From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
.^ Note: This title can be pronounced in Chinese, but would only be used or well-known by Chinese people who practice this Japanese martial art (rare).- Chinese & Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Selections Related to Martial Arts 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC www.orientaloutpost.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ I think most children under about age 11-12 really aren't ready, mentally and physically, to begin practicing a combative martial art.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ This judo program is for all sizes and shapes of students wishing to begin instruction in this traditional Japanese martial art and self-defense method.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
.^ Least of all the martial art itself.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ He is very physically able and not frail at all.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ I am not familiar with the different martial arts at all, and would greatly appreciate help finding a good teacher/student fit for my son.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
.^ As a tenet of Korean taekwondo, and other martial arts , this is often used with the title "self-control".- Chinese & Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Selections Related to Martial Arts 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC www.orientaloutpost.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Often a combination of Chinese martial arts such as Shaolin Kung Fu with Japanese martial arts such as Karate, Jujutsu (Jujitsu), Aikido, and others.- Chinese & Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Selections Related to Martial Arts 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC www.orientaloutpost.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Kuk Sool sounds like a similar or transferable form of Korean Martial Arts, with many of the additional lifestyle elements described in the Tang Soo Do website.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
.^ For an excellent martial arts experience, definitely consider The Golden Lion Martial Arts School at 1031 San Pablo Avenue in Albany.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ In both Japanese and Chinese, rather than meaning martial arts , this speaks more to the skills that you posses in regards to martial arts .- Chinese & Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Selections Related to Martial Arts 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC www.orientaloutpost.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Aikido is a martial art that focuses on protecting both the attacker and the defender (more disabling moves and not so much kicking and striking to injure/kill).- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
.^ We train a very respectful, fun, practical art from Indonesia, and teach at many of the local elementary schools including Chabot, Montclair, and Joaquin Miller.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ I think most children under about age 11-12 really aren't ready, mentally and physically, to begin practicing a combative martial art.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ Kuk Sool sounds like a similar or transferable form of Korean Martial Arts, with many of the additional lifestyle elements described in the Tang Soo Do website.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
.^ If you are wondering, the spelling and pronunciation of this martial arts style in English comes from the Cantonese pronunciation of these characters.- Chinese & Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Selections Related to Martial Arts 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC www.orientaloutpost.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ [Editor Note: Kuk Sool Won of Berkeley was briefly also known as Martial Arts of America.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ Note: This title can be pronounced in Chinese, but would only be used or well-known by Chinese people who practice this Japanese martial art (rare).- Chinese & Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Selections Related to Martial Arts 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC www.orientaloutpost.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.^ Nov 2007 Hi, I am looking for references for a good martial arts studio in Richmond, San Pablo, El Sobrante area.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ Aikido is often referred to as the defensive martial art.- Chinese & Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Selections Related to Martial Arts 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC www.orientaloutpost.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ This refers to the virtue, morality, and ethics that any practitioner of martial arts should posses.- Chinese & Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Selections Related to Martial Arts 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC www.orientaloutpost.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.^ Different schools and styles of Japanese martial arts use different terms.- Chinese & Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Selections Related to Martial Arts 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC www.orientaloutpost.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ If you are wondering, the spelling and pronunciation of this martial arts style in English comes from the Cantonese pronunciation of these characters.- Chinese & Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Selections Related to Martial Arts 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC www.orientaloutpost.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Purists in Okinawa will claim that "Okinawa Kenpo" or "Ryukyu Hon Kenpo" is the original and true version of this martial art from the old kingdom.- Chinese & Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Selections Related to Martial Arts 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC www.orientaloutpost.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.^ The original term was "mushin no shin", meaning, "mind of no mind."- Chinese & Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Selections Related to Martial Arts 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC www.orientaloutpost.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ You may see the term "Kempo Karate" which basically means Karate with other disciplines added.- Chinese & Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Selections Related to Martial Arts 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC www.orientaloutpost.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.^ Kuk Sool sounds like a similar or transferable form of Korean Martial Arts, with many of the additional lifestyle elements described in the Tang Soo Do website.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ Aikido is a martial art that focuses on protecting both the attacker and the defender (more disabling moves and not so much kicking and striking to injure/kill).- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ The whole graduation system in martial arts seems to support unsocial behaviour with some kids (which can also be observed with immature adults, by the way).- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
