Three Martial Arts Systems You Didn’t Know Were Martial Arts

When someone tells you that they're going to take up martial arts, what do you first imagine? You probably have a picture of two people wearing belts, holding up their fists and trying to strike at each other. But the world of martial arts encompasses more than our typical views of fighting systems like karate or kung fu; it includes even popular American sports. If you are looking for a new, physical hobby, don't simply dismiss "martial arts" because you don't want to do any kicking. Let's take a look at three types of martial arts that aren't typically associated with the phrase.

• Boxing. "Kickboxing" more closely resembles our concept of martial arts, but Western-style boxing is a form of "striking" (kicking and/or punching) that can be counted as a martial art. With boxing, the emphasis is obviously placed on punching - so much so that each boxer's fist is heavily padded in order to make the impacts safer. Boxing limits your range of attacks - you can try to tackle or use your legs, for instance - but it also helps improve your striking skills by isolating your fists. In boxing, either you can throw a punch and defend yourself, or you can't.
• Wrestling. Wrestling is another form of martial art that isn't typically viewed as a martial art because it isn't rooted in Eastern culture. Wrestling has its roots in both ancient Greek and Roman athletics: two of the chief styles of wrestling are Greco-Roman and freestyle.
  • Today, wrestling is an olympic sport, and an extremely popular sport among high schools and colleges throughout America. It is also an incredibly exerting, physical sport that requires a lot of physical stamina, flexibility, and strength. Wrestling isn't an ideal hobby for older people, but can be a great workout for younger people who want a new hobby.
• Fencing. When we think of fencing, we often think of 18th Century nobility going at it with thin swords and thinner mustaches. Fencing is also an Olympic sport that has its roots in Western culture - it was around as early as the Renaissance.
  • In fencing, less emphasis is placed on the limbs and more on swords, which are essentially physical extensions of the body that can be used in a variety of ways. Fencing comes with its own set of rules and strategies.

Remember that martial arts don't only have to refer to karate chops. If you're interested in taking "martial arts" lessons, remember that it may include one of the studies mentioned above.

Photo Credits: Dave Hogg

Originally posted 2009-07-24 05:52:17.

This post involves:

18th century, american sports, ancient greek, belts, Boxing, eastern culture, Fencing, fists, greek and roman athletics, high schools, karate, martial art, nobility, olympic sport, physical sport, physical stamina, popular sport, types of martial arts, typical views, western style

... and focuses on:

Boxing, Fencing, Martial Arts, Wrestling

Posted by Martial Arts Karate Kung Fu on February 5, 2012 in Boxing, Fencing, Martial Arts, Wrestling. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.