a truism to observe that women are different from men, but in the martial arts, such differences are important. In general, women are smaller and less strong than men. However, strength can be built with training, and a small size makes it easier to move quickly. Women approach the martial arts for a variety of reasons, among them a desire for physical conditioning, increased confidence and self-defense. Two of the most important lessons you learn in the martial arts are learning to hit and learning to be hit. These are difficult lessons for most women (and many men), but once you learn them, your life will never be the same. Web:
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Martial Arts Resources A martial art is a system of disciplines used for self-defense or for offense. Many martial arts teach unarmed techniques, although some use weapons. Most martial arts were developed within an Asian culture -- in China, Korea, Japan or Okinawa -- and they are taught all over the world. There are many different types of martial arts, and these resources will help you find the information you need. In general, martial arts are about training your mind and body, and possibly engaging in organized competition, not about street fighting. Hint: The best fight you can win is the one you avoid. Web:
Martial Arts Talk and General Discussion Learning a martial art may start as physical training and exercise, but it isn't long before you realize it's a lot more: you are studying how to understand and control the forces that shape our physical and mental existence. But then there's a lot of details: practice, lessons, fighting, philosophy, equipment, tournaments and competition -- all of which means there's a lot to talk about. Usenet:
Tae Kwon Do Tae kwon do is a Korean martial art, which can be thought of as a type of Korean karate. The techniques of tae kwon do involve using bare hands and feet to punch, kick, block and evade. Literally, the name means "foot" (tae), "fist" (kwon), "philosophy" (do). The roots are lost in antiquity. Modern tae kwon do dates from the post-World War II period. After the defeat of Japan and the liberation of Korea, Korean martial arts masters developed modern tae kwon do as an effort to remove the Japanese influence from their practice. The name "tae kwon do" was chosen in 1955. Web:
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T'ai Chi Ch'uan T'ai chi ch'uan, often referred to as t'ai chi, is a "soft" martial art, based on the Taoist philosophy of living in harmony with nature. Today, t'ai chi is most often practiced as a type of exercise that integrates slow, flowing body movements with deliberate mindfulness in order to maintain physical health and spiritual growth. T'ai chi can be done alone or in groups, and can be practiced throughout one's lifetime. T'ai chi is popular around the world, especially in China where, each day, people gather in open areas to practice gentle, beautiful movements. The name t'ai chi ch'uan refers to "large" (t'ai), "ultimate" (chi), "fist" (ch-uan). Web:
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