.^ June 2007 I'm not too familiar with the martial arts thing, so I'm not sure if what I'm asking for even exists or is feasible.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ We're already a very physically active family so the risk of being sedentary if we don't do martial arts is not very high for us.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ Kuk Sool sounds like a similar or transferable form of Korean Martial Arts, with many of the additional lifestyle elements described in the Tang Soo Do website.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
.^ Hi - I sent my kids to Martial Arts of America when they were quite small (I think the twins were in kindergarten and my son was in third grade).- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ [Editor Note: Kuk Sool Won of Berkeley was briefly also known as Martial Arts of America.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ We train a very respectful, fun, practical art from Indonesia, and teach at many of the local elementary schools including Chabot, Montclair, and Joaquin Miller.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
.^ In our experience, the key is that the school have a routine that is engaging, because it takes years for kids to really develop their skills, and they have to really want to stick with it.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
While each style has unique facets that make it different from other martial arts, a common characteristic is the systematization of fighting techniques. Methods of training vary and may include
sparring (simulated combat) or formal sets or routines of techniques known as forms or
kata.
.^ One of the most disturbing things I found when looking for a martial arts class for my two kids, then 9 and 11, was the mixture of styles and form many "martial arts" studios have.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ It's a nonagressive form of martial arts led by the most caring, funny, gentle teacher, Tom Gambell, and others.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ Both of my sons are interested in learning karate or other form of martial arts.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
[1]Variation and scope
.^ Check out North American Martial Arts Academy in Alameda - they are on Webster I think.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ Feb 2007 I'm looking for a good martial arts class for my 5 year old boy in the Oakland/Berkeley area.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ They are a balance of serious martial arts, philosophy, self-discipline and repsect for others.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
Below is a list of examples that make extensive use of one these areas; it is not an exhaustive list of all arts covering the area, nor are these necessarily the only areas covered by the art but are the focus or best known part as examples of the area:
Weaponry
.^ One of the most disturbing things I found when looking for a martial arts class for my two kids, then 9 and 11, was the mixture of styles and form many "martial arts" studios have.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ I agree with many of the sentiments posted recently by Joerg--that is, that martial arts aren't usually suitable for younger kids.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ I think most children under about age 11-12 really aren't ready, mentally and physically, to begin practicing a combative martial art.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
.^ This judo program is for all sizes and shapes of students wishing to begin instruction in this traditional Japanese martial art and self-defense method.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ One of my daughters started martial arts when she was 5; the other when she was 8.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ They are a balance of serious martial arts, philosophy, self-discipline and repsect for others.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
[2]
History
Africa
African knives may be classified by shape—typically into the "f" group and the "circular" group—and have often been incorrectly described as throwing knives.
[3] There are also wrestling and grappling techniques found in
West Africa. "Stick fighting" formed an important part of Zulu culture in
South Africa, and is a significant part of
Obnu Bilate, a fighting form practiced in southern Botswana and Northern South Africa. Stick fighting was also described in Ancient Egyptians tombs, it is still practiced in upper Egypt (
Tahtib)
[4][5] and a modern association was formed in the 1970s.
.^ I cannot educate you about different types of martial arts, but I can highly recommend MODERN COMBATIVES on University Avenue.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ Kuk Sool sounds like a similar or transferable form of Korean Martial Arts, with many of the additional lifestyle elements described in the Tang Soo Do website.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
Americas
Native peoples of
North America and
South America had their own martial training which began in childhood. Some
First Nations men, and more rarely some women, were called warriors only after they had proven themselves in battle. Most groups selected individuals for training in the use of bows, knives, blowguns, spears, and war clubs in early adolescence. War clubs were the preferred martial weapon because Native American warriors could raise their
social status by killing enemies in single combat face to face.
