Tae Kwon Do.

Tae Kwon Do has strong roots in Korea, where it is believed that it first had its beginnings some two thousand years ago. The essential premise of Tae Kwon Do - built on striking quickly with both the fists and the feet - is that attacks and defenses come very quickly, which is why people have the fight-or-flight instinct. Tae Kwon Do seeks to optimize a fighter's ability to respond to these situations by teaching them the art of punching, kicking, and blocking.

While many martial arts do not totally resemble many preconceptions that many of us in the West would have, Tae Kwon Do is a martial art that looks similar to other striking arts like Karate or Kung Fu. With the emphasis on the limps and not necessarily on body weight and positioning like in jiu jitsu, Tae Kwon Do is considered in the West to be one of the most popular styles of fighting around.

Because Tae Kwon Do's roots go back so far, many people believe that it is the oldest and most ancient martial art in existence. Although other forms of fighting, especially in Western cultures like ancient Sparta, are still remembered today, Tae Kwon Do is one of the oldest martial arts that is still in practice.

Today's smaller globe and the modern popularity of martial arts have given Tae Kwon Do a resurgence in popularity, where world champions are often more recognized and acknowledged for their accomplishments. Although Tae Kwon Do is not as popular as the mixed martial arts (MMA), including jiu jitsu, it remains one of the most widely-used styles of fighting across the world.

If you're interested in learning more about the history of martial arts and about other disciplines, make sure to enter in a Web search on karate or kung fu. These disciplines more closely resemble Tae Kwon Do than western disciplines like wrestling.

Photo Credits: cheetah100

Originally posted 2009-07-29 05:04:07.

Improve your confidence.

How? By improving your confidence. Is this really the case? If you don't believe me, here are three ways sparring improves your confidence in the other areas of your life:

• Sparring forces you to trust yourself. When you're sparring with a partner, there's only one way you can win: through your own action. You're not going to win unless you have the self-belief that tells you that you can win. That's how sparring will improve your belief in yourself: by forcing you into a situation in which you must trust yourself, or lose. Trusting yourself is one of the most important features of confidence: when you trust yourself, you are both relaxed and alert. You believe you can win. And when you practice this kind of self-trust habitually, it leaks into your life as a whole.
• Sparring simulates real-world danger. It's one thing to punch and kick at the air, but there's something different when you actually fight someone else, isn't there? The rules you've learned seem to go out the window and you wonder how you simply win this match in front of you. Sparring teaches you that there are variables you don't always count on when faced with someone else. Not only that, it gives you practice in working against someone who has his or her own interest at heart.

Let's use another sport as an example: golfing. You can read all you want to about golfing - proper grip, how to transfer your weight when swining, proper mental techniques - but they don't mean much until you actually strike that first ball. It's the same way with sparring, and you'll learn that confidence is often achieved through experience.

• Sparring gets you to confront a real obstacle. Part of developing self-confidence is about striking down obstacles. This doesn't mean that you want to obliterate your opponent; it simply means that you have to take on an obstacle head-on. When you spar, there is someone standing between you and your goals: will you stand to the challenge or go back into your shell? When you find that you can stand up to challenges, your self-confidence increases.

Photo Credits: parhessiastes

Originally posted 2009-07-23 05:49:09.

Mixed Martial Arts

MMA was created around 648 B.C. during the high point of the Greek empire.  While it was then known as Pankration, this sport was played in the first Olympic Games.  There have been other similar versions of this martial art; however, many of them were never officially introduced.  Later, MMA resurfaced during the late 1800s and early 1900s when it was finally recognized as an official standardized sport in 1993, marking the opening of the UFC, otherwise known as the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The Ultimate Fighting Championships that the media televises today are increasing popularity at an incredible rate, beating out other huge sports such as boxing.  In terms of tickets sales and ratings, more and more people are starting to tune out of other contact sports and tune into MMA fights.

The major contrast between the MMA that we all recognize and the style before the beginning of the UFC was that the MMA was founded to take fighters from various styles and compare them in battle.  Doing this allowed studiers to analyze and determine the strengths and weaknesses of all the various martial arts techniques.  In these unofficial leagues, there were not as many rules whereas now there are rules--weight class, winning guidelines, illegal fouls, and fighting arena--established for the purpose of keeping everyone safe and preventing injuries that many feel to be inhumane.

1.  Weight Class

With Mixed Martial Arts fights, the opponent is determined based on their weight class.  The five MMA weight class include lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight.  These classes are calculated based on the fighters' weight in kilograms; a simple extra pound in weight gain can bump them up to the next level.  There are a few other weight classes, but they are not a UFC standard.

