Grappling.

"Striking" is one strategy in mixed martial arts, but it is not a distinct martial art because it more resembles a category of fighting - many martial arts like boxing make a use of striking. It is similar for grappling. Grappling can be used in martial arts like Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but this doesn't make grappling its own martial art. To call grappling a martial art is a little bit like calling "punching" a fighting style.

Grappling can be great exercise when you focus on grappling exclusively with an opponent who also enjoys martial arts. Like wrestling, it requires you to use a lot of your body as you try to gain a physical edge over your opponent. Striking can be a good exercise, too, but it usually requires you to spar in pads, and even to get hit, so it is better to use striking for training rather than a regular exercise.

In grappling, you might use individual techniques like throws, chokeholds, submissions, and joint locks in order to make your opponent lose a martial arts match. Depending on the kind of martial art you're using, this style of fighting may or may not be allowed.

Does grappling sound like something you might be good at? If so, you may find it fun to try mixed martial arts, or individual disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. But grappling in and of itself would probably not be considered a martial art by the people you talk to.

Photo Credits: parhessiastes

Originally posted 2009-10-16 03:41:25.

Kung Fu Sparring.

One of the most important things to think about when you're trying to get in shape is choosing an exercise that you enjoy. This isn't to say that you'll always find that exercise pleasant, as you'll always want to keep yourself challenged, but you should find an exercise that keeps you motivated and willing to strap up those laces and head outdoors.

For a lot of people, the martial arts provide exactly that. Developing routines, learning new techniques, and building self-confidence means a lot to martial arts students and many people naturally gravitate to this kind of activity. But that doesn't necessarily mean that it will work the same way for you.

Keep in mind that any type of challenging physical activity, if kept up through habitual action and commitment, will help you get in shape. Whether you're hiking or biking, dancing or prancing, you can get into better shape if you simply move. So it's not a question of whether martial arts can get you moving - it does by necessity. It's a question of whether or not martial arts will make you want to keep moving.

Perhaps you need the discipline and exercise of martial arts but don't necessarily feel all that excited about taking a karate class. Don't try to rationalize that intuition as laziness - perhaps the martial arts are simply not for you. If you need to be outdoors, feeling the wind in your face, maybe cycling is more your speed. If you want to build up plenty of muscle, working with free weights will work much better.

The martial arts can really help you get in shape, however, if you're willing to dedicate yourself to a new habit and are willing to take on a student's mentality. The more you learn and work at martial arts, the more you'll develop the discipline and skills necessary to work your way up through the belts. Ultimately, getting in shape isn't about your sport - it's about the athlete. Or, in other words, you. Can you get in shape through martial arts? Sounds like a question only you can answer.

Photo Credits: manuel | MC

Originally posted 2009-07-31 05:19:31.