[citation needed] Warriors honed their weapons skills and stalking techniques through lifelong training.
.^ We're already a very physically active family so the risk of being sedentary if we don't do martial arts is not very high for us.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ Check out North American Martial Arts Academy in Alameda - they are on Webster I think.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ Brincadeira Viva Academy has a martial arts daycamp running into late August featuring capoeira as well as Far East martial arts.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
It consists of kicks, elbow strikes, hand strikes, head butts, cartwheels and sweeps.
.^ The whole graduation system in martial arts seems to support unsocial behaviour with some kids (which can also be observed with immature adults, by the way).- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ I've taken many martial arts in the past, Tae Kwon Do, Jeet Kune Do, Japanese Ju-Jitsu, Aikido, Arnis/Escrima (Filipino Stick fighting), and Kickboxing.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ Having studied martial arts for many years, and having met many martial artists over the years, I chose carefully before enrolling my children in a martial arts program.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
Its roots lie in
Wing Chun, western boxing and fencing with a philosophy of a casting off what is useless and using no way as way.
.^ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches how to fall, how to perform throws and takedowns, self defense techniques, and groundwork.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ I prefer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu because it is more about controlling your opponent than bludgeoning them with your fists.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ I can tell you personally that as I was ''shopping'' around for a style that fit me, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stood out over all the other styles.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
.^ The whole graduation system in martial arts seems to support unsocial behaviour with some kids (which can also be observed with immature adults, by the way).- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ Annual tournaments include black belt demonstrations, competitions between local Kuk Sool Won schools, and an opportunity to see the most highly skilled practioners of this extraordinarily comprehensive martial arts system.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
[6]
Asia
Early history
.^ Kuk Sool sounds like a similar or transferable form of Korean Martial Arts, with many of the additional lifestyle elements described in the Tang Soo Do website.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ I like that Sir not only teaches the physical movements but also teaches the values that the martial arts stand for: responsibilty, balance, leadership, integrity, etc.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ July 2005 I would like to find some martial arts classes for my 3YO daughter that focus on strength, discipline and physical awareness and not fighting.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
Extensive trade occurred between these nations beginning around 600 BC, with diplomats, merchants, and monks traveling the
Silk Road.
.^ Kuk Sool sounds like a similar or transferable form of Korean Martial Arts, with many of the additional lifestyle elements described in the Tang Soo Do website.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ They are a balance of serious martial arts, philosophy, self-discipline and repsect for others.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ This is serious martial arts (they progress through the colored belts) balanced with philosophy, discipline and good behavior skills.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
350 BC).
[7]
An early legend in martial arts tells the tale of a
South Indian Pallava prince turned monk named
Bodhidharma (also called Daruma), believed to have lived around 550 A.D. The martial virtues of discipline, humility, restraint and respect are attributed to this
philosophy.
[8] Daruma is also regarded as the founder of
Zen Buddhism in China.
.^ I have seen kids practice at other dojos and learn to be violent, but here the focus is on self defense and self discipline.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ It has all the martial art discipline and structure, but the emphasis is on self-defense, not kicking and/or punching.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ They are a balance of serious martial arts, philosophy, self-discipline and repsect for others.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
[9] Also in China
Buddhabhadra (called
Batuo in
Mandarin), an
Indian dhyana master becomes the first abbot of the
Shaolin temple.
[10] The
Shaolin Monastery was built by the
Emperor Xiaowen of the
Northern Wei Dynasty in A.D. 477.