2.  Winning Guidelines

The goal of Mixed Martial Arts is straightforward; you must either knock your opponent unconscious or hurt him enough to where he will give in and tap the floor thereby declaring a submission to the other opponent.  However, if neither fighter backs down or gets knocked out by the end of a round or match, the winner is determined by the judges.  The only way a fighter will lose a match is if he gains a foul called by the referee.

3.  Illegal Fouls

A foul consists of any form of illegal contact committed by a fighter onto their opponent.  If the referee sees the contact was deliberate, he has the power to disqualify the fighter from the match and if it was not intentional, the referee can declare the match to still be in play.

4.  Fighting Arena

Another huge difference between MMA and other sports is that the MMA arena is in the shape of an octagon, resembling a structured cage, and the fighters are restricted from using padded gloves.

Photo Credits: mkm photography

Originally posted 2010-03-23 03:22:47.

Styles and Countries

Many martial arts beginners think that the most popular martial arts form is karate because it is much more prevalent in countries like America due to classic movies such as the Karate Kid, and the media attention that has followed these movie productions.  However, karate really is not as globally popular as you would think.  While it is frequently practiced in America, its popularity across the world does not reach as far.  Depending on the country, there will be a different, more popular martial arts form.  For example, you would find the Judo style prevalent in Japan, the Muay Thai popular in Thailand, and the BJJ frequently practiced in Brazil.

Karate

The art of karate was in fact founded by farmers in Japan.  When the Samurais tried to constantly invade their land, they invented this technique as a form of defense.  Later, the fighting style expanded to all areas of Japan, causing the details of the method to be varied per individual island, such as the residents in Okinawa who had their own karate variation called Okinawa Karate.  The two major emphases on all of these techniques are the elaborate punches and kicks that are exerted and that it is primarily a form of self-defense.

Tae Kwon Do

Another popular form that many know well is Tae Kwon Do.  This style has its roots in Korea and emphasizes powerful kicks and punches, with one of its most popular moves being the roundhouse kick.  This kick is used almost ninety percent of the time as a last resort move to win during in sparring matches.  And the Tae Kwon Do martial art is a great style for any person who has a preference for kicking or would like to learn to kick better.  The styles are represented by three different organizations--the World Tae Kwon Do Federation or WTF, the International Tae Kwon Do Federation or ITF, and the American Tae Kwon Do Association or ATA.  The WTF is on the Olympic level, the ITF is not Olympic but still is used by several countries, and the ATA is only located within one country.

Judo

The next highly popular martial arts style is Judo.  The Judo technique is extremely popular on the islands of Japan and is also considered an Olympic sport.  Interestingly, this style was used as a substitute to Jujitsu back in the early 1800s.  Since Jujitsu was extremely harsh and resulted in many injuries, Judo was created so that those who wanted to learn the style, but did not wish to get hurt seriously hurt. They could practice a technique that was more safe.

Originally posted 2010-03-22 03:19:30.

1-2-3-4-5.

#1: Self-discipline.

There is no achievement without discipline, primarily because without discipline, you won't have the fortitude to continue to work towards a goal. You can't effect a lot of change in your physical or mental fitness if you don't have the discipline to maintain a habit - even when that habit is not necessarily pleasant to maintain. Self-discipline is considered one of the great reasons to take up a martial art - but you also have to find it within yourself.

#2: Self-confidence.

If you tell yourself "I can't beat this opponent," then the opponent has already won. When you lack self-confidence, you don't need to do any fighting, because you've already laid out your plan for yourself. You know you're going to lose, and you do. Self-confidence does not necessarily mean that you'll always have total belief in yourself. But it does mean that you should trust yourself to perform well.

#3: Belief.

Do you believe that what you've learned is going to work when you spar? Do you believe that you are one of the best fighters in the room? Do you believe that you're a great martial artist? If not, then you're probably none of these things. Belief can create a self-fulfilling prophecy: if you believe that you are going to win more than your opponent believes it, you stand a good chance at winning.

#4: Vision.

If you can't see yourself fighting with strong discipline and courage, then how do you ever expect to achieve that level of confidence? You have to create a vision of yourself as successful before you become successful. You can do this through training and hard work, but you can also put time aside in order to practice visualizing yourself as successful.

#5: Persistence.

Nothing is achieved without persistence. Without it, you aren't able to make any lasting changes in yourself or your environment. If you give up at the most difficult times, you lose opportunities to grow as a person.

Photo Credits: Arjana

Originally posted 2009-08-05 05:32:43.

Ju.Do.

