MARTIAL ARTS

Nothing can make you feel mind over matter like martial arts...

CHINESE

Long touted as the father of Asian martial arts, China certainly influenced the arts of Japan and Korea. Japan’s karate is reputed to have come from the Shaolin kung-fu of China’s Fukien province. Korea’s famous Three Kingdoms and their martial arts were influenced by nearby China, as was the famous Shilla Kingdom, through its treaty with Tang Dynasty China. China’s enormous size and long history undoubtedly made it the source of many Asian martial arts.

Chi Kung ("ancient Chinese version of yoga and meditation")
Many are familiar with the Hindu traditions of these arts in India, but the Chinese contributions have only recently become known outside of Asia. Differing martial systems utilize parts of some or all of these practices. First, and always, is good health. Without health, All is Lost. Proper circulation of blood and breath is essential. A strong wei chi or defensive chi (immune system), alert senses, good balance, reflexes, and coordination all lead to a higher order of wellness. This produces a second response: good martial skills. Without the essential components above, martial art skill levels are limited. When strong chi is combined with focused mind intent in a physical technique, that movement is far stronger than it would be otherwise. At the highest levels of skill, this can result in chi experienced as a form of bio-electrochemical energy, projected into an opponents vital organs to cause immediate or delayed internal damage (Dim Mak or Dim Muk meaning "Death Touch"). A very few are able to use projected energy to effect an opponent at a distance (kong jing/empty force).

Shorinji Kempo ("way of the Shaolin Chinese fist")
"Shorinji Kempo is actually a Japanese Martial Art with influences from Shaolin, though not Chinese in practice or Origin. ~ "Neal Rumball" This pugilistic style of karate lends itself to the brawny for several reasons. It utilizes a series of hand strikes similar to those found in boxing, and having a solid center places more power behind your fists. A sturdy foundation is also required for practicing "bodyshifting" techniques, used to dodge your attacker's blows. Kicks require some flexibility but only come up around waist-high.

Tai Chi Chuan ("way of the grand ultimate fist")
Noted for its slow, graceful movements and health benefits. Perhaps the best known internal Chinese style. Tai chi can be broken down into four significant varieties: yang, wu, chen and sun. Most commonly used as a healing art. It is widely believed tai chi's slow, graceful movements increase blood circulation, develop flexibility, and aid in the function of the heart, liver and kidneys. As a method of self-defense, tai chi trains practitioners to use an attacker's energy against him; and they almost never meet force with force.

Wushu ("way of the arts of war")
"Wushu - Is made up of two characters. Each with their own meaning. First one being Wu "To Stop War" and Shu which translates into art, skill or method. When used together they do what the wonders of Chinese words do - Create another! And with Wushu you get literally, traditionally, and classically as well - "The Art OF Not Fighting" but it is translated as "Martial Art." Kung Fu Has more then one translation ... It all depends on how it's spelt. Small differences. The Term Kung Fu was not something that happened or created solely during the Bruce Lee Movie Era. It's actually very old and was just unknown to us until the 1960's. In North America it was often simply called "Chinese Boxing". In any event, the term Kung Fu was not given in recent years.~ "Neal Rumball" China’s martial arts, "kung-fu" (actually meaning "hard work"), became popular with Westerners during the Bruce Lee movie era. Wing Chun is one of the most popular external Chinese Wushu martial arts, thanks primarily to the late Bruce Lee. Lee's actual fighting style was the Wushu style Wing Chun. Wing Chun stands apart from other martial arts for two reasons: It is the only style created by a woman, and compared to other traditional Chinese combat systems, it can be learned relatively quickly. An explosive art, practitioners employ low kicks and fast hand techniques, and utilize the concept of simultaneous attack and defense. Often referred to as "the thinking man's art" because it follows a scientific approach to training. Use of so-called "feminine qualities" such as softness, passivity and sensitivity must be experienced to be understood. Wing chun helps develop self-awareness, agility and flexibility. It also teaches proper timing and correct positioning to defeat an opponent.


KOREAN

Korea is located between Japan and China. Many Korean martial arts look a little like the arts of both neighbors. Many of the high kicks resemble the high kicks of China’s northern Shaolin. Many of the punches resemble Japan’s karate punches. Modern day Korean martial arts show a special creativity. Korean martial arts like Hapkido combine advanced throwing, joint locking and kicking techniques, making it a well balanced self defense art. Taekwondo is the largest martial art in Korea, and has recently become an Olympic medal sport, making it one of the most popular martial arts in the world.