.^ Every morning starts out with some fun games to warm up and followed by martial arts class.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ I am not familiar with the different martial arts at all, and would greatly appreciate help finding a good teacher/student fit for my son.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ I am a martial arts teacher (doing Tae Kwon Do for 15 years) and very into kids.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
Students are trained in a strictly hierarchical system by a master instructor:
Sifu in
Cantonese or
Shifu in
Mandarin;
Sensei in
Japanese;
Sabeom-nim in
Korean;
Guru in
Sanskrit,
Hindi,
Telugu and
Malay;
Kruu in
Khmer;
Guro in
Tagalog;
Kalari Gurukkal or
Kalari Asaan in
Malayalam;
Asaan in
Tamil;
Achan or
Khru in
Thai; and
Saya in
Myanmar. All these terms can be translated as master, teacher or mentor.
[11]
Recent history
.^ So, recently (about 3 months ago) we tried martial arts at Bay Mountain Martial Arts on Grand Ave (near Safeway) and we LOVE it.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ I cannot educate you about different types of martial arts, but I can highly recommend MODERN COMBATIVES on University Avenue.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ My recommendation is to forget about martial arts for a year or two.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
This can clearly be seen in
India after the full establishment of
British Raj in the 19th century.
[12] More European modes of organizing police, armies and governmental institutions, and the increasing use of firearms, eroded the need for traditional combat training associated with caste-specific duties.
[12] and in 1804 the
British Colonial government banned
kalaripayat in response to a series of revolts.
[13] Kalaripayat and other traditional arts experienced a resurgence in the 1920s in
Tellicherry and spread throughout
South India.
[12] Similar phenomena occurred in
Southeast Asian colonies such as
Malaysia,
Indonesia,
Vietnam and the
Philippines. Other
Indian martial arts, like
Thang-Ta also witnessed a resurgence in the 1950s.
[14]
The Western interest in
Asian martial arts dates back to the late 19th century, due to the increase in trade between the United States with
China and
Japan. Relatively few Westerners actually practiced the arts, considering it to be mere performance.
Edward William Barton-Wright, a railway engineer who had studied
Jujutsu while working in Japan between 1894–97, was the first man known to have taught Asian martial arts in Europe. He also founded an eclectic martial arts style named
Bartitsu which combined
jujutsu,
judo,
boxing,
savate and
stick fighting.
As Western influence grew in Asia a greater number of
military personnel spent time in China, Japan, and South Korea. Exposure to martial arts during the
Korean war was also significant. The later 1970s and 1980s witnessed an increased media interest in the martial arts, influenced by martial artist and
Hollywood actor
Bruce Lee's work in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Thanks in part to Asian and Hollywood
martial arts movies,
Jackie Chan and
Jet Li are prominent movie figures who have been responsible for promoting Chinese martial arts in recent years.
Europe
A number of
historical fencing forms and manuals have survived, and many groups are working to
reconstruct older European martial arts. The process of reconstruction combines intensive study of detailed combat treatises produced from 1400–1900 A.D. and practical training or "pressure testing" of various techniques and tactics. This includes such styles as
sword and shield,
two-handed swordfighting,
halberd fighting,
jousting and other types of melee weapons combat.
.^ Northeast Ohio Historical European Martial Arts Society Our focus are the martial traditions of Europe and of the Colonized New World.- Karate Directory of Ohio 14 January 2010 11:54 UTC ohio.uscity.net [Source type: News]
Many
Medieval martial arts manuals have survived, the most famous being Johannes
Lichtenauer's
Fechtbuch (Fencing book) of the 14th century. Today Lichtenauer's tome forms the basis of the
German school of swordsmanship.
In Europe, the martial arts declined with the rise of
firearms. As a consequence, martial arts with historical roots in Europe do not exist today to the same extent as in Asia, since the traditional martial arts either died out or developed into
sports. Swordsmanship developed into
fencing. Boxing as well as forms of wrestling have endured.
