There are almost as many kinds of martial arts as there are cultures in the world. We’ll take a look at some of the most popular and well-known forms of martial arts. As any martial artist will tell you, there are multiple benefits in the training. Of course, one of the most obvious benefits is the knowledge of self-defense. This is one of the major reasons why many of the systems were developed in the first place. But, unlike the way it is often portrayed in the movies, martial arts training is not just about fighting. 

Martial arts (i.e., systems of combat techniques) are at least 4,000 years old. They originally evolved in India in connection with Zen Buddhism and quickly spread throughout Asia. Modern martial arts such as Karate and Tae Kwon Do teach not only fighting skills, but also physical, spiritual and psychological strength. The meaning of the word do (way of) indicates that these are holistic approaches to life, not just combat arts (which are signified by the suffix jutsu, as in Jujutsu). In the United States, the martial arts grow in popularity every year—by as much as 5% to 30%, according to industry statistics.

Many people take up martial arts for the fitness benefits as well. Training in Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Judo and other styles will improve cardiovascular endurance and tone the muscular system. Strength will improve from the calisthenics usually employed in training, and overall power will increase because the techniques teach how to use strength effectively. The martial arts emphasize efficiency of movement and develop all muscles simultaneously as part of the training.

Most people will also significantly improve their flexibility, since the various body parts reach their full range of motion during training. This is especially true with styles such as Tae Kwon Do and Thai Kickboxing, as well as some schools of Karate and Kung Fu where high kicks are used. All martial art styles will result in an improvement of one’s coordination, as well.

Unlike many other forms of physical activity, martial arts also have a mental element that not only improves the mind’s focus, but also helps in self-control. Emotions such as anger and fear are better controlled through training. Many martial artists can find an inner peace through their training. In today’s hectic world, these particular benefits translate into one of the most effective stress-management tools available. When training in a session or in a group class, all the day-to-day troubles of the world are temporarily forgotten. People come out refreshed, energized and ready to tackle the world.

Martial arts training has so many great benefits covering physical, mental and emotional aspects that it’s no wonder it has become one of the most popular activities for both adults and children. It is important to point out, however, that not all programs will produce the range of benefits discussed. Programs that teach just combat fighting techniques may not result in the desired mental and emotional benefits, so it is important to search around for the right school that will offer the benefits one wishes to achieve. An increase in self-confidence for kids (as well as for adults) will have a crossover effect in other areas of life, such as in other sports and general self-esteem. Training in martial arts usually involves many little steps and progressions. As one advances, the feeling of accomplishment comes with added confidence.

Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do is the world’s most widely practiced martial art. Tae Kwon Do is a Korean fighting art that looks very similar to Japanese Karate. It is an Olympic sport, an artistic discipline, a system of self-defense, and a way of life. The techniques are done with graceful and powerful movements. Students continuously strive to improve the artistic presentation of each technique. The art of Tae Kwon Do develops posture, excellent coordination, and attention to detail. 

Capoeira (pronounced kap-oo-air-uh)
Capoeira is a fun and exciting Brazilian martial art form with strong aerobic and dance elements. It is a combination of dance, martial arts and music that increases agility, musicality and rhythm.

Judo
Judo, which originated in Tokyo, Japan, in the late nineteenth century, means the “gentle way.” It is not only concerned with attack and defense techniques, but the physical conditioning and total health that can be attained from its practice. The meaning of the word ju (gentleness) signifies not resisting the strength of the opponent, but adapting to it and turning it to one’s advantage. The meaning of the word do (way of) signifies not only methods or techniques, but also adherence to the principles essential to the discipline. 

Karate
Karate is somewhat of a generic term for the various kick/punch arts that originated in Okinawa and Japan. Karate is a Japanese word that translates into English as “empty hand.” It is a martial art of unarmed self-defense in which directed blows of the hands or feet are delivered with special shouts from a poised stance. Karate is related to Judo, but stresses striking techniques through kicks and punches, rather than wrestling or throwing the opponent. Karate as a means of self-defense has the oldest history, going back hundreds of years. Since it is highly dynamic and makes balanced use of a large number of muscles, it provides excellent all-around exercise while developing coordination and agility.

Kickboxing
Kickboxing started in the United States during the 1970s when American Karate practitioners became frustrated with strict controls on martial arts competitions that didn’t allow full contact kicks and punches. When the sport began, many questions were raised about the high risk of injury. As a result, safety rules were improved and protective clothing was added. As this is a relatively new sport, there are no long-term traditions. The sport has undergone changes and been refined during the last two decades.

 As seen in TOPS News, Dec-Jan 2010