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What is Grappling, and Is It a Martial Art?

Martial Arts Karate Kung Fu — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:07:12 +0000

Grappling.

Have you ever heard of "grappling" before? Okay, you've heard it in the title to this article, but if you're not very exposed to the world of mixed martial arts, there's a good chance you might not have heard of grappling. Grappling is a specific discipline and method of exercise that can be a great way to burn calories and work on your self-defense. But what the heck does it look like? Here are some clues.

To talk about "grappling" is a bit like talking about "striking" in the world of mixed martial arts. When you're grappling with another fighter, you are looking to gain an edge over them physically and often trying to make them submit and lose the match. This is similar to striking, where you are trying to deliver high-impact moves to your opponent to temporarily knock them out or stun them.

"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.

Three Tips for Better Self-Discipline

Martial Arts Karate Kung Fu — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:41:00 +0000

Self-disipline is the name of the game.

One of the primary reasons people take up martial arts is because of the promise of more self-discipline. Usually, it takes a little bit of discipline simply to make this decision and follow-through, but taking a class usually isn't enough for you to gain the self-discipline you seek. Instead, you have to realize that self-discipline is something that comes from within and that you're going to have to work at it. Here are three tips that should help guide you along the way.

Tip #1: Learn the principle of "doing it anyway."

If self-discipline was easy, it wouldn't be self-discipline. At some point in your life, you're going to have to embrace some sort of level of hardship in order to work toward your goals and maintain a healthy, consistent lifestyle. Many people put off discipline because they can "do it tomorrow," but what's so different about tomorrow that will make it easier than today? In reality, that's just procrastination. You have to start feeling the discomfort of discipline and "do it anyway." You don't want to do thirty push-ups today? Too bad. Do it. You'll feel better afterward.

Tip #2: Organize.

Discipline is easier when you're organized and know exactly what you have to do on a daily basis. If you've had trouble showing up on time to your martial arts classes, buy a calendar and start organizing your schedule. Try to get most of your work done at the beginning of the day so you can relax later. The earlier you accomplish your daily goals, the less you'll have to procrastinate.

Make a list of daily habits that you can maintain, and accomplish them in the same order every day. When they're easy to remember, they're easier to maintain.

Tip #3: Give yourself a goal.

Discipline often has its own intrinsic rewards, but you can bring more motivation to the table if your discipline is working toward a definable goal. For example, let's say your goal is to attain the green belt in your chosen martial art. That will give you incentive to show up five minutes early to each class.

You have to realize that discipline is something no one else can do for you. You have to accept that growth requires challenging yourself.

Photo Credits: Ed-meister

Originally posted 2009-08-24 03:12:04.