European martial arts have mostly adapted to changing technology so that while some traditional arts still exist, military personnel are trained in skills like
bayonet combat and marksmanship. Some European weapon systems have also survived as folk sports and as self-defense methods. These include stick-fighting systems such as
Quarterstaff of
England,
bataireacht of
Ireland,
Jogo do Pau of
Portugal and the
Juego del Palo (Palo Canario) style(s) of the
Canary Islands.
Other martial arts evolved into sports that no longer recognized as combative. One example is the
pommel horse event in men's
gymnastics, an exercise which itself is derived from the sport of
Equestrian vaulting.
Cavalryriders needed to be able to change positions on their horses quickly, rescue fallen allies, fight effectively on horseback and dismount at a gallop. Training these skills on a stationery barrel evolved into sport of gymnastics' pommel horse exercise. More ancient origins exist for the
shot put and the
javelin throw, both weapons utilized extensively by the Romans.
Modern history
On the modern battlefield
Some traditional martial concepts have seen new use within modern
military training. Perhaps the most recent example of this is
point shooting which relies on
muscle memory to more effectively utilize a
firearm in a variety of awkward situations, much the way an
iaidoka would master movements with their sword.
Testing and competition
Testing or evaluation is important to martial art practitioners of many disciplines who wish to determine their progression or own level of skill in specific contexts. Students within individual martial art systems often undergo periodic testing and grading by their own teacher in order to advance to a higher level of recognized achievement, such as a different
belt color or title. The type of testing used varies from system to system but may include forms or
sparring.
Various forms and sparring are commonly used in martial art exhibitions and tournaments. Some competitions pit practitioners of different disciplines against each other using a common set of rules, these are referred to as
mixed martial arts competitions. Rules for sparring vary between art and organization but can generally be divided into
light-contact,
medium-contact, and
full-contact variants, reflecting the amount of force that should be used on an opponent.
Light- and medium-contact
These types of sparring restrict the amount of force that may be used to hit an opponent, in the case of light sparring this is usual to 'touch' contact, e.g. a punch should be 'pulled' as soon as or before contact is made. In medium-contact (sometimes referred to as semi-contact) the punch would not be 'pulled' but not hit with full force. As the amount of force used is restricted, the aim of these types of sparring is not to
knock out an opponent; a point system is used in competitions.
A referee acts to monitor for fouls and to control the match, while judges mark down scores, as in boxing. Particular targets may be prohibited (such as the face or groin), certain techniques may be forbidden, and fighters may be required to wear
protective equipment on their head, hands, chest, groin, shins or feet. In grappling arts aikido uses a similar method of compliant training that is equivalent to light or medium contact.
In some styles (such as fencing and some styles of Taekwondo sparring), competitors score points based on the landing of a single technique or strike as judged by the referee, whereupon the referee will briefly stop the match, award a point, then restart the match. Alternatively, sparring may continue with the point noted by the judges. Some critics of point sparring feel that this method of training teaches habits that result in lower combat effectiveness. Lighter-contact sparring may be used exclusively, for children or in other situations when heavy contact would be inappropriate (such as beginners), medium-contact sparring is often used as training for full-contact.
Full-contact
Full-contact sparring or fighting is considered by some to be requisite in learning realistic unarmed combat.
[17] Full-contact sparring is different from light and medium-contact sparring in several ways, including the use of strikes that are not pulled but are thrown with full force, as the name implies. In full-contact sparring, the aim of a competitive match is either to knock the opponent out or to force the opponent to submit. Full-contact sparring may include a wider variety of permitted attacks and contact zones on the body.
Where scoring takes place it may be a subsidiary measure, only used if no clear winner has been established by other means; in some competitions, such as the
UFC 1, there was no scoring, though most now use some form of judging as a backup.
[18] Due to these factors, full-contact matches tend to be more aggressive in character, but rule sets may still mandate the use of protective gloves and forbid certain techniques or actions during a match, such striking the back of the head.
Nearly all mixed martial arts leagues such as
UFC,
Pancrase,
Shooto use a form of full-contact rules, as do
professional boxing organizations and
K-1.
