There are literally hundreds of martial arts systems to choose from. Classes in both Eastern and Western styles abound. Martial Arts Portland Oregon includes classes with a focus on health and fitness, sport and competition, self defense, personal development.
Ranking systems vary among and between the many styles of martial arts. Eastern styles use a colored belt structure to show skill level. Western styles tend to be competitive. Tournaments award Titles. Sometimes a symbolic and decorative belt is presented to the winner.
Eastern traditions emphasize respect, self control, responsibility. All training requires commitment, self control, focus, and discipline. The fitness benefits are many including aerobic fitness, stamina, strength training, balance, flexibility, coordination.
Learn to persevere after a hit, recover from a fall, avoid a strike, land a strike. Proper breathing techniques extend physical capabilities and reduce injuries. Eastern forms teach choreographed routines to train the bodies reflexes and muscle memory. Some forms of Martial Arts focus on hard contact. Others practice sparring where the kicks and punches don't actually connect, but are obvious to a judge or bystander. Eastern training also includes advanced training in breathing techniques and meditation.
Training for children focuses on self control, listening skills, stranger awareness, anti-bullying strategies, respect for others. It's a sport that many children find exciting, and it gets them moving and training their bodies. It also allows children to progress at their own rate. No team pressure to win the game, catch that ball.
Kung Fu uses fluid movements easier on the joints than the hard and fast moves of Karate and Taekwondo. If your goal is self defense, good choices are Kempo Karate, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Hapkido. If your goal is to competition, some choices are boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, Taekwondo, Judo, Karate, MMA. MMA blends Eastern and Western styles. Use whatever moves outmaneuvers your opponent. To learn to take a fall, use your opponents weight to take him down, how to keep him down, consider training in Wrestling, Aikido, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu.
Eastern styles focus on the mind body connection. If you're too infirm to practice combat style martial arts, take a look at Tai Chi. The focus is on stretching, balance, and fluid movements that are easy on the joints. Health benefits include increased focus, flexibility, coordination. It's a noncompetitive low impact exercise routine that can be modified to meet the physical limitations of the elderly and disabled.
With so many choices, it's important to clarify personal goals. Decide what's important to you: competition, self defense skills, fitness, personal development. When you've narrowed down the possibilities, discuss your goals with the teachers/coaches. Ask about their experience, training, Titles or rank. Observe a class to see firsthand the training methodology and philosophy. Ask about affiliations and opportunities to participate in tournaments.
Martial arts centers that focus on a particular style are a good choice if you know what you want to study and are willing to make a commitment. These centers generally require a contractual commitment to pay for a minimum period of time, whether or not you continue to attend classes. If you're not so sure, and/or money is a major concern, check city recreation classes, local after school programs, city gyms.
Ranking systems vary among and between the many styles of martial arts. Eastern styles use a colored belt structure to show skill level. Western styles tend to be competitive. Tournaments award Titles. Sometimes a symbolic and decorative belt is presented to the winner.
Eastern traditions emphasize respect, self control, responsibility. All training requires commitment, self control, focus, and discipline. The fitness benefits are many including aerobic fitness, stamina, strength training, balance, flexibility, coordination.
Learn to persevere after a hit, recover from a fall, avoid a strike, land a strike. Proper breathing techniques extend physical capabilities and reduce injuries. Eastern forms teach choreographed routines to train the bodies reflexes and muscle memory. Some forms of Martial Arts focus on hard contact. Others practice sparring where the kicks and punches don't actually connect, but are obvious to a judge or bystander. Eastern training also includes advanced training in breathing techniques and meditation.
Training for children focuses on self control, listening skills, stranger awareness, anti-bullying strategies, respect for others. It's a sport that many children find exciting, and it gets them moving and training their bodies. It also allows children to progress at their own rate. No team pressure to win the game, catch that ball.
Kung Fu uses fluid movements easier on the joints than the hard and fast moves of Karate and Taekwondo. If your goal is self defense, good choices are Kempo Karate, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Hapkido. If your goal is to competition, some choices are boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, Taekwondo, Judo, Karate, MMA. MMA blends Eastern and Western styles. Use whatever moves outmaneuvers your opponent. To learn to take a fall, use your opponents weight to take him down, how to keep him down, consider training in Wrestling, Aikido, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu.
Eastern styles focus on the mind body connection. If you're too infirm to practice combat style martial arts, take a look at Tai Chi. The focus is on stretching, balance, and fluid movements that are easy on the joints. Health benefits include increased focus, flexibility, coordination. It's a noncompetitive low impact exercise routine that can be modified to meet the physical limitations of the elderly and disabled.
With so many choices, it's important to clarify personal goals. Decide what's important to you: competition, self defense skills, fitness, personal development. When you've narrowed down the possibilities, discuss your goals with the teachers/coaches. Ask about their experience, training, Titles or rank. Observe a class to see firsthand the training methodology and philosophy. Ask about affiliations and opportunities to participate in tournaments.
Martial arts centers that focus on a particular style are a good choice if you know what you want to study and are willing to make a commitment. These centers generally require a contractual commitment to pay for a minimum period of time, whether or not you continue to attend classes. If you're not so sure, and/or money is a major concern, check city recreation classes, local after school programs, city gyms.
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