Taekwondo ("way of the foot and hand")
Taekwondo has existed under different names for more than 1,000 years, assuming its current moniker about 1955. It has became a familiar name to all martial artists, and is probably the most widely practiced art in the world today. Primarily a martial sport utilizing kicks, strikes and block techniques in a non-lethal manner. Especially noted for its foot techniques, which are both fast and effective. Hand techniques are employed more as follow-up maneuvers. When self-defense moves are utilized, they are usually safer long-range techniques involving the use of the practitioner's legs.

Hapkido
A comprehensive self-defense system encompassing all ranges of fighting. It is a combination of a number of different styles, including judo, aikido and taekwondo. Defensive response ranges from aikido-type softer moves karate-style hard hitting techniques. Versatility gives practitioners the ability to handle any situation. Hapkido can be used in tournament competitions, but it is not a sport. Many of its techniques are potentially lethal. Practitioners only use fighting techniques to counter an attack and to turn the attacker's own force against him.


JAPANESE

Japanese martial arts are straight line fighting styles compared to the circular techniques of their Chinese cousins. Called "karate" (empty hand) by those of us in the West, Japanese arts range from its namesake the empty hand style martial arts systems, to joint locking and throwing systems and styles devoted entirely to weapons’ practice. Believed to have come to Japan from the island of Okinawa, where fighting with weapons was banned, Ancient Okinawan traders visited China’s Fukien Province and brought back the techniques of China’s southern Shaolin Temple. It was such an effective self-defense system that many Japanese masters wanted it as their own. Brought to the Japanese mainland in 1922, it has become the best known Japanese martial art.

Aikido ("way of universal power")
The object of this style is to use your opponent's own energy to either disable him (using wrist locks and arm holds) or toss him aside like yesterday's news. Unlike most martial arts, which require you to pass through 10 ranks before earning a black belt, this form has only six. At this ranking, you'll be able to sport your very own hakama, the skirt-like pants traditionally worn by samurai warriors.

Judo ("gentle way")
Judo is a grappling system. It has been included as a sport in the Olympic Games since 1964. Judo evolved out of the deadly art of jujutsu. Described as a method of throwing, choking, joint-locking and holding down a bigger, stronger opponent without causing him serious harm. Advanced ranking practitioners are taught deadly, non-sportive techniques for use in self-defense.

Jujitsu/Jujutsu ("science of softness")
This technique incorporates more dangerous grappling and self-defense techniques than judo. It originally devised to teach unarmed men how to disable armed soldiers. This is the style that spawned Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the discipline that dominated the first true Ultimate Fighting Championships.

Kendo ("way of the sword")
Wielding bamboo swords and dressing like a samurai, you flog your opponent repeatedly about the neck and head. The knight-like body armor worn underneath keeps injuries to a minimum. Speed and a strong set of shoulders and arms are the sword fighter's best assets, so a lean, brawny body is ideal. In time, experts abandon the shinai (bamboo) and bokken (wooden) swords used for training for an actual samurai katana.

Shotokan Karate ("way of the empty hand")
Shotokan, named after Gichin (Shoto) Funakoshi, is one of the most popular karate styles in the world. "The art of karate strives neither for victory, nor for defeat, but for the perfection of the character of its practitioners," says Funakoshi. A "hard" linear style which has remained true to the so-called "way of the empty hand" by not including weapons. Originally designed as a lethal hand-to-hand combat art, known for its dynamic theory of "one strike, one kill" shotokan karate has evolved into a combination of a martial sport and a martial art.


PHILIPPINE

Arnis, Escrima & Kali
Isolated in the Pacific Ocean and exposed to and settled by different cultures, martial arts in the Philippines are a blend of styles and traditions that formed into a unique and separate entity. These martial arts include empty-handed styles, and stick and bladed weapon maneuvers (such as the deadly kris introduced by Indonesian traders). Chinese martial arts were introduced during a trade era with Tang Dynasty China (AD 618-907). In the fifteenth century Islam was introduced through the Malaccan Empire. Spanish colonization attempts declared martial arts practice forbidden, hoping to stifle future revolts of the native population. Freedom-loving Filipinos devised ritual and cultural dances for bladed weapons and simple sticks that were actually fighting art training sessions.


THAI

Muay Thai (also known as "Thai boxing")
Full-contact fighting known as the "science of the eight limbs." Instead of just using your fists and feet, you also pound your opponents with a series of elbow and knee strikes. Practitioners have brief careers (four or five years maximum). But if you can endure, you may learn how to pull off one of the most impressive breaks in martial arts at your next company softball outing: splintering a baseball bat to pieces... with your shinbone!