Many people have heard the word "judo," but only know it as a martial art - how it is distinguished from the other martial arts isn't clear to them. But those who study judo and other martial arts know that there is a great degree in difference between the fighting forms, and that judo is an art form in and of itself. In order to help you learn more about judo, here are five facts that will help you get started.

• Fact #1: "Judo" comes from two words. Like many other martial arts with foreign backgrounds, the word "Judo" actually comes from different words put together. "Ju" refers to something that is gentle, and "do" means "the way" or "the path." In other words, Judo translates as "the gentle way," which gives you some insights as to how Judo is styled as a martial art.
• Fact #2: Judo developed in the mid-1800's. Jujitsu was perhaps the most commonly practiced Japanese martial art before the 1800's, as many Samurai warriors would practice it as a way to defeat opponents with swords and armor. With the arrival of Western influence, guns became more prevalent and swords became outdated, leading to a demand for a new type of martial art.
• Fact #3: Judo is based on making your opponent's energy work against them. When Judo was developed, it was developed on the premise that it could work well as a sport, not necessarily as an improved method of combat. With the arrival of sports and teams, judo became popular as a way of exploring competition and athletics, not necessarily killing or defeating an opponent.
• Fact #4: Judo became an Olympic sport in 1964. Judo rose in popularity during the early 20th Century and eventually saw an increased popularity so high that in 1964 it was accepted into the Olympics.
• Fact #5: Judo is primarily defensive in nature. Many people don't think that Judo functions as a martial art in and of itself because it is limited in its scope: it seeks to emphasize self-defense by using your opponent's energy against them, and does not emphasize striking or wrestling.

Judo is perhaps a prime example of a martial art that has contributed to world though rather than promoted violence, since it has mostly been used as a way of making sport.

Photo Credits: parhessiastes

Originally posted 2009-07-20 05:27:38.

Kickboxing Match

1^st Level or Partial Contact

As the name suggests, in this level of kickboxing contact between fighters is restricted to a certain level. Strict level of discipline is maintained in the ring in terms of hand and leg movements. The sport is highly controlled when it comes to boxing and kicking. Points are awarded only when a legal technique is applied. Fighters have to mainly focus on scoring as many points as possible by following controlled lawful techniques with focus and alacrity. The foremost characteristic of this level are speed, delivery and skill. Competition must be carried out in restricted contact and lightly maintaining the real sense of the sport. There is a small break after every point. Referees will announce the points and the game would start again. The game would start after the referee’s command by calling FIGHT and call TIME to stop the game. It’s not necessary that the game is stopped after every point and penalty; it is to the sole discretion of the referee. Fighters are allowed to have a coach and a second of time at one of his corners at the time of match.

2^nd Level or Intermediate Contact

In intermediate contact level the game is executed in a controlled manner. The fight continues until the main referee gives the command to STOP or to take a Break. The techniques used are from total contact but in a controlled way. Emphasis on kicking and boxing techniques is alike. As the name suggests this level is intermediate between partial and total contact of kickboxing. The role of the referee here is to only check that the fighters fight within the rules and regulations.

3^rd Level or Total Contact

At this level fighters are allowed to apply power, force and strength on the opponent. Blows and kicks are to be carried out with aim, speed and fortitude thereby attaining a total contact. Blows and kicks are legal on any side of the head but only on the front face. Paunches on the front body and sides over the waist line are considered legal. Sweeping technique is allowed. The can only be held inside a ring. It is the responsibility of the referee to make sure that the sport is carried out with rules and regulations to the safety of the fighters. Legal pointed are noted by judges on a point card. Recreational fights have 3 rounds of 2 minutes each. A break of one minute is given in between the rounds.

Photo Credits: Newsbie Pix

Originally posted 2010-04-20 03:55:22.

What type of Martial Arts are you looking to do?

Striking: Punching, Kicking, and Blows

The "striking" category includes many of the popular martial arts many people in Western culture are aware of. If you've ever seen a martial arts movie on television, and the fights were a series of punches, blocks, and kicks, you probably saw a martial art that emphasizes striking. Heck, even Rocky Balboa was a master of a "striking" martial art!

In striking, the emphasis is placed on quickness and power - can you knock out your opponent with quick blows that take him off-guard? If so, you might be able to neutralize any size or weight advantage the opponent has. Learning how to strike also includes learning to believe in yourself and having the power to break wood using only your fist.

Martial arts that emphasize striking: Boxing, Kickboxing, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai

Grappling: Locking and Throwing

In the Mixed Martial Arts world, grappling is what you often hear referred to as "ground game." In grappling, your power and technique is directly pitted against your opponent's as you wrestle out the match on the ground. Being an effective grappler means being able to defend yourself at a tremendous disadvantage, as well as capitalize on a "takedown" - when you bring your opponent to the ground.