Kyokushin karate requires advanced practitioners to engage in bare-knuckled, full-contact sparring while wearing only a karate
gi and groin protector but does not allow punches to the face, only kicks and knees. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo matches do not allow striking, but are full-contact in the sense that full force is applied during grappling and submission techniques.
Sparring debates
Some practitioners believe that sports matches with rules are not a good measure of hand-to-hand combat ability and training for these restrictions may inhibit effectiveness in real life self defense situations. These practitioners may prefer not to participate in most types of rule-based martial art competition (even one such as
vale tudo where there are minimal rules), electing instead to study fighting techniques with little or no regard to competitive rules or, even perhaps,
ethical concerns and the
law (the techniques practiced may aim to kill or cripple the opponent). Others maintain that, given proper precautions such as a referee and a ring doctor, sparring, in particular full-contact matches with basic rules, serves as a useful gauge of an individual's overall fighting ability, and that failing to test techniques against a resisting opponent is more likely to impede ability in self defense situations.
Martial sport
Main article:
Combat sportMartial arts have crossover into sports when forms of
sparring become competitive, becoming a sport in its own right that is dissociated from the original combative origin, such as with western
fencing. The
Summer Olympic Games includes judo, taekwondo, western archery, boxing, javelin, wrestling and fencing as events, while
Chinese wushu recently failed in its bid to be included, but is still actively performed in tournaments across the world. Practitioners in some arts such as
kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu often train for sport matches, whereas those in other arts such as
Aikido and
Wing Chun generally spurn such competitions. Some schools believe that competition breeds better and more efficient practitioners, and gives a sense of good sportsmanship. Others believe that the rules under which competition takes place have diminished the combat effectiveness of martial arts or encourage a kind of practice which focuses on winning trophies rather than a focus such as cultivating a particular moral character.
The question of "which is the best martial art" has led to new forms of competition; the original
Ultimate Fighting Championship in the U.S. was fought under very few rules allowing all martial arts styles to enter and not be limited by the rule set. This has now become a separate combat sport known as
mixed martial arts (MMA). Similar competitions such as
Pancrase,
DREAM, and
Shooto have also taken place in Japan.
Some martial artists compete in non-sparring competitions such as
breaking or choreographed routines of techniques such as
poomse,
kata or
aka, or modern variations of the martial arts which include dance-influenced competitions such as
tricking. Martial traditions have been influenced by governments to become more sport-like for political purposes; the central impetus for the attempt by the
People's Republic of China in transforming Chinese martial arts into the committee-regulated sport of
Wushu was suppressing what they saw as the potentially
subversive aspects of martial training, especially under the traditional system of family lineages.
[19]Dance
As mentioned above, some martial arts in various cultures can be performed in dance-like settings for various reasons, such as for evoking ferocity in preparation for battle or showing off skill in a more stylized manner. Many such martial arts incorporate music, especially strong percussive rhythms.
Examples of such war dances include:
Capoeira is a martial art traditionally performed with a dance-like flavor and to live musical accompaniment, as seen depicted here.
-
Uses and benefits
Initially, the object of martial arts was self-defence and the preservation of life. Today, these needs continue to exist but do not constitute any longer the primary reason why an individual would busy themselves with them. Training in martial arts imparts many benefits to the trainee, both corporal and spiritual. Through systematic practice in the martial arts a person's physical fitness is boosted (strength, stamina, flexibility, movement coordination, etc.,) as the whole body is exercised and the whole muscular system is activated. In connection with the learning of correct breathing and an improved and wholesome diet, martial arts are an effective way of fighting many problems and diseases of contemporary society and sedentary life, and, generally, of a weakened immunity system.
Self-control, determination and concentration characterize the trainee, who always reacts productively and without stress when the circumstances demand it. Self-defence, then, and strong self-control. Through training, each individual gets to know themselves and their capabilitites better as well as their sense of respect and right.
According to
Bruce Lee, martial arts also have the nature of an
art, since there is emotional communication and complete emotional expression. Martial arts may also be described as a way for the individual to discover himself and his environment.
See also
- For a time line of martial arts historical milestones, see Martial arts timeline
- For a detailed list of martial arts weapons, see List of martial arts weapons
Styles
Over time, the number of martial arts has grown and multiplied, with hundreds of schools and organizations around the world currently working towards myriad goals and practising a huge variety of styles.
External links
References
- ^ Samples of forms from different arts
- ^ Internal Kung Fu
- ^ Spring, Christopher (1989). Swords and Hilt Weapons. London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson. pp. 204–217. ISBN ????.
- ^ Brewer, Douglas J. (2007). Egypt and the Egyptians (2nd ed. ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521851505. p. 120
- ^ Shaw, Ian (1999). Egyptian Warfare and Weapons. Oxford: Shire Publications. ISBN 0747801428. , ch, 5
- ^ fighting art used in the UFC
- ^ http://www.sonshi.com/why.html
- ^ Reid, Howard and Croucher, Michael. The Way of the Warrior-The Paradox of the Martial Arts" New York. Overlook Press: 1983.
- ^ http://www.cs.virginia.edu/~alb/zen/bodhidharma.html
- ^ Order of the Shaolin Ch'an (2004, 2006). The Shaolin Grandmaster's Text: History, Philosophy, and Gung Fu of Shaolin Ch'an. Oregon.
- ^ http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Asia
- ^ a b c Zarrilli, Phillip B. (1998). When the Body Becomes All Eyes: Paradigms, Discourses and Practices of Power in Kalarippayattu, a South Indian Martial Art. Oxford: Oxford University Press, India. ISBN 0195639405
- ^ Luijendijk, D.H. (2005). Kalarippayat: India's Ancient Martial Art. Boulder: Paladin Press. ISBN 1581604807. http://www.martialartssupermarket.com/index.cfm?action=showProd&subid=1083.
- ^ http://sports.indiapress.org/thang_ta.php
- ^ Vail, Jason (2006). Medieval and Renaissance Dagger Combat. Paladin Press. pp. 91–95.
- ^ Sean Rayment (12/06/2004). "British battalion 'attacked every day for six weeks'". The Daily Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group Limited. Archived from the original on Jan 03, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080103232432/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/06/13/wirq113.xml. Retrieved 11 December 2008.
- ^ "Aliveness 101". Straight Blast gym. http://www.straightblastgym.com/aliveness101.html. Retrieved 2008-11-03. - An essay on contact levels in training
- ^ Dave Meltzer, (November 12, 2007). "First UFC forever altered combat sports". Yahoo! Sports. http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news;_ylt=AuvUi2TrSN_ILBVsuNLmsjk9Eo14?slug=dm-earlyufc111207&prov=yhoo&type=lgns. Retrieved 2008-11-03.
- ^ Fu, Zhongwen (1996, 2006). Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan. Berkeley, California: Blue Snake Books. ISBN (trade paper).
| Martial arts by focus |
|
.^ This is why we spent hundreds of hours making images so that you could view the characters in the "martial arts" listings above.- Chinese & Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Selections Related to Martial Arts 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC www.orientaloutpost.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Nov 2007 Hi, I am looking for references for a good martial arts studio in Richmond, San Pablo, El Sobrante area.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
^ Feb 2007 I'm looking for a good martial arts class for my 5 year old boy in the Oakland/Berkeley area.- Berkeley Parents Network: Martial Arts Classes for Kids 6 January 2010 10:27 UTC parents.berkeley.edu [Source type: General]
Note that they may include training in the other areas. |
|
| Striking |
|
|
| Grappling |
|
|
| Weaponry |
|
|
Mixed, hybrid,
and multi-discipline |
|
|
| For a full list of articles see the List of martial arts |
|
Top topics
Wikis
Quiz
Facts
Map
Misc
Search