Martial arts that emphasize grappling: Wrestling, Judo, Jujutsu, Brazilian Jujutsu, Sambo

Weapons: Extending Your Body's Radius

Striking and grappling have one thing in common: they both force you to rely on the weapons you always have available in your body, such as your arms and legs. When it comes to weapons, you are essentially extending the amount of damage and the potential area you can strike in with a foreign object. In other words, you're using something outside of your body to take down an opponent.

Martial arts that emphasize weapons: Fencing, Kendo

Photo Credits: Frank Peters

Originally posted 2009-08-20 03:29:06.

Shaolin

The techniques became popular and evolved into more refined systems of self-defense, hunting, military strategy, and fundamental tactics.  There are a variety of styles including exercises to mimic the movements of specific animals, philosophies, legends, or myths; others are more external, focusing more on improving muscle fitness and power.  There are a variety of styles in Kung Fu and each offers a different technique for self-defense, health, and self-improvement.

The two distinct categories are Northern and Southern style; Northern focusing more on kicking with Southern focusing more on hand techniques.  Within each category are the sub-categories of “Internal”, focusing on fluid and graceful power, and “External” spotlighting on developing the body to generate power.

Most everyone is aware of the coveted Black Belt level of achievement, but do not understand the levels that must be reached before achieving this height of discipline, control, skill, and power.  There are thousands of dojos around the world teaching the art; each with varying degrees of skills that are required to meet a precise level of expertise to be awarded a “Belt”.   Each level of attainment is identified by a specific color to the belt.

The different levels of achievement and belt colors are:

• White Belt – Initially earned to depict a solid foundation and understanding of the various techniques at a beginner’s level.  It includes stances, basic punches, and fundamental kicking methods.  Most people take about two months to achieve this level.

• Gold Belt – This is the next level that builds upon the basic skills and typically takes about three months to reach this level.

• Orange Belt – This level focuses on some advanced techniques including hand movements, blocking, punching, and next level of kicking.  This level takes about three months to earn.

• Green Belt – This level focuses on more challenging techniques including strength and speed.  This level usually takes four months to achieve.

• Blue Belt – In this level you are introduced to the use of weapons in fighting, which typically including a broadsword, and is much more vigorous.  An additional four months of training typically achieves this belt.

• Red Belt – This level exemplifies superior speed, power, and form when demonstrating the various techniques.  This level takes an additional six months of work.

• Black Belt – This is the advanced and final level exhibiting expertise in the skills learned.  Once previous belts are achieved, this level takes an additional year to achieve.

The term Kung Fu translates as “time and effort” and includes various levels of achievement which identifies the skills and proficiency of the students.  It takes months, or even years of dedication, practice, and discipline to reach this much desired highest level.  Kung Fu is not an attack-based skill, rather relying more on skill and swift movement to evade attack.  Achieving each level of understanding and expertise is rewarded with a specifically colored belt.

Photo Credits: bozzo2m

Originally posted 2010-04-19 16:55:11.

Confidence or Cockiness?

In Bruce Lee's "Jeet Kune Do," he strove to create a type of martial art that would incorporate the others, not striving to be flashy at all, but instead simply be the most effective as possible against an opponent. In Lee's own philosophy, he told people that they should strive to be like water, in that water is flexible, ever-flowing, but can also be focused to make a formidable force.

Understanding confidence from this perspective is important. The urge to dominate other people is not what defines martial arts - if that were the case, then you've come to the wrong place. Instead, true confidence comes from discovering the power within yourself to create a true system of self-defense that simply works.

What is that system? True self-defense would mean never fighting; living a life of peace. And many martial arts stress that the warrior is meant to be at peace, and that war is what happens when people fail to achieve it.

Can you tell the difference between confidence and cockiness in this context? A confident martial artist will have no need to show off their fighting skills; a cocky martial artist, who is not confident but instead feels the need to prove something, is actually less effective because of his or her arrogance.

Embrace the functional ideas of Jeet Kune Do; strive for what works, not what impresses other people. If you're in martial arts to become cocky, you're in the wrong discipline. If, however, you want to learn martial arts in order to gain confidence, then you're on the right path. Find a martial art that aligns with your values of true self-confidence, not something that feeds your ego's need to dominate other people. You'll learn that self-confidence was the true path all along.

Photo Credits: Igor Bespamyatnov

Originally posted 2009-12-15 03